Challenging For The Title

To say this bike came out of left field is understating the case. We knew Indian had something new coming later in 2019 but were totally unprepared for the all-new Challenger …

- Brumby

Indian say it took over three years to develop which again I find a bit amazing because given the breadth and scope of its ability, that doesn’t seem long enough.

The Challenger was launched somewhat unconventionally, in a southern Californian vineyard, in a racebike workshop belonging to motocross ace Carey Hart, now an Indian brand partner and husband to mega rock star Pink. (She was there too. Almost upstaged the bike!)

Reid Wilson, VP of Indian Motorcycle took the microphone and explained why Indian built the Challenger.

“The Challenger delivers a new level of performance. We left no stone unturned to deliver a bagger which exceeds the standard in all categories of power, handling, comfort, and technology.” Fair enough, but that downplays what it actually is. The PowerPlus is Indian’s first, large displacement, liquid-cooled motor. It’s a 1769cc/108ci 60 degree V-twin packing 122hp and 128ft/lbs (174nm) of torque. It has a 6-speed gearbox with a true overdrive, an assisted clutch which reduces lever effort and hydraulic valve adjusters and cam chain tensioners for low maintenance. Four valves per cylinder are actuated by a single overhead camshaft.

Throttle mapping is adjustable via three ride modes; Rain, Standard and Sport. The difference is absolutely noticeable when riding. I tried Standard and Rain modes on the first day, as I have to, but by day two I left it in Sport setting which gives full power and minimum traction control.

Speaking of traction control, the Challenger has a Bosch IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) which offers Cornering Lean Control, Traction Control, ABS and Drag Torque Control. All of these functions are part of Indian’s Smart Lean Technology designed to aid riders to stay upright and maximise their ride enjoyment.