2023 Indian Challenger Ride and Review / It has it all!

[@markman7]

Many complain that Indian doesn't have the accessory offerings Harley has, but it would take half the Harley accessory book to bring a Road Glide to a stock Challenger, but both are still behind the Wing and K1600.

[@stellarida8797]

Great video man. I know you love your RG and LRS you use to have but also appreciate the Indian bikes. Fair comparison from someone who actually owns the bike the Challenger competes against. And nothing you said was wrong on both sides. Grown men getting sensitive about their favorite brand is hilarious to me. At the end of the day, these are our toys. Enjoy the one you like but recognize it’s not the only or greatest toy out there. It’s just the one you like the best.

[@Marvelkid87]

Well put sir thank you I appreciate that 🙌🏽

[@urbanadventurer5]

I finally got to test ride one of these this morning (Dark Horse) and I was honestly kind of blown away. It feels so different from the Road Glide. Kind of somewhere between a Low Rider ST and a Road Glide I guess. Smooth engine and great handling. I was settling in on the idea of doing a Road King Special performance bagger build, but the Challenger has me rethinking everything now. Great bike. 👏🏾

[@ChadGrimes]

Frame is modular, engine is structural. This allows the motor to sit lower, and is part of why it feels balanced for its weight

[@johnnydangerously7186]

There’s so much more in the electronic package including Tire Pressure Monitors, and the Lean Angle Traction Control system that comes standard on that bike.

[@Prometheus1979]

Those things are for people who don’t know how to ride a bike.

[@nandanair1601]

I took her for a test ride today and that turn assist or whatever Bosch thing it has is unreal. The bike almost turns itself... it's the strangest feeling.

[@joedunne9492]

Nice review once again kid! You hit it on the head! I own the 22 Pursuit version in the dark horse version. I will say this, the plastic thing is way better than the victory bikes I owned. So they are progressing in that department and I think what you have at Indian is a bunch of engineers that are all about performance and functionality not as much aesthetic experts. Think about this vs HD customer base, Indian has a blank canvas not 50 years of the same bikes so they can push the designs a little more than HD can which I like. They don’t have the brand following yet to worry about pissing off most of the diehards. Just wait until the new HD glides hit the market! Half of the cult will lose their minds over the changes! I love the new CVO glides but would never pay the asking price compared to my Pursuit. Keep it up!

[@Marvelkid87]

Your right Indian does have that advantage. They are able to introduce new bikes and not get the negative feedback a Harley rider would give Harley if they did it

[@jordanjoestar8839]

Harley made Indian up their game. Now Indian is forcing Harley to up theirs. I don't view them as competitors I view them as "tough love" brothers, both in it for the same cause. Just so happens the Indian brother has been doing a lot of reading and gym days lol. Also any Indian with a tune keeps up with any CVO or most Stage II+ HDs, that's a HUGE cost saving. You'll need a cammed and bored full motor HD to ever catch a tuned Challenger. Cammed, tuned with bolt on's the air cooled Chief/Chieftain 116ci is a wild motor, same with this liquid cooled Challenger. It's basically a bagger V-Rod with better egos. The handling certainly speaks for itself.

[@tjmac1453]

That laugh you did at time stamp 9:48 is the laugh everyone does when they crack the Challengers throttle. I have had my bike since 2020 and it still makes me grin when I open it up.

[@ChadGrimes]

I keep hearing people saying the engine is hot. I don't get it. I have been putting thought into it. I think I might have figured out why others think it's hot and I haven't had that experience. I have a pursuit with lowers. I rode for almost 3 hours in one day last week and it was about 105° most of the ride. The engine temp never went over 192° with stop and go, town riding or highway. Before I bought the bike I saw a ridingfish video where he said point the lower vents toward the motor and you won't feel much of the heat so that's what I did, and it works. So it may be counter intuitive but the Challenger is cooler with hard lower fairings

[@GraemeBlore]

I own the 21 Challenger Limited, and it absolutely LOVES the heat. Running at 70 MPH a few months back at height of summer in Melbourne Australia, the temperature gauge NEVER went over 195F. Even in the worst of traffic I have RARELY seen it 210F. Absolutely brilliant motorcycle, and a real game changer IMO, with the superb suspension, that great motor, and handling to match.

[@fogit4668]

You can get the Pursuit Premium suspension for any Challenger. That is about the only suspension upgrade to consider.

[@donaldpeck3192]

I have a road glide as well been Harleys for 20 years and I drool over that bike. All I'd do is a pipe and t bars . Would be set

[@jag1963]

I am so close to trading my 2022 Goldwing DCT tour for one of these. I'm mighty impressed with Indian. I recently rode the road glide special. They wanted 40 grand for it out the door.Beautiful motorcycle but no where near as much bike as this Challenger. And for 7 grand less. It's a no brainer.

[@DonBSeleh]

No brainer at all!

[@ericperry72]

Whats crazy is the dark horse has the gloss finish on the inner fairing. I agree their plastic parts is the weak link, but that offers owners chances to get creative, that plastic that you mentioned, could be painted or plastic dip with a carbon fiber print. The plastic controls is opportunity for a vendor to make a metal version. And i personally think indian needs to offer better colors. Look st the automotive industry for killer color options.

[@Marvelkid87]

Colors is where they deff need to step it up and offer more options

[@johnmacias01]

Nice vid on Indian! IMO this needs to be compared to the 23 Harley CVO Road Glide!

[@MaxJW-ln4xm]

You left out that the fairing vent can be closed, using the lever inside the tunnel . Can't close off the vents on a Road Glide

[@Marvelkid87]

Road glide has a top vent that can also be closed …

[@stellarida8797]

As far as fit and finish, maybe that’s how Indian is able to give you a superior suspension, electric windshield, powerful engine all stock in exchange for the better fit and finish you get with Harley at a great price. You have to cut cost somewhere and it would appear that Harley uses their money to make the bike look better vs perform better as stock.

[@whitebeltchamp1]

I love the comment section. It shows a lot of weird people and their insecurities. You’re not supposed to like another brand Motorcycle. 😂 motorcycles are like women. just because you have one doesn’t mean you can’t be attracted to another. just wanted to say great video! keep coming with more of that great content.

[@poundthatpavement652]

I think Indian gives you more for your money from the factory. I think HD is winning with accessories and having shops available all over the nation. Both are great bikes again it just seems like HD has more options.

[@WayneArnold-m1g]

Awesome Video man! I was at the dealer today and sat on a Challenger for the first time. The spark was lit. Thanks for filling in all the details!

[@dnewman3402]

The aluminum frame is why the Challenger feels so light when you flick it side to side on the road.

[@Marvelkid87]

👍🏽

[@loonhauler]

You were talking about the aesthetics and how you didn’t like some of the little details. Well, those little things are LITTLE things, and they’re also very subjective. But the surface just below the analog gages is the last place you want to be glossy. A shiny surface there could make it difficult, if not impossible, to read the gauges in some lighting conditions.

[@jamesspencer406]

I am on my second Challenger they're great bikes! I also own HD lowrider st so I definitely open mind to brands .Can't go wrong either brand great review

[@nandanair1601]

I test rode it today and I felt the throttle had too much play... either not enough power or too much. Was hard to find the sweet spot in the friction zone. Maybe just needs some getting used to... Want to upgrade from my Scout Bobber which is so damned precise, I love it. But it's too small for me.

[@BrianLambert-g6z]

i love watching your videos i have a challenger my self and i love it so its nice to see some good things to say about it and from a harley guys thats cool keep up the good work man love watching you

[@Marvelkid87]

Thanks for watching

[@josetorres1228]

Imagine you going on the challenger to the Harley 120th anniversary lol that would be a great comparison video with your road glide buddies 😅😎

[@michaelmitchell5909]

Great video man. Love the bike, and the new toce 2 into 1 like what riding fish has on his pursuit is bad ass

[@Steinwaymodel]

How does the Ride Command feature compare to your Harley?

[@fogit4668]

I would be interested in sane driving fuel mileage. 70 mph cruising and 55 mpg cruising mileage.

[@GraemeBlore]

Absolutely achievable!

[@michaelschmitzerle2587]

Love those Indian motorcycles! They just keep getting better and better 👍

[@derfskittlers6125]

Trash comment. You are on every Indian video. It's getting old.

[@thanosetsitty1896]

I have a street glide right now but I wouldn’t mind having a pursuit for long distance rides.

[@jrodney65]

Hey! I'm looking at this bike. I'd like to know how maneuverable it is in parking lots etc. Slow speed stuff!

[@brooklyncvo7525]

Love the video I’m actually interested in one. It sucks that all these years harley still making same bike and I’ve had roadglides from 2010 and currently on a cvo roadglide ultra. I doubt I’ll buy the new cvo for 50k. So Indian also has some crazy prices. But they might cheap out on the plastic parts or flat inner fairing color but they didn’t on the suspension,power,etc. so I have to give them that. I’m off all week might take a ride to NJ dealer near me

[@Marvelkid87]

👍🏽

[@tax905972]

@@Marvelkid87 Harly makes what buyers want. You are stuck on cvos, which is a limited line of bikes. Indian doesn't have a bike in that cvo category.

[@tax905972]

@@Marvelkid87 It’s like a SHITBOX KIA VS A AMG

[@stellarida8797]

With the KIA destroying the AMG on the road.

[@eb1941]

Thanks for the review. I am down to the pursuit or goldwing. Hope to purchase in April 2025.

[@bigmike6853]

It's definitely a copy of Harley but Harley definitely copied the Scout with the new Sportsters, so I say they're even!

[@bretlagasse3560]

I don't know how, as I'm looking into Indian bikes and become curious about the Challenger and Chieftain, you have a video out that same week. I always look forward to your reviews. Really interested to see how you feel about this bike after a while compared to your Road Glide.

[@tomoates8568]

I'm a daily commuter and currently do that on a Triumph Speedmaster. I've always wondered how I'd like commuting if I owned a big ol bagger lol. As someone who rides the larger baggers, do you think you'd like it as a commuter bike? Or would you rather something smaller?

[@Marvelkid87]

Depends on the miles, what your bringing with you, ext.. baggers are super comfortable and have the space and capability for short and long rides

[@tax905972]

Depends on traffic and road conditions. A heavy bike is less likely to throw you off if you hit a bad bump in the road. I hit one on a road king. It scared me but I didn’t lose control. Later that night a sports bike hit it got thrown and died. Very sad. It happened on the Grand Central Parkway in Queens, nyc. Point of the story, a heavy bike will absorb the bumps better.

[@tomoates8568]

@@tax905972 That makes sense, glad you're ok but that's sad about the other guy. Yeah I ride mostly at relaxed paces on city roads and avoid the highways. I'd actually like to try out a bigger bike, but I also don't want to shell out the cash to do it lol

[@marcusturner5291]

Nice video keep up the good work fella

[@Marvelkid87]

👍🏽

[@soldierofdivinity3245]

Someone recommended that the gas cap should open away from you. I totally agree on that one.

[@chiefjoseph8154]

Bike needs reverse. 900 lbs is a bit much to backup on an incline or a tight parking space.

[@Grizz382lane]

Dope vid man😎💨💨🏁

[@Marvelkid87]

🤘🏽

[@workingoutguy]

Can yu do the same video on a Road Master?

[@HabitualFixation]

Man I want this bike so bad. That said I still need to keep my MT-07 for my work commute. No way I’m lane splitting peak hour on this lol

[@christopherroebke5208]

Your spot on about fit and finish on it.

[@Marvelkid87]

👍🏽

[@tax905972]

No voice command capabilities?

[@tax905972]

Dude when was it a issue with the Harley

[@alejandroolmeda3759]

Great job on the vid.

[@konrad1101]

Indian challenger base model is like 25k now.. was 22 in 2020. Crazy

[@williamheinsinger7390]

Biden Build Back Better Plan 🤬

[@dapras]

So basically this bike is squatting all over the Harley.....is Marvel Kid going to trade in his Road glide?

[@flipwhite7879]

Just found your channel i love the content keep grinding 💪🏾. I just got my first bike i got a 2006 Suzuki boulevard m50

[@tax905972]

Stay off the highways with that little shit. I had the same bike, but a 2008. Slow and when the transmission gets hot, it’s hard to find 3rd and 4th gear.

[@olapalmquist9008]

Totally uncalled for rudeness. Be happy for new bikers instead of pissing on their rides. I still have my Kawa VN800 2000 entry bike even though I have H-D as well as Indians in the garage.

[@flipwhite7879]

@@olapalmquist9008 appreciate it

[@flipwhite7879]

@@tax905972 man I’m ride my bike everywhere it’s my first bike

[@olapalmquist9008]

No problem. Respect to all bikers no matter their choise in ride. Ride proud and ride safe.

[@markmcintosh7095]

They need to open more dealerships even if the company has to open it's own stores. This bike is major competition for Harley and Indian needs to get more in public view.

[@Marvelkid87]

I agree

[@derfskittlers6125]

It's literally what is holding them back.

[@terrysweat4204]

I have the Elite...

[@smokeydk7712]

Indian Challenger Limited Starting at $43,995 Ride away* Australia

[@tax905972]

Go read the recalls for its electrical systems.

[@ericperry72]

Yes there are some recalls, but let's be honest, Harley's are known for spending more time at the service department than on the road. It's not even a joke. I like HD's for what they are. But they over priced with below avg power and your paying for the name. Yes they have more accessories than anybody else, and yes they have a huge dealer network, but their product is not superior. Hell let me even dare to say, the Goldwing kills the HD as a pure tourer, the now defunct Yamaha Eluder/venture was a better riding bike, just needed more power and move from air to liquid cool. So we can't act like HD is the king because it's just branding, like a iphone which is basically a toy when compared to a top tier Android.

[@joedunne9492]

Own one no issues at all!

[@GearHead-Moto]

AMF Harley’s spent more time on service than on the road. Look it up! All bikes spend time in service, all have issues just Harley gets the bad name because they set the standard.

[@viperq]

Time for a trade in. :)

[@russrogers728]

Refreshing for that honest review. I have a 13 ultra limited stage 4 and a 16 cross country that has the 106 with LSC cam and the fox suspension an inverted forks are exceptional from the factory. Polaris America just needs to get there paint right the power is great from factory on the Indian. Be safe

[@Marvelkid87]

Paint is Deff something they need to work on. I had spoken about that and didn’t put it in the video because of the next video topic I’ll be doing.

[@An_Enraged_Pig]

I'm a Harley guy. I've had my sportster for 7 years. If I ever got a bagger type bike it'd be a goldwing for sure

[@Marvelkid87]

That’s a great bike

[@markman7]

I owned and rode Harleys for 20 years, and my DCT Wing Tour is the most amazing bike I've ever ridden.

[@GraemeBlore]

HAHAHAHA. Thought you said you were a Harley guy? Ever ridden a Challenger btw?

[@CalizyDr]

Looks just like the new cvo

[@joedunne9492]

You mean the new CVO looks just like this Indian!😂

[@cameronhand4812]

And the new CVO is about 23,000 dollars more!!

[@tax905972]

Where are the voice command features?

[@cameronhand4812]

Harley is over there getting jealous bro😂🤣😂

[@Marvelkid87]

😂

[@tax905972]

No, because the Indian will be in the shop, waiting for chips, while the Harley will be ridden.

[@mickcathey]

@@tax905972 Been riding Indian for 6 years and Victory prior to that for 15. All my buddies ride HDs and man did you get that backwards. Lol.

[@tax905972]

If you want premium, you pay more .blacked out makes you more at risk, too get hit, at night.

[@toddmorris2353]

Funny how harley copied the Indian fairing for 2024

[@tripacer8259]

My Yamaha Star Venture TC is the "coolest" bike I have ever ridden, same torque numbers as well.

[@MRGS48]

When you were picking this POS due to the insane electrical issues that Polaris don’t give a F to fix you asked which bike would someone pick from the stealership. Why not consider the NON status social statement bike Springfield DH 116?? And if you DO like the Challenger why you didn’t buy it in the first place to save AAAAALL that money you spent to make the RGS sound like a Harley?? Cause someone else did it in NJ and you did the same that’s why to be “cool”. It’s all good brother a lil criticism is always good. Enjoy the ride baby🫡🇺🇸

[@Marvelkid87]

Wow you sound upset …. Are you okay? It’s ok to be a hater bro I appreciate you 🥲 btw thanks for watching I just got paid 💰

[@GearHead-Moto]

Channels are reviewing anything they can to make a buck! Good call out. He gets paid as he stated so he’ll review a donkey if they pay him.

[@MRGS48]

@@Marvelkid87 I hope you did why hate ya?? I’m just saying what’s true and what’s NOT is all. I’m glad you did get the bike cause otherwise you would be nobody like everyone else. Now get your little behind make sure you wash it and bend over for the next bike. How copy over? And btw I’ve got two beautiful bikes…bro🤣🤣

[@MRGS48]

@@GearHead-Moto I’m just stating the obvious nothing to write home about here. I’m just sick that some punks get on the social media with no idea on how to turn a quarter turn on a wrench… No substance in their opinions no experience no nada anyways Happy Independence 🫡🇺🇸

[@mickcathey]

@@Marvelkid87 Wow. What a couple of DBs. I enjoy your reviews, keep up the good work.

[@vazquezga2023]

🙏🏽

[@sdefiel3719]

What is that huge, blocky, bulbous box on top of the forks threatening to topple the bike over the front wheel? Harley doesn't have that. S

[@Puck4130]

Go ride one and then try saying that.

[@sdefiel3719]

@@Puck4130 I have. I wouldn't mention it if I hadn't and spoken to many about it and given it a test ride three years ago. The bike is very nice. It's not up to Harley standards and the fairing is notoriously polarizing. S

[@tyreep]

The only thing that’s not to Harley standard is some fit and finish parts. Other than that the bike dominates what HD puts out. Quality is much better than quantity.

[@sdefiel3719]

@@tyreep That's a good point. Harley fit and finish and over all better quality is the difference between this Challenger and Harley touring bikes. Indian makes great bikes, but you can't deny Harley quality. S

[@stellarida8797]

Does quality also include reliability and performance? Or does that stuff not matter?

[@a.r.o7697]

I get that Indians are well built motorcycles that come with more from the factory, but I've never been able to get around how they look. It's the area of the bike where the passenger pegs are mounted that kills it for me. It's like a hold over from the Victory days and almost the about of plastic I'd expect from a Japanese bike. That's where Harley wins for me. Harley has the design without the power, but that can always be added.

[@mickcathey]

Plastic can be replaced or painted cheaper than a new suspension and $10k in engine work. Pick your poison I suppose. It's nice to have competition.

[@GraemeBlore]

Wow, so the passenger footage location is the killer for you! LOL

[@bigmike6853]

At $30 k there shouldn't be ANY cheap/plastic parts!!

[@tax905972]

How about you just ride the bike and learn to handle it, regardless of the road conditions, like well all had to?

[@cflowers2541]

Can’t get past the styling. I know it’s subjective.

[@ericperry72]

Man I actually love the look over the road glide.

[@Marvelkid87]

💯 Very subjective but if you don’t like it that’s fine. Some other people just hate it just to hate

[@tax905972]

Brembo brakes are common.

[@tax905972]

The bike has problems the anti Harley fan club never mentions.

[@derfskittlers6125]

Care to elaborate?

[@tax905972]

@@derfskittlers6125, a history of recalls for electrical systems. All you have to do is look it up for yourself like I did. I tend to look up recalls and bulletins on all my vehicles. I never wait for them to notify me, because they're, slow doing so. You can do it via the bikes or the brand and model.

[@mickcathey]

HD never has recalls😅🤣

[@tax905972]

Why you edit your dislikes?

[@tax905972]

Any motorcycle is faster than a car. So yes you have plenty of power to merge onto a highway. Learn to properly shift gears, that may be the problem with many Indian riders who like to bash Harley products.

[@willkearney5002]

Im a Harley & Indian owner fella, I can probably show you how to ride whatever bike it is tht u have! There isn't a perfect built bike, trust me I have both Harley n Indian! U sound brand loyal, im not. I also own other baggers as well.

[@willkearney5002]

If something is better built than the other, than it is wht it is! Competition is great for all manufacturers.

[@tax905972]

@@willkearney5002 Safe and reliable

[@tax905972]

@@willkearney5002 Harley had oil pump issues, now they don't. I own that brand, but I'm not afraid to talk about the drama that they are known for. Indian owners never mention those problems. Why is that? Speed from zero - 60 is nice, the overheating isn't. The m8 runs cooler for a reason.

[@willkearney5002]

@@tax905972 Friend, in my personal opinion ALL BIKES RUN HOT. Your sitting on top of an exposed motor. Wht bike doesn't run hot? Sum bikes run hotter than others, but my thing is if ur ridn & not in traffic you don't the heat from any bike. Travel on ur bike!!

[@bigmanchris8693]

I brought a brand new Indian Chieftain Limited and it was the worse bike I’ve ever owned. The bike went into limp mode at 2,000 miles. It wouldn’t go above 30 mph. Also, I was in a state where I was unfamiliar. I thought Indian/Polaris would aid me since the bike was under warranty, but they didn’t. I had to have the bike towed to the dealer I brought it from . After sending it to two different dealers, they told me that the bike had software issues. And they had to build a new software for it. I asked how long would that take, and they said they don’t know. I asked could they just replace the bike. And Polaris/Indian said that they couldn’t replace it. So they expected me to pay for a bike I couldn’t ride. The bike couldn’t be repaired or replaced yet, they expected me to pay for it. I traded that piece of junk for a new Harley Davidson Road Glide Special. The HD dealers are easy to find and they honor their warranty. Be careful with Polaris/ Indian. The bikes and the company are trash.

[@mickcathey]

There are similar HD story like this. Shit happens. 25k on mine with no issues. Had a Chieftain prior that had lifter issues after I added modified heads. They covered under warranty when they could have easily said no. Every dealer on both sides are different and every model has issues in the first year or 2. I'm guessing yours was a 2020.

[@GraemeBlore]

Sorry to hear about your bad experience. Sadly that's NOT confined to Indian, and to diss the bikes they make on that basis is quite ridiculous.

[@tonyalb3863]

i am 5/8 and those factory bars they trash test rhode challenger bars are trash and turn signals only on 1 side

[@joedunne9492]

Turn signals like every other bike out there! What are you talking about? Oh I know HD is the only one to ever develop a motorcycle!

[@stellarida8797]

If you’re complaining about turn signal setup as a difference maker……..

[@mickcathey]

🤣The turn signals comment. 🤣 All bars and pipes on most bike need to be replaced.