Challenger Accepted

Dave takes Indian’s latest bagger for a ‘Victory’ lap …

- David Cohen

For me, one of the biggest disappointments in the demise of Victory Motorcycles was that there would be no more ‘Cross Country’ and ‘Cross Roads’ models.

For us big guys these were outstanding Motorcycles. They accommodated the ‘larger gentleman’ and his passenger in excellent comfort. They were roomy, performed well and were a joy to chuck around – right off the showroom floor. They needed no extended reach saddles or other accessorising to fit the longer limbed and were easily ‘best in class’ in that regard.

Ditto! Sort of.

After a day in the saddle aboard the new Indian Challenger I’m pleased to report that the gap left by the big Vics has been filled most admirably. That’s not to say that an average size rider will find the new model oversized with its 672mm saddle height and wide, pulled back handlebars, but the big guys will appreciate its spacious comfort mightily.

But the new machine has gone completely next level with its performance, handling and accoutrements.

The ‘PowerPlus’ engine is similar to the highly rated Scout motor – on steroids. The capacity of the 60-degree, liquid cooled, 4-valve per cylinder power plant has been upped to 1768cc (108ci) and it features hydraulic valve lash adjusters and hydraulic camshaft chain tensioners amongst its niceties. It bangs out 122 horsepower and 128ftlbs of torque in stock form – and that’s all driven through a very sure-shifting 6-speed gearbox with a true overdrive.

There are three riding modes available in the rideby wire setup – Rain, Normal and Sport. Each mode makes quite a difference to the throttle response and power delivery. The EFI is also the best on a big capacity Indian so far. It’s a peach of an engine.