I agree, Indian is making Harley Davidson look bad in every way because Indian has embraced change, technology, and innovation. Harley Davidson bikes are still using 1940s/1950s technology with a huge primary chain in oil, pushrods, bottom end cams, and three hole oil fill and draining. The Indian Challenger is fully counterbalanced, fully liquid cooled, has ride modes, quiet shifting, no pushrods, and a gear drive primary which most Indians have already. HD has done nothing but offer new paint jobs but their bikes are still overpriced, overly labor intensive and HOT. Now HD does have their Revolution Max platform that’s as modern as it gets in two bikes but their slow in moving across the like with it.
I've owned 5 Harleys, and 8 bikes overall. If I was inclined to spend that amount I'd definitely go with the Challenger. I've owned 2 Street Glides and 1 Road Glide (best handling of all my Harleys), but that Challenger is a damn fine looking piece of hardware with update road tech on board. GORGEOUS! I'm a Harley guy, but I'll admit I *almost* bought an Indian this time around. Perhaps next time.
So 1st off Thank You making this tutorial about the Indian Challenger. I'm in the midst of being on the fence.. and helping to sustain Mr. Willie G's Pension /Retirement fund for the las 35 years now . Reight now I own a 2016 HD street glide special with 17,000 which i love BUT it's has it's gremlins over those miles too. Recently (secretly) I've been looking at the 2022/2023 Challenger and I'm so impressed with the Indians and along with people like you putting out videos help .Now comes the glitch.. I live in PA. and for me there has to be a dealer support or a network and that's where Indian falls short. I went threw the same thing when Big Dog decided to call it a day too. I was left at the time with 4 Big Dogs with no dealer in the area to service them. So I ended up cutting my losses and got rid of ALL of them. So that's the crossroads I'm at reight now.. Dealer support and some kind of network should I go North to South and East to West / Coast to Coast . At one time I really liked the Victory's also owed by Polaris and we see how that ended up. So who knows what's in my future either I keep what I have or roll the dice ? But either way THANK YOU again for making these tutorials and videos (for me ) they are invaluable . -Bill
I have the same bike minus the stage 2. And I absolutely love my challenger, I cruised around in rain mode for a few weeks before I switched it to standard. The sport mode is crotch rocket power on demand lol. I put the Backrest on for my wife recently and she loves it. I put a clockwerks windshield on it and its so sick..
As a long time (stage 2)Victory Cross Country owner, if this thing ever decides to give up the ghost, I can't see any replacement for it other than a Challenger(or Pursuit). It makes me even happier to know that there are major performance upgrades coming out for the bikes. After years and years of bombing around with 115hp, I'm ready to bump up to the big leagues with my next road bike.
@@xtremerollin I 100% know this... The PowerPlus 108 was on Victory's drawing board before the merge into Indian. In fact, Victory DNA has been in Indian motorcycles since Polaris started producing them.
As an avid sportbiker last year I bought a harley and enjoyed it, it was mainly to test the waters. Definitely need to add a challenger to my stable of bikes no doubt. This would be wonderful for going to work and hitting the grocery store after without needing to carry a backpack. And just to cruise this lovely texas hill country. I need one so bad
Great video brother! having ridden for more than 20 years, I’ve owned all types of bikes. I’ve ridden Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki‘s, Harleys, and Indians over the years. I’ve owned Honda shadows Honda Valkyries, Suzuki intruder Suzuki Boulevard and then I had a street glide special. I ended up trading in my street glide special for a 2022 Indian pursuit limited and oh boy was it like night and day difference from my street glide to the pursuit, I felt like I was punishing myself on that Harley, ride was so rough in comparison to what the Indian offered and the power is unreal. One thing that you didn’t mention in your video is when you get that stage two cam upgrade in that Indian pursuit, the power and torque output of that upgrade is equivalent to the road glide CVO of the same year. The pursuit limited with cam upgrade is also about 10 grand cheaper than the CVO too. My 2022 pursuit has the stage two upgrade as well as the generation three upgraded Soundsystem. It is an amazing bike.
I recently picked up a 19’ Chief DH, to accompany my Streetglide. Chief blew the road king out of the water.. only downside is lack of accessories, was looking for new grips there were like 5 available, roadking had like 100 haha. Feels so much lighter an nimble. When it’s replacement touring bike time I will be hard pressed to go back to HD. I don’t care about manufacturer / brand specific but if you are curious just go ride one.
Good review I’m not here to knock what anyone rides or what their preference is but I have owed a few road glides and currently own a 2022 special but before I got it I did give the challenger a chance and went to my local dealer and took one fir a ride and yes way more power then the road glide but to me it felt like I was on top of the bike rather then sitting in it I also don’t care for the looks of the gas tank and the single head light in the front to me the road glide has a way better riding position and the weight of the bike had never been a issue so I choose to stay with Harley but again I’m not knocking Indian they make a great bike but its just not for me !
the Challenger just looks of less quantity to me compared to roadglide the Indian bike I do like though is the Roadmaster I sat on one and it felt like it fit like a glove
Thanks for opinion. Really will help some of us make a better dec. I have not had the privilege to ride a HD unfortunately but I do own an Indian and I absolutely love it. But I have nothing to compare to. Lol!! I am planning to test drive a road glide and see what I’m missing out on. Lol! Thanks!
I’am planning on getting one hopefully next month. I’ve been really interested in the Pursuit🤔. Just because of the tour pack. I’ve watched so many of these videos 😂. I test drove one a while ago, and fell in love with the Challenger 😍. I’ve never been on a Harley, but I’ve always said if I were to get one of those, it would be a Road Glide. Just because I love the way those bikes look. To many people have them though. Especially where I live. Here in Florida.
At 1000 pounds Indian should hire the Japanese to design a forward and reverse creeping transmission like that on the Honda Goldwing , and it should be equipped with forward and rear crash bars standard. Also a rear passenger back rest as standard equipment.
Yeah they should be doing a lot of things. All they've got to do is look at the BMW k1600 and say we want to do everything that they did. They are still 10 years behind BMW and their conveniences and power to weight ratio.
Indian is killing HD day by day. I never liked these style bikes, BUT after they came out with the C, boy what a nice machine. Superb workmanship and style. Fantastic infotainment system, super comfortable. Indian's marketing and engineering are listening to the riders. I still love my Goldwing, but who knows, later on. Indian............please bring a center stand and reverse mode. You are a good man for wearing full face lid and not a Nazi one.
Great review. I own a 2020 Challenger with Lloydz “Secret Sauce” tune & WOW. Amazing. I came off a Victory XC & loved it. This bike is next level though. I’ve got over 30k miles on it and I blow my HD buddies out of the water. Not knocking HD, but you’re correct. This bike is the best V-Twin out there. Also, side note….I’m on my 2nd RuRoc helmet myself. Had the 2.0 & now I have the 3.0. Comfy & quiet. And looks bad ass! Subscribed to your channel now. Keep the good content coming!
I fully agree with you. I was always a Harley Davidson Fatboy fan until I went on a test ride on the 2021 INDIAN Challenger and wow the power is amazing and awesome technology. So I ordered My 2022 INDIAN PURSUIT DARKHORSE PREMIUM and it's amazing how much I love My INDIAN PURSUIT. Great video well done I really appreciate how honest you are about how much better the INDIAN is, definitely more value for your money straight out from the factory as stock.
I was in the market for a new bagger style bike a year ago as I wanted a bike at both my homes. I don't consider myself brand loyal I have owned a few different brands. I test road a Road Glide Special and a Challenger. Long story short I came away ordering a Riot Orange Challenger Dark Horse. Two things won me over, one I felt the Challenger's ride was more confidence inspiring, it felt more planted, handled a bit better, secondly was the more modern engine design rather than the old air cooled pushrod v-twin. Hoping next time I go to purchase a bike Harley has maybe taken the Pan America engine and tweaked for the heavier weight cruiser needs, more torque on lower RPM range, and updated the suspension and handling and we will give another test.
As a Victory Cross Country Tour and Octane owner the Challenger feels like my current bikes mated and had a child that incorporates the best of both of them and, then added in some extra goodies for good measure. I have ridden both the Challenger and Road Glide (107) and hands down would pick the Challenger just on the performance alone let alone everything else it comes with!!!
You know there is a trigger button on the left side of the handlebars you can cycle thru the Ride Command screens without moving your hands. Also, on the left to make selections as an alternative to using touch screen. I also recommend using your right thumb to adjust the windscreen rather than reaching accross with your left hand.
I love that Indian finally standing strong again and putting quality motorcycles on the street. Before giving up my sport bike I test rode Harleys and Indians. I chose Indian and very happy with my Chieftain Darkhorse. No matter what you ride, enjoy your ride.
I can’t wait too get my 23 Challenger Pursuit in April !! I do the Stage 2 right away too and went with a Freedom 2 in one also !! Should be much better as my Old 18 CVO Roadglide
Challenger is currently my dream bike. Only sad part is that Indian stopped making the Dark Horse in white smoke. That high contrast between the black and white is an absolutely amazing look! Will need to find a used one if I want that color 😆
30k plus might as well get the color you want i guess right? 😂 I got a base model cause I didn't want to pay for paint 🤣 matte titanium is best color anyway (;
Thank you for being honest on your videos, have to admit I love my 2020 chieftain I'm intrigued on the challenger, plus and minus. I travel not cross country.
Harley needs no help looking bad. They treat their dealers like $hit. They treat their customers like $hit. Everything they once made fun of, they became. Just sold my 08 VTX 1800T with 46k miles. Never had an issue.
I ride a 2021 Challenger Dark Horse also in Bronze Smoke with many of the same accessories found on the Elite. Best bike I have ever owned. My 3rd Indian. Former Harley owner.
It is shame that guys cannot let the Harley badge go.They look for excuses to deny it. This is the best Vtwin American bagger you can buy right now. I just did a 3 hour ride on the highway last week and it is such an incredible bike. It is not a Road Glide knock off, because a Road Glide has never been this good. Not without $30K of upgrades. I gave Harley my money for over 20 years and I am done. I watched the Harley roll out video this year and just the same old thing, new paint job, same old outdated technology.
100% had my Road King for nine years and no amount of fixing would ever get it to match an equivalent Indian tourer. Rode the latest Road King and it was the same wooden feeling wobbly chassis thing but with more bling. Their softails have improved but the tourers still have next to no suspension travel with terrible valving front and back.
@@stratolestele7611 Another Harley fan boi. Keep on buying overpriced junk. Don’t worry, you look so cool, especially with that loud exhaust, don’t worry everybody hears you and says how cool you are.
Been wanting one then my friend bought one. Currently in the shop for the 3rd time. Less than 700 miles on it. Cylinder miss fire codes, won't idle, and the dealership is lost on what to do. I really want an Indian but this is making reconsider.
I got a Persuit premium in July. I was going to get a challenger. My buddy got a challenger and tried to upgrade it and spent more than if he had just bought the Persuit. Persuit premium has too many upgrades to list but a few of my favorites are touch screen adjustable rear suspension, passenger floorboards, upgraded audio full trunk, and a premium heated seat and heated grips. I would love to go stage two but it's scary enough as is lol
I'm not locking the Indian Motorcycle as a motorcycle but what Polaris did to the victory owners it is hard for me to swallow any Indian Motorcycle no matter how good it is
Great Review, love the Challenger. I`m hoping they come out with a fork mounted fairing option, that`s what I prefer.😎 Harley gives you more options for sure.
Nice bike and content. I own a 2022 Roadglide Special and it's amazing. There's always going to be a Market for both companies. Also, love that you can open carry ...Sweet, best crime deterent. Thank you
Coming from HD’s to a Challenger: Pro’s: Base H.P. Sport bike handling. Liquid cooled, GPS w/weather. Apple car play. Power windshield. Comfortable seat. Cons: Stock handlebars, lousy paint, (scratches easy) To much plastic. Air filter under gas tank. Not sure it’s fair to compare the two. They’re totally different in so many ways. Closer to a Goldwing than a HD. IMHO.
The way they did the front fairing makes impossible to go to a sportier riser/moto bar setup. The low Slung weight makes it much less sporty feeling at freeway speeds, and the section of body panels right behind the riders legs is ugly imho. These are the reasons I went with the RGST.
I ride a Harley Davidson road glide limited. I love it but I like the indian bikes too. The dealership network here is scarce, the closest to me is over 100 miles.
The Challenger is my go-to on the Indian demo days. It will be my next and probably last bike I'll get. Prior to my first test ride on one of these. I was skeptical and judging the book by its cover. Also intimidated by giving a larger bike a test ride cause i was so new into riding at the time. However, after riding my Octane for a couple years, i had the opportunity to participate in a demo day. I rode almost all of Indians line up. Saving the Challenger for last cause I still wasn't sure if I wanted to try it. But, I gave it a go, and it's been love at first ride ever since. Test ridden the Challenger every time i go to the dealer and never lost the love for it. What an amazing bike to ride.
A stock challenger will out perform any harley that will be brave enough to line up next to it! I got rid of my 2021 street glide special for this challenger. All my buddy's still have harleys and no one can get close to the challenger trust me!
@@Luckky-13 One of my good work buddies just picked up a Dark Horse Challenger and it fast. I have Harley RKS with S&S 128 and it barley gets past and the Indian is bone stock.
Im on a harley lowrider s wanted to upgrade to a road glide…ive rode RGs before but first time riding challenger today,im a short guy around 5”7,feet planted and i was amazed buy how well it sits as far as weight compared to RG.I was in standard the whole ride,so i can only imagine sport mode.Waaay better then a cvo,without riding a cvo.I fell in love.
The customer service at my local Indian dealer turns me off to Indian. They wouldn’t even let me test ride a challenger before I started paperwork. The next closest dealer was 100 miles away. So I went with a Harley again. 🤷♂️
LOL! I just came across this video and got about 1/4 through before I realized that guy is wearing a gun. No problem (I am CCW), just funny that: 1) I didn't notice, and 2) usually when a guy in a video is wearing a gun it's a video about guns. Good times!
And yet, they still go on and outsell Indian by a wide margin. Sales are down across the cruiser market, but I don't see Indian ever passing Harley. Heritage - Harley has it. Indian, or what they chose to call the brand, doesn't have it.
Great review. Being an HD owner (amongst other bikes) it always comes down to the looks for me, hD just looks so dope. Indians look like their cookie cut outs. Im not knocking the tech nor the performance. Being liquid cool i know they run smoother, just wished they looked nicer. Especially since the prices are nearly neck and neck.
Back in 2007 I had a 1200 sporster. I'm looking to buy another in about a year. Currently Harley doesn't have anything in the lineup that I like. A close friend said I should look at Indian and I must say I'm highly impressed. Yes some say it's just a Polaris, but I don't care. They've been in business for a long time and they've definitely brought some of their technology into Indian.
I'd always pass by there riding out to Charleston. I'm up in Landrum now but I'm definitely getting one for my next bike. I'll sell both bikes I have and put it down on one of these
Yeah I noticed that in Wisconsin you could for a long time I don't know when they started it but you could carry a gun on the outside also most people didn't know that I have a concealed carry but whatever it doesn't matter things are getting bad enough for you need one. Either to protect yourself and your family or even someone else there's something happens now you have the choice where you can get involved or not
I'll wait till I can afford the Challenger Pursuit. I'm told by the sales guy that if I bring my Challenger back to add on the tour pack, that can cost around $5,000 extra. Plus with the Pursuit you can upgrade to the top end edition with the Tour pack, hard lowers, electronic suspension and premium sound at an out the door price of around $41,500. A comparable Harley Davidson Road Glide Ultra CVO will run you another $10k.
That is also becoming true of HD dealerships. HD is closing a lot of their dealers in their pursuit of a ‘boutique’ experience. HD is under the impression that they are Ferrari and can charge accordingly. If you find yourself traveling through Nebraska heading West to Colorado, the only dealership is Lincoln and then Denver. DENVER!
Nope. I can't get past the front end or on the harley. I do have a 2019 ultra limited and now that I'm retired it will be my last harley. They are to expensive. I did pick up a second bike a yamaha fjr. This might surprise you but if I was to change touring bikes it would be a yamaha star continental.
Don't get caught up in visual aesthetics before you test ride this vehicle for yourself! It's definitely a different ride and some of its attributes are downright impressive!
I took one for a test ride. I didn’t like it very much. I guess I’m just so used to Japanese motorcycles because to me the bike didn’t go very well and it didn’t stop very well at all.
All that stuff is well and good but only if the bike will start and run properly. So on my calendar I got to say it looks great sitting in the garage cuz that's where he spends most of his time broke down with some kind of electrical issue. So unfortunately I think it's back to Harley for me
Welp they’d have to make it first. Ain’t no fixing that’ll sort that crappy touring frame and it’s lousy suspension out and make it worth riding. Softails are better now but the touring bikes are just blinged up pigs.
Own a 2022 challenger put over 13000 miles on her did a cat deleat and Rinehart slipons performance wise she runs great but other things on her could be better