Indian Motorcycles has unveiled the new 2020 Challenger, boasting a striking combination of technology, American muscle and an all-new liquid-cooled engine.
We had heard rumblings in the corners the past weeks of something new coming from Indian Motorcycles, now it’s confirmed with the fixed fairing inverted front end bagger with the largest engine in it’s class. The 2020 Challenger will feature Indian’s first liquid-cooled large displacement engine (108 cubic-inch, 60-degree V-twin) that packs a best-in-class 122 horsepower and 128 ft-lbs. of torque. The new engine’s name pays homage to a vital piece of iconic Indian Motorcycle’s history; the Powerplus motorcycle produced from 1916 to 1924.
The Challenger also features a six-speed transmission with true overdrive, assist clutch to reduce clutch effort, and hydraulic valve lash adjusters and camshaft chain tensioners for a low maintenance, reliable powerplant. Riders can customize the bike’s throttle mapping by selecting one of three ride modes, including Rain, Standard and Sport – each ride mode has been engineered with its own distinct traction control setting to align with each mode’s specific throttle mapping. The bagger is also equipped with Indian Motorcycle’s intuitive Smart Lean Technology™, keeping riders confidently grounded by utilizing a Bosch IMU to add cornering control to the dynamic traction control and ABS, as well as Drag Torque Control.
“The Indian Challenger delivers a new level of performance for riders who understand that the seemingly small details make a huge difference,” said Reid Wilson, Vice President of Indian Motorcycle. “Our mindset was to leave no stone unturned and deliver a bagger that exceeds the standards in categories like power, handling, comfort, and technology.”
The Challenger is set to be priced starting at $26,999 CDN, with the Challenger Dark Horse being $33,999 and $34,499 for the Challenger Limited. As per usual Indian is offering a full line-up of accessories to fit the bike and style. The Challenger will be built at Indian Motorcycle’s production facility in Spirit Lake, Iowa, while the Powerplus engine will be assembled in Osceola, Wisconsin before final assembly in Iowa.
“While we are grounded in our iconic history, we are focused and driven to break new ground and establish a higher standard for riders; and the Challenger is a testament to that,” said Steve Menneto, President of Indian Motorcycle. “The amount of technology and level of detail packed into this bike is incredible, and it’s something we’re extremely proud of.”
Learn more about Indian Motorcycle and the 2020 Indian Challenger by clicking here
