Pitted against Harley Davidson CVO Limited., Indian Motocycles' Roadmaster has all it takes to fire on all the cylinder says Sagar Basandani
After Harley Davidson stepped forward with its strongest player, CVO Limited priced at Rs 49.23 lakh, it was difficult to hold back by Indian Motorcycles. In response, he company launched their flagship bike -- Roadmaster -- in India at Rs 37 lakh. That makes the Roadmaster more affordable and competent enough to break Harley's spell.
The Indian Roadmaster was first introduced at the 2014 Sturgis Rally. This is the fifth motorcycle by the company after Chief Classic, Chief Vintage, Chieftain and Scout.
Holding the highest price in the product portfolio, the Indian Roadmaster is a blend of high-end performance and retro-turned modern design. Besides its magnetic aura, the bike flaunts plenty of features to enhance safety, comfort and pleasure of the riders.
Style
From a far sight, the Indian Roadmaster looks like a vehicle from the past with its graceful skirted fenders, skillful fairing and exquisite engine. Offered in Red, Red with Ivory Cream and Thunder Black, it is complemented with Genuine Leather Seats with Desert Tan colour.
The Roadmaster houses an advance instrument cluster that provides ample information and assists various features like GPS, Pandora, audio system with Bluetooth, etc.
The machine holds 142 litres of storage space with innovative compartments that enhance style besides comfort.
Design and ergonomics
Minute additions to the design of Chieftain such as seat cover, equipment of adjustable chrome trunk arm-rests, lower front fairing, Indian Motorcycle Badging, etc, completes the Roadmaster.
The feel, the experience of the buttons, compartments, seats, brake and clutch levers are simply outstanding. Moreover, the bike accommodates heated seat and grips to aid riding in winters.
Chassis
Crafted on a cast aluminum frame with integrated air box, the Indian Roadmaster records dry weight of 403kg, which is not at all an easy task to control.
Suspensions equipped to the machine are 43mm cartridge front telescopic forks and pneumatically adjustable rear mono-shock.
It has Dunlop Elite 3 -- 130/90 front and 180/60 rear tubeless tyres. The wheel at the front sports a dual 300mm floating disc brakes with 4-piston caliper, while the rear holds 300mm single disc brake with 2-piston caliper.
Engine and transmission
The Indian Roadmaster shares the iconic Thunder Stroke 111 engine from the Chief range. Being an 1811cc, air-cooled, V-Twin motor, it is tuned to generate a maximum torque output of 161.6Nm at an acceleration mark of 3000rpm.
The fuel consumption is economical with the incorporation of closed loop fuel injection, plus the 6-speed manual transmission system keeps the maneouvering butter smooth with toothed belt drive placed on the right side.
Performance
The Indian Roadmaster propels on a massive power train that churns out 161.6Nm of torque, which makes the ride seamless at all rev ranges. The incorporation of anti-lock brake system and Tyre Pressure Monitoring system assists the rider to take control of the motorcycle in her/his hands.
In mere 3 to 4 seconds, the bike can lead to 100kmph and can continue to run above 100kmph for a couple of hours effortlessly.
Competition
The Roadmaster not only has the potential to eat the sales of Harley Davidson CVO Limited, but can also outrun Honda Gold Wing GL1800 that sports a price tag of Rs 31.5 lakh (ex-showroom, New Delhi) and features an airbag.
Other Harley products that can be harmed by this scintillating machine is Street Glide Special, which is priced at Rs 29.71 lakh and boast features as appealing as others.
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