Indian Challenger Range Launched In the US

The range comprising three new models is expected to come to India by mid-2020

• The new bagger range comprises the Challenger, Challenger Dark Horse and Challenger Limited.
• It gets the new PowerPlus 1769cc liquid-cooled V-twin motor—Indian’s most powerful motor to date.
• Gets a new cast aluminium frame, radially mounted Brembo brakes and 3-riding modes.
• Is expected to be launched in India by mid-2020. 

Indian Motorcycles has added a new Challenger lineup to its range comprising the Challenger, Challenger Dark Horse and Challenger Limited. The three models get new bodywork, a new frame and a new powerplant. 

Apart from being huge, the Challenger gets a distinctive all-LED headlamp unit with integrated LED turn indicators. The fairing is mounted on the frame, which takes most of the weight off the handlebar and gets adjustable airflow vents. Its 22.7-litre fuel tank too is shaped similar to the smaller Indian Scout. The hard saddlebags are all-weatherproof and offer more than 68-litres of storage space. Seat height is a low 672mm while ground clearance is 137mm. 

Also read: Harley-Davidson 1200 Custom Vs Indian Scout Sixty: Comparison Review

Features include a fairing-mounted instrument console with a touchscreen display and a Bluetooth-enabled 100-watt audio system, power-adjustable windscreen, keyless ignition and low tyre pressure monitor. 

At the center is a brand new 1769cc PowerPlus motor. This liquid-cooled V-twin motor is a stark departure from the air-cooled Thunder Stroke V-twin motors. It delivers 124PS at 5500rpm and a massive 173.5Nm at 3800rpm making the PowerPlus the most powerful motor that ever sat inside an Indian motorcycle. Cylinder deactivation tech allows the rear cylinder to be deactivated at idle. This allows the motor and exhaust to cool down making it more comfortable to ride in traffic. This motor gets 3-rider modes: Rain, Standard and Sport. It has a six-speed gearbox. 

The cast aluminium frame is all new and uses the motor as a stressed member. It gets 43mm upside down forks and a new gas-charged Fox monoshock. The Challenger rides on 19-inch front and 16-inch rear cast aluminium wheels and specially developed 130/60 B19 and 180/60 R16 Metzeler Cruistec tyres. Braking is via dual 320mm discs clamped with Brembo 4-piston radial calipers and a 298mm disc with a 2-piston caliper. Safety aids include a six-axis Bosch IMU-based traction control and cornering ABS, engine torque control and cruise control. 

The Challenger models are expected to launch in India by mid-2020. It is likely to be positioned with the Indian Chief models. Pricing for the Challenger models is expected to start at Rs 25 lakh (ex-showroom India).