Indian Debuts Pursuit Elite Model for 2023

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Indian has just announced the new Pursuit Elite tourer, which will join the Chieftain Elite in the brand’s premium lineup for 2023. (Indian Motorcycle/)

If you’re on the hunt for a top-of-the-line American V-twin bagger with factory-custom componentry and premium paintwork, your two clear target destinations are either Harley’s exquisitely rendered CVO lineup or, on the Indian side, its limited-edition Elite models. Last year Indian featured two bikes in that series, the Chieftain Elite and the Challenger Elite, but for 2023, we’re seeing the introduction of a new model to the class: the Pursuit Elite. In the same announcement, Indian also revealed the return of the ultra-premium Chieftain Elite model, and back in November of last year, we already got word the Challenger Elite was coming back for 2023 as well.

The limited-edition Pursuit Elite will have only 150 units available worldwide. (Indian Motorcycle/)

2023 Indian Pursuit Elite

Giving the Pursuit Elite its shot in the spotlight makes sense, since Indian just introduced the base model in February of last year. With only 150 units available worldwide, the Indian Pursuit Elite will also enjoy the exclusivity status that comes with being in Indian’s premium class.

But if you’re looking for a larger-displacement engine or other mechanical upgrades on the Elite version, you’ll be disappointed, as the money maker here is still the 108ci liquid-cooled PowerPlus engine. To be fair, that mill is no slouch in the motivation department; Indian claims a best-in-class 122 hp and 128 lb.-ft. of torque.

Otherwise, the Pursuit Elite is just a better-looking iteration of the base Pursuit model (itself based on the Challenger bagger), complete with an aluminum frame, chassis-mounted fairing, and a full complement of luxury touring amenities like a cargo trunk with an integrated passenger backrest, heated grips, and touring seat..

Related: 2022 Indian Challenger Elite and Chieftain Elite First Look

A bronze-accented 1,768cc liquid-cooled PowerPlus engine takes center stage on the newest Elite model. (Indian Motorcycle/)

You do get a few cool benefits on the limited-edition bike however; for example, the electronically adjustable Fox rear suspension comes as standard issue on the Pursuit Elite (it’s an extra-cost option on the Pursuit base model with Premium package). The shock allows riders to adjust their preload for optimal comfort right from the bike’s infotainment system, so your days of pulling over and fiddling with a spanner or air pump are in the past.

As on the base model, you get a cargo trunk and top-loading weatherproof saddlebags, good for more than 35 gallons of storage in total. Luggage is also remote-locking. (Indian Motorcycle/)

About that infotainment system: As you probably guessed, the Pursuit Elite is also equipped with Indian’s familiar 7-inch touchscreen powered by the Ride Command system, and offers Apple CarPlay integration, turn-by-turn navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, one year of connected features, and more. Another welcome feature is the bike’s Smart Lean Technology that uses a six-axis Bosch IMU to tune traction control and ABS by monitoring wheel slip and torque while optimizing output based on lean angle and whichever ride mode you’re in (Rain, Standard, or Sport). Backlit switch cubes help you spot crucial control functions at night while the Pathfinder Adaptive LED headlight and Pathfinder S LED driving lights light up your evening explorations.

Premium accents on the Pursuit Elite console signify the bike’s limited-edition status. You can input settings for the standard electronically adjustable Fox rear shock from the 7-inch display. (Indian Motorcycle/)

Indian’s PowerBand audio system also leverages Ride Command to tap into an array of built-in amplifiers, a nine-band equalizer, and 16 speakers to deliver better sound clarity at speed on this Elite model. Other touring amenities include spacious and remote locking weatherproof saddlebags and trunk, and a heated seat with adjustable controls for both rider and passenger.

Capping it all off is the Pursuit Elite’s pretty swank Super Graphite Metallic and Black Metallic paint job with Shadow Bronze Chrome accents, all augmented by color-matched Elite badging on the console and covers. The Indian Pursuit Elite will have a starting MSRP of $39,999 and will begin shipping to dealers around the world in spring 2023. For more info see indianmotorcycle.com.

The Pursuit Elite also comes standard with a Pathfinder Adaptive LED headlight and Pathfinder S LED driving lights integrated into the lower fairings. (Indian Motorcycle/)
Back for 2023 is the Chieftain Elite, rocking a flashier new paint job and limited to 175 units globally. (Indian Motorcycle/)

2023 Indian Chieftain Elite

One of the more familiar sights in the Elite lineup is the Chieftain, which can be traced all the way back to 2018, when the first model came off the Spirit Lake line. “When we first introduced the 2018 Chieftain Elite, we wanted to create an offering that was not just limited in quantity, but exclusive in nature with custom details straight from the factory,” said Aaron Jax, vice president of Indian Motorcycle. “Today, with jewellike finishes, our Elite line of baggers and touring models truly represent the best of the best and deliver a statement like nothing else on the road.”

The Chieftain Elite’s Thunderstroke 116 engine can be adjusted via three selectable ride modes. Externally, it gets gussied up with what Indian calls “bronze chrome finishes.” (Indian Motorcycle/)

That said, the Chieftain Elite retains most of the same features offered in 2022, which includes the most powerful Indian Motorcycle air-cooled engine, the Thunderstroke 116, claimed to pump out 126 lb.-ft. of torque. Rear cylinder deactivation improves rider comfort when riding through slower traffic, while three selectable ride modes, including Tour, Standard, and Sport, allow riders to adjust the bike’s throttle response to match their riding style.

As on last year’s model, the 2023 Chieftain Elite also packs a 7-inch display with the Ride Command system and integrated PowerBand Audio. (Indian Motorcycle/)

Indian does give it a few cosmetic tweaks this year, offering an even more custom look by way of a new 10-spoke precision-machined front wheel under a slightly modified fender, but smart safety features are in full view on the Chieftain Elite as well, with the Adaptive Pathfinder LED headlight fending off the darkness up front, and rear saddlebag LED lights giving you light as well as a dose of style at night. An adjustable tinted flare windshield up front can be raised or lowered with the push of a handlebar-mounted button too.

The weatherproof and remote-locking saddlebags give you more than 18 gallons of storage; rear saddlebag LED lights make for a cool look at night. (Indian Motorcycle/)

Like the Pursuit Elite, the Chieftain Elite features the 7-inch touchscreen display with Ride Command, GPS with navigation, and features like live traffic and weather overlays, and a vehicle locator feature. Other standard equipment includes backlit switch cubes, an integrated 400-watt PowerBand audio system, ABS, keyless ignition, tire pressure monitoring, and of course, weatherproof and remote-locking saddlebags with more than 18 gallons of storage. Want a more custom look? Indian also offers color-matched accessories like a quick-release touring and low-profile trunk, as well as hard lower fairings to match the model’s dynamic ‘Super Graphite Smoke over Black Smoke with Shadow Bronze accents’ colorway.

The 19-inch precision-machined 10-spoke wheel on the 2023 Chieftain Elite. (Indian Motorcycle/)

Pricing for the Chieftain Elite begins at $35,499, and the model will start shipping to dealers around the world in spring 2023. More info can be found at indianmotorcycle.com.

Indian rolled out the 2023 Challenger Elite back in November of 2022. MSRP is 35,999. (Indian Motorcycle/)

Claimed Specs

	2023 Indian Pursuit Elite	2023 Indian Chieftain Elite
MSRP:	$39,999	$35,499
Engine:	1,768cc, liquid-cooled 60-degree V-twin	1,890cc, air/oil-cooled 49-degree V-twin
Bore x Stroke:	108.0 x 96.5mm	103.2 x 113.0mm
Compression Ratio:	11.0:1	11.0:1
Claimed Horsepower:	122 hp	N/A
Claimed Torque:	128 lb.-ft. @ 3,800 rpm	126 lb.-ft. @ 2,900 rpm
Transmission/Final Drive:	6-speed/belt	6-speed/belt
Fuel Delivery:	Closed loop electronic fuel injection w/ 52mm dual bores	Closed loop electronic fuel injection w/ 54mm bore
Clutch:	Wet, multiplate w/ assist	Wet, multiplate w/ assist
Front Suspension:	43mm telescopic fork; 5.1 in. travel	46mm telescopic fork; 4.7 in. travel
Rear Suspension:	Fox single shock, electronically adjustable preload; 4.5 in. travel	Single shock, air adjustable; 4.5 in. travel
Front Brake:	4-piston calipers, dual 320mm floating discs w/ ABS	4-piston calipers, dual 300mm floating discs w/ ABS
Rear Brake:	2-piston caliper, 298mm floating disc w/ ABS	2-piston caliper, 300mm floating disc w/ ABS
Wheels, Front/Rear:	5-spoke cast; 19 x 3.5 in. / 16 x 5 in. (w/ tire pressure monitoring)	Machined; 19 x 3.5 in. / 16 x 5 in. (w/ tire pressure monitoring)
Tires, Front/Rear:	Metzeler Cruisetec; 130/60B-19 / 180/60R-16	Metzeler Cruisetec; 130/60B-19 / 180/60R-16
Rake/Trail:	25.0°/5.9 in.	25.0°/5.9 in.
Wheelbase:	65.7 in.	65.7 in.
Ground Clearance:	5.4 in.	5.1 in.
Seat Height:	26.5 in.	25.6 in.
Fuel Capacity:	6.0 gal.	5.5 gal.
Claimed Dry Weight:	882 lb.	797 lb.
Contact:	indianmotorcycle.com

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