Indian’s Sport Chief was already a bruiser, a back-alley brawler wrapped in blacked-out muscle, but something was missing.
Harley’s Low Rider ST had been throwing punches with its FXRT-style fairing and hard bags, and Indian needed a counterpunch. Enter the 2025 Indian Sport Chief RT—a more refined knuckle sandwich aimed squarely at the ST, now packing saddlebags and a sound system.
The Chief Grows Up
At its core, the 2025 Indian Sport Chief RT is still the same raucous machine. That quarter fairing remains perched up front, smirking at the wind, while moto-style bars on six-inch risers maintain that aggressive stance. The 4-gallon tank, chopped fenders, and stacked dual exhausts are all present and accounted for.
The real heart of the matter—Indian’s 1,890cc Thunderstroke 116—rumbles along unchanged, still delivering a hearty 120 lb.-ft. of torque through a steel-tube frame with an aluminum rear subframe. Ride modes, throttle-by-wire, cruise control, and Indian’s slick Ride Command system, all managed via a 4-inch TFT touchscreen, ensure the RT isn’t just about brawn.
The RT Treatment
What sets the RT apart? For starters, an all-new 2-Up High Bolster Seat. Not just a fancy name, it’s a five-inch bolster of support, designed to keep you planted when the Thunderstroke gets rowdy. Another major shift—forward controls.
The standard Sport Chief made a name for itself with mid-mount pegs, but Indian decided the RT needed a more relaxed posture. In fact, the fine print reveals all 2025 Sport Chief models will now roll out with forward controls—something purists might want to take note of.
Handling Business
Performance still takes priority. A 43mm KYB inverted fork keeps the front end taut, while a pair of Fox piggyback shocks—adjustable for compression and rebound with 23-click twist knobs—handle rear duty.
Dual Brembo four-piston calipers clamp down on the front wheel, with a single disc out back. The rolling stock stays the same: 19-inch front and 16-inch rear cast alloy wheels, wrapped in Metzeler Cruisetec tires, offering a mix of grip and longevity.
Tunes and Bags
Of course, if you’re gonna tour, you need tunes. Indian introduces its all-new PowerBand Audio Bluetooth speaker setup on the RT, a 90-watt system hiding behind the fairing with two midrange speakers, a subwoofer, and a pair of tweeters.
Not quite the 400-watt rock concert found on Indian’s baggers, but still enough to rattle your fillings. Ride Command handles the audio settings, navigation, and bike diagnostics, and if you’re willing to pay, Indian’s connected services will even keep an eye on your bike’s health.
Then there are the bags. A pair of hard-shell saddlebags add over 10 gallons of storage and a welcome splash of practicality. Hinged forward for easy access, they’re also compatible across the entire Chief line and can be ordered in color-matched paint or textured black.
The Bottom Line for the 2025 Indian Sport Chief RT
Aaron Jax, VP of Indian Motorcycle, puts it simply: “With the Sport Chief RT, we’re adding custom-inspired componentry to create the ultimate package for riders looking to enhance style, add storage, and integrate audio.” Translation? Indian saw the Low Rider ST stealing the show and decided to bring the RT to the fight.
Pricing starts at $22,499, with color options including Black Smoke, Sunset Red Smoke, and Heavy Metal. If you still prefer your bruiser without bags, the standard Sport Chief returns at $19,999.
And in a quieter move, Indian also revealed the Super Chief Dark Horse—a styling variant of the Super Chief Limited. Mechanically identical, it gets a glossy blackout treatment and the same Thunderstroke 116 powerplant. Price? $21,999.
The 2025 Indian Sport Chief RT hits dealerships this February. If you’re looking for a club-style cruiser with an attitude and a bit more practicality, this might just be your next ticket to the open road.
Check it out at Indian Motorcycle’s website.
