Stepping from my Chieftain limited with 116 I didn’t know what to expect. But I was so surprised and regardless of the individual argument of asthetics the power the gearbox and the ride give you that freedom machine feel. Effortless gear change no clunk like I’ve had with my other Indians or any HD I’ve ridden. Wonderful handling and ergonomics even for myself at 168cm so easy to handle regardless of your stature. I’m not about to trade my Chieftain limited just yet but it will be interesting to follow where Indian take this bike and motor moving forward.
114mm rear suspension travel is so good, my Road King only has 54.6mm and it lets you know about it often, haven't ridden the Challenger but I have ridden the Chief Vintage and it was so smooth and cornered so easily it was like night and day. This is why I'm always surprised when people say that the Indian and the HD are so close, in looks yeah sorta but in ride, no. Done many good miles on the Harley that's for sure but after riding the Indian my heart is sold, I'm just waiting for my wallet to catch up.
Really good review! Was going for the road glide, but still need to check this one out. Hated that victory bit the dust. Think that line was ahead of its time
Great video!!! I ride a Vision and after riding the Challenger I found your review spot on. Not ready to give up my Victory yet. It ain’t broke and still works well. The Challenger doesn’t come with the heated seats and grips that mine has. Although I’m sure it’s coming, no tour pack. All these future comforts will come at a premium price. My bike is over 11years old and still has looks that catches the eye. Challenger has power for days it will be my next bike after the creature comforts are added for touring.
Can you switch out pipes so the dB's are louder. Bunch of old folks drive around in New England on the weekends and they don't see or hear too well. Also, I noticed no place for touring pegs. I'm a fidgety guy and like to move my foot positions.
David, I respect your reviews and was pleased to see you released one on the Challenger. I agree with your comments concerning the Vics and Challenger fitting larger frames as I fit that category too. I put an extended reach seat on my 2018 Chieftain Limited but it didn't seem that I would "need" one for the Challenger. Ride safely friend. Cheers from New Mexico, USA - Tim
Thanks - yes - I would need a longer reach saddle on the other Indians - but I was good on the stock Challenger - if I owned one I probably would add a taller saddle though - you are right - needs v wants.
@@BigDavesPlace you had my attention when you mentioned bigger riders! I'm 6'4" and 215lb. I sat on a few Harley's and was surprised to see such a badass bike feel so small and tight. How tall are you? Do you have another bike to recommend for tall riders? Thanks!
i love my challenger ltd. just remember to buy the Indian carbon cleaner fuel additive so you dont get the tapping sound in your cylinders under high load.
The only thing I don't like is how the fuel tank looks so tall. It looks disconnected from the bike, not very well integrated into the overall design. It still probably wouldn't prevent me from buying it because it has so many other things going for it.
Im not gonna lie, everytime i see it , i like it more and more. And I want a Street glide... but the challenger is calling my name. If they put this package on the chieftain it would be game over. I'd be all over it.
What I like about this Challenger is it’s horsepower and torque output. I wouldn’t need to add more kit to it, maybe just exhaust system and that’s about it. Whereas, for a H.D., I would have to pay a lot more to get more power out of it.
Good review, just don't get the Victory praise, they were ugly and the one I had was a dog. But I am seriously thinking about the Challenger instead of another Road Glide.
I have to agree. Once I heard , you know that you bought the right bike by when you walk away from it you turn around and look at her again. I can’t see me doing that with the Challenger. That ferrying looks like a bathtub. Sry.
Too bad it's fairing looks so dumb. And it's really pathetic that Indian used the 50 year Dodge's names, Challenger. They should have named is the "Boat"
