2020 Indian Challenger Limited | First Ride

[@damonbradshaw28]

For some reason I just wish they put a rectangle headlight in it to be even more unique. Other than that love it!

[@semperfipar1299]

I have not ridden one yet but I did stop by and sit on one and cranked up to listen to it. Tilted it from side to side just to feel the weight of the bike. The ride position is really nice and ergonomic. I wish I had the time to take it out but I had the family with me that day and stopped on a whim. It felt and sounded exactly like my Victory Judge. I rode a Harley for my first bike and when I switched to Victory the handling was like night and day. Then Victory was stopped in favor of Indian. Victory never got the raves unless you heard about them from other Victory owners. Slap an Indian name on it and look at the accolades. The scout used to be a Victory. This bike is a Indian/Victory hybrid. This bike looks like everything a Harley wishes it was. I noticed right out of the box my 106 put out 110ftp of torque and that was seven years ago. I can’t imagine what could be added.... well I can, I have seen the turbo and supercharged 106 put out over 150 hp. This challenger will probably approach the VMAX for horsepower when someone puts a turbo on it just for fun.

[@grayboo212]

You did know this is a 6 speed, didn't you? Damn dude. @ 7:00 you were running 80 at 4500 rpm. Clean video though and really good audio.

[@motosafari6378]

grayboo212 I’m usually on a sport bike running 16k plus so that was my bad. Literally had 20 min on the bike

[@harryhowell5644]

I test rode a challenger limited and the new roadmaster limited. I ride an HD Ultra limited so I felt more at home on the roadmaster. That big fairing on the challenger takes getting used to.both bikes fit me well. And we're nimble, especially the roadmaster. Likes were the clutch and suspension ride. Also how light they feel. Dislikes were the audio- stereo systems and no gas gauges. Also both needed tuning as most stock bikes do. The Harley felt more solid on the freeway. The Indians better around town. Indian still has work to do but these are nice bikes man! After watching all these reviews of the challenger I was expecting it to be much faster. Throttle response was lagging on both.

[@jamescook4u]

Your enthusiasm comes through very well. Excellent review.

[@mikefusco7215]

Dude, shift! It sounds like you did the entire ride in 2nd gear!

[@JohnnyRebKy]

I don't know how some people do that 🤦. Cruising along with rpm all wound up drives me nuts.

[@wooddawg4868]

I would like the Challenger more if they had some highway peg and some 12-inch vertical handlebars for it. But truth be told I will always ride a Harley Davidson but that Indian definitely got my attention for sure. Harley Davidson had a liquid-cooled bike in the v-rod so all they have to do is put that motor in a street glide and their good. Back to those handlebars bruh, I am not feeling the Stock handlebars at all.

[@motosafari6378]

Frank Wood I’m sure they will have a ton of accessories coming out for it soon. You should try it out anyway!

[@the1jmacify]

The V-Rod mill is a slug compared to this motor. Putting it into a large cruiser would require significant work. Besides, HD has a new liquid cooled Revolution motor coming in the Pan America and Bronx bikes.

[@shisno314]

Dude, you could put pretty much any highway pegs on the crashbars and just give it a couple more months and there will be plenty of aftermarket bars. Besides, bars are just metal tubes. Go to any half decent fabricator and they’ll make you bars however you want them. Add on part availability is no reason to dismiss a bike, especially for easy stuff like that.

[@motoGPness]

Same type of dudes who talk about their “builds”

[@Bold1racer]

The thing I like about Indian they listen to what we want, and here you go I love this bike, and I’m not a fixed fairing fan, I just might have to get one. I have a Street Glide and a Chieftain Elite may end up with two Indians and no HDS

[@busterbrown1686]

It's a conspiracy, every video I've watched the reviewer sounds like an Indian sales man. I'm suckered and need that bike in my life. It's my Victory CC reborn.

[@motosafari6378]

buster brown lol not a sales guy at all. But I do think this bike is awesome.

[@scottphillips5388]

buster brown. I live in NC , and purchased this bike right off the truck. All that this guy is saying , is true. I’ve had a chieftain for 4 years, and this bike is the greatest, smooth ride and reacts instantly to you while riding. I promise you, if you buy one, you’ll love it .

[@stevexaxa3619]

buster brown and well I agree every video sounds like a sales video by Polaris... it’s an ok bike but it’s not the new definition of motorcycle... I choose 2020 road glide limited and not ever for a second regret it my limited has a lot of things this bike does not have... that is important to me heated grips... tour pack... lowers... and not that dogs butt ugly dash... and many pain options 8... Polaris limited has 3...

[@motosafari6378]

@@stevexaxa3619 go ride one! Have no ties to Polaris. Just a dude that likes bikes and this one was fun and felt great.

[@timserpette9945]

@@stevexaxa3619 lmao. So your comparing your $38k HD to a $28k Indian. That sounds fare. I can a brand new Roadmaster that comes with heated grips, seat, power shield, keyless ignition, central locking trunk and saddle bags, better ride and handling for $7k-$8k less than your limited. So whatcha saying cupcake?

[@mikekosar6135]

LMAO.. every vlog i click on... It's the same thing.. WHOO.. WOW.. THIS THINGS GREAT... doesn't matter.. even those who DON'T WANT TO LIKE IT.. LIKE IT.. GOTTA TRY THIS OUT 😎😎

[@motosafari6378]

Mike Kosar go try it!

[@servicarrider]

"Ride one you'll own one" was a true statement then...and now.

[@steveh7108]

I want someone to test drive a BMW right after the Challenger and then tell me what they think.

[@motoGPness]

@@steveh7108 If you have Challenger money, you have K1600B money. What makes you think folks aren’t shopping these bikes against one another? And what makes you think that the K1600B is hands down the better bike?

[@steveh7108]

@@motoGPness first of all I never said there was a difference in the money new there is a huge difference in the money used. I know one is hands-down better because I own one and have ridden the other one and even the spec sheet clearly shows that the BMW has much more to offer. And I never said anyting about who shops for what where or when so I don't know what you're talkin about. I did say I never seen a comparison video and I would like to see one.

[@robm3357]

The fairing is just to tall for my liking What does the engine sound so metallic at idle ? Sounds good once above idle.

[@caddymac6917]

I see Victory all over this bike .

[@axslinger99]

Who? I see, 'Indian' all over it. Then again, I've never owned a victory and live in the present.

[@axslinger99]

@BBQ Nut I don't see any similarities. The fairings aren't close. Engines aren't close. The lines are different. I've seen other, non-polaris bikes that look more like the Challenger than that Magnum. Not even close. If you think it's a, "rip-off", or whatever, then don't buy one. I don't know WTF difference it makes other than idiots who are trying to win a pointless argument. I wouldn't give a shit if it had, "Victory" stamped on the bottom of the the frame. I like the bike, I like the specs and I'm going to get one. But, you feel free to cry like a bitch about how it looks like the failed Victory.

[@servicarrider]

And that alone makes it worth my buying one.

[@shisno314]

JustMe Well other than how the engine is a Victory engine, developed by Victory before their doors were shut and before it was unveiled in a new bike, yeah, it’s not a Victory at all.

[@axslinger99]

@@shisno314 Who give's a shit? Grow up. I don't care what name is on the side of or who designed it.

[@FNGMOTO]

Good review I was at the demo day Friday at ridenow in concord. Didn’t get to do highway riding but the bike was great. The engine feels like a bigger version of my bobber. The way it revs, I guess it’s because they’re both liquid cooled. I also rode a Springfield and love that bike. I’d still choose the Springfield simply on looks. I love the look of the Springfield, fixed fairing isn’t my thing at the moment.

[@motosafari6378]

F.N.G Moto yeah the fixed fairing is definitely its own thing. Very unique look. It felt very different in most every way from their other bikes. I love the Springfield as well.

[@shotgunscott]

I loved everything about the bike, except the clutch. With this much power, I'm surprised it's not a hydraulic clutch. The release was less than a 1/2" from the bar. No friction zone, made low speed modulation very difficult.

[@steveh7108]

And sport mode does not change suspension on that bike.

[@randallthompson394]

Is that the Indian dealership in raleigh NC?

[@slim56]

I love my Roadmaster, but the challenger sure is tempting

[@alp3781]

I love my BMW K1600 GA, but I would love to own this bike as a second ride. I really think Indian is listening to us consumers. I saw this bike at the NY motorcycle show and I got hooked a bit. Very sexy looking machine. Super comfy. HD, better watch out.

[@rayjones9819]

I test drove the Harley road glide with the 117 and the Indian challenger today. The Harley rg felt very heavy compared to the challenger. I felt in total control of the challenger and it was easy to ride and enjoyable. While riding the road glide, I felt as if I was going to drop it. I respect both bikes and enjoyed both. However, I would go with the challenger simply because of affordability. They both are great bikes though.

[@Mikeheel]

Hey, cool. I rode the Challenger at Garcia Moto, too. Loved it!

[@jimtomstimpson1477]

Lord willing, I will own this bike someday within the year. Thanks for the ride review.

[@stevexaxa3619]

And I hear all this talk about brakes better in some videos bragging on the brembo brakes but most Harley touring model bikes also use brembo brakes

[@TwoWheelGarage]

Harley uses Brembo branded brakes designed by Harley. The challenger has real Brembo brakes that Indian fit to their bikes which are far superior. Look it up. Quit trolling all the challenger videos.

[@dennism1919]

Obviously the machine seems really nice. I can see some Victory DNA in there, and that's cool. Why not retain some of the good stuff. It compliments the overall design, and that is a good thing. It's nice to finally see this engine come out. But I don't like the fairing. Looks are subjective, of course, and most everyone likes it, but it's just not doing it for me. I like the cockpit and the view from the inside, but I don't like the way it looks externally. But again, that's just me. Perhaps down the road this powertrain will find itself in something else.

[@2169scs]

The Best Cruiser on market , presently . Thanks for the Video

[@rv7pilot]

Do you cruise on the interstate at 12,000 RPM's on the Panigale? Shift for fucks sake! LOL. Excellent review! Now I want one.

[@keystonebbq6255]

That bike should have more gears, Sounds like it was screaming!

[@motosafari6378]

big D 😂 it does! Just used to shifting a lot faster.

[@flyermarkbig465]

Or just needing the driver to up shift. It wasn’t in top gear on the highway.

[@steveh7108]

The problem is I cannot find one video comparison between the Challenger and the BMW bagger. I know the Challenger is a good powerful bike but they claim it is a sport touring and I know for a fact that BMW is the bike that they should be comparing it to and yet no reviews/ comparisons available. My perspective: I own a BMW K 1600 and it is absolutely awesome but I am sick and tired of BMW and I badly want to buy a Indian and hoped the Challenger would fit the bill. However, I find that even a 2013 used BMW K 1600 ( about a 10 or $11,000 bike) Beats the new Challenger in every detail except possibly comfort.

[@pastorjohnculbertson661]

It's got the roll on power of an M109

[@axslinger99]

Oddly enough, I've heard guys from 5'6" to 6'2" say it felt like it was custom made for them and the handlebars were perfect. Indian did their homework on the design, at least from an ergonomic perspective. I'm 5'8" and I ride a Scout. When I sat on a Challenger, it felt perfect. That's quite an accomplishment.

[@skulldaddy8431]

SHIFT!!!! Holy SH!T

[@I_am_archie]

You rock bro.

[@n.elliott9122]

My only issue, and I will take this up with Polaris/Indian, is that it is over priced. Do not do to the people, what HD has done. Try to make your life fortune off each sale. It's not worth it to anyone. I bought a 2019 white smoke chieftain. Had it in for service a week later and had them quote me trade in just for the heck of it. Trade in was $17k on a week old bike. When you break down the cost of complete manufacturing and build they're at $3,500 per bike then the mark-up goes to nearly 30,000 that's insane, and it's not fair to the people.

[@motoGPness]

The market dictates price not what you think it should cost. Go design and bring your own bike to market if there’s that much mark up. Should be easy to pummel the competition right?

[@aldec2585]

Does it have illuminated hand controls?

[@the1jmacify]

No.

[@aldec2585]

@@the1jmacify thanks for the feedback my Eluder doesn't have them either, just Goldwing and certain Harleys...

[@specialed5098]

Every video I have seen about the Challenger they all rave about the power. I would like all reviewers take a BMW 1600 Bagger out. I just got rid of my Chieftain. Prior I had a Street glide. I loved both of them but after riding the Beemer with it's 160 hp everything and I mean everything is nowhere near compared to the BMW

[@TwoWheelGarage]

Edward Lorentz I’d love to try a k1600b. The BMW dealers near me don’t do demos. For an American vtwin I think Indian killed it with this bike and it’s definitely going to be in my garage real soon.

[@motoGPness]

I shopped the K1600B, Wing, RG and Challenger Limited. The Limited is now in my garage. The Beemer is a rocket no doubt, but that’s only part of the heavy bagger equation. The Challenger was the better total package for me. Many of the factors folks consider in that group of bikes are subjective. Looks for example, I like the Challenger aesthetically over the Beeemer. I prefer a V-twin over flat or inline six’s. Choices always benefit the consumer so we’re in a good place as riders right now!

[@Thebestguy23]

Give me that bike without the big fairing. Just the bike and maybe the ftr tac. I would be all over it

[@shisno314]

MasteroftheFries 2 I’d like that too. I don’t want speakers/music, GPS, or any of that stuff that is put on touring motorcycles. I’d take a stripped down fairing if I could get one. But I can’t and there’s isn’t a fairingless version yet. So I’ll get this one and trade it in if they ever come out with one that fits what I want more.

[@Thebestguy23]

shisno314 shisno314 right, in my opinion, if I want all that stuff I’ll just take my car. I’m thinking chief dark horse myself.

[@andrewbooth7591]

I would sell my dog for that bike or my sister 😂

[@frankmc5112]

I've never seen this Harley. What's a Harley Indian Challenger?

[@dalehumphrey2477]

It's the bike that Harley should have built. I have a Yamaha Roadliner, and I say the same thing about it.By the way, I also own a Harley, so I'm not a Harley hater.

[@frankmc5112]

@@dalehumphrey2477 it looks like a knock off. Buy a Mercedes not a Hyundai clone. Harley has made water cooled motors. It's competitors have made more powerful water-cooled vtwins. So why by something that is clearly trying to copy the silhoutte of a Harley Davidson like Indian's entire touring line? Just buy the real thing instead of wishing you had one. If you want more power get a Goldwing or K1600, not a Farley.

[@markmarcelis]

@@frankmc5112 clueless. hd shoulda built it first. but they didnt so im buying the challenger. Probably owned more harleys than you too...

[@frankmc5112]

@@markmarcelis clueless moron. Apparently too dumb to remember the v-rod. Go ahead and buy it. If Harley Davidson is sinking then Indian is hanging on to them since they can't make money without them. I love your assumption about me. Yeah, I've probably owned bikes worth more than all the bikes you've ever owned combined.

[@FNGMOTO]

mark marcelis this dude did and said the same thing on my page. It’s really sad if you thinking about it. Pretty awful existence that the only thing you do is troll indian challenger reviews.

[@acedrumminman]

Reverse engineered Road Glide...

[@420ALI3N]

Not a chance. You don't reverse engineer an oil leaking, POS, dying brand.

[@stavrosescobar1624]

Vastly improved upon RG. Ugly AF but better handling, suspension and more power.