8 Common Indian Roadmaster Problems (Solutions Guide)

The Indian Roadmaster is a premium Touring motorcycle that offers a powerful engine, spacious storage, advanced technology, and luxurious amenities.

Still, even a machine of the Roadmaster’s caliber can experience technical difficulties from time to time.

This guide provides solutions to problems and answers to questions that Roadmaster owners and riders may encounter.

1. Indian Roadmaster Won’t Start

One of the most frustrating problems that can happen to any motorcycle rider is when the bike won’t start. There are many possible causes for this issue, including issues with fuel, electrical systems, and battery/charging system components.

Inspect your Battery and Charging System

The battery is the heart of your Roadmasters’ electrical system, and if it is weak or dead, your bike won’t start.

• You can check the battery voltage with a multimeter or use the onboard diagnostic tool on your Ride Command display.
• If the battery is low, you may need to charge it or replace it.
• You should also check the battery cables and terminals for any loose or corroded connections, as they can prevent the battery from delivering enough power to the starter.

Check your Kill Switch and Ignition Switch

Sometimes, the simplest things can cause the most significant problems. If your kill switch is in the off position or your ignition switch is faulty, your Roadmaster won’t start.

• Make sure your kill switch is in the run position, and try turning your ignition switch on and off a few times to see if it makes a difference.
• If you suspect that your ignition switch is bad, you may need to have it replaced by a professional.

Troubleshoot your Fuel System

Your bike needs fuel to run, and if there is something wrong with your fuel system, your Roadmaster won’t start.

• Check your fuel level and make sure you have enough gas in your tank.
• You should also listen for the fuel pump to cycle when you turn on the ignition. If you don’t hear it, or if it sounds abnormal, there may be a problem with the fuel pump or the fuel filter.
• Clean or replace your fuel pump and filter as needed to restore proper fuel flow to your engine, inspecting and maintaining these components per the Indian-suggested service intervals.

2. Indian Roadmaster Wont Shift

Shifting gears is an essential skill for any motorcycle rider, but sometimes your bike may not cooperate. If your Indian Roadmaster is having trouble shifting, it could be due to a misadjusted clutch, a faulty circuit breaker, or a bad gear switch sensor.

Adjust your Clutch Cable and Lever

The clutch is the device that allows you to change gears smoothly, and if it is not adjusted correctly, it can cause shifting problems.

• Examine your clutch cable for any signs of wear or damage and replace it if necessary.
• You should also adjust your clutch lever to have about 1/8 inch (3 mm) of free play at the end.
• Ensure that your clutch is fully disengaged when you pull the lever and fully engaged when you release it.

Troubleshoot your Gear Switch Sensor

The gear switch sensor is the device that tells your Roadmaster’s computer what gear you are in and displays it on your LCD screen and RIDE COMMAND display. If it is malfunctioning, it can cause your bike not to shift correctly or show incorrect gear readings.

• You can check the gear switch sensor by using a multimeter to measure the resistance between its terminals and compare it to the specifications in your service manual.
• If the sensor is out of its ideal Ohms range, you may need to replace it.

3. Indian Roadmaster Cutting Out

If your Indian Roadmaster is cutting out while riding, it could be due to a rear cylinder deactivation feature, a clogged fuel system, or a restricted exhaust system.

Disable Rear Cylinder Deactivation

Rear cylinder deactivation is a feature that shuts off the rear cylinder of your bike when it is hot and idle to reduce engine and exhaust heat to the rider.

However, some owners have reported that this feature can cause their bikes to cut out while riding after running rough in certain conditions.

You can turn off rear cylinder deactivation by accessing the settings menu on your RIDE COMMAND display.

• In some cases, the rear cylinder is turned on for legitimate reasons and just fails to automatically turn itself off once the bike’s engine cools down.
• In other cases, the Roadmaster’s temperature sensor may be contaminated or have loose wiring and is relaying improper data to the ECU, causing it to deactivate your rear cylinder even at safe operating temps.
• Finally, it may be that your ECU needs an update from the dealership and is misinterpreting data from your bike’s sensors.

Check your Fuel System

Your Roadmaster needs fuel to run, and if there is something wrong with your fuel system, your bike may cut out, either while riding or at start-up.

• Examine your fuel level and make sure you have enough gas in your tank.
• Inspect your fuel filter and fuel pump for any signs of clogging or damage and replace them if necessary.
• You may also want to use a fuel stabilizer or additive to prevent ethanol-related problems in your fuel system.

Remove Baffles from Exhaust Pipes

The baffles are the devices that reduce the noise and emissions from your exhaust system.  

• Some owners have reported that removing the baffles from their exhaust pipes improved their bike’s performance and reduced cutting-out issues.
• You can remove the baffles by using a hole saw and an extension to cut them out from inside the pipes. However, be aware that this may void your warranty, increase your noise level, affect your emissions compliance, and can actually lead to worse performance and more cutting out if poorly executed.

4. Indian Roadmaster Rough Idle

A smooth and steady idle is a sign of a well-tuned engine, but sometimes, your bike may not run as smoothly as it should. If your Indian Roadmaster is experiencing rough idle, it could be due to a cold engine, a faulty spark plug, or a dirty throttle body.

Warm Up your Engine Properly

• Upon initial start-up, do not allow the engine to idle for long periods, as overheating can occur.
• Avoid fast starts with a wide-open throttle.
• Drive slowly until the engine warms up.
• Avoid running the engine at extremely low RPM in higher gears (lugging the engine).
• Drive within the recommended operating speeds and gears to help your engine run more smoothly and efficiently.

Replace your Spark Plug

The spark plug is the device that ignites the fuel-air mixture in your engine’s cylinder, and if it is worn or damaged, it can cause misfires and rough idle.

• Examine your spark plug for any signs of corrosion, fouling, or cracking and replace it if necessary.
• Check the spark plug gap and make sure it is within the specifications in your service manual.
• A properly gapped and functioning spark plug will ensure optimal combustion and performance.

Clean your Throttle Body

The throttle body is the device that controls the amount of air that enters your engine, and if it is dirty or clogged, it can cause a rough idle and poor throttle response.

• Inspect your throttle body for any signs of carbon buildup or debris and clean it with a throttle body cleaner spray.
• You should also check the throttle position sensor and make sure it is working correctly.
• A clean and calibrated throttle body will improve your engine’s airflow and efficiency.

5. Indian Roadmaster Keeps Stalling

There is nothing more frustrating than when your bike keeps stalling in the middle of a ride. If your Indian Roadmaster stalls at start-up or while riding, it could be due to a defective circuit breaker, a faulty fuel pump, or a bad throttle position sensor.

Replace your Circuit Breaker

The circuit breaker is the device that protects your bike’s electrical system from overloading or shorting out. If it is defective, it may trip without cause and cause a sudden loss of power and an engine stall.

• Indian has recalled some 2019 models for this issue, and you should check with your dealer if your bike is affected.
• If not, you may still need to replace a blown fuse or fix a tripped circuit breaker, especially if your Roadmaster stalls and won’t start back up.

Check your Fuel Pump

The fuel pump is the device that delivers fuel from your tank to your engine, and if it is faulty, it may not provide enough fuel pressure or volume to keep your engine running.

• Listen for the fuel pump to cycle when you turn on the ignition and check for any signs of damage or clogging in the fuel filter or fuel lines.
• Replace your fuel pump or filter if they are causing stalling issues.

Troubleshoot your Throttle Position Sensor

The throttle position sensor is the device that tells your bike’s computer how much you are opening or closing the throttle and adjusts the fuel and air mixture accordingly.

• If it is malfunctioning, it may send incorrect signals to your computer and cause your engine to stall or run poorly.
• You can check the throttle position sensor by using a multimeter to measure the voltage between its terminals and compare it to the specifications in your service manual.
• If the sensor is out of range, you may need to replace it or recalibrate it.

6. Indian Roadmaster Oil Leak

An oil leak can lead to severe problems, creating a hazardous mess on your bike and garage floor and damaging your engine.

If your Indian Roadmaster is leaking oil, it could be due to a loose or damaged oil filter, a faulty stator wire grommet, or a worn primary gasket.

Inspect your Oil Filter

The oil filter is the device that filters out any dirt or debris from your engine oil, and if it is loose or damaged, it can cause oil to leak from the front of the crankcase.

• Check your oil filter for any signs of corrosion, fouling, or cracking, and tighten it or replace it if necessary.
• Inspect the oil filter seal and make sure it is lubricated and intact.
• A properly installed and functioning oil filter will prevent oil leaks and protect your engine.

Replace your Stator’s Wire Grommet

The stator wire grommet is the device that seals the hole where the stator wire comes out of the left side of the case. If your Roadmaster’s stator grommet is worn or broken, it can cause oil to leak from behind a triangular bracket near the O2 sensor plug.

• Check the stator wire grommet for any signs of wear or damage and replace as needed.
• You may need to replace the whole stator assembly if the grommet is not sold separately.
• A new stator wire grommet will stop oil leaks and prevent electrical problems.

Replace your Primary Gasket

The primary gasket is the device that seals the gap between the primary cover and the engine case. If your primary gasket is worn or damaged, it can cause oil to leak from the bottom of the engine near the kickstand swivel.

• Examine your Roadmaster’s primary gasket for any signs of wear or damage, replacing if necessary.
• You may need to drain and refill your primary fluid when replacing the gasket.
• A new primary gasket will stop oil leaks and ensure proper lubrication of your primary components.

7. Indian Roadmaster Overheating

Overheating is a serious problem that can damage your engine and affect your comfort and safety. If your Indian Roadmaster is overheating, it could be due to a hot ambient temperature, a clogged catalytic converter, or a lean fuel mixture.

Avoid riding in Extreme Heat

The Indian Roadmaster has an air-cooled engine, which means it relies on the airflow to keep it cool. Your motor may overheat if you ride in scorching weather, especially in slow traffic.

• Avoid idling your Roadmaster’s air-cooled engine for more than 5 minutes at a standstill in temperatures above 95°F (35°C).
• Use a cooling vest or jacket to keep yourself comfortable.
• You should also check your oil level and make sure it is within the recommended range. Oil helps lubricate and cool your engine components.

Cut your catalytic converter.

The catalytic converter is the device that reduces the emissions from your exhaust system, but it also generates a lot of heat. Some owners have reported that removing the catalytic converter from their exhaust pipes reduced their engine temperature and improved their performance.

• You can bypass your catalytic converter by using a hole saw and an extension to cut it out from inside the pipes.
• However, be aware that this may void your warranty, impact performance in other ways, increase your noise level, and affect your emissions compliance.
• We suggest discussing other options with a trained Indian dealership tech before attempting to cut your catalytic converter on your own.

Adjust your Fuel Mixture

The fuel mixture is the ratio of fuel and air entering your engine, affecting your combustion and performance. If your fuel mixture is too lean, meaning there is not enough fuel for air, your motor may overheat and run poorly.

• Adjust your fuel mixture to different riding situations by using a fuel controller device such as the PV3 from Fuelmoto.
• This device allows you to customize your fuel map and optimize your engine performance.
• That said, ensure an add-on fuel controller doesn’t void your warranty.
• Note: You may need to adjust or upgrade your air or fuel intake systems to accommodate a new mixture; be sure you understand what you’re getting into before you start installing fuel and air intake controllers.

8. Indian Roadmaster Battery Not Charging

If your Indian Roadmaster battery is not charging, it could be due to a dead battery, a loose or corroded battery connection, or a faulty stator or regulator.

Replace your Battery

If your Roadmaster’s battery is dead or weak, it may not charge or hold a charge.

• Check your battery voltage with a multimeter or use the onboard diagnostic tool on your Ride Command display.
• Consider the battery age and make sure it is not more than three years old.

Inspect your Battery Connections

The battery connections are the devices that link your battery to your bike’s electrical system. If they are loose or corroded, they may prevent the battery from charging or delivering enough power.

Check your battery terminals and cables for any signs of wear or damage and tighten them or replace them if necessary.

You should also clean the terminals with a terminal brush and a baking soda solution and coat them with dielectric grease or petroleum jelly.

Check your Stator and Regulator

The stator and regulator are the devices that comprise your Roadmaster’s charging system.

The charging system transfers and regulates electrical power from your engine to charge your battery and power your accessories while you ride.

If they are faulty or damaged, they may not provide enough power or voltage to charge your battery.

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