Indian reveals 2024 Roadmaster Elite
Indian Motorcycle have revealed details and images of their Roadmaster Elite for 2024, with the latest edition of this premium bagger paying tribute to an Indian colour scheme that turns 120 this year. According to Indian, this year’s Roadmaster Elite delivers high-end sophistication, an upscale fit and finish, and world-class touring capability.
“Our Elite models take the incredibly high bar we set for all of our products, and raise it even higher, offering something more exclusive for the rider who wants to make sure their bike is a cut above anything else on the road,” said Aaron Jax, Vice President for Indian Motorcycle.
Historic Red
The tri-tone red and black colour scheme that defines the MY24 Roadmaster Elite combines two shades of candy red with candy black. Inspiration for the former came from ‘Indian Motorcycle Red’ paint that debuted in 1904 and was first applied to the ‘Camelback’ model from that year.
The Camelback itself was Indian’s first production motorcycle, introduced back in 1901 and taking its name from the distinctive curved tank – initially with separate compartments for fuel and oil - that sat over the rear mudguard. Powered by a single-cylinder engine initially (a v-twin was introduced in 1906), the Camelback remained in production until 1909.
For the 2024 Roadmaster Elite, a modern take on that Indian Motorcycle Red first seen 120 years ago forms the lower section of the tri-tone treatment, with Dark Indian Motorcycle Red in the middle and black above. All three have a candy finish that delivers a rich, deep shine. Complementing this are hand-applied pinstripes in Championship Gold. The complex nature of this paint scheme means each bike takes 24 hours to complete.
Indian collaborated with Gunslinger Custom Paint in Colorado and Custom Painted Vehicles in Wisconsin to design and produce the special finish. While both paint shops are highly regarded in the industry, Gunslinger is probably more familiar, thanks to their past collaborations with Harley-Davidson, specifically on developing and producing exclusive, complex paint finishes for the CVO models.
“What I love is how we’ve taken the historic Indian Motorcycle Red and given it a tougher, meaner attitude with blacked-out styling,” Jax adds, referring to the predominantly black engine finish. The exhaust, forks, crash bars and footboards, along with the framing for the rear rack and ‘touring trunk’ top box are also blacked out. Pillion armrests are black on this limited-edition bagger, too.
Elite Finishes
Paint aside, this model stands out from the Roadmaster Dark Horse and Roadmaster Limited with its ‘Elite’ identification on the panniers. Finished in black and edged with gold, this approach is also applied to the headdress tank motif and Roadmaster identification on the legshields. The Indian script logo, in gold, is applied to the fairing and panniers, while the dash gets a gloss black finish.
On the seat and pillion backrest, red contrast stitching picks up on the paint, with Indian script logos embroidered in gold on the rider and pillion section. The seat itself is both heated and cooled.
Finally, the precision machined 10-spoke wheels – 19-inch front and 16-inch rear - are finished in black for the MY24 Roadmaster Elite, but carry a new machine pattern that also picks up on the engine’s machined cooling vanes.
Also Featuring
Being primarily a cosmetic package, the Roadmaster Elite differs little from the other Roadmaster baggers in terms of standard equipment, but benefits from the latest developments coming out of Indian Motorcycle. That includes the PowerBand Audio with Bass Boost that was upgraded late last year and is now 50 per cent louder than previously, while also providing more bass.
With 12 speakers, located in the fairing, panniers and touring trunk, the 600W PowerBand audio is integrated into Indian’s Ride Command infotainment system that features a 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, USB input and more. For an old-school touch, the screen is flanked by analogue speedometer and revcounter gauges with LCD inserts.
Rider and pillion footboards feature polished sections with the Indian headdress logo, while the switchgear is backlit for easier operation at night. In line with the Roadmaster Elite’s bagger aesthetic, the flare windscreen is bobbed and has a subtle tint. It’s still practical, though, with a powered raise/lower function to provide effective wind protection for riders of different heights.
A Pathfinder LED headlight is standard, which being adaptive, means it responds to the rider’s lean angle to more effectively illuminate the bend ahead
Thunder Power
Like all Roadmaster baggers, the new Roadmaster Elite is powered by the Thunderstroke 116 cubic inch (1890cc) v-twin that produces 168Nm at 2900rpm and features rear cylinder deactivation to save fuel and reduce heat transfer to the rider. The clutch features slip/assist for easier operation and the transmission is a six-speed with belt final drive.
Suspension is made up of 46mm forks offering 119mm travel and an air-adjustable monoshock rear with 114mm travel. ABS braking works off dual 300mm discs with four-piston calipers up front and a single 300mm rear disc with two-piston caliper.
Fuel capacity is 20.8 litres, seat height is 673mm and wet weight is 403kg
Premium Model
“Our design team is always thrilled to work on the Elite models because we’re essentially given the keys to design our very own custom bike, but instead of just one, hundreds will be available around the world,” said Ola Stenegärd, Director of Product Design for Indian Motorcycle.
Only 350 units of the 2024 Roadmaster Elite will be released globally, with Australia to receive only a fraction of that total. On each unit, the tank console carries the individual build number, along with a silhouette of the 1904 Indian Camelback.
At $59,995 ride away, the 2024 Roadmaster Elite is not only the top-priced model in the Roadmaster range for Australia, but also the most expensive new Indian of any type for 2024. Indian Motorcycle dealers started taking orders in February ahead of local delivery that’s expected by mid-2024.
Contact your Indian Motorcycle dealer for availability and further details.
NOTE: images show a North American market model with features and accessories that may not be available locally