The 2025 Indian Chieftain PowerPlus lineup represents a significant evolution in American V-Twin touring motorcycles, combining aggressive styling, championship-winning performance, and cutting-edge technology. This comprehensive guide explores everything you need to know about these impressive machines that are redefining the bagger category.
Evolution of the Indian Chieftain: From Thunderstroke to PowerPlus
The Indian Chieftain has undergone a remarkable transformation for 2025, shifting from the air-cooled Thunderstroke engine to the liquid-cooled PowerPlus platform. This evolution marks a pivotal moment in Indian Motorcycle’s history, blending traditional American styling with modern performance.
Historical Context
Indian Motorcycle’s journey began with trailblazing founders who established a legacy of innovation in American motorcycling. The Chieftain nameplate has long been associated with Indian’s premium bagger offerings, but the new PowerPlus versions take this heritage to unprecedented heights. While traditional air-cooled Thunderstroke-powered Chieftain models remain available, the PowerPlus variants represent Indian’s forward-thinking approach to the bagger segment.
The PowerPlus Engine Evolution
The PowerPlus engine first debuted in the Indian Challenger in 2020, challenging competitors with its liquid-cooled, overhead-cammed design that offered superior performance to traditional air-cooled V-twins. The original 108ci (1768cc) version has now evolved into the more powerful 112ci (1834cc) configuration for 2025, cementing Indian’s commitment to performance leadership.
The 2025 Chieftain PowerPlus Lineup: Models and Variations
The 2025 Chieftain PowerPlus family includes three distinct models, each with its own character and aesthetic while sharing the same powerful platform.
Chieftain PowerPlus (Base Model)
The base Chieftain PowerPlus features the fork-mounted fairing and PowerPlus liquid-cooled engine in its standard configuration. It serves as the entry point to the PowerPlus bagger experience while still delivering the essential performance and technology package.
Chieftain PowerPlus Dark Horse
Featuring a new fork-mounted fairing with aggressive styling, the Dark Horse model stands out with its blacked-out finishes that create a menacing presence on the road. This variant appeals to riders who prefer a more contemporary, custom-inspired aesthetic.
Chieftain PowerPlus Limited
The Chieftain PowerPlus Limited showcases premium chrome finishes throughout, appealing to riders who appreciate traditional cruiser styling with modern performance. Its gleaming accents highlight the bike’s muscular lines and premium nature.
Pricing and Value Comparison
The Chieftain PowerPlus lineup offers various price points, with the standard Chieftain PowerPlus 108 starting at $26,499, while the Limited and Dark Horse 112 models range between $26,895 and $32,249 depending on options and colors.
| Model | Starting Price (USD) | Engine | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chieftain PowerPlus (Base) | $26,499 | 108ci PowerPlus | Fork-mounted fairing, base technology package |
| Chieftain PowerPlus Dark Horse 112 | $27,895 | 112ci PowerPlus | Blacked-out finishes, full rider assist package |
| Chieftain PowerPlus Limited 112 | $26,895 | 112ci PowerPlus | Chrome finishes, full rider assist package |
Engineering and Performance: The Heart of the Beast
The 2025 Chieftain PowerPlus series centers around its championship-winning engine and premium chassis components, delivering a riding experience that combines power, handling, and comfort.
The PowerPlus 112 Engine: Championship DNA
The new PowerPlus 112 cu-in (1834cc) engine produces an impressive 126 horsepower at 5,500 RPM and 133 ft-lbs (181.4 Nm) of torque at 3,600 RPM. This same engine powered Indian to victory in the 2024 MotoAmerica King of the Baggers Championship, bringing race-proven performance to the street.
Key engine specifications include:
- 60-degree V-twin configuration
- Overhead cams with four valves per cylinder
- Dual throttle bodies
- Liquid cooling for consistent performance
- 11.4:1 compression ratio
- 110mm x 96.5mm bore and stroke dimensions
Chassis and Handling Dynamics
The Chieftain PowerPlus features a chassis designed to harness its substantial power. Reviewers note that despite its size, the bike feels “incredibly well-balanced” and “easy to manage”. The inverted front forks provide superior stability and feedback, while the entire package is designed to make the bike feel “smaller, lighter, nimbler, and more athletic” than its actual size would suggest.
Braking System
Braking performance matches the Chieftain’s substantial power, with radial-mounted Brembo brakes paired with dual rotors. This premium braking package provides confident stopping power and excellent feel, enhancing both performance and safety.
Innovative Technology: The Modern Bagger Experience
The 2025 Chieftain PowerPlus incorporates an impressive array of technology that enhances both safety and convenience, setting new standards for the bagger segment.
Rider Assist Features
The PowerPlus 112 models come standard with a comprehensive suite of rider assist technologies that are breakthrough advancements for American V-Twin motorcycles:
- Blind Spot Warning: Alerts riders to vehicles in their blind spots
- Tailgate Warning: Notifies when vehicles are following too closely
- Rear Collision Warning: Provides alerts when a rear collision may be imminent
- Bike Hold Control: Assists with starts on inclines
- Electronically Linked Braking System: Optimizes front and rear brake balance
- Smart Lean Technology: Provides lean-sensitive ABS and traction control
RIDE COMMAND System
Integrated into the dash, the 7-inch display powered by RIDE COMMAND offers:
- Turn-by-turn navigation
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Ride-enhancing features
- Apple CarPlay integration (with RIDE COMMAND+)
- Bike health monitoring
- Bike locator functionality
PowerBand Audio
The PowerBand audio system features four 100-watt speakers (400 watts total) with a dynamic equalizer, ensuring riders can enjoy their music in any riding condition. The system is specifically designed to provide clear audio even at highway speeds.
Ride Modes and Customization
Riders can select from three ride modes:
- Rain (or Tour): Optimized for wet conditions or relaxed cruising
- Standard: Balanced performance for everyday riding
- Sport: Sharpened throttle response for spirited riding
Additional technology includes Rear Cylinder Deactivation, which automatically shuts off the rear cylinder when the bike is stopped, reducing heat and improving comfort in traffic.
Design and Ergonomics: Form Meets Function
The 2025 Chieftain PowerPlus features a completely redesigned fork-mounted fairing that balances style with aerodynamic function.
Fairing Design and Aerodynamics
The new fork-mounted fairing is sleek and aerodynamic, featuring:
- Separated dual vents for improved wind management
- Refined lower sections for better airflow
- Wind tunnel-tested shape for high-speed stability
- A more compact profile that enhances the bike’s athletic appearance
Law Abiding Biker’s review notes that the “redesigned batwing fairing is noticeably sleeker and more aerodynamic” than previous designs. Rider Magazine describes it as taking “all the good bits of the Challenger and strips away the boxy fairing, replacing it with a chiseled batwing-style fairing”.
Rider Comfort Features
The Chieftain PowerPlus comes equipped with numerous comfort-enhancing features:
- Push-button adjustable windshield
- Ergonomic seat design
- Cruise control as standard equipment
- Spacious saddlebags with remote locking functionality
- USB charging port for devices
Riding Experience: Performance on the Road
Reviews of the 2025 Chieftain PowerPlus highlight its exceptional road manners and performance capabilities.
Expert Impressions
Test riders have noted the bike’s remarkable balance of power and refinement. The Law Abiding Biker review states: “despite its size, it was easy to manage, and the redesigned batwing fairing is noticeably sleeker and more aerodynamic”. Rider Magazine suggests Indian “has built one of the best baggers in America”.
Handling Characteristics
The Chieftain PowerPlus demonstrates impressive handling for its size, with testers noting:
- Excellent balance at both low and high speeds
- Superior stability compared to competitors
- Confidence-inspiring cornering capability
- Surprisingly nimble nature for a full-size bagger
Ultimate Motorcycle states: “As you pick up the pace… you will still feel some of that typical bagger behavior when it’s on the edge of the tire,” but overall notes that the bike “can actually hustle and get around”.
Ownership Experience and Customization
The Chieftain PowerPlus ownership experience extends beyond riding to include customization options and practical ownership considerations.
Factory Options and Accessories
Indian Motorcycle offers a wide range of performance, comfort, and style accessories specifically designed for the Chieftain PowerPlus. The company describes these as “game-changing motorcycles deserve parts and accessories that are just as innovative”.
Standard Features and Conveniences
Every Chieftain PowerPlus comes standard with:
- Keyless ignition
- Remote-locking saddlebags
- Cruise control
- Adjustable windshield
- USB charging port
- ABS braking system
Comparison with Competitors
The 2025 Chieftain PowerPlus competes directly with other premium American V-Twin baggers, most notably Harley-Davidson’s Street Glide models.
Advantages Over Competitors
The Chieftain PowerPlus offers several advantages compared to competitors:
- More horsepower and torque than comparable Harley-Davidson models
- More advanced technology package, including radar-based safety features
- Superior handling dynamics according to reviewers
- Liquid cooling for consistent performance in varied conditions
Bennetts Bike Social notes that “these latest water-cooled bikes have all the performance, comfort and goodies to take on their Harley rivals”7.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | PowerPlus V-Twin |
| Displacement | 1834cc (112 cubic inches) |
| Bore x Stroke | 110mm x 96.5mm |
| Compression Ratio | 11.4:1 |
| Maximum Power | 126 hp @ 5,500 RPM |
| Maximum Torque | 133 ft-lbs (181.4 Nm) @ 3,600 RPM |
| Fuel System | Closed Loop Fuel Injection/52mm Dual Bore |
| Cooling | Liquid |
| Transmission | 6-speed |
| Front Suspension | Inverted telescopic fork |
| Rear Suspension | Single shock with adjustable preload |
| Front Brakes | Dual Brembo radial-mounted calipers with dual rotors |
| Wheels | Cast aluminum |
| Fuel Capacity | 6 gallons (approximate) |
| Infotainment | 7-inch Ride Command touchscreen |
Conclusion: Redefining the American Bagger
The 2025 Indian Chieftain PowerPlus represents a significant advancement in the American bagger motorcycle category. By combining the liquid-cooled performance of the PowerPlus 112 engine with cutting-edge technology and rider assists, Indian has created a motorcycle that honors its heritage while embracing modern innovation.
Whether choosing the standard model, the blacked-out Dark Horse, or the chrome-adorned Limited, riders gain access to a motorcycle that delivers exceptional performance, comfort, and technology. As Rider Magazine concluded, Indian has built “one of the best baggers in America”, setting a new standard for what riders can expect from this category.
For riders seeking the perfect balance of traditional American styling with modern performance and technology, the 2025 Indian Chieftain PowerPlus stands as a compelling option that pushes the boundaries of what a bagger motorcycle can be.