Stealership Buy, Hidden Trauma… 24 More Hours With Indian Challenger

[@BrandonBicasso]

I realized afterwards, the upper shock bracket was fabricated and not stock. I assumed it was stock (I’m used to rust on Indian motorcycles 😂), but that is why that pivot bolt was a struggle to removal. The owner bought this bike from a well known used dealership and wasn’t aware of that work being done. Hard to know when it’s covered. Anyone seen that done before? Maybe something to alter the ground clearance?

[@Jermz1979]

Not much is worse than half-assed fabrication. I knew when I first saw the upper bracket that it was fabricated by the way it was digging into the upper shock in that back edge. Dude wanted to save one hundred bucks (heck, you can buy the cheap Chinese knockoffs for sub twenty dollars on fleabay) and not buy the premade ones that you install on the bottom, they fabricated trash and are likely doing damage to the bike. Looks like the previous owner was short AF. Edit* that looks like a lift. They make ones for that as well for sub two hundred that you can set for +1 or 2 inches also installed from the bottom

[@jasonholby8915]

Looks like a home made lift ? I have not worked on an Indian, but looking at you video it looks like they tried to extend the shock to increase ride height

[@1905flyer3]

Looked like a homemade lift bracket as soon as I saw it. A lot of dings around the bolts also.

[@Jermz1979]

@@1905flyer3 main reason is the lift plates for the Challenger install on the bottom, not the top. That's likely why he was having such a hard time getting that pivot pin out. The prior owner is a dunce

[@bluezuke860]

😂 when I saw the shock bracket, most definitely not stock! Good job!

[@waltermoney4106]

Every time I watch you work on a motorcycle, it is impressive watching you figure out how to overcome an obstacle. Great work!

[@BrandonBicasso]

Staying curious helps.

[@rickschrunk6266]

Applying grease to pivot pin and axle ensure they come out easier next time too.

[@scottmiller4516]

Bro.. as a man who worked on bikes and alot of cars for 40 years I love your style. Great video! ride safe my man.

[@RollWithSoul317]

This video only demonstrates that an outstanding Motorcycle Rebuild Craftsman like yourself, doesn’t always require diagnostic tools to find problems! All you needed was your knowledge, hands and eyes and just like that, the problem was solved! Fact.

[@BrandonBicasso]

Ohhh I have a long way to go. I appreciate it.

[@peterjackson2722]

Hi from the UK (Yorkshire), I've got the same colour Challenger and I love it, great bike. Fantastic content, keep going!

[@captainobvious5349]

Newly subscribed!! Bro, your videos are amazing! Well put together, VERY thorough and most importantly, your mechanical knowledge is top notch! I could only WISH to have a mechanic like you locally!! Great work, my man!!

[@dmedina6835]

Friday therapy- thank you so much - my weekend can start now

[@knockdolian12]

Very impressed with that tyre changer so googled it. That’s definitely going on my shopping list. Might make me more popular 😂 Really enjoy your video and you relaxed approach 👍

[@officialwildcardadventures]

Its therapeutic watching you work.

[@seanwelsh7291]

In Oz we don't take tyres off to plug, we just plug them insitu

[@RollWithSoul317]

I keep a complete plug kit, portable jack and small air compressor in my saddlebags at all times, because you never know when or where!?! ✌🏾

[@2kanchoo]

Same. Saved my ass once and strangers twice.

[@christopherangelo7783]

What portable jack do you have? Actually, can you provide links to the plugs jack and compressor? 😂

[@brettwicks7339]

Great video Sir , love your work .

[@rlogue06]

Great video! Enjoyed it alot.

[@seanwelsh7291]

Cool video, like your attention to detail

[@davidbretall8118]

Thanks for the video!! Awesome watching you. I have a question. How did you like that Corbin seat? I’m thinking of getting one for my Challenger

[@2kanchoo]

What's the mounting/balancing tools/kit you use?

[@BrandonBicasso]

Motion Pro Balance Stand - amzn.to/3Vo4qSX

[@johnsalvi9073]

I really respect someone’s decision. Enough said. I think that the Challenger is a real good cross country touring motorcycle.

[@ww4dx]

Great video. ‘Not just joy ridin’. Ride safe.

[@indian8952]

get you a challenger man. you make good videos.

[@patrickgregory9812]

Another great video!! I really enjoy how you explain what you are doing. What kind of jack are you using?

[@BrandonBicasso]

Harbor Freight

[@AMERICAFIRST54]

Why is it if the tire picks up a nail and it's a tubeless the tire must be replaced and not patched?

[@BrandonBicasso]

Mostly a liability thing, but another is business. When it's professionally patched, won't even know the difference.

[@DevilDog59]

Unlike care tires motorcycle tires are oval and they handle various load differentials especially when you are riding windings roads. Patching or plugging motorcycle tires is not an authorized repair for that reason. If a motorcycle shop performs such a repair they carry the liability and will be held accountable by an insurance company if god forbid the rider is in an accident and the insurance company inspects the bike. Same issue if you go dark side and install a car tire on the rear of a motorcycle. It is up to the shop to educate the owner and to have their safety in mind. If a bike comes into my shop and I notice that it has a tire repair I advise the customer as they might not know it had been previously done by a previous owner and note my findings along with customers reply. The customer is relying on your expert inspection and repair of their motorcycle and it is the shop’s responsibility to have the customers safety in mind. I do understand that that an owner could carry a plug kit along with a mini compressor to plug a tire on the road but it is just a temporary repair and it is done by the owner on the side of the road. You only have two wheels on a motorcycle. Some people can debate this, but a replacement tire is a lot cheaper that a hospital bill. As a shop owner sometimes you have to be the person of reason and tell the customer that a tire repair is not a n option. You might loose a customer but you had the customers safety in mind. This is just my opinion and my shops views on this matter. Opinions will vary, but this is just my humble opinion.

[@AMERICAFIRST54]

@DevilDog59 the dealership won't patch it bc they want to sell a new tire for around 300.00 bucks. Over several decades I've known riders including myself that took a tire to a tire shop, had a "hot patch" and never had a problem. I personally know a H.D. mechanic in central Texas that patches his tires if need be, and it's not temporary.

[@Wicked_RotF30]

Is the challenger a better riding bike over the Chieftain? Are they similar or completely different? I’m going to go through your catalog to search for Chieftain vids.

[@BrandonBicasso]

They channel wind differently. Bar feel (frame mounted fairing) and handling is different too. I would have to ride both the same day to get a feel for what I like most. Challenger has a more sportier response with the inverted forks, though.

[@chiefjoseph8154]

I’ve owned both. IMHO, the Challenger is more challenging @ low speed. You sit on a challenger not in it. I found it top heavy. 22’ turning radius. Unbelievable on the interstate, smooth and lots of power. The Chieftain seems to have more of the street glide vibe. Just better.

[@kevincosby1632]

Excellent video.

[@jasonshortphd]

You got a niche working on Challengers! I just finished a 5000 mile road trip on mine. Now I gotta do maintenance on it.

[@mikeskidmore6754]

Your Shock looks like some one made some homemade plates to mount it to. It looks like some one cut some plate steel with a Torch. Did they try to raise or lower the seat height? The Raise the baggers up a lot for road course rasing .. they raise the pegs way up and raise the seat way up too. Those wear marks on the steel pin I would guess were made be needle bearings.. Needle bearings need to be packed in grease and there will be seals to keep rain and sand out .

[@soganoflarider]

Come this October it’ll be 5 years since the Challenger was released….man how time FLYS BY😅

[@BrandonBicasso]

Crazy how time flies.

[@chiefjoseph8154]

And it still has issues. Traded mine after two yrs. Had enough.

[@dalepoulette]

Brandon your gonna get that bike mark my words.

[@ngentry929]

would love to see a vid on changing the drive belt on a challenger or chieftain

[@road_king_dude]

Biz Doc Rocks!!!

[@saliston]

Wow you have a tire changer now? You are truly becoming a mechanic.

[@BrandonBicasso]

One of the best tools I've bought in a long time.

[@mafosa8519]

@@BrandonBicasso you have a link to it?

[@mikedunn2022]

Brandon is your highway peg (@7:33)upside down? I have the same ones installed opposite from your setup. I was wondering if the Kuryakyn vendor installed mine incorrectly

[@BrandonBicasso]

Sorry for the late reply, Mike. I'm honestly not sure as it wasn't my bike.

[@twowheelpursuits]

Tire changes are a pain but there is nothing like a fresh set of tires.

[@BrandonBicasso]

Changing tires is fun now! When everything works as it should.

[@kugangles9860]

Like you said that bike probably went down at some point tweaking the subframe a bit so the pivot doesn't line up exactly.

[@BrandonBicasso]

And the fabricated bracket to raise the bike up. A bit going on with this one.

[@dangalli1]

Nice... RABACONDA!!! I just bought one a couple months ago, haven't used it yet.

[@BrandonBicasso]

I love the Rabaconda. It’s seriously made tire changing fun.

[@fmsandoval]

This is my dream bike! I currently have a Kawasaki VN900 but one day;

[@BaggerJay]

How's the Rabaconda? That rear tire looked pretty easy. Have you tried it on a front yet? I have a challenger, awesome bikes. That shock bracket is home made garbage, he made his own lift kit.

[@BrandonBicasso]

I absolutely love the Rabaconda. Expensive, but if you have multiple bikes, easy to justify buying one. Can even change the tires for the 109 with the 250 rear. Front tires are easier and can do up to a 21" like the Magnum's wheel.

[@Tawni.6269]

Bicasso who makes that motorcycle tire changer fam?

[@BrandonBicasso]

Rabaconda Street Tire Changer amzn.to/3RTmGms

[@earnestmarkham5703]

Man thatz a nice bike, I love them.

[@mikeskidmore6754]

I put a plug in the nail hole. Then I put a tubeless tire patch on the inside of the tire. I like Tech Tire supplies..

[@Rambiker2023chief]

Is it possible to retrofit these bags onto a chief?! I want quality OEM color match bags

[@BrandonBicasso]

With enough fab work, can retrofit anything. Probably just need a bracket to support them on the sub frame and one on the passenger peg like the soft bags are.

[@robjamescapel8891]

Shame the panniers don't unclip like on the fjr1300. Great looking bike.

[@BrandonBicasso]

There is a quick release add-on option. Only takes a minute or two to unbolt them, but no required tools would be better.

[@robjamescapel8891]

@@BrandonBicasso yea it's nice to be able to unclip and take them with you when you get to your destination.

[@lowfatire73]

How are you balancing the new tyre and rim?

[@BrandonBicasso]

MotionPro balancer

[@michaelsisk5938]

Good video. I have patched a tire before and I got 5,000 miles before I had to replace it. I found the labor cost to replace a tire staggering and far greater than my Indian Chief Darkhorse. Nice bike but because of the labor cost to replace a tire I would not have bought this bike.

[@MattieXMoto]

Is this bike the stock exhaust? Sounds pretty good

[@BrandonBicasso]

It is not. Rinehart exhaust with Cat removed.

[@bridgettdixon6807]

Let's go!!!

[@BrandonBicasso]

Hey, Bridgett!

[@ronaldloringjr5332]

i really like the way you are not afraid to work on and fix this bike , the only concern would be patching the tire , a car sure , you have 3 other tires , a bike , i understand its expensive , what's the liability ? not worth the risk

[@BrandonBicasso]

Totally. That’s what he wanted, though. I’d have my own patched too. The misconception is it being like the stuff from road side repairs. When done professionally at a shop, you visually can’t tell the difference and it’s bonded from the inside. Still rocking strong months later.

[@Ferraiolo_1]

Wow whoever cut out those shock brackets out of plate steel shouldn’t ever touch a motorcycle again, looks like they were trying to do a diy lift kit instead of spending the $250 on the actual lift brackets. Also you don’t need to touch the adjuster bolts when removing the tire axle, they are a set it and forget thing as long as the belt tension is good and centered.

[@chuckdb3684]

That is some horrible backyard lift attempt!

[@BrandonBicasso]

Link to the extra support crew 👌🏾 patreon.com/brandonbicasso

[@mymidlifemoto]

Do you ever get apprehensive taking bikes apart? I get nervous as hell working on mine lol. Then again I don’t have those kind of mechanic skills. Really interesting watching your process here.

[@andresinnett4319]

The old plan b , your defiantly getting plenty of use out of your tyre changer 😊

[@BrandonBicasso]

Facts. It would be 3 business days between tire changes otherwise with a dealer.

[@jozzy2020]

I love my Challenger

[@derrickwalton688]

I plugged my tire before no issues

[@BrandonBicasso]

I plugged my first bike and rode it till the plug blew haha. Rode it home on a flat too!

[@nbowling10trio]

Makes ya think somebody was jumping it offroading this bike

[@dhc8guru]

That lift was looking sketch. Thought the bike was going to fall off. Could Indian use a little powder coat on stuff like the swingarm? Everything looks like it’s itching to corrode.

[@BrandonBicasso]

Does look a bit.. meh back there. Mostly covered, but cost savings I reckon.

[@supakamario]

What's with these low tire pressures u been using these days

[@BrandonBicasso]

Luck of the draw. I'm always running low on something these days.

[@Heritagejim5339]

Sorry Brandon but there is no way in hell I would have patched it. I get it that’s what the customer wanted but we only have two tires. If one fails you could be f***ed, 30,000 dollar motorcycle and can’t afford a new tire? Good job on your part working thru those issues. Stay safe brother 😎

[@BrandonBicasso]

I feel that. Well, I didn't patch it but had it professionally done. Totally get it!

[@SilverIndian]

Bike is nice, but the engine sound sucks.. Much better the Cheiftain, Roadmaster motor

[@vinniemadrox]

Might be time for a challenger auction bike.......

[@BrandonBicasso]

Don't speak that on me lol

[@soganoflarider]

@@BrandonBicasso wut Vinnie said🤪 nothing but ❤️ for ya bro ✊😎

[@BigBlackCorvette]

I like the Indians, but I love my VIC.

[@stephen6157]

Corporate? The rust.

[@sway0221]

Get your hussle on!

[@BrandonBicasso]

You know it.

[@ronwhite1642]

Im not a big fan of motor and trans being in the same case thats like the sportsters

[@BrandonBicasso]

Def is a pain when time to service it. Luckily, not really a need to go in that far. 100k miles no prob.

[@jozzy2020]

You do need one! Lol

[@BrandonBicasso]

Stop it haha

[@Abidingcitizen]

Slide hammer would work

[@BrandonBicasso]

You right. Didn’t think you use one to snatch it out. Was more concerned with damaging it.

[@parkersgarage4216]

why does that swing arm look so terrible?

[@BrandonBicasso]

Fair question. I'm not a fan either. Hidden so it's a part they decided to not give much attention to. Some spray paint would make it look a lot better.

[@parkersgarage4216]

@@BrandonBicasso im just surprised at how bad it is. especially considering how new that bike is. dumb question but did you try wiping it down w ceramic spray? i use the hybrid solutions and its pretty phenomenal stuff and very affordable. spray on a microfiber first though then wipe on. i bet it will def help out.

[@Bit2024]

Goldwing done in 10 minutes

[@BrandonBicasso]

Right on. 🤙🏾

[@Bit2024]

@@BrandonBicasso tell you the truth I was thinking of getting the new Indian but after i saw your video i will think again . 3 hours for a tire is too much

[@BrandonBicasso]

Well, to be fair, I wasn’t experienced enough to change it quicker. I recently did another and it took maybe 30 minutes getting it on/off. This Challenger’s rear suspension was modified and it made removing that pin more difficult. When it isn’t jammed, it’s pretty standard to get it out/in.

[@jkfsu]

Not my job ✊️💨💨💨😂

[@BrandonBicasso]

Fr tho 😂

[@darrenschneider9722]

I won't u as a neighbor so we can change my motorcycle tire.

[@crockett11000]

I like your tire change machine!. Dont like the bike..

[@jordisola1141]

congratulations, waiting for a miracle to see if there is any sinister challenger in Spain or Europe to restore 🥹

[@davidbretall8118]

Thanks for the video!! Awesome watching you. I have a question. How did you like that Corbin seat? I’m thinking of getting one for my Challenger