30 MOTORCYCLE TRADER
POWER PLUS MORE
At the Challenger’s heart is Indian’s first large-
capacity liquid-cooled engine: the PowerPlus, which
takes it name from the historic Indian motorcycle
built between 1916 and 1924. The 108-cubic-inch
(1769cc) 60-degree V-twin packs 90kW (122hp) at
5500rpm and 178Nm at 3800rpm, the
latter of which is a healthy jump from
Harley’s 163Nm output of its (bigger)
Milwaukee-Eight 114.
The Indian unit adopts
several features from the smaller
Scout’s liquid-cooled 1133cc
V-twin including four-valve heads;
a relatively high compression ratio
of 11:1; 52mm dual-bore throttle
bodies and a semi-dry sump. There’s
also a single overhead camshaft,
while hydraulic valve adjusters and
camchain tensioners are there for low
maintenance. As seen in the Thunderstroke 116
engine of the latest Chief models, there’s also a
cylinder deactivation system that shuts off the rear
pot when stationary to reduce heat.
The PowerPlus is mated to a six-speed gearbox
with a true overdrive while an assisted clutch
reduces lever effort.
The introduction of ride-by-wire brings the choice
of three ride modes (Rain, Standard and Sport), the
difference between which is absolutely noticeable.
Standard and Rain modes were sampled duringthe first day’s ride but Sport mode soon became the
go-to for full power and minimal traction control
intervention while enjoying the roads around
north ern California.
Also unexpected – and unrivalled – for the
segment is a suite of electronic rider aids that match
a modern superbike including lean-sensitive
ABS and traction control, and drag torque
control all thanks to a Bosch Inertial
Measurement Unit, or IMU.
It’s a similar story when it comes to
touring comfort, with features you’d
expect of a long-haul bagger. Cruise
control, an imposing LED headlight,
keyless ignition, a tyre-pressure
monitoring system and solid, 34-litre
hard panniers with central locking
being the main talking points.
The Challenger is Indian’s
first fixed-fairing model and that
imposing, muscle car-inspired front end is the
bike’s headline act. While it unashamedly mimics
the Road Glide’s, Indian says extensive wind tunnel
testing is behind the design of the final product.
And it shows. Unlike its rival, the Challenger
features an electrically adjustable screen (offering
3.0 inches, or 7.5cm, of travel), and it’s the best
air management control system I’ve ever used by
creating a pocket of calm air all the way to top
speed. I wore a Shoei J-Cruise open-face helmet,
which features a flip-up shield, but the only timeABOVE: There’s an extra 5kg in the Limited version. Must be the chrome. An electrically adjustable screen - reckon we’ll see one on the next Road Glide?