Indian Motorcycle’s PowerPlus V-Twin Engine Preview

American motorcycle manufacturer Indian Motorcycle has engineered an all-new big-displacement twin that will power its soon-to-be-released fixed-fairing Challenger bagger.

Assembled in Osceola, Wisconsin, the PowerPlus boasts a 108ci capacity (1,769cc). Bore and stroke measurements have yet to be released. The cylinders are canted at a narrow 60-degree angle with a pair of camshafts operating four-valve cylinder heads. Compression ratio is listed at a lofty (for a cruiser) 11.0:1 ratio.

The crankcase uses a unit-type design, with a semi-dry-sump oil system which mitigates mechanical pumping losses. The engine is both oil- and water-cooled. An overdrive-equipped six-speed constant-mesh transmission and manual clutch transfer power back to the rear wheel.

Fuel is sprayed into the cylinders electronically, via 52mm dual-bore throttle bodies. The engine uses ride-by-wire technology which facilitates adjustable throttle mapping (via ride mode selection). This aids rideability based on rider skill, preference, or road conditions.

Speaking of power, Indian claims the PowerPlus is good for 122 hp at 5,500 rpm (1,000 rpm shy of its 6,500 redline) and a whopping 128 pound-feet torque figure at 3,800 revs.

“We challenge our engineers with the notion that anything less than best-in-class design and performance will simply not get it done,” said Steve Menneto, Indian Motorcycle president. “And it’s clear with this new engine that they have delivered on that high standard.”

Indian claims the new mill logged almost 1,000,000 miles during simulated testing and 250,000 actual on-road miles.

“Countless hours were spent in design, development, and testing to ensure this is the best liquid-cooled V-twin ever developed, and I could not be prouder of our team and this incredible motor,” Menneto told us.

The PowerPulse gets its name from the Indian PowerPlus, a motorcycle produced from 1916 to 1924.