Indian has revealed its 2023 range, with a revised FTR roster and the debut of the Challenger Elite.
The Indian FTR line-up finds new colour for 2023, with new options available across four models: FTR, FTR Sport, FTR R Carbon, and FTR Rally.
The FTR Sport is the replacement for the FTR S as the upper-mid-range offering. It is “Designed for riders to cut loose and enjoy the pure sport of motorcycling,” Indian says.
The FTR Sport also features sport-oriented aesthetics including number plates, a chin fairing and a seat cowl, as well as a new tank panel design.
The colours available for the 2023 FTR Sport are: “Black Metallic with Indy Red accents” and “White Lightning with Indy Red and Black Metallic accents.”
For the FTR R Carbon, there is suspension from Ohlins, and tank panels featuring the Indian Script logo.
The FTR Rally’s off-road influences are shown by its 19-inch and 18-inch front and rear wheels, respectively, as well as the knobby tyres which encase them.
The standard FTR is given new colour options by Indian for 2023 (black with lime green, or grey with orange), as well as the tank panel design that is found on the FTR Sport.
The FTR, FTR Rally and FTR R Carbon remain the same for 2023, except for an update they share with the FTR Sport, which is a 101mm round touchscreen display powered by Ride Command. The display provides navigation capabilities, and the selection of three riding modes: Sport, Standard, and Rain.
Electronically, as well as the riding modes, the 2023 FTR range also offer lean-sensitive stability control, and ABS.
There is also a sportier exhaust on the FTR motorcycles for 2023, as well as a firmer feeling from the brakes which have been retuned.
Indian is also introducing the Challenger Elite in 2023. This is “For riders looking for something more exclusive and elevated from the rest,” and certainly exclusivity is a factor here. There will be 150 made in total, and only 50 of those will be sold outside of the US.
Made in the Challenger’s ‘bagger’ style, the Challenger Elite will come in a “Sapphire Blue Smoke” paint job with “Black Smoke” and “Titanium Metallic Smoke” accents.
Technically, it makes use of Indian’s PowerPlus engine (a little more on that later) which provides 90kW (120 horsepower) and 178Nm. That power is manageable via three selectable riding modes, while the rear suspension’s preload is electronically adjustable. There is also Smart Lean Technology, an adaptive LED headlight, LED driving lights, an adjustable screen, heated grips, and a new five-spoke wheel.
We said there would be more on the PowerPlus engine, and that is true. Models featuring it, and those featuring the Thunderstroke motor, will receive a new slipper clutch in 2023 which will reduce engine drag on downshifts and the lever feel is lighter. Additionally, the seat buttons on the temperature-adjustable seats for the bikes with these engines will receive haptic feedback, meaning button presses will be more clear when wearing gloves.
Further, a new headlight is brought to the Springfield, Chieftain, Challenger, Roadmaster and Indian Pursuit models. The Indian Pursuit also receives lower fairing storage compartments as standard.
There are also new accessories for a number of model ranges. The FTR range receives an axle adapter; while a new Syndicate Heated Seat and a ‘reduced reach’ kickstand is available for Challenger models. The kickstand will also be available for the Pursuit range.
Two new bags, the Fork and the Bobber, will be available for the 2023 Chief, as well as “an upgraded Comfort+ Solo Seat and a two-up Syndicate Seat,” Indian says. Finally, for the Chief, it will also receive a new low-profile backrest for pillions.
The final accessory update for 2023 from Indian is the “Quick Release Low Profile Trunk” which offers 46 litres of carrying capacity which can be easily added or removed.
“Fully loaded with models and styles for the widest range of riders, the 2023 lineup is a powerful testament to our team’s relentless effort to build and refine a truly comprehensive product offering over the past nine years,” said Mike Dougherty, President for Indian Motorcycle. “This effort has been focused across the line and within each model lineup, as evidenced by the introduction of the FTR Sport – the addition of which creates four unique FTR offerings, each with its own style and personality.”
