Leaked footage from a dealer meeting has revealed the brand name and several styling elements of the upcoming new Indian Motorcycles’ cruiser. The upcoming product will be called “Challenger”, and it is likely to make public debut at the Sturgis Rally in South Dakota that is scheduled from 2-11 August 2019. The motorcycle will be displayed at the 2019 EICMA show in Milan. Check out the video from the dealer meet below:
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The video reveals styling cues such as front fender-mounted Indian “War Bonnet”, full LED headlight and hard panniers at the back. The rear panniers confirm that the Challenger will be a bagger-style touring motorcycle. Spy photographs of the Challenger revealed fixed, semi-fairing design with a tall windscreen on the upcoming model. The windscreen will most likely be an electronically adjustable unit while the panniers will feature remote lock – features that we previously saw on the Indian Chieftain range of motorcycles. The handlebar will be tilted towards the rider, while the footboard would be placed forward.
The instrument console on the Challenger is yet to reveal itself. However, we could see an Indian Roadmaster style cockpit with analogue speedometer and tachometer along with a massive touch screen display in the centre and speakers towards the edge of the fairing. Heated grips should be part of the optional accessories.
The new video also reveals some of the engine details. The new motor will be called the Powerplus 108. The 108 cubic inches or 1,770 cc liquid-cooled, 60-degree V-Twin should deliver 120 HP of maximum power. The peak torque should be marginally lower than the 1,811 cc Thunder Stroke 111’s 161.6 Nm output. The power mill will be linked to a six-speed gearbox. Feature list should include multiple riding modes, traction control, ABS and cruise control.
The hardware specifications will include upside-down telescopic forks at the front, which will add a modern touch to the package. Twin discs, which employ Brembo sourced callipers, will provide stopping power to the front wheel. The rear will use a single disc with Brembo callipers.
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The Indian Challenger will compete with the Harley-Davidson Road Glide Special and the likes. In India, it may cost around INR 35,00,000 (ex-showroom).
