Indian to End Sales of Air-Cooled 1890cc Engine Touring Baggers "Roadmaster" and "Springfield" with 2026 Models

Polaris Japan has announced that the air-cooled heavy touring and bagger family models equipped with the 1890cc "Thunderstroke 116" pure air-cooled engine will cease production with the 2026 model year. However, the "Chief" series will continue to be offered with its air-cooled engine, ensuring the engine itself will remain in production.

The Air-Cooled V-Twin "Thunderstroke 116": A Fusion of Traditional Design and Modern Technology

The Roadmaster, which will cease production.

Amidst increasingly stringent emissions and noise regulations, Indian Motorcycle has continued to uphold the appeal of its traditional air-cooled V-twin engines. However, in response to environmental regulations and the transition to next-generation models, Polaris has announced that air-cooled heavy models equipped with the "Thunderstroke 116" air-cooled engine will conclude their service with the 2026 model year.

The air-cooled heavy touring models affected by this production halt are the "Roadmaster" and "Springfield." The "Chieftain" series already concluded its run with the 2024 model year in the Japanese market. These models represent the brand's flagship offerings, blending comfortable long-distance touring capabilities with classic styling.

The Thunderstroke 116 engine is a 1,890cc air-cooled V-twin developed with a design motif from the 1940s. It features a unique triple-cam mechanism to achieve its distinctive pushrod design and incorporates advanced technologies such as a cylinder deactivation system and ride modes. Its characteristic features include the powerful dynamism and unique pulse delivered by its large displacement air-cooled configuration.

"Chief" Family Continues Production, Heavyweights Transition to Liquid-Cooled "PowerPlus"

The Sport Chief. The Chief family will continue to be sold with the air-cooled engine.

The "Chief" family, which shares the same engine, will continue to be sold with the Thunderstroke 116. The Chief is an iconic model for the brand, offered as a lineup that conveys the appeal of classic styling and the air-cooled V-twin.

Meanwhile, the heavy touring category will transition to a lineup centered around the new generation liquid-cooled V-twin engine, the "PowerPlus." The PowerPlus is a state-of-the-art liquid-cooled engine developed with technology honed in America's premier bagger racing series. It combines high output characteristics, excellent durability, and the potential to meet future emissions regulations.

The 2026 model year represents the final opportunity to purchase traditional air-cooled heavy touring models as new motorcycles, with some models and colors already sold out. Indian Motorcycle plans to roll out various products and programs throughout 2026 to commemorate its 125th anniversary.

Indian Motorcycle: https://www.indianmotorcycle.co.jp/