2023 Indian Challenger Dark Horse Test Ride

[@mistersid]

I just test rode the Challenger and Chieftain down in San Jose a few days ago. The clutch on the Challenger I got was excellent. Smooth, easy to find friction zone. Great video!

[@chasingtrail]

Thank you. I was trying to work out a deal with San Jose Spirit but couldn't get the number I was looking for. You going to buy one?

[@swango1]

I own a 2023 Chief Dark Horse with the 116, and the shifting is super smooth and easy on it. Even neutral is easy to get, every time. Indian has a reputation of being easier to shift overall than Harley, so I wonder if something was off on that model you rode. Maybe low on oil? Either way, nice review on the Challenger! I haven't ridden one, but your insight was straightforward and honest and we all appreciate it. Ride safe, my friend!

[@fogit4668]

I rode a Road Glide ST in May 2023 and then an Indian Challenger in June 2023. The Road Glide was cramped and uncomfortable considering that I have been riding a Road King. I am 6' tall. The Challenger was lightyears ahead of the Road Glide. Better handlebars position, seat, handling and ability to go over bad roads with the Challenger. The shifting on the Challenger that I rode it was perfect along with the clutch and throttle which was set on standard setting. After owning a Harley for many years you better be a good mechanic with a good tool set. That or have a lot of money for fixing things.

[@Bikerbug2020]

So before the bike warms up the clutch takes a few moments to be quick and nimble. Just bought that same motorcycle 4 weeks ago, I was comparing it to the Road Glide, Goldwing and the K1600GA… opted for the Challenger because of the comfort, sound of the motor, features of the bike (inverted forks, central locking bags, tech features).

[@chasingtrail]

Grats on the new bike! I really enjoyed my test ride.

[@derfskittlers6125]

I've heard that the clutch lever could use some adjustment from the factory.

[@petedetects7012]

When I test road the challenger two weeks ago i also noticed how stiff the clutch was . I had to put some effort when up shifting. Then a few minutes later it became easier. I didn't care for the clutch at first but a little bit later it felt just fine .

[@erolyalim2911]

I think you nailed this test ride video when you said how nimble this bike feels. Most people have the impression that the bigger the bike the less maneuverable it is. I think if the bike is engineered the right way, even a novice rider would be able to handle the bike as long as he rides in his limits.

[@jamiebrown5099]

What did you end up getting??

[@chasingtrail]

Harley Low Rider ST, but I still want a Challenger. When I get bored with the LRST or when I can afford it, I may well move to the Challenger. I'm curious to see what Harley announces on the 24th, and the CVO Road Glide ST looks really good, but I'm guessing it's going to be around 50k and still won't have monoshock rear suspension.

[@jamiebrown5099]

I’m in the market for a bagger. And so on the fence if buying the challenger or road glide. Leaning more towards the Indian though. Seems like you get way more on the Indian. It will be my first bagger as I used to ride sport bikes in the 90s and early 2000s

[@chasingtrail]

@@jamiebrown5099 I think you definitely get more for your money with the Indian, but resale will be better on the Harley. My biggest issue with Indian is their lack of dealer network. My nearest dealer is 3 hours away. It's a really nice bike, though.

[@jamiebrown5099]

I live in London Ontario and we have an Indian dealer in town and another 1 hour away as back up

[@r1vicr1]

How could you not try it on sport mode? It turns into an animal on sport mode. It made my decision clear once i rode one in sport. Im definitely getting a challenger soon.

[@chasingtrail]

They asked me not to because it was a brand new bike and I respected their request. They had enough respect for me to let me ride it without a nanny to babysit me, so I had enough for them to follow their route and leave it in standard mode. It's a great motorcycle for sure.

[@codiesmth]

I own the 2022 version of that exact bike. The Challenger is the best thing on the road. I still rent big Harleys when traveling to other distant cities and it’s night and day difference. The transmission loosens up after a while, and it always finds neutral immediately, way easier than the Road Glide.

[@chasingtrail]

I like the Challenger a lot! I didn't end up buying one due a combination of my nearest dealers being 3+ hours away and I found a good deal on a used bike, but I would be happy to own one.

[@codiesmth]

@@chasingtrail Dealer proximity is definitely a concern! They hadn't announced the Pursuit when I bought my Challenger, so I spent extra to turn it into a touring bike and, yeah, Indian is definitely proud of their products. I think all told it was $42k and change. If you found a deal on another ride, props to you, my man!

[@chasingtrail]

@@codiesmth Best deal I could find on the Challenger DH was $34.2k OTD. That was still $2k less than the best deal I could find a Road Glide ST, and I think you get a lot more for your money with the Challenger. If I had a dealer closer and I had not found this deal, I would've bought the Challenger. Really enjoyed riding it.

[@williamarrington6415]

@@chasingtrail I am blessed than. Chicago area last Aug of 23 I paid approx the same OTD. With 5 year or 7 Bumper to Bumper Battery and Maint coverage Gap coverage and Lifetime Powertrain through Dealer.

[@philipjanes]

I wouldn't mind testing the Challenger myself. But I did buy the 2022 Road Glide Special. I don't regret it at all. I'm sure the Indian is awesome. But I really like the fit and finish, the paint quality and powder coating quality in the HD. Plus one thing is having the massive dealer network support on long trips. I haven't really needed it so far and this is my 3rd Harley. But at any rate the Indians are getting nicer and starting to provide an actual temptation for me. And a little actual competition is good for the consumer too. Pretty cool bike that Challenger is. Thanks for the good review.

[@chasingtrail]

I liked the Challenger a lot but ended up with a 2022 Street Glide ST. Found a deal on a lightly used one and couldn't pass it up. If buying new there's a good chance I would've gone for the Challenger. It was a tough call. Agreed, competition is good.

[@nickolasdobbyn]

Thinking about getting one

[@chasingtrail]

I really enjoyed my test ride on it. If I were buying new, it's what I would choose.

[@ml2528]

Heads up, that “firm shift to second” gear, the bike wasn’t warmed up bro. You gotta let it run like 2-4 minutes for it to warm up and you’ll get no resistance when you shift 👍🏾👍🏾

[@chasingtrail]

Good to know, thank you!

[@poundthatpavement652]

Really good review! This my first time watching your channel. If you don't keep bikes long I would probably go with the indian. Buying a HD RG and then modding it would seem like a loss of money if you're not really planning to keep it. To each their own, I was just a little confused.

[@chasingtrail]

Thank you! And understandable about confusion on my bike buying habits, but they don't make any sense. I'm an idiot. I really like the Challenger. I ended up with a 2022 Street Glide ST that I found private party and got a good price on. It only had 1,100 miles on it. If buying new, I'd definitely go for the Challenger. I've looked at trading in my SG for a Challenger but they won't give me enough for it to make sense. My nearest Indian dealer is also 3 hours away, which makes me a little nervous as the Challenger seems to be prone to some electrical issues, as are many modern bikes. But my Harley dealer is only 8 miles away. I still hope to end up on a Challenger eventually, but the SG is a great bike too. It's beautiful and sounds amazing. So many great bikes these days, and I want to ride them all. Thanks for taking the time to comment.

[@poundthatpavement652]

@@chasingtrail Both are great bikes! I'm currently looking at the Indian dark horse. I had a road glide and I enjoyed it. I think the thing with the Indian though is it seems like they give you more for your money. I spent thousands on my road glide doing mods after I purchased it. At first I didn't like the challenger to much but it has grown on me now.

[@chasingtrail]

@@poundthatpavement652 I agree, more for your money with the Indian. I also spent a lot setting up the Street Glide to be how I want it. I could leave the Challenger bone stock and be happy with it.

[@marcusturner5291]

Nice review keep up the good work

[@chasingtrail]

Thank you.

[@ourindianadventures1488]

Hard to compare the sound of the RG to the Challenger when they are two different types of motors.

[@chasingtrail]

That's fair. I suppose I just enjoy most big twins. My dad's Triumph T120 sounds amazing also.

[@benjaminfishburn6114]

What did you end up buying?

[@chasingtrail]

Harley Low Rider ST.

[@billcotton1551]

Kings of Leon I believe, on the stereo. I love the Indian FTR 1200.

[@chasingtrail]

The FTR 1200 looks badass! I'd love to ride one someday.

[@nunomendes942]

🤘✊✊🇵🇹 top

[@amjrpain919]

Friendly reminder folks, it was Victory before it became Indian! Polaris, We need to talk...🤨

[@Heavywall70]

Neutral is easier to find coming up from first than down from 2nd. I have a 2022 Super Chief, I have found most Indian transmissions are very clunky and BMWesque Which I like because I’m an old Beamer Boxer guy and my other bike is an r1100s. Mods on Indians are nowhere near is easy as HD, the Indian just isn’t as common, way less selection and WAY less people that can or will work on them other than dealers.

[@chasingtrail]

My first street bike was a 1976 BMW 60/6 so I also enjoy the clunky transmissions. I liked the Challenger a lot, and would be happy to own one, but the reasons you mentioned are what largely steered me away. That, and my nearest dealer being 3 hours away.

[@gp62902]

Those demo bikes are abused and probably not well maintained

[@TheCaptainmojo1973]

Big question…do they fill the saddlebags with Jack Daniels Apple Whiskey and women’s clothing since they’re so keen to promote wokeness and 🌈Pride month?

[@chasingtrail]

Yep, and you get a branded swimsuit from Target with a tuck pouch.

[@TheCaptainmojo1973]

@@chasingtrail 😜…at least you have a sense of humor about it. I just can’t believe that Harley and Indian of all companies have apparently gone all-in on the “woke” agenda.