Indian keeps pushing forward with the 2025 Chieftain PowerPlus Limited 112, a classic bagger now packing the same championship-derived motor that has won back-to-back MotoAmerica King of the Baggers titles. The new PowerPlus 112 is a bored-out version of the 108, delivering bumps in peak horsepower and torque. While the 108 has already powered the Pursuit and Challenger, the Chieftain PowerPlus gets the liquid-cooled SOHC V-twin and chassis upgrades. Opt for the 112, as we did, and you’re treated to a hefty dose of electronic rider aids. So, we took this 21st-century Chieftain out to see how it fares in the Nevada desert.
- The 2025 Indian Chieftain PowerPlus is available in a wide range of trim lines. In addition to the standard Chieftain PowerPlus, there’s the Dark Horse, plus the Limited we’re testing. The standard Chieftain PowerPlus gets the returning 108 motor, while the Dark Horse and Limited offer the 112 motor in a package that incorporates the Rider Assist technology assisted by a six-axis Bosch IMU that integrates the SmartLean Technology we’ve seen before from Indian. The 112’s Rider Assist package has radar-informed technology and Ride Command+ dash options. We’ll get into all of that, but it helps to get an idea of the variants on offer. Prices range from $26,499 for the standard Chieftain PowerPlus 108 to $32,249 for the Chieftain PowerPlus Dark Horse 112 in a premium color. To further confuse things, the various air-cooled Thunderstroke-powered Chieftain models are still available.
- With the 2025 Indian Chieftain PowerPlus, we’re basically looking at a Challenger with a fork-mounted fairing. That simplifies the concept, though the Chieftain PowerPlus has its own personality, and it’s a good one.
- The big news is the new PowerPlus 112, so let’s start with that. It’s hard to argue with more horsepower and torque, so I won’t try. However, a bit of perspective is in order here. The peak horsepower gain is a bit over three percent to 126 horsepower, and peak torque is bumped up about four percent to 133 ft-lbs. When you’re feeding that into a motorcycle that weighs 844 pounds with its six-gallon tank topped off with high-test, the only real chance you have of feeling the difference would be some back-to-back runs. That wasn’t in the cards, but it doesn’t matter.
- The PowerPlus 112 loves to stretch its legs, as the generous 6500 rpm redline is its exhilarating calling card. Despite the big torque numbers, it prefers a downshift for high-velocity passes. While 133 ft-lbs of torque at 3600 rpm sounds like a lot—and it is—nothing beats a tap down on the shifter when you have that sort of headroom. Although power flattens some as you near the redline, it’s just so much fun getting there, thanks to how quickly the 1834cc motor spins up. If you want more midrange power, Indian has high-performance top-end parts to beef up roll-on acceleration.
- In addition to being fast, the PowerPlus 112 is smooth. Indian allows just enough burble from the 60-degree V-twin to let you know it’s there. However, the rigid-mounted engine is more about smoothness, and that’s what you want when you’re piling on the miles. The exhaust puts out a nice note, too.
- The gearshifter has enough feedback to remind you that you’re on a big V-twin. While it’s not a clunky feel, shifts are necessarily deliberate. Although I can dream of a quickshifting system, I would settle for the accessory heel/toe shifter. My 31-inch inseam has to reach for the shift lever and brake pedal. A heel shifter would make upshifts an easier proposition. Riders with shorter inseams might face a similar stretch, while those with longer ones will likely be satisfied by the stock setup.
- The 2025 Indian Chieftain PowerPlus Limited 112 has roomy ergonomics. There is a lot of space to work with on the nicely supportive seat and roomy floorboards, so you aren’t locked into a position. The grips sit below my elbows, a helpful ergonomic touch on long rides. The hand levers aren’t dainty, though they are adjustable for reach. Wind protection from the fork-mounted fairing is good, though limited by the form—a taller 12-inch Flare Windshield is available, and worth considering if big-mile days are on the agenda. Other options include Indian’s ClimaCommand heated/cooled seat and heated grips. The refined vibration management and instinctive ergonomics of the Chieftain PowerPlus will have you looking on the map for destinations far from home.
- Accompanying the PowerPlus 112 motor is a sweet suite of electronic rider safety aids. A radar system mounted above the license plate adds to the system’s database. Many of the features are customizable, while others can be turned off if you don’t want the help. You set it up using the seven-inch TFT display with, in the case of the Limited, the upgraded Ride Command+ software and reasonably intuitive switchgear.
- If a vehicle gets too close or is closing too quickly, the 2025 Indian Chieftain PowerPlus Limited 112 takes notice. The Tailgate Warning system gives you a dash alert that someone is too close behind you. The system’s sensitivity can be adjusted or turned off completely. If someone approaches too rapidly, the Rear Collision Warning system goes to work. Red LEDs integrated into the side cases light up to ward the vehicle off.
- A Blind Spot Warning system lets you know when someone has crept up next to you on either side. When this happens, it tells you on the dash, and a light on the mirrors illuminates. Riding up on a bike equipped with this feature to trip the mirror lights is fun—it works. If you don’t want the warnings, you can turn off the mirror lights, the dash, or both.
- The 2025 Indian Chieftain PowerPlus Limited 112 has handling to go with its power, comfort, and electronics. Despite weighing 884 pounds, the chassis is nimble once you get past walking speed. The fork-mounted fairing and 19-inch front wheel give the front end a light feel—maybe even too light. When hustling around big sweepers or tighter corners, the Chieftain PowerPlus isn’t as stable as expected. Instead, it’s willing to change lines. Of course, that responsiveness means it will do what you tell it, for better or worse. So, be careful what you wish for—it’s not as forgiving as its siblings with frame-mounted fairings. Also, when a semi comes past you in the other direction on a high-speed two-lane road, the force is sent into the handlebar, so it’s up to you to correct as needed. Riders who want a responsive motorcycle will love this Chieftain.
- Indian tuned the suspension on the Limited 112 to be pleasantly taut. Leaning into the responsive handling, the inverted fork and single shock have enough firmness to take advantage of the bike’s agility. Cornering clearance is impressive and confidently explored with the help of the Metzeler Cruisetec tires, only touching down when you demand it. In exchange for the improved handling, you will feel more of the road—something many riders will like. This is not a motorcycle that isolates you from the pavement. You’ll have to work to bottom out the suspension, as the travel is generous—over five inches in the front and 4.5 inches in the rear. Suspension adjustment is limited to spring-preload on the shock, which is accomplished with the assistance of hydraulics.
- Braking is strong, and the rear brake is more than happy to join the deceleration party. Those radially mounted Brembo calipers and 320mm discs mean business, though there’s only so much the 130mm-wide front Metzeler Cruisetec tire can do. Given that, you’ll find that adding the stopping power of a 298mm rear disc and 180mm-wide rear Metzeler can make a big difference.
- Part of the 112 package is sophisticated electronically linked brakes. Whether you choose the brake lever or pedal, braking is applied to all three calipers, with the amount sent to each caliper dependent on which actuator you use and how hard. In my experience, the system is entirely transparent—you simply don’t feel it in action. Still, when you want to brake hardest, use both the pedal and the lever. Do we even have to mention that ABS is standard?
- Indian is quite proud of its PowerBand Audio package. The four-speaker sound system is undoubtedly loud. Even with a quiet Arai Contour-X on, I could definitely hear the music at lofty highway speeds. Although it’s not high-fidelity on the highway, you can hear it clearly enough to enjoy the music. For instance, Dirty Honey’s riffs cut through the wind, while Sufjan Stevens’ whispers get lost—choose your soundtrack wisely.
- The 2025 Indian Chieftain PowerPlus 112 may be a signal. With ever-tightening emissions laws, the air-cooled Thunderstroke powerplant probably won’t last forever. Instead of waiting for the last minute, Indian is transitioning the Chieftain to the PowerPlus platform, while retaining access to the classic Thunderstroke model. It will be a sad day when we inevitably bid farewell to the air-cooled V-twins, though that’s mitigated by engines like the PowerPlus 112. The good news is that Indian isn’t just chasing emissions compliance; it’s building a bagger for the open road, even if it trades a bit of retro cool for modern muscle.
RIDING STYLE
2025 Indian Chieftain PowerPlus Limited 112 Specs
ENGINE
- Type: 60-degree V-twin
- Displacement: 112 ci (1834cc)
- Bore x stroke: 110 x 96.5mm
- Maximum power: 126 horsepower
- Maximum torque: 133 ft-lbs @ 3600 rpm
- Compression ratio: 11.4:1
- Valvetrain: SOHC, 4vpc
- Fueling: EFI w/ 52mm dual-bore throttle body
- Cooling: Liquid
- Transmission: 6-speed
- Clutch: Wet multiple w/ assist function
- Primary drive: Gear
- Final drive: Belt
CHASSIS
- Frame: Cast aluminum
- Front suspension; travel: Non-adjustable inverted fork; 5.1 inches
- Rear suspension; travel: Spring-preload adjustable shock; 4.5 inches
- Wheels: Cast aluminum 10-spoke
- Front: 19 x 3.5
- Rear: 16 x 5.0
- Tires: Metzeler Cruisetec
- Front: 130/60 x 19
- Rear: 180/60 x 16
- Front brakes: 320mm discs w/ radially mounted Brembo 4-piston caliper
- Rear brake: 290mm disc w/ 2-piston caliper
- ABS: Standard
DIMENSIONS and CAPACITIES
- Wheelbase: 65.7 inches
- Rake: 25 degrees
- Trail: 5.9 inches
- Seat height: 26.5 inches
- Fuel capacity: 6 gallons
- Curb weight: 844 pounds
- Colors: Black Metallic; Heavy Metal (+$800); Sunset Red Metallic (+$800)
2025 Indian Chieftain PowerPlus Limited 112 Price: from $30,499
2025 Indian Chieftain PowerPlus 112 Photo Gallery
