This is the first look at the 2017 Indian range and while there aren’t any new models at the moment there are notable improvements to be found.
Most important is the addition of a new ‘Ride Command’ touchscreen that’s fitted as standard to the 2017 Roadmaster and Chieftain machines.
The 7-inch display offers an 800 x 480 resolution and is claimed to be the brightest in the industry to ensure it can still be seen in sunlight. It also has a fast response time, booting up in just 10 seconds.
As you’d expect, it’s tied in to the bikes’ audio and navigation systems, as well as offering Bluetooth connectivity so it links to your phone.
Indian Motorcycle’s marketing director, Reid Wilson says: “We’ve put considerable time and effort in to developing this touchscreen system and we know that riders are going to seriously impressed by the way they can customise screens with the information that’s important to them. Not only will they be able to get to where they want more safely and with more confidence, they’ll be able to do this while making the most of Ride Command’s ability to link up to their smartphone to listen to music or take a call.”
Using a capacitive screen designed to work even when you’re wearing gloves, the system can be operated by touch – including two-finger operations like pinch-to-zoom. Alternatively you can use separate buttons below the screen and on the bars for the main operations. These include answering calls, altering audio settings and scrolling through menus.
The screen can be customised to show any combination of eight functions. The first shows the bike’s status including tyre pressure, voltage, engine hours and oil change alerts. Second is ‘vehicle info’ including speed, range, revs and gear. Then there are two trip meters, each including fuel range, economy and average speed, and ‘ride data’ that shows the bike’s heading and altitude. Finally there are audio, Bluetooth and map displays.
Elsewhere in Indian’s range, the Scout and Scout Sixty get a few minor updates. These include revised rear shocks and changes to the wiring harness to improve its appearance. There’s also a redesigned rear cylinder header pipe to give more leg clearance. Finally the steering lock is increased to allow tighter turns, and cosmetic covers are added to the swingarm bearings.
Other models get a selection of new paint finishes. See the Indian Motorcycles website for more details.
