2022 Indian Challenger Elite Cruisers Review Specs Price

The 2022 Indian Challenger Elite Cruisers, a new fixed-fairing bagger for Indian Motorcycle’s “Elite” series, debuts in 2022. This limited-edition Boulevard Bumbler features a distinctive color scheme and a premium electronics package with all the latest infotainment features. Power comes from the updated 122-pony Power plus V-twin to give the combination a sporty touch.

2022 Indian Challenger Elite Cruisers – Features and Specs

Performance and Capability

Indian brought back the Power Plus brand, first used in 1916 for a range of V-twin-powered models. This model was noteworthy because it had Indian’s first flathead engine created in-house. The limited-edition Challenger Elite now uses it to power its new liquid-cooled performance V-Twin engine from Indian.

With a 1,768 cc (108 cubic-inch) displacement and an 11-to-1 compression ratio, the bore and stroke come out at 108 mm and 96.5 mm, respectively. This engine will likely handle mid-grade fuel quite well. This V-Twin is not your grandfather’s. The engine of the 2022 Indian Challenger Elite generates 128 pound-feet of torque and 122 horsepower.

Power from the engine is delivered through a slip-and-assist clutch, a six-speed gearbox, and a belt and pulley final drive using a gear-type primary purpose. The Challenger Elite can reach a peak speed of 125 mph because of the overall drive ratio.

To lessen the rider’s heat-wash in stop-and-go traffic, the Rear-Cylinder Deactivation tips off the higher electronics by deactivating the rear jug while idle at a stop. You can instantly adjust your power delivery on the go with several Ride Modes.

Design

With its substantial blackout treatment, smoked windscreen, and black graphics over gray sheet metal, the Indian Challenger Elite has a somewhat gloomy appearance. It seems like a scary ride on the surface, but it also has a solid link to the custom scene, increasing its street cred.

This appearance is reinforced by the front fender, which runs the whole length but has chopped sides, much as a home job bobber might. The war-bonnet ornament resembles the conventional form from the side, but when lit up, it includes an LED strip through the center for a more personalized appearance.

The stock DRL function allows for full two-way visibility day or night, thanks to LED projectors. The Pathfinder S driving lights flood the road ahead in lumens, while the lean-sensitive adaptive headlamp beams into the bends where you need it as standard.

With its numerous creature comfort features, starting with the push button-adjustable windscreen that allows you to shape the uppermost part of the rider’s wind pocket, this bike also has excellent potential for touring and commuting.

You can customize your comfort with the fairing’s adjustable air-flow vents. A set of standard heated grips will prevent your meat hooks from freezing for all your cold-weather riders.

A set of analog gauges for the speedo and tachometer are hidden behind the glass, along with the standard assortment of LED idiot lights, completing the unremarkable instrumentation. The RIDE COMMAND controls, however, are the stars of the show.

The color TFT panel is about as large as they get at seven inches corner to corner. Turn-by-turn directions can be obtained through the navigation function, the weather band can be used to plan your route, the Apple Car Play app can play your favorite music while driving, and a Bluetooth wireless connection can answer calls. There is ample to share with the rest of the class thanks to the 400 Watt sound system.

When seen from the side, the fly line has a lovely S-curve that extends back to the saddlebag lids. The only accommodations are a roomy pillion cushion and fold-up footboards for your guest. Because there is no backrest or a top case, the back end seems low and tidy, which enhances the unique angle pretty well.

The stock bags offer 18.6 gallons of safe, dry storage. They are sufficiently large for both routine commuting duties and food shopping trips.

Chassis

The Challenger Elite’s stock engine guards add even more visible weight to the lower portion of the frame, which features double-downtube/double-cradle construction. 5.9 inches of trail and a 25-degree rake angle create a mix between stability and agility. When there is a crosswind or large truck pressure wave, you can count on reliable tracking.

With 5.4 inches of ground clearance off the deck, a maximum lean angle of 31 degrees is possible for a bagger, which is not bad.

The seat height is only 26.5 inches, which is relatively low. Even those with the smallest inseams and an easy reach to the ground should feel confident in their ability to wear this.

5.1 inches (130 mm) of travel and inverted 43 mm front forks with fixed damping variables float the front end. The monoshock’s 4.5-inch (114 mm) stroke and preload adjustability are electrically controlled. Such suspension strokes should make for a comfortable ride because they are relatively soft for use on straight roads.

Alloy Cast, Sport Contrast Cut wheels with Metzeler Cruisetec hoops in a 130/60-19 in front of a 180/60-16 complete the rolling chassis. Just enough room is provided for the governed top speed by the rubber’s “H” rating, which is suitable for rates up to 130 mph.

To slow the front wheel, two four-bore Brembo calipers clamp down on 320 mm discs. To control the back end, a 298 mm disc is bound by a single-pot anchor. The corner-sensitive anti-locks that regulate the interventions according to the calculated available traction are made possible by ABS, which comes standard and works with Smart Lean Technology.

2022 Indian Challenger Elite Cruisers – Price

For the limited run of 200 models globally, Price Indian exclusively provides Stealth Gray over Black Metallic, and Indy Red trim. Priced at $34,999 is the MY2022 Challenger Elite.

Indian Challenger Elite vs. Harley-Davidson CVO Road Glide

With three paint package options, The King of Paint doesn’t let you down. It features a stunning green-flame fade that is deeply rooted in custom.

H-D is a leader in electronics, offering the full spectrum of safety features as well as when appropriate, corner-sensitive assistance to dominate the Indian market. That benefit, though, comes with a cost. The Challenger is unquestionably more cost-effective because the CVO model starts at $41,899 instead.

When it comes to power, the MoCo delivers. With only 2 pounds of grunt separating the Milwaukee-Eight 117 from the Indian mill, the difference in torque between the two engines is insignificant at 126 pound-feet. I believe that many people will choose based on the cost.

2022 Indian Challenger Elite Cruisers – Technical Specifications

Engine & Drivetrain

Dimensions

Brakes

Tires / Wheels

Suspension

Features