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.
Denne historien er fra November - December 2019-utgaven av HEAVY DUTY Magazine.
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Denne historien er fra November - December 2019-utgaven av HEAVY DUTY Magazine.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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Polishing The Facets
Finessing the sharp edges and making that 124 sing and dance
The Fabulous Flexi Flyer
A genuine time capsule with history oozing from every single unique pore.
Road Raves Living The Life With Doc Robinson
WORDS OF WISDOM “When I was old enough to ride a motorcycle and got my license, I bought a ’69 Sportster.” – Chuck Zito
The End Of The Line
Writing a road test about a bike that is due to disappear from dealers’ floors any minute is a bit weird. Should this be more of a eulogy?
Now It's Time To Head Down Track
What happens when I’m ready to race at an IHRA-sanctioned dragstrip?
RAUCOUS ROCKY
With our own area called the Motorcycle Precinct, bikers were well catered for at this year’s RockyNats
S&S SUPERSTREET
With a Softail Deluxe already dripping in chrome, of course Paul was easily swayed by the offer of a shiny, new S&S SuperStreet two-into-one.
SPORTS STILL ROARING
Blues skies greeted the National Roaring Sporties racers for Round Two at the challenging Morgan Park Raceway near Warwick, Qld.
NO STRINGS ATTACHED
Even some of the locals are over the yodelling and pedal steel guitars. HOG member and history nerd, Roderick Eime explores another side of Tamworth and the surrounding region.
HAPPY HOGGIES
The drought was well and truly broken with HOG members from all over Australia making it to Rockhampton.