Indian Debuts Pursuit Elite Model for 2023

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.”

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.

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.

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.

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.