Indian Motorcycle unveils American Racing Operations performance division

Indian Motorcycle has announced the launch of American Racing Operations (ARO), a new performance-focused division that will develop factory-backed upgrades, accessories and technology solutions for the brand's motorcycles. Pronounced "Arrow", the new division is intended to serve as Indian Motorcycle's in-house performance arm, drawing on technology and expertise from the company's racing programmes, including its MotoAmerica King of the Baggers effort.

1. ARO will develop performance parts and accessories for Indian motorcycles
2. First product is a GP Slip-On Exhaust for select PowerPlus-powered models
3. Future range to include intake systems and other performance upgrades

First ARO product revealed

The first product to emerge from the new division is the ARO-GP Slip-On Exhaust, developed for select Indian bagger and touring motorcycles powered by the PowerPlus engine.

Designed by Terry Vance, founder of Vance & Hines and principal of Indian Motorcycle's factory King of the Baggers race team, the exhaust system takes inspiration from road-racing motorcycles. According to Indian, it has been tuned to deliver a deeper exhaust note at lower engine speeds while producing a more aggressive sound under acceleration.

Racing programme to debut ARO exhaust

Indian Motorcycle has also confirmed that its factory King of the Baggers race team will debut an ARO-developed two-into-one exhaust system at the upcoming MotoAmerica round at Road America.

The race-spec exhaust is currently exclusive to the factory racing programme and will not initially be offered for production motorcycles.

More performance parts planned

Indian says ARO's future product portfolio will include exhaust systems, air intake kits and other performance-oriented components. While some products will be derived directly from the company's racing activities, the division is also expected to develop a broader range of upgrades aimed at improving performance, handling and styling across Indian Motorcycle's lineup.

The launch of ARO follows a growing trend among motorcycle manufacturers to establish dedicated performance divisions, similar to Harley-Davidson's Screamin' Eagle brand, which offers factory-backed performance parts and accessories.