The all-new 2020 Indian Challenger cruises into view
The distinctive, well-equipped 2020 Indian Challenger tourer motorcycle is officially revealed ahead of the 2019 EICMA show in Milan
The Indian Challenger has made its bow in advance of the 2019 EICMA show packing a brand-new PowerPlus V-twin designed to chew up the miles effortlessly.
One of the motorcycle industry’s recent success stories since it was revived by parent company Polaris Industries, the Challenger is a big and bold American-style ‘bagger’ with Harley-Davidson firmly in its sights.
New from the ground up rather than adopting too much from the Chieftain it joins in the tourer category, the 2020 Indian Challenger features a fresh styling direction for the firm, debuts its most powerful engine ever and is intended to set new standards when it comes to sheer comfort.
From the outset, the Challenger is dominated by its huge front fairing, though even that is overshadowed by the detailed arrangement of its LED headlight which is distinctive enough to ensure you know exactly which motorcycle will be approaching you at speed.
Indian Challenger PowerPlus V-Twin Engine
The rest of the Indian Challenger is more traditional fare, though the eye cannot help but be drawn to the intricately design engine-casing, which houses the motorcycle’s party piece – the liquid-cooled PowerPlus 1769cc V-Twin. Kicking out 122HP and 128ft. Ibs of torque, the Indian Challenger is mated to a six-speed transmission with Gear Driver, designed to deliver smooth changes to what promises to be a refined riding experience.
Mounted on a 19-inch cast wheel at the front and 16-inches at the back, the feet-forward Indian Challenger adds an array of gizmos to ease the journey, including a 7-inch touchscreen shrouded by that front fairing, Bluetooth, cruise control and keyless ignition.
How much will the 2020 Indian Challenger cost?
The 2020 Indian Challenger will be available in three trim levels – the standard Challenger, the Challenger Dark Horse with its more subtle blacked-out detailing and the flagship Challenger Limited that adopts Smart Lean Technology.
Prices start at $21,999 in the US.
Indian Challenger : Key Specification and Performance Figures
| Indian Challenger (2020) | |
| Max Power | 122HP |
| Max Torque | 178Nm |
| Type | V-Twin PowerPlus |
| Bore and Stroke | 52mm dual bore |
| Displacement | 1769cc |
| Fuel Supply | Closed loop fuel injection |
| Overall Length | 2500.7mm |
| Overall Width | 990.2m |
| Overall Height | 1427.5mm |
| Wheelbase | 1667.8m |
| Road clearance | 137.3mm |
| Seat Height | 672mm |
| Weight (wet) | 377kg |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 22.7L |
| Transmission | 6-speed |
| Clutch Type | Gear Drive Wet Clutch |
