Indian Motorcycle’s new “Elite” series bagger with a fixed fairing, the 2022 Indian Challenger Elite Touring Bike, will be released for the 2022 model year. In addition to its unique paint job and high-end electronics package, including the latest in entertainment technology, this limited-edition Boulevard Bumbler is also numbered and collectible. The combination is given a sporty edge by the Power Plus V-twin engine, which has been modified to produce 122 horsepower.
2022 Indian Challenger Elite Touring Bike – Features and Specs
Performance and Capability
Recently, Indian has revived the Power Plus nameplate, which was first used on various V-twin-powered models in 1916. It was significant since it had Indian’s first in-house developed flathead engine. It is used to power Indian’s new liquid-cooled performance V-Twin engine found in the exclusive Challenger Elite.
Based on the compression ratio of 11:1, the diameter and stroke of this engine are 108 mm and 96.5 mm, producing a displacement of 1,768 ccs (108 cubic inches). It’s safe to assume that this motor works well on mid-grade gasoline. It isn’t your grandpa’s V-Twin motorcycle. The 2022 Indian Challenger Elite’s motor produces 122 horsepower and 128 lb-ft of torque.
The engine’s output is delivered to the wheels through a slip-and-assist clutch, a six-speed gearbox, and a final drive consisting of a belt and pulley. The overall drive ratio allows the Challenger Elite to attain a top speed of 125 mph.
The Rear-Cylinder Deactivation system, activated before the higher electronics, turns off the rear jug while the motorcycle is idling to reduce the heat-wash felt by the rider in stop-and-go traffic. Several Ride Modes allow you to make instantaneous changes to your vehicle’s power delivery.
Design
The 2022 Indian Challenger Elite Touring Bike has a dark and brooding look thanks to its extensive blackout treatment, smoked windscreen, and black markings on gray bodywork. It’s easy to be scared off by this vehicle’s appearance, but its deep roots in the customs sector give it serious street cred.
The front fender, which is the same length as the rest of the bike but has been cut down on both sides, adds to this impression of a homemade bobber. From the side, the war-bonnet decoration seems like a typical example, but when illuminated, the LED strip across the middle gives it a unique look.
Thanks to LED projectors, the standard DRL feature provides excellent daytime and nighttime vision. The adaptive headlights on the Pathfinder S are lean-sensitive, so they can shine into the corners when needed.
This bike has excellent potential for touring and commuting because of its various creature comfort features, such as the push-button-adjustable windshield that enables you to shape the top of the rider’s wind pocket.
The vents in the fairing are adjustable so that you can choose how much air flows in and out for optimal comfort. A conventional set of heated grips will keep your meat hooks from turning to ice in the winter.
Behind the glass are a pair of analog measures for the speedo and tachometer, and a typical set of LED idiot lights round out the uninteresting equipment. But it’s the RIDE COMMAND buttons that steal the show.
Seven inches from corner to corner is as big as it gets for a color TFT display. You may utilize the navigation feature to get turn-by-turn instructions, check the weather forecast to better plan your trip, listen to your favorite tunes through the Apple Car Play app and take and make calls via Bluetooth hands-free. The 400-Watt amplifier means you’ll have enough to spare for the rest of the classroom.
An attractive S-curve can be observed along the fly line from the side, and it continues back to the saddlebag covers. A large pillion seat and foldable footboards are the exclusive amenities for your passenger. Its unusual angle is accentuated by the absence of a backrest or top case, which gives the vehicle a low, uncluttered profile.
The stock bags provide a dry, secure place to keep 18.6 gallons of items. They’re roomy enough for the weekly grocery run and daily commute.
Chassis
The usual engine guards on the Challenger Elite make the lowest part of the frame, which is made of a double-downtube/double-cradle design, seem even heavier. The combination of the 25-degree rake angle and the 5.9-inch trail allows for a good balance of stability and maneuverability. You can rely on steady tracking even when there’s a stiff crosswind or a big truck pressure wave.
A maximum lean angle of 31 degrees is attainable with 5.4 inches of ground clearance off the deck. That’s very good for a bagger.
The 26.5-inch seat height is well short of being comfortable. The shortest inseams and the lowest reach to the floor should not discourage anybody from trying this on.
The front end is kept in the air by inverted 43 mm forks with set damping variables and a 5.1-inch (130 mm) travel. The 4.5-inch (114 mm) stroke and adjustable preload of the monoshock are both powered by electronics. For use on upscale streets, these suspension strokes should give a comfortable ride.
Cast-alloy Sport Contrast Cut wheels with Metzeler Cruisetec tires in sizes 130/60-19 and 180/60-16 finish off the rolling chassis. The “H” speed classification of the rubber allows for speeds up to 130mph, which is just enough to meet the capped maximum speed.
Two four-bore Brembo calipers squeeze 320 mm discs to slow the front wheel. A disc measuring 298 millimeters in diameter is held at the tail by a single-pot anchor. ABS is included in the vehicle as standard and integrates with Smart Lean Technology to provide corner-sensitive anti-locks that adjust their interventions according to the projected available traction.
2022 Indian Challenger Elite Touring Bike – Price
The 200 units being manufactured are all painted in Indian’s own Stealth Gray over Black Metallic with Indy Red accents. The MSRP for the MY2022 Challenger Elite is $34,999.
We pit the Indian Challenger Elite against the Harley-Davidson CVO Road Glide.
The King of Paint doesn’t fail you in any way with its three available paint bundles. Its magnificent green-flame fading is steeped in tradition.
H-D dominates the Indian market since it is an electronics industry leader, providing a wide variety of safety measures and, where necessary, corner-sensitive help. This advantage, nevertheless, does not come without a price. The CVO variant of the Challenger starts at $41,899, making it the more affordable option.
As for strength, the MoCo does not disappoint. The Milwaukee-Eight 117 has a slight advantage in brute force over the Indian mill by 2 pounds, and the difference between their torque outputs, at 126 pound-feet, is negligible. Many individuals, in my opinion, will make their decision mainly on price.
2022 Indian Challenger Elite Touring Bike – Technical Specifications
Engine & Drivetrain
Bore x Stroke Measures | 4.251-inch x 3.799-inch (108mm x 96.5mm) |
Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 |
Displacement | 108 cubic inches (1768cc) |
Drive/Driven Clutch | All-new Wet, Multi-Plate, Assist |
Electronic Fuel Injection System | Closed loop fuel Injection / 52mm of dual bore |
Engine Type | Liquid-cooled PowerPlus |
Exhaust | Split Dual exhaust with/ Resonator |
Horsepower | 122HP |
Peak Torque | 128ft-lbs |
Peak Torque RPM | 3800rpm |
Transmission/Final Drive | 2.379:1 |
Transmission/Primary Drive | Gear Drive Wet Clutch |
Dimensions
Fuel Capacity | 6 gallons (22.7 Liters) |
Ground Clearance | 5.4 inches (137.3mm) |
GVWR | 1,385 lbs (628 kg) |
Lean Angle | 31° |
Overall Height | 56.2 inches (1428.5mm) |
Overall Length | 98.5 inches (2501mm) |
Overall Width | 39 inches (990mm) |
Rake/Trail | 25-degree / 5.9 inches (150mm) |
Seat Height | 26.5 inches (672mm) |
Weight | 804 lbs (365 kg) |
Wheelbase | 65.7 inches (1668mm) |
Brakes
Front Brakes | Dual, 320mm of Semi-Floating Rotor, 4 Piston Radial Caliper |
Rear Brakes | Single, 298mm of Floating Rotor, 2 Piston Caliper |
Tires / Wheels
Front Tires | All-new Metzeler Cruisetec 130/60B19 66H |
Front Wheel | All-new Sport Contrast Cut including Indian Red Pin Stripe 19 inches x 3.5 inches |
Rear Tires | Metzeler Cruisetec 180/60R16 80H |
Rear Wheel | Sport Contrast Cut including Indian Red Pin Stripe 16 inches x 5 inches |
Suspension
Front Fork Tube Diameter | 43mm |
Front Suspension | Inverted Telescopic Fork |
Front Travel | 5.1 inches (130mm) |
Rear Suspension | All-new Fox Single Shock with Electronically Controlled Hyd Adjust/4.5 inches (114mm) |
Rear Travel | 4.5 in (114 mm) |
Features
Color/graphics | Stealth Gray, including Black Metallic & Indy Red Accents |
Factory Warranty | 2 Years, Unlimited Miles |
Gauges | Fairing-mounted instrument cluster containing analog speedometer and tachometer including fuel gauge, range, odometer, and current gear. 15 LED telltale indicators; cruise control enabled, check engine, cruise control set, neutral, high beam, ABS, turn signal, battery, low tire pressure, low engine oil pressure, low fuel, security system, and MPH or km/h unit designation. |
Infotainment | 7 in touchscreen powered by RIDE COMMAND: The model year 2022 bikes include a complimentary 1-year trial for RIDE COMMAND+ which includes features like live traffic/weather, vehicle health, intuitive destination search, and vehicle locator. Seven in touchscreen display with a real-time clock; heading; audio information display; ambient air temperature; map/navigation; Bluetooth status for phone and headset; vehicle status; vehicle info; current ride data; trip meters; ride mode selection; vehicle trouble code readout; screen brightness; Apple CarPlay integration. |
Lights | LED lighting with Adaptive LED Headlamp, Pathfinder S Driving Lights |
Standard Equipment | Smart Lean Technology; Electronically Adjustable Rear Suspension Preload; Highway Bars; Pathfinder S Driving Lights; Push Button Adjustable Flare Windshield; Low-rise Handlebars; Backlit Switch Cubes; Select Floorboards; Selectable Ride Modes; Rear Cylinder Deactivation; Cruise Control; Tire Pressure Monitoring; Adjustable Passenger Floorboards; Remote-locking Hard Saddlebags and Trunk; 18.6 gallons of Storage; Brembo brakes; ABS; Keyless Ignition; Chassis Mounted Fairing; Adjustable Fairing Air Flow Vents; Heated Grips; 400 Watt Audio System with AM/FM, Bluetooth, USB, Smartphone Compatible Input, and Weatherband; 12V Charging Port |