The Best American Bagger Just Got Better!

[@HegshotRides]

I wanted to share a video from Gears and Gadgets talking about dealer support for both Harley and Indian. You may be surprised to see there Arne't many holes in the Indian network if you have an issue on the road. kzbin.info/www/bejne/p6fEkKxoqteph9k

[@AyaWetts]

Really wish the closet Indian dealer wasn't 200 miles away from me... can't find anyone locally to help work on them really either. Pretty much makes it a no-go, even though I love several of their bikes.

[@rpmtransportllc.-kg7hs]

I accidentally stumbled upon a better bike! After much frustration and empty promises from the HD dealer, I called Indian and the moment I straddled a salesman’s 2020 Challenger, I knew I was witnessing something special! I bought a 21 Challenger DH in White Smoke, and haven’t had a moments peace from admirers who can’t seem to get enough of her! Good to see the slight changes; they also put an aluminum windshield gear in, I’ve heard. Like the looks of HD’s, but I absolutely love my Challenger! Good work, Bro!

[@billbonu1639]

Should have called Yamaha got a real bagger, the fjr.150 HP 170 mph off the showroom floor and good for 2 or 3 hundred thousand miles.

[@MaxStax88]

@@billbonu1639what lol, that ugly a$$ fjr lol. The fjr is not a American bagger type of bike, it is a sport bike with bags….. no where near the same type of bike as this beautiful challenger is

[@motorcyclemichael2182]

I don’t wanna go 170mph. I have a family to consider. FJR is reliable but very long in the tooth. Needs a total makeover Id like to get a dark horse challenger pursuit.

[@rickosborne6521]

I recently bought this exact bike. Had been a HD guy for a long time til I decided I wanted something different and rocked an FTR 1200 S for a while which is an amazing bike, but then with some back issues I needed to go back to bagger life. Rode a few HD's and then absolutely fell in love with the Challenger dark horse. It blows away every HD out there, even the CVOs. I couldn't be happier with it. Now I just need the damn snow to knock it off so I can ride more!

[@deansmith7746]

To each his own, I'm not hating. It's all about stock , i get it. My 2018 cvo roadglide with just 20 k invested after the initial 40k Means I could buy 2 Indian darkhorse challengers. HD is overpriced, as we all know, and the cvos vulgar in price. But every time I get on my RG with its 160 hp 168 fpt, the Baker grudgebox, the s&s cam chest upgrades, the Aim pressureplate,Barnett clutch plates, the darkhorse compensator and soon, a chain conversion kit, I wouldn't trade this Harley for 10 Polaris Indians and that's the absolute truth.

[@jag1963]

I rode a 2022 and 2023 Challenger a few weeks ago back to back and the 2023 has a more comfortable seat. Just like you said its plusher. It is a better motorcycle now. I love where Indian are going with this bike.

[@longshot1587]

I like that you tell it like it is. I traded in my 2020 Roadglide Limited for a 2022 Pursuit Darkhorse. It’s just a better overall bike. Plus, according to my wife, she’s more comfortable on the back. Keep the videos coming.

[@neilhoogendoorn412]

You don't have to pull the clutch all the way in when you shift, just barley pull it while pulling up on the shifter and you will shift much faster and much smoother. This is something that alot of guys never figure out.

[@thelazydire]

chill. If it works it works. Don't let things that shouldn't even bother you be bothersome

[@nativeoutdoors1780]

It's called preloading the shift and you don't need the clutch at all if it has a slipper clutch

[@carlosparodiretail]

Somehow on my new 2023 super chief i dint even need to use the clutch, maybe they gave me a free quick shifter? Smooth as butter

[@crashmandude]

​@carlosparodiretail If you get to the right RPM then push up on the shift arm, then very quickly get off the throttle and get back on it, then most bikes will shift without a clutch. Some bikes warn against doing this though as it will destroy some transmissions. I.E. victory motorcycles.

[@ShadowSolja]

I own both an American Bagger and a Canadian Bagger. Loved that they kept the Victory motor base. It was a great motor.

[@tjmac1453]

I have owned 41 bikes in about 6 years. The Challenger by far is my favorite all around bike. Love my little Victory Octane for zipping around as well. Coming from the big Victory Cross Country bikes I was used to the over head cam sounds. I know some people dont like the noise but it does bother me any. Just twist the throttle more and smile. Hated the rear cylinder deactivation, turned that off really fast.

[@cmbranso]

Rode the Sport Chief and Chiefton today in Daytona. Super nice bikes!

[@MrJo1340]

I really love this bike! The only thing I would really change is I'd like to have a smoked wind screen. Personally, I'm not a fan of clear windscreen.

[@GordonParmelee]

Been looking at this exact bike. Haven't ridden in 33 years though. I'm 5'8", 185 lbs and easily flat footed it at the dealer and felt totally comfortable with it. Can't wait to make my purchase!

[@yasiral.kiyumi7923]

Thank you for the review. How do you find the heat generated by the engine compared to Milwaukee 8? I own streetglide 2019 M8, and i live in the middle east, where the weather is hot most of the year. The streetglide just fries my thighs.

[@Steele2wheels]

I own a 23 challenger DH and a 23 street glide special. The challenger is just special and has an unreal ride experience. I love my Harley as well but when I want to ride all day…I am on the challenger. The power and speed are much more than the experience on the street glide. I understand the RG is the direct competitor but I feel the street glide is a better bike and so I purchased that and my challenger. Your review is pretty spot in in my opinion.

[@jcaudle23]

Just bought the 23 challenger Dark Horse. Test rode both the road glide and the challenger. Being 6'2" the challenger immediately fit better. And the ride difference was the nail in the road glides coffin, the challenger just felt smoother and more powerful

[@HegshotRides]

Nice man congrats

[@arthurmanderson4892]

It felt smoother and more powerful because it is, LOL!!!

[@abyalex235]

How good is the fit and finish on the Indian?

[@jcaudle23]

@@abyalex235 So far I have no complaints. The Dark Horse is a matte black finish. I've seen others before complain about a soft clear coat, but since mine's matte there's no clear coat.

[@Principalsareamust]

I had an Indian and the bike ride better, it just didn't feel structurally better, if that makes sense.

[@fredgrebner526]

When interest rates and economy gets better (if ever) my ‘21 Harley Slim is going bye bye for the Challenger. Unless HD offers more for our money and better looking baggers by then. I’ll go to Indian No problem. Like the looks and value with Indian right now. ✌🏼🇺🇸

[@mr.stickyfingers3189]

Why not just get the Pursuit Darkhorse Premium for a couple more grand and you get the electronic suspension, heated seats and grips, trunk and front fairings?

[@carolinarider5237]

It's a longer wheel base that's helps with it feeling light off the kickstand and the battery is in the front and on the bottom that helps with the balancing

[@cameronhand4812]

Lookout!! Harley definitely has some competition!!

[@carlosparodiretail]

I love all your videos! Just cracks me up each time i see you on the Indians with your Harley Gloves lol, great videos man, thank you, i actually purchased a 2023 super chief after watching some of your videos

[@soldier09r]

I’ve seen three of your videos now reviewing the Challenger and I’m becoming a believer.

[@WALDAWG439]

I've owned 5 Harley's and 1 Polaris (Indian) for a reason. The Polaris just makes more $$$ sense, how much cash do you have to throw at a M8 107 or 114 to get 120hp/128 ft-lbs of torque? I still have my retired 2015 FLHTP, that I feel like one with, but none of the Harley's have been as nice as my 17 Roadmaster. It is light coming off the kick stand, at slow speed maneuvers, and will not beat you up all day on a 600-700 mile day. Harley has a great sound (except for the M8), nice paint, and hefty price with no HP, it all ends there in my opinion. But... what do I know!

[@guysmiley8473]

The Polaris puts out 113hp and 120tq piped and tuned my 114 puts out 115hp and 130tq cammed piped and tuned. It was $3500 more installed for the Harley than my cousins Challenger and it eats my cousins Challenger. So I guess using Polaris math my harley would be rated at 134hp & 138tq and cost me $32,000 all together. My windshield doesn't move and I need a key to lock my saddlebags, so I guess that's a lose but what do I know...

[@Topnikko]

@@guysmiley8473 🤣Right!

[@MBrad728]

Thanks for the great review. Been leaning toward a Chieftain Dark Horse, but going to give the Challenger some serious consideration as well.

[@darcher5888]

Bro, quit screwing around! Just buy the bike! Life’s to short to ride an inferior bike. I own this exact matte black Challenger but it’s a 2020. Running Sawicki 2 into 1 with a RVS tune. Absolutely the best sounding bike you can get. Additionally, I’m getting ready to get the Lloydz cams too!

[@ashebarley77385]

I wanna know how your cams are for sure !!

[@darcher5888]

It should be 135-137hp to the wheel.

[@HegshotRides]

All in time my boy 🤘🏻

[@edwardward7841]

Challenger beats the brakes off the Road Glide. HD is a pretty bike, it’s just completely inferior to the Challenger in every way.

[@louisjohnsonjr.4934]

Maximum overdrive is the movie you were referring to

[@marcobellomo9034]

Hi, nice video. Are the windshield and bags plastic or fiberglass? Thank you.

[@chiefjoseph8154]

Plastic, lots of plastic. Not as much as a Gold wing……yet, lol.

[@michaelschmitzerle2587]

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

[@touchthebacon5447]

I'm still on the fence about the challenger as I've read way too many accounts of electrical problems. Now that being said, they might have been fixed in the newer years, I'm not sure. Also, I watched what Polaris did to Victory, and I don't trust them to not do the same to Indian. I also have a few years before I can even think about getting a new bike so hopefully by that time everything I just said is a non issue.

[@killroyjohnson1256]

Same here about the electrical issues. I want one badly but don't know if I can trust the bike or the company especially since they're far and few between. What happens if I break down a couple hundred or more miles from a dealer?

[@the_ghee_spot]

Harley’s dealer network has me rooted within the brand. When I traveled out west, I had peace of mind knowing that almost every city on the way out had a dealership that could service the bike, if anything should have happened and I could be back on the road the same day.

[@geneevans7885]

I live in socal so I don’t ride anymore. But if I was gonna buy a bike now? It would be either a V-rod, a Vmax or a scout.

[@timturner9407]

My # 21 bike, best bike I've ever owned

[@waynewarner6838]

The Indian Challenger does not disappoint.

[@RafaelJimenez-hz9gu]

That is a beautiful bike. I wish they made a factory trike. Imagine the competition it would be for Harley .

[@Image-X]

Maximum Overdrive….. is the movie. 👍

[@marcusturner5291]

Nice review keep up the good work

[@Bikerbug2020]

So when are you getting one? Time to throw on the headdress and ditch the bar and shield.

[@LuckyDogGaming]

I dunno I love everything about the Indian except the build quality.

[@joedunne9492]

@@LuckyDogGaming build quality? All three of my HD had big motor problems purchased brand new! Third Indian 100,000 miles not one issue! And by the way I didn’t have to spend 8 grand on the motor and suspension to get close to what the Indian offers stock! HD crowd needs to get a new catch phrase about Indians! It’s old! Indian just a better machine!

[@LuckyDogGaming]

@@joedunne9492 I’m not worried about the engine or drive train it’s the plastic parts, the flex, the panel gaps and the paint. They are both (in my opinion) solid drive trains.

[@innovationgroupofsouthflor4744]

Great video! Thank you.

[@fredgrebner526]

I’d pay extra for beefier front shocks. ✌🏼🇺🇸

[@paulfreespirit]

It's an awesome bike!

[@juniorvazquez9000]

What do you think about the Buell street cruiser, that is coming out ? You think it's worth the 20 k price ?

[@Heavywall70]

It will never be 20k Everyone seems to have forgotten how much EBR’s were when Buell left HD. AND RSD is involved?!? We’re looking at mid 30’s for at least a year. They’ll be long lead times and they will be late delivering even then. And yes I have a crystal ball 🔮 Remember this comment in a year.

[@HegshotRides]

Idk man. Looks cool and 175 Hp v twin is awesome but without seeing it or riding it idk

[@Heavywall70]

@@HegshotRides I’m just basing it off history. Buells and EBR’s were never cheap compared to similar or better competitors and RSD is GONNA get his piece of price pie. I know it’s a rough draft but I think the bike looks like a garage project at this point. I’m sure dyna’s lostboys will like it but it’s a niche bike and it will be spendy. Btw if I hadn’t said it already, excellent video, I don’t have to like the subject matter to appreciate a good vid.

[@davidefland1985]

Adjustable windshield is a big plus

[@mojopin2000]

I hear the term "slammed" used a lot in these bike reviews. Could someone explain the meaning for me please?

[@Heavywall70]

I wish Indian would put that motor in a cruiser. I’m not ready for a fairing yet, I like maximizing wind feel at present

[@Anunnaki1821]

Indian ftw

[@anthonymestichelli9979]

One cool thing about the Indian wear the skirted fenders. That made the motorcycle unique and stand out.

[@HegshotRides]

I hate those but to each their own

[@joedunne9492]

Awesome bike! You need to upgrade your ride!

[@lesterhutchins1621]

I just know I love my Scout love Burt Monroe

[@markroberts840]

The movie is Maximum Overdrive

[@markman7]

After owning Harleys for 20 years, I looked at one of these at my nearest dealer and I was very impressed with it. Way nicer than a Road Glide, but I decided on and bought a new Gold Wing DCT Tour, and it's absolutely incredible.

[@Heavywall70]

and you just bought the actual best bagger. Nothing touches the GW.

[@semperfipar1299]

Victory bikes were the same. They feel light for a heavy bike

[@merrillcannon2029]

Still mad about the demise of Victory. I had 2 of them. Polaris let them die off to promote Indian.

[@semperfipar1299]

@@merrillcannon2029 I agree but I'm not mad at Polaris. I think their marketing was absolutely terrible with Victory and now Indian. They keep giving Harley free advertising with all of the comparison nonsense and they still make Harley the best with their advertising. They show everyone riding Harleys and just a few guys riding their bike. ???? Right now, if they were smart they would change the challenger name to champion and emphasize it beats the other touring bikes without mentioning Harley.

[@jefflpo]

Im selling my 23 Lowrider St for a Challenger Dark Horse. Im done with Harley

[@shoomapadoo1141]

For the money . . . I'd buy the full dress GW

[@fogit4668]

Any helmet buffeting? The older Road Glides were horrible for that.

[@HegshotRides]

Not much if any. The adjustable windshield helps a lot with that

[@rpmtransportllc.-kg7hs]

The power windshield in the up position virtually eliminates helmet buffeting.

[@fogit4668]

@@rpmtransportllc.-kg7hs Thanks. Nothing is worst than paying $30,000+ for a motorcycle and finding out that it is worst than what you had.

[@RealSuperRando]

Will the finish painting it before you buy it or leave it just with the primer paint?

[@HegshotRides]

Are you serious lol

[@briannash5635]

I love the matte black

[@darcher5888]

You should of bought the Challenger bro!

[@ngentry929]

im sorry, did you just forget the title to the oscar-worthy film Maximum Overdrive!!?? shame sir, shaaaame🤣🤣

[@HegshotRides]

Lol I did bro. True classic for sure 😂

[@Steverinomeister]

I’ve ridden all the Big Indian bikes and even owned an FTR S. They are very nice bikes but fit and finish, chrome, sound, handling, smoothness, they just aren’t up there with Harley.

[@timohansson3674]

I only wish Harley had better suspension and more reliable engines like Indian.

[@jdsparks100]

I’m with you on fit and finish, sound too. But smoothness and handling? C’mon man the challenger is destroying the road glide in that department. Not to mention power…. Sounds like George jetsons car a little.

[@leftlegtrumpcard8152]

I liked the handling and smoothness more on the Indians. Harley fit and finish is superior. As for sound they all got a different voice when u put the right exhaust on em. It definitely hard for me to pick a side. I like em all for different reasons.

[@HegshotRides]

Jdsparks100 said it all bro

[@ashebarley77385]

Fit and finish is the only thing lacking agree! Please Indian tweak it! You will kill Haley’s! Unless they put in the 1250 air cooled engine that’s in the pan America or sportsters then that engine will out do the Indians ….. but The power the smooth ride … I loved the seat!!! Yeah the pipe sounds like shit but so does Harley so you have to change the pipe … idk I want one!! You get so much more with the Indian the shocks and brakes superior vs Harley’s bullshit cheap crap

[@johnmclean4151]

Can someone tell me what engine does Harley Davidson have, that matches this horsepower output of this Indian motor?

[@HegshotRides]

131

[@johnmclean4151]

@@HegshotRides thanks

[@briannash5635]

131 cvo and it only cost 60K

[@juanmuralles6321]

My homies roommate got that one and now he sent it back to the dealer clutch got fucked stay with Harley it’s expensive but worth it

[@Jaycat48]

Just buy it already!

[@Mike-lc1wk]

Nice ride 👍

[@deanlockamy2087]

If I want an iPhone with a motor I’ll get one, for now I’m riding my FLTR.

[@Ozzie8404]

Maximum overdrive

[@j.t.5826]

I have a Harley and Indian. Both are good bikes but each have their own persoanlity. The feel and sounds are different. But most importantly is the network. Travel the country and how many dealerships are there. I know they say harley closing some shops. But alot of people out there knows how to work on harleys.

[@bruceg7387]

I didn't care for 360 camera

[@HegshotRides]

Why’s that?

[@bruceg7387]

@@HegshotRides Looks like a Gold Fish bowl

[@chiefjoseph8154]

Stop comparing the Challenger to any H.D. It’s so much closer to a Gold Wing. Maybe everybody gets confused because it a twin? Also just going to throw this in, my Challenger is in the shop for the 5th time. 9,000 miles. Mostly ECM issues. Polaris customer service has been awesome.

[@killroyjohnson1256]

What year is your Challenger? I keep hearing nightmares about them but I want one really bad. I don't need something broke down in the shop all the time.

[@miguelramirez644]

💪🏼😎

[@marathon8649]

Am I alone when I say I can't buy this bike because of the way the starter sounds?

[@twobeagles1365]

But like Harley as well, neither bike has reverse assist.!

[@HegshotRides]

I’ll be honest, that would be a great addition lol

[@markmcintosh7095]

I hate the heal shifter.

[@mainebiker]

The movie with emelio Estevez is MAXIMUM OVERDRIVE. him and Charlie sheen r brothers, they r mexicans n the father moved to the usa n changed his last name to sheen for opportunity purposes.

[@ericharrington2673]

Steve is 100% correct and the Harley street glide is the best bagger around … Hands-down

[@jdreyno1958]

👍

[@ShadowSolja]

Best CANADIAN bagger

[@sixchuterhatesgoogle3824]

Polaris is an American company headquartered in Minnesota. Indian motorcycles are assembled in Spirit Lake, Iowa from parts made in Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Iowa. Don't spread misinformation.

[@ShadowSolja]

@@sixchuterhatesgoogle3824 hmmmm says Winnipeg Canada. Guess yours if misinformation as well. Unless there is more then one division. But I do believe either way it is a great Bagger. Hoping it sticks around this time

[@travelinben1966]

Some more color choices would be nice.Not everyones into the matte finishes.👎

[@warhorn1160]

I like the Indian but my club is strictly HD.

[@breakfast00club..11]

Baggers are heavy big ..just get a car

[@ReadMyDiscription.223]

This is just like a Genesis. Sure, it looks ok, rides good, but it ain't no Mercedes..

[@HegshotRides]

Yeah and thank god it’s not

[@tylerthrash3155]

It's a shame indian has gone woke and removing all indian head logos total purge on them. Just to please a few. They almost had me from harley guess I'm sticking it out with harley.

[@cryptonator1988]

Are you serious is this because the whole redskins bullshit? Sounds like it.. this has been there staple that gave then their identity right it looks cool as hell too cant believe that sounds very woke too me..

[@HegshotRides]

Totally agree that is BS

[@joedunne9492]

Know what you’re talking about! They didn’t remove the headdress! It’s on this bike all they did was make a decision to not use the color version didn’t think it fairly represented Native American people properly! Just trying to do the right thing! And I’m a conservative!

[@tylerthrash3155]

@@joedunne9492 😴😭

[@cryptonator1988]

@Joe Dunne sound like a woke conservative lol 😆 😂

[@streetglidesteve7315]

Indian is the poor Man’s Harley

[@joshuapage2731]

I bet you ride a "me too" black street glide. Loser

[@HegshotRides]

Lol you’re funny

[@streetglidesteve7315]

@@HegshotRides I’m just busting chops so no offense to anybody but I have a group of friends and we have this Harley vs Indian dispute all the time My opinion is although Indian may have more bang for the buck I don’t like the looks and styling compared to HD

[@HegshotRides]

@@streetglidesteve7315 it’s a healthy argument. We all get in our corners, gloves on and then after hop on our machines and hit the wind

[@INIT72]

Maximum overdrive was the movie.