Earlier today, Indian announced the 2019 Roadmaster Elite, a limited-edition (only 200 will be made), hand-painted tourer with every imaginable accessory and feature (how about a 600 watt stereo on a bike?). Here is the full press release from Indian, along with several photos:
Minneapolis (February 26, 2019) – Indian Motorcycle, America’s first motorcycle company founded in 1901, today announced its latest ultra-premium touring motorcycle, the 2019 Roadmaster Elite. With only 200 available, the limited-edition Roadmaster Elite pairs modern touring amenities with iconic Indian Motorcycle styling. The 2019 model also boasts many exclusive premium features including a hand painted custom-inspired design along with top of the line premium amenities.
Every Roadmaster Elite is an artistic masterpiece that features Wildfire Red Candy over Black Crystal paint with real 24-karat gold leaf badging. Each bike undergoes a meticulous paint process that takes nearly 30 hours to complete and is finished by hand.
New for 2019, the Roadmaster Elite receives an upgraded 600-watt PowerBand™ Audio Plus system. The high-powered system delivers exceptional sound and clarity from high-output fairing, trunk, and saddlebag speakers that are 50 percent louder than the stock audio system offered on the 2019 Roadmaster. The PowerBand Audio Plus system features an enhanced nine-band dynamic equalizer that auto-adjusts specific frequencies to the optimal level at different vehicle speeds to compensate for road, wind, and engine noise to deliver crystal clear sound quality in every riding condition.
Additional premium amenities unique to the Roadmaster Elite include leather passenger armrests, spacious billet aluminum rider and passenger floorboards, a premium touring console, billet aluminum pinnacle mirrors, and chrome bumpers.
“The Roadmaster Elite offers the most refined, premium touring experience for riders that demand the best of the best,” said Reid Wilson, Senior Director for Indian Motorcycle. “We’ve truly left no stone unturned, packing this bike with style and comfort features that take the touring experience to a new level.”
Along with the powerful Thunder Stroke® 111 engine, which produces 119 ft-lbs of torque for exceptional power at low RPM, the Roadmaster Elite features the latest ride-enhancing technologies available from Indian Motorcycle, including:
Selectable Ride Modes
Three selectable ride modes, including Tour, Standard and Sport, allow the rider to adjust the bike’s throttle response to fit their riding preferences. The throttle map for each Ride Mode was designed with a specific application in mind, resulting in one motorcycle with three distinct personalities.
Rear Cylinder Deactivation
When the Thunder Stroke 111 reaches operating temperature and the ambient temperature exceeds 59⁰ F, the rear cylinder will automatically deactivate when the bike is at a standstill, resulting in less engine heat for improved rider comfort in slow-moving or stopped traffic. The rear cylinder instantly reactivates when throttle is applied for a seamless transition to full power. The bike also features redesigned lowers that provide optimal airflow for improved comfort.
Ride Command
The Indian Motorcycle Ride Command® system is the largest, fastest, most customizable infotainment system on two wheels. The seven-inch, glove-compatible touchscreen features turn-by-turn navigation, customizable rider information screens, Bluetooth® compatibility, and pairs with the Indian Motorcycle Ride Command mobile app for remote accessibility to key vehicle information. Riders can also plan a ride route with up to 100 points on the Ride Command website and wirelessly transfer it to the bike via Bluetooth.
The 2019 Roadmaster Elite also comes standard with all the premium touring amenities riders expect from an Indian Roadmaster, including full LED lighting, a genuine leather two-up touring seat individually heated for rider and passenger, ABS, heated handgrips, keyless ignition, a push button power windshield, weatherproof, remote-locking saddlebags, a spacious trunk that fits two full face helmets, and over 37 gallons of storage space.
Among the performance upgrades available for the 2019 Roadmaster Elite are a new Stage 1 Exhaust, a Thunder Stroke® Stage 1 Performance Air Intake, Thunder Stroke® Stage 2 Performance Cams, and the 116ci Stage 3 Big Bore Kit for riders looking for the ultimate in performance. The bike also has many comfort and style accessories available including a mid-rise handlebar, a new color-matched open fender and 19-inch front wheel for riders who prefer a more aggressive look.
With only 200 available, pricing for the ultra-premium Roadmaster Elite starts at $36,999 in the U.S. and $44,499 in Canada. Available at Indian Motorcycle dealers today.
See more of MD’s great photography:
Faster Motorcycles, Younger Women, Older Whiskey, More Money!
Great. Just what we need – 600 watts of Hotel California or Black Water.
Too much trash on that bike. An engine is all I need.
2016 FXDB Dyna 103ci nude
I just shot coffee out my nose when I read that price. Someone is high.
got a blue 2018 elite for $27 k new
Depreciation on this Behemoth would be about 40 – 50% in the first two years.
Now that’s a hit.
No doubt about that. There is a big loaded and low mileage Chieftain for sale here that has been on the market for 2 years and discounted way way down, still no takers.
That is one beautiful bike. Not my type of riding, but if it were, and I won the lottery, I’d be heading own to the Indian dealership.
Mr. Leno, come get yours, us working humans will not be able to purchase one. But at least we know these machines exist and they are beautiful.
Is that his daughter?
I also ride often with my daughter, taking her to school or on regular errands. I hope people realize she’s my daughter!
I’m another rider that did a lot of miles with my riding pillion. It never ever crossed by mind what other people might be thinking.
Somewhat cynically, I did raise one eyebrow at the apparent age difference between the rider and the passenger. The advertising message seemed to be “Spend lots of money on one of these, and you too can attract younger women.”.
rule 101 in auto ads; always ALWAYS feature an attractive, younger woman looking approvingly/adoringly at the (male) driver/purchaser of your product.
Jaguar – for men who’d like hand jobs from beautiful women they hardly know.
I can buy a nice, well equipped truck or car for less than this or any of the CVO (aka: Full Chicken Package) Harleys. And I would.
Will these sell? Maybe. But not to me. No hard feeeeewings Indian, but I just don’t see any real world value in this or the aforementioned HD variants. You produce an excellent product but you’re really over-pricing yourself with the touring rigs. The content to cost ratio is absurd.
PASS.
“Full Chicken Package”? Whatever your stoned on – I don’t want any. Now grow up ya clown…
While they will sell every one of them, I must say, I got this bike in 2016 in the form of a Harley Davidson CVO 117 Screaming Eagle Ultra Limited. Everything they said they’ve added to make this Indian a great bike, has been out for 2 years already and there’s still more on my 2016 Harley then this has now. Guess they’ll add a little more each year and the price will go up and up.
Obviously I’m a Harley fan but if your a Polaris fan then this would be a great bike for you if you travel alot. I know I enjoy every trip I take on my bike. I’m just not a fan of how Indians look.
You only live once. Ride out life!!!
While they will sell every one of them, I must say, I got this bike in 2016 in the form of a Harly Davidson CVO 117 Screaming Eagle Ultra Limited. Everything they said they’ve added to make this Indian a great bike, has been out for 2 years already and there’s still more on my 2016 Harley then this has now. Guess they’ll add a little more each year and the price will go up and up.
Obviously I’m a Harley fan but if your a Polaris fan then this would be a great bike for you if you travel alot. I know I enjoy every trip I take on my bike. I’m just not a fan of how Indians look.
You only live once. Ride life out!!!
Every time I see one of these things I’m instantly transported back to 1959. Yuck.
If you figure it by the pound it quite so bad.
I could buy 4 new bikes or 10 good used bikes for the price of this behemoth.
I paid less for my 2018 Ford F-150 XLT 4×4. The world has gone crazy.
The comments make me laugh – thanks to all the sharp wits out there. For $45K I could buy a dozen vintage project bikes AND have enough money to get all of them running. Oh, and my FJR would kick the Roadmaster’s ass . . . just sayin’
I have to say, pictures simply do not do these any justice. They are absolutely gorgeous in person. And that leather couch of a seat is beyond luxurious. Not something I would drop that kind of money on, but I have no doubt they will have no issue selling every one of them.
I do agree with another commenter about the engine upgrade costing extra. At least HD includes that with their CVO package. Polaris charging a premium for that, on top of the premium you’re already paying for this bike, is a bit greedy on their part.
I agree that they are beautifully finished machines. I’m not even into cruisers at all, but I have a difficult time keeping my eyes off one when up close. Even from a distance or when in motion, the lines of the bike flow very well. The comparable Harley’s look like they were put together in a garage in comparison.
WEIGHT : 1,385 lb (628 kg) I’m not picking that up.
I don’t see where it says 1,385 lbs., but my Road Glide Ultra is a svelte 925 lbs., and it’s too heavy. So 1,385 lbs is not a good thing.
Also, have you been into an Indian dealership recently? When I went to one last summer, there was no one else there. I’m not really optimistic about Indian.
That’s GVWR. It actually only weighs a feathery 953 lbs.
zn 1300, come back!!! all is forgiven!!!!
Free hernia exam with every oil change.
Well HD bills themselves as “super premium” so now Indian has one upped them with “ultra premium”, and if this is your thing then go for it.
600 watt sound systems, 24 karat gold leaf badging, 2 cylinder air cooled power plants and cruisers with a sport mode are not my idea of $37K motorcycle.
I would spend more than I should for a bike that others probably wouldn’t like but this sure isn’t it.
At least with a Harley CVO you get the bigger engine.
All large displacement motorcycles fulfil a need that doesn’t exist. They’re recreational vehicles, not necessities.
STARTS at $36,999??? What the…
a meager $7K more than a LiveWire ..which only carries one… and not very far. Which has no provisions for carrying any luggage and has no radio…and barely any fenders lol
Yea, THIS is over priced! lol
Just to clarify – Livewire has a passenger seat. But point taken.
As touring bikes go, this is fantastic looking and very classy. And as a fan of vehicles from the 50s, I really like the styling of the dash and speaker grilles.
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I’d ridden the smaller engine prior to the 116 and thought the bike was damn good for what it was designed to be.
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Too bad most of the posters can’t get past what they would rather it be than what it is. Indian is doing a fine job.
Why?
Because luxury and exclusivity.
Why any motorcycle?
I am not a cruiser guy, but I am not blind to the realities around me. Polaris will sell many more of these and their other full dress Indians than they will sell FTRs. Probably by a factor of 10 to 1.
Smart companies go with what sells and bikes like this sell… at least in this country.
That is one of the keys to success in business. Sell the product that people who are willing and able to spend money want. It really doesn’t matter who doesn’t buy your product, just who does buy it.
In the U.S.A., motorcycles are a very niche product, but there is still lots of money to be made.
With only 200 being produced, Indian will easily sell every one of the bikes much to the chagrin of many of the commentators. Mind you, Indian actually increased it sales last year while Harley did not. I’m pretty sure they have folks who know what they are doing.
Fulfilling a need that doesn’t exist. Well done, Polaris.
I’ll bet you a hundo, Wendy, that not only is there a “need” for this bike, but that Indian will sell every single one that they make.
Just because the folks posting here aren’t interested in this kind of bike, or they can’t afford it, doesn’t mean that it’s a bad bike or that there aren’t folks clamoring for one.
I bet that none of you folks could see yourself purchasing/affording a Bugatti or a Rolls Royce either. Yet both companies seem to have no problem selling all the cars that they make.
Most of the Baby Boom Generation are currently purchasing their last motorcycles *ever*. Most are in no shape anymore for a sports bike. Many are retired and well off. I’m sure a lot of them would love to have what they considered the ultimate, most comfortable and stylish touring bike. Indian knows what they are doing.
True enough. I met a guy who was amazed that I could enjoy my 250. “How can you ride with so little power?” Turns out that he had spent a lot of money on a H-D Road King, and sunk even more into power upgrades, but only rides about 1k per year.
Just having a big bike like this in the garage is enough for some “motorcyclists”, and they are happy to spend the money. “Last motorcycle ever” just may be the perfect description.
“But Honey, look how small it makes your ass look.”
You’re dead.
LOL I remember those “NO FAT CHICKS” stickers. N/A here.
“FAT CHICKS GET ON”
Caveat, I’m just a skinny lad, myself
Our local Indian dealer offered test rides for Presidents’ Day. I chose to test a Scout, rather than a Roadmaster, but the big bike was quite impressive. Sometimes it’s easy to be critical of bikes that don’t appeal to us and/or that we can’t afford.
Big V-twin cruisers and touring bikes seem to sell quite well, so it makes sense that Indian would cater to that market. The Roadmaster is a beautiful bike, and will be loved by its purchasers.
Not only that, sales of bikes like this help Polaris/Indian fund the development of bikes that I find much more interesting, such as the FTR. 🙂
I wondered how long it would take until the crybabies started in on a loud stereo on a bike. They have arrived! (now go away)
Hmmm. Probably around 200 people thinking to themselves…
“Finally, I don’t have to buy a $29,000 tourer, and drop $8k on custom paint, loud stereo, hand stitched corinthian leather saddle trim, chrome battery lug nuts, and synthetic oil lubricating the Flanders valves, and unclogging the gribble drains!”
I’m waiting for the Adventure edition that comes with knobbies and a beak.
ok looking, if you delete the backseat, the top box, the windguards around the crashbars, all the dials ‘cept the speedo, the navi, the hardbags, the fairing, the radio and ya got…wait…a dark horse…YES, for half the price, and as much fun, betchya. too bad it’s 20 years too late. we babyboomers are being ushered out. jmhofwiw 😉
I’m the target demographic and feeling the trade itch, but my age and leg/arm strength means I can no longer deal with more weight and size than where I’m at right now, which is at the limit (’11 FLHTC). I dont need or want more/bigger/excess. When HD upgraded to the bigger M8 platform they just went over the threshold for me, and the Big Indians are just behemoths. If Polaris or HD come up with a lighter tourer I may consider.
Cool looking, except for the chrome front bumper. Too much bike and money for me, but there are a lot of motorcyclists that have discretionary money that will grab them as soon as they hit the dealer. Polaris has come along way as a motorcycle manufacturer. Considering the first Victorys.
I just bought a new Springfield, would not have bought another brand in the same class. The Indian just checks all the right boxes.
A buddy of mine bought one of the Blue Roadmaster Elites in late 2017. He absolutely loves it.
Everyone I’ve talked to, who’s been on one of the big Indians, oozes praise. It’s brilliant marketing on Polaris’s part to build only 200 of these at a premium price. They were released yesterday and I wouldn’t be a bit surprised if they’re sold out today.
In the first picture the lady is grinning ear to ear cuz she thinks he paid cash for it. In the second to last picture he’s got his head hanging as she screeches, “You did what with your 401K?!”
Could be worse. “Dad, you got boobs instead of getting me a car?”
I just watched movie with David Bowie as Goblin King.
“Ooh, Good bye!”
Damn that’s a bargain basically $45,000 CDN to sit in the garage half the year parked, as I get older I need something lighter. Guess Indian like Harley don’t look at demographics. Squeeze those last few dollars at a 10 year payment plan before the next economic collapse hits.
Actually, it’s closer to $49,000 Cdn… but who’s counting.
Wutta load of expensive nonsense. 37K+ for a motorcycle that weighs a half ton before you even sit on it much less load it for a tour.
Wow, I just saved $37,000.00.
+1
On a Richter scale of obnoxiousness, what’s worse, loud pipes saving lives or blasting stereos making ears bleed? 37 grand and I don’t get the Stage I, II, or III kit thrown in? I’d like to say we’ll need more tax cuts for the rich, so they can afford this thing but realistically, Polaris will sell every one. I’ll patently wait for the aftermarket to produce a remote Bluetooth on/off switch I can mount on my bike, that’ll allow me to mute their stereo and drop one cylinder until I can get past (away?).
At last a bike for the old farts of the MD comments (except the ones who wish it was a 1970’s two stroke enduro.)
Well, I fit your age demographic, but I’m not a potential customer. The ’70s two stroke enduro sounds intriguing though. I’ve been kinda nostalgic since I sold my ’79 Maico Magnum E.
Yeah, ’70’s 2 stroke is what I would buy.
I truly wouldn’t mind having a 73-75 reed valve Yamaha DT 250 in the garage to play around with.