Top 5 Indian Pursuit Upgrades Worth Doing
After 10,000+ km (6,200+ mi) on my 2024 Indian Pursuit Dark Horse Icon, here are the five upgrades that made the biggest difference — ranked by impact, with costs and whether you can DIY them.
Table of Contents
1. Mid-rise handlebars
Cost: $350-$450 CAD | DIY: Yes (2-3 hours) | Impact: High
This is the single biggest comfort improvement you can make to the Pursuit. The stock bars are low and wide, which puts weight on your wrists. After a 400 km (249 mi) day, my wrists were sore. Mid-rise bars bring the grips up about 8 cm (3 in) and slightly back, putting you in a more upright position that takes weight off your hands.
After the swap, 500 km (311 mi) days are comfortable. The bike also feels lighter at low speeds because you have more leverage. Get the Indian OEM mid-rise bar kit — it includes extended cables so everything fits properly.
2. Stage 1 exhaust and air cleaner
Cost: $1,000-$1,500 CAD | DIY: Yes (2 hours) | Impact: Medium
The stock exhaust is too quiet for a 108ci V-twin. The Stage 1 package (slip-on exhaust + air cleaner + ECU calibration) opens up the sound and adds 5-8 horsepower. The bike feels more eager off the line and the throttle response is smoother. At highway speed, the exhaust is noticeable but not intrusive.
Install all three components together — the ECU calibration included with the exhaust kit matches the increased airflow. Without it, the bike runs lean and pops on deceleration.
3. Taller touring windshield
Cost: $200-$400 CAD | DIY: Yes (30 min) | Impact: Medium-High
The stock windshield is adequate at lower speeds but creates buffeting above 110 km/h (68 mph). A taller windshield (5-10 cm / 2-4 in taller than stock) redirects the airflow over your helmet, reducing fatigue on long highway days.
Look for a windshield with a small lip or flip at the top — this creates a cleaner airflow pattern. Madstad and WindstREAM make quality options for the Pursuit. Avoid excessively tall windshields — they look awkward and can create turbulence at the helmet level.
4. Aftermarket seat
Cost: $400-$800 CAD | DIY: No (bolt-on replacement) | Impact: High for touring
The stock seat is comfortable for 4-5 hours, then it gets firm. For riders doing 500+ km (311+ mi) days, an aftermarket seat from Mustang or Corbin is worth every dollar. The foam density is different — it does not compress as much over a long day, so you do not develop pressure points.
I have not replaced my seat yet, but after a 600 km (373 mi) day, I was planning the purchase. If you tour regularly, this is upgrade #2 after the handlebars.
5. Phone mount with USB-C charging
Cost: $80-$150 CAD | DIY: Yes (1 hour) | Impact: High for navigation
A secure phone mount (Quad Lock or RAM X-Grip) plus a motorcycle USB-C outlet wired to the battery turns your phone into a navigation system that never dies. This is the cheapest upgrade with the highest daily impact — you will use it every single ride.
Use a vibration-damped mount (Quad Lock with the vibration dampener accessory) to protect your phone's camera OIS. Wire the USB outlet through an inline fuse to the battery. A 30W outlet keeps your phone running at full GPS brightness indefinitely.
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Mid-rise handlebars. The comfort improvement is immediate and the biggest daily impact. After that, the phone mount with USB-C charging — it is the cheapest and you use it every ride.
Indian OEM parts (Stage 1, handlebar kit, windshield) installed by an authorized dealer do not void warranty. Aftermarket parts may affect specific warranty coverage. Check with your dealer.
Approximately $2,030-$3,300 CAD depending on brands and whether you DIY. The handlebars and phone mount give the most bang for the buck.
Prices are approximate as of August 2026. Verify current pricing with your local Canadian Indian Motorcycle dealer.