Indian Announces American Racing Operations Performance Division

Since its start 125 years ago, Indian Motorcycle has defined American motorcycle innovation through fierce competition on the race track and world-class craftsmanship for riders on the street. Today, Indian Motorcycle continues its legacy with the introduction of its American Racing Operations (ARO). The all-new performance division represents Indian Motorcycle’s commitment to developing integrated performance solutions inspired by its rich racing heritage.

ARO (pronounced “arrow”) exists to push Indian Motorcycle forward through a comprehensive portfolio of performance parts, accessories, future technologies and rider-focused solutions. As the performance division of Indian Motorcycle, ARO develops factory-backed performance solutions inspired by 125 years of American motorcycle innovation and competition, giving riders a seamless path to elevate power, handling, sound and the overall riding experience.

“Our brand was founded by two racers who built a legacy pushing performance and driving American motorcycle innovation literally through racing,” said Mike Kennedy, CEO of Indian Motorcycle. “As stewards of Indian Motorcycle’s 125-year history, we’re proud to continue this legacy of innovation with our new race-inspired, factory-backed performance halo brand. ARO represents our commitment to performance, authenticity, and the continued evolution of American motorcycling, driven by and inspired by our historic investment in racing.”

Debuting with the launch of ARO is an all-new dual slip-on exhaust system for select bagger and touring models. The ARO GP Slip-On Exhaust was designed by Vance & Hines Factory Indian Motorcycle race team principal, Terry Vance, founder of one of the industry’s most respected aftermarket providers, Vance & Hines, and a true legend in American motorcycle racing. Pulling design inspiration from road racing, the ARO GP Slip-On Exhaust features exhaust screens similar to those common with international road racing bikes. The new ARO GP Slip-On Exhaust elevates the dynamic voice of PowerPlus with a precision-tuned sound, highlighted by a deep, low-frequency exhaust note at idle and low RPM, before transitioning into a broad, high-output tone under acceleration and elevated engine speeds. The dual slip-on exhaust system amplifies both performance and emotion, delivering a commanding sound profile that embodies the racing heritage of Indian Motorcycle.

“Our all-new slip-on exhaust system is really special, as it represents the first in what we expect to be a long line of performance products we will develop,” said Kennedy. “I’ve been running a prototype on my own Indian Challenger since Daytona, and I can say wholeheartedly that it sounds absolutely amazing and truly elevates the experience of riding an Indian PowerPlus bagger.”

Beginning this weekend at MotoAmerican King of the Baggers at Road America, the Vance & Hines Factory Indian Motorcycle race team will be running an ARO two-into-one exhaust system developed exclusively for the factory racing program. The team goes into Road America with significant momentum, having won all four races and claiming 9 of 12 podium spots over the series’ first two rounds.

Rooted in Indian Motorcycle’s extensive racing heritage and its championship-winning MotoAmerica King of the Baggers Factory Racing Team, ARO components are engineered to meet rigorous performance and reliability standards for riders seeking the ultimate in American V-Twin performance. ARO represents a growing portfolio of premium components and accessories engineered to enhance power, sound, and style. While select products will be directly derived from Indian Motorcycle’s King of the Baggers race program, including exhaust systems, air intakes, and performance hard parts, the broader ARO lineup draws inspiration from the spirit of innovation and competition that has defined Indian Motorcycle for 125 years.