Indian brings the Challenger to the bagger segment

Bruno Gomes

November 4, 2019

Potent W-twin motor, inverted front fork, fixed front fairing and a lot of techs. Indian brings the Challenger to the bagger segment.

Indian Motorcycle decides to get to the next level in the bagger segment, a style that’s American riders love and the rest of the World tends to neglect. The new Indian Challenger is one of the biggest new models from the historic American manufacturer.

The big feature in the Challenger is its engine. The PowerPlus is a big twin-cylinder engine with 1769 cc. Such a massive engine pumps out loads of power and mountains of torque. Indian says that with 122 hp and 178 Nm this engine is the most powerful in its class.

Linked to the PowerPlus engine we find a six-speed gearbox with the 6^th gear serving as an overdrive. This means that the engine will run at lower rpms during long journeys. Improves ride comfort and fuel consumption.

Controlled by an electronic throttle, the Challenger offers three ride modes: Rain, Standard, and Sport.

Not only the rider is able to adjust the power delivery, but each ride mode comes with its own traction control settings.

But Indian Motorcycle wants the Challenger to be the new reference of the bagger segment.

With that goal in mind, Indian installs on this 2020 model an extended list of special features. Cruise control, full LED lighting, a special comfort seat, keyless ignition and side bags with a volume of 68 liters.

Over the new upside-down fork there’s a new front fixed fairing. This element includes an adjustable screen (in height), and ventilation holes to cool down the rider in warm weather. The suspension is supplied by FOX, adjustable, brakes are sourced from Brembo, and the Metzeler Cruisetec tyres guarantee that the Challenger is glued to the road.

The Challenger will be available in two versions: Dark Horse and Limited.

Both versions come fitted with Smart Lean technology. Thanks to a Bosch IMU, the ABS and traction control systems will adjust automatically to corner leaning.

Last but not least, both Challengers come with the RideCommand interface. This has a new TFT dashboard that gives information regarding traffic and weather, and also includes a mandatory GPS for those big travels.

The Indian Challenger Dark Horse will be available in Thunder Black Smoke, Sandstone Smoke, and White Smoke. Challenger Limited will be available in Thunder Black Pearl, Deepwater Metallic and Ruby Metallic.