Road & GT
The Challenger had not yet been entitled to its Premium version, which Indian baptizes a little soberly Elite. High-end motorcycles, inspired by the Milwaukee competitor’s CVOs. The Elite are not yet as richly endowed as their compatriots but the level of service is close. For the Challenger, the harvest of equipment is ambiguous in order to justify the name.
An old trick to ensure the exception and the envy: the limited series. This always gives a certain satisfaction and a touch of nobility. For this bagger, 200 units will be produced; only 25 will put their wheels in Europe. So there should be 3 or 4 left for France.
They will be easily recognizable by their decoration, less wise than on the models Limited or Dark Horse. The gray and black play the card of the shameless classic but are fanned by red projections, scratching each tactical part of the bike (headstock, cases, saddle, tank, wheels, engine). It seems inspired by the muscle cars and racing bikes of Uncle Sam.
Sometimes, almost often, prestigious American cars adorn themselves with special rims, modeled between beauty and customization – alas not for the Elite, which knows how to be satisfied with its muscular front axle (43 mm inverted fork, Brembo M4 radial calipers .32, aviation hoses).
It is a little further that the enrichment is revealed. We discover at the top a larger smoked windshield. The lighting gains additional headlights as well as the Pathfiner S cornering adaptive headlight. Plush footboards are installed for the rider and passenger while the saddle very clearly enhances the visual impact of the seat, with its beautiful red stitching.
The Challenger Elite leaves the musical choice between its big 1768 cm3 engine or its sound system. No less than 400 watts are released on board. The soundtrack will be managed from the Ride Command interface, its 7-inch screen and its large electronic sandwich: GPS, multiple information, radio, MP3, tire pressure, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, etc, etc.
It was for entertainment. For comfort, the Elite adopts the electronic suspension as standard, which appeared on the Pursuit. Nothing furious either; it’s about being able to adjust the preload of the rear shock from the driver’s seat. There is still work to do before competing with the competition equipped with semi-active controlled suspensions. Backlit commodos will give more decorum at night for the controls.
On the safety side, the ABS and traction control are angle sensitive. The driver will be able to count on the assistances installed in all the Challenger. This bagger is the most powerful of the range. Its 122 horsepower and its big 18.1 mkg of torque are digested by three driving modes (Standard – Sport – Rain). A cruise control is there to stabilize speed and heartbeat. Afterwards, we let the silicon do its thing, which allows keyless starting, rear cylinder deactivation and everything that allows the Indian to think.
As with any good bagger, we will only allow ourselves light travel. The suitcases will allow the carriage of 68 liters of food, small business and some effects of the day.
Cruising in good company, at a price without moderation.
MB – Photos builder