Indian Says its 2020 Thunder Stroke Line-Up is "Bigger, Better and Badder"The headline news from Indian Motorcycle for its 2020 Thunder Stroke Big Twin line-up is that the Thunder Stroke 116 engine is now standard in select models, that the Ride Command infotainment system is getting upgrades and that there is a new Roadmaster - the Roadmaster Dark Horse - a redesigned Springfield Dark Horse, and a return for the Chieftain Elite.
"These new features and upgrades are a result of our consistent communication with riders, listening to their feedback and incorporating it into our ongoing product development efforts," said Reid Wilson, Vice President for Indian Motorcycle. "Today's rider wants more power and expects cutting-edge technology. That's exactly what we're delivering in 2020."
Thunder Stroke 116
For the first time in the company's history Indian Motorcycle will offer a 116 cubic-inch Thunder Stroke engine as standard in select models. "Straight from the factory, the new 116 cubic-inch air-cooled V-twin engine features a new high-flow cylinder head that delivers class-leading performance with 126 ft-lbs of torque." The Thunder Stroke 116 is now standard on the Springfield Dark Horse, Chieftain, Chieftain Dark Horse, Chieftain Limited, Chieftain Elite, Roadmaster and Roadmaster Dark Horse.
Ride Command with Connected Services
For 2020, Indian Motorcycle has updated its Ride Command system with Connected Services – "a completely redesigned version of its industry-leading infotainment system. Still measuring seven inches, with glove-touch technology, Ride Command now features a new quad-core processor to provide the fastest infotainment experience available." New connected features include traffic and weather overlays.
Additionally, Ride Command features "intuitive destination search capabilities and improved customizable ride screens. Indian Motorcycle's Ride Command is the industry's largest, fastest and most customizable infotainment system on two wheels."
Roadmaster Dark Horse
Said to draw inspiration from the "overwhelmingly successful" Chieftain Dark Horse, the Roadmaster Dark Horse "brings a modern and aggressive attitude to Indian Motorcycle's premium touring motorcycle. With blacked-out finishes and just enough chrome to stand out from the 2020 line-up, the Roadmaster Dark Horse features a streamlined fairing, slammed saddlebags, 19-inch front wheel with an open fender, an extended reach rogue gunfighter seat, blacked-out engine and matte paint color schemes. Powering this mean touring machine is the Thunder Stroke 116, while premium touring amenities abound, including a touring trunk, lower fairings, heated grips and a mid-adjustable windscreen."
Springfield Dark Horse
"Following extremely positive rider feedback from the 2020 Jack Daniel's Limited Edition Indian Springfield Dark Horse that was launched at Daytona Bike Week, Indian Motorcycle is now offering a similar design package for the 2020 Springfield Dark Horse. While the Thunder Stroke 116 delivers unrivaled power, the bike gains an enormous level of attitude with slammed saddlebags, rogue seat, 12-inch mini apes and premium blacked-out finishes."
Chieftain Elite
"As it has been with previous iterations, the Chieftain Elite is an ultra-premium bagger, combining style, technology and performance. The 2020 Chieftain Elite packs the Thunder Stroke 116 and Indian Motorcycle's booming PowerBand Audio Plus system with integrated fairing and saddlebag speakers. PowerBand Audio produces crystal-clear sound that is 50% louder than Indian Motorcycle's standard audio system. The 2020 Chieftain Elite's premium styling includes a two-tone Thunder Black Vivid Crystal over Wildfire Candy paint with matching motor highlights and badging, precision-machined elite wheels, pinnacle mirrors, select rider floorboards and a flare windshield.
Across the Range
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| Chieftain Dark Horse |
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| Chieftain vintage |
"Furthermore, the complete 2020 Thunder Stroke line-up features additional updates with the Chief Dark Horse and Chief Vintage now sharing the same chassis as the Springfield and Springfield Dark Horse. The result is improved handling and an adjustable rear suspension for both Chief models. Secondly, the Springfield and Chief Dark Horse will each come standard with a 17-inch front wheel for improved stability. Lastly, the 2020 Roadmaster receives a lighter weight and redesigned trunk rack for added style.
Accessories Include up to +20% Power Upgrade Options
Indian Motorcycle's 2020 line-up of performance accessories for the Thunder Stroke 111 and Thunder Stroke 116 "significantly modify the overall look, sound and performance of each engine."
The stage-1 slip-on exhaust, available in black or chrome, improves sound for both the Thunder Stroke 111 and Thunder Stroke 116. Indian Motorcycle's new stage-1 oval slip-on muffler kit and stage-1 performance air intake together increase horsepower by +4% with the Thunder Stroke 111 and +8% with the Thunder Stroke 116.
By adding the stage-2 performance cams, riders will gain +13% more horsepower when compared to a stock Thunder Stroke 111. The Thunder Stroke 116 stage-2 performance kit, which includes cams, higher flowing fuel injectors and throttle body, produces a +17% horsepower boost when paired with both stage-1 accessories.
"Riders can also upgrade any Indian Motorcycle model packing the Thunder Stroke 111 with its Thunder Stroke 116 stage-3 big bore kit, which produces +20% more horsepower when compared to a stock Thunder Stroke 111.
"For riders looking to add additional passenger accommodations, Indian Motorcycle offers headdress passenger floorboard pads for added cushion to combat road vibration and match the currently available headdress rider floorboard pads, 12-inch quick release passenger sissy bar and a new, more modern styled passenger backrest pad. Additionally, Indian Motorcycle will offer 12-inch ape hanger handlebars for all Chief and Springfield models."
