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The 2025 Indian Chieftain PowerPlus is a liquid-cooled bagger that pairs strong V-twin performance with touring equipment and modern rider aids. The base Chieftain uses the 108-cubic-inch engine; the 112 is reserved for higher-end Limited and Dark Horse versions. In Rider Magazine’s April 2025 launch ride, reviewer Kevin Duke praised the engine, brakes, chassis composure and comfort, while finding the bike ponderous at low speeds. It is a compelling performance-oriented bagger, but trim and engine choice matter—and the published ride impressions are not a long-term ownership verdict.
What changed with the Chieftain PowerPlus?
Indian added the Chieftain PowerPlus to its PowerPlus family alongside the Roadmaster PowerPlus. It replaces the air-cooled Thunderstroke character of other Chieftain versions with a liquid-cooled, performance-focused V-twin. Indian says the 112 engine was developed through its racing program and notes the team’s 2024 King of the Baggers championship; those racing credentials are the manufacturer’s account, not a guarantee of road performance.
The Chieftain is a bagger with a fork-mounted fairing. That configuration is a key distinction from the frame-mounted fairing on Indian’s Challenger, while the Roadmaster is the more touring-oriented choice in the same family.
PowerPlus 108 vs. 112: which engine is in each trim?
The base 2025 Chieftain PowerPlus has the 108-cubic-inch engine. The more expensive Limited and Dark Horse versions can be equipped with the 112; do not assume every Chieftain PowerPlus has the larger motor.
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| Configuration | Published output | Trim and price context |
|---|---|---|
| 108 cu. in. (1,768 cc) | 122 hp and 128 lb-ft, according to Indian’s 2025 base-model product page. | Base Chieftain PowerPlus; Indian announced a U.S. launch starting price of $26,499. |
| 112 cu. in. (1,834 cc) | 126 hp and 133 lb-ft at 3,600 rpm, according to Indian’s Dark Horse 112 specification page. | Higher-end Limited and Dark Horse versions; Rider reported 112-equipped versions starting at $30,499. |
In the launch ride, Duke found the 112 noticeably stronger. That is a reviewer’s impression from a media event, not a measured acceleration comparison. If you are weighing the upgrade, compare the exact engine, equipment and current dealer quote for the trim you want rather than treating the base price as the cost of a 112 model.
How much did the 2025 Chieftain PowerPlus cost?
Indian’s January 2025 U.S. launch announcement listed starting prices of $26,499 for the base Chieftain PowerPlus, $27,499 for Limited and $28,499 for Dark Horse. Rider reported that higher-end 112-equipped versions started at $30,499. These are launch- and review-era U.S. figures, not current quotes; Indian says MSRP can change, excludes destination and handling, tax, title, license and registration, and notes that dealer prices may vary.
For a purchase today, ask the dealer to identify the engine and standard equipment by exact trim and provide an out-the-door quote. An advertised trim name or starting MSRP alone may not tell you whether the particular bike has the 108 or 112.
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What equipment and rider aids does it have?
Indian’s base-model page lists touring and convenience features that make the Chieftain more than a bare performance bagger:
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- Electronically adjustable windscreen and adjustable fairing vents.
- USB charging, cruise control and three ride modes.
- Rear-cylinder deactivation.
- A 7-inch touchscreen powered by RIDE COMMAND.
- More than 18 gallons of storage and a 6-gallon fuel capacity.
Indian’s launch announcement says its 112-engine vehicles include SmartLean and rider-assistance features such as blind-spot warning, tailgate warning, rear-collision warning, bike hold control and electronically combined braking. RIDE COMMAND+ connected services are available on select PowerPlus models. Equipment can vary by trim and market, so verify that the specific motorcycle includes the feature you want; the announcement does not establish that every Chieftain PowerPlus has every listed system as standard.
The listed 6-gallon capacity is not a range estimate. The cited sources do not establish fuel economy or real-world range for this model.
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How does the Chieftain PowerPlus ride?
Duke’s April 2025 review describes a Nevada media-launch ride. He found the bike composed at a sporting pace and praised its power, Brembo braking and suspension compliance. He also reported that the fairing and attached equipment made it feel more ponderous than the Challenger at very low speeds and over uneven surfaces. These are impressions from one launch test, not long-term ownership findings or a comprehensive head-to-head test.
Rider reported wet weights of 842 lb for the 108 and 855 lb for the 112, along with a 26.5-inch seat height and 65.7-inch wheelbase. The low seat may help riders feel settled at a stop, but the published weight and reviewer’s low-speed comments underline that this remains a substantial motorcycle to maneuver. Duke also considered the 7-inch display dated beside a newer 12.3-inch Harley-Davidson display; that is his comparison of interfaces, not a broader assessment of either motorcycle.
Who should consider it—and what should they compare?
The Chieftain PowerPlus makes the most sense for a rider who wants a liquid-cooled V-twin bagger with substantial output, built-in touring conveniences and the Chieftain’s fork-mounted fairing. A useful shortlist should focus on the differences that change the ownership experience:
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- 108 or 112: The base engine keeps the entry price lower; the 112 offers higher published output but comes with higher-trim pricing and availability.
- Chieftain or Challenger: The Chieftain has a fork-mounted fairing; the Challenger’s is frame-mounted. Duke’s launch ride found the Chieftain more ponderous than the Challenger at very low speeds and on uneven surfaces.
- Chieftain or Roadmaster: The Chieftain is the bagger choice, while Rider frames the Roadmaster as the more touring-oriented option.
- PowerPlus or Thunderstroke Chieftain: This is the choice between a liquid-cooled performance-oriented engine and the air-cooled Thunderstroke character.
- Standard equipment or a particular aid: Confirm trim-specific rider assistance, connected services and comfort equipment on the exact bike before buying.
Rider reviewer Kevin Duke distilled the choice into three questions: “Do you want a simpler air-cooled V-Twin or a more powerful liquid-cooled motor? Do you want a frame-mount or a fork-mount fairing? Do you want a basic bagger like the Chieftain or a luxury-touring rig like a Roadmaster?” The launch ride also compared the Chieftain with Harley-Davidson’s Street Glide, but it was not a full comparative test.
What the published review does not establish
The available review is a launch ride, not a reliability study. The cited sources do not establish long-term reliability, maintenance costs, resale value, measured fuel economy or real-world range. Those questions require evidence beyond the specifications and launch impressions described here.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
