2022 Indian Challenger Elite and Chieftain Elite First Look

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Indian Motorcycle just announced two new models within its Elite lineup of baggers, the liquid-cooled Challenger Elite and the air-cooled Chieftain Elite. These two models are not only loaded with a ton of style and features, but are also offered in very limited numbers to ensure exclusivity, with just 200 Challengers and 150 Chieftains available worldwide.

“From factory-custom details to premium amenities, and advanced ride-enhancing technology, we left no stone unturned when designing our new Elite baggers,” said Aaron Jax, vice president of Indian Motorcycle. “Whether you prefer the liquid-cooled power and performance of the Indian Challenger, or the more organic growl and unmatched air-cooled power of the Chieftain, these two Elites elevate both platforms with gorgeous custom-inspired design elements straight from the factory.”

Both models will be available in dealerships later this month.

Only 200 of Indian’s Challenger Elite will be produced worldwide. (Indian/)

Indian Challenger Elite

Inspired by American muscle cars, the $34,999 Challenger gets an exclusive paint job with Stealth Gray as the primary color highlighted by Black Metallic and Indy Red accents and a red contrast-stitch seat and color-matched badging.

Exclusive paint and keyless locking saddlebags packed with PowerBand speakers are a few of the upgrades standard on the Elite. (Indian/)

Power comes from Indian’s liquid-cooled 108ci 60-degree PowerPlus V-twin engine that pumps out a claimed 122 hp and 128 pound-feet of peak torque at 3,800 rpm. A highlight of the bike is its Smart Lean Technology system that uses a six-axis IMU to aid the Dynamic Traction Control with Cornering Control by monitoring wheel slip and torque application, while also optimizing output based on lean angle and the selected ride mode (Rain, Standard, or Sport). Another rider aid is the Drag Torque Control that manages rear-wheel lockup while downshifting by matching the rear wheel’s speed to road speed.

An adaptive LED headlight automatically adjusts the beam’s spread based on lean angle, while a pair of LED driving lights further light up the night. (Indian/)

Chassis highlights include a Fox shock with electronically controlled preload adjustment that allows the suspension to be adjusted from the dash and compensate for a passenger and/or luggage. Radial-mount Brembo four-piston calipers pinch a pair of 320 discs on the front, while a twin-piston caliper and 298mm rotor sit out back. A sophisticated ABS system utilizes the bike’s IMU to provide lean-sensitive control while braking. Contrast-cut wheels measure 19 by 3.5 inches up front and 16 by 5 inches on the rear and are shod with Metzeler Cruisetec tires in 130/60-19 and 180/60-16 front and rear, respectively. Claimed seat height is an ultralow 26.5 inches, with the bike weighing a claimed 804 pounds without fuel.

An adjustable windscreen, upscale floorboards, and a low seat promise comfortable all-day ergonomics. (Indian/)

Also associated with the IMU is the Challenger’s lighting system that has an adaptive LED headlight that automatically adjusts the beam’s pattern determined by the bike’s lean angle. A pair of LED driving lights further help blast a hole into the dark of night.

The Challenger comes with a 7-inch TFT, touchscreen display powered by Ride Command, featuring Apple CarPlay, GPS, turn-by-turn navigation and more. (Indian/)

Standard on the Challenger is an adjustable flare windscreen, select floorboards, and heated grips. While a 400-watt PowerBand audio system with integrated saddlebag speakers provides entertainment. Also standard is the Ride Command system that is operated through a 7-inch, touchscreen display. The suite of features includes Apple CarPlay, GPS with turn-by-turn navigation, live traffic and weather overlays, and a vehicle locator feature. Custom routes with up to 100 waypoints can be created in the Route Builder. Keyless ignition, tire-pressure monitoring, and remote-locking saddlebags round out notable features.

For the traditionalists out there, the Chieftain Elite comes standard with the Thunderstroke 116 engine, Indian’s most powerful, air-cooled unit. (Indian/)

Indian Chieftain Elite

On the other end of the powerplant spectrum is the Chieftain that is powered by Indian’s most powerful air-cooled engine, the Thunderstroke 116 in place of the base Chieftain’s 111. The 49-degree V-twin measures a whopping, yes you guessed it, 116ci with 103.2mm x 113mm bore and stroke dimensions. Claimed torque output is 126 pound-foot at a low 2,900 rpm. To keep the rider’s legs from cooking in slow around-town traffic in the heat, the engine features rear-cylinder deactivation. Riders can choose between three different ride modes including Tour, Standard, and Sport.

The Thunderstroke 116 features exclusive oil-rubbed bronze finishes. (Indian/)

This traditional American bagger twin is coated in Heavy Metal Smoke paint with premium bronze finishes highlighting the look. The tank’s Indian Motorcycle headdress, saddlebag latches, center console, primary cover, and airbox carry the theme, while oil-rubbed bronze finishes adorne the push-rod tubes, horn cover, and cam covers. Other styling features include the streamlined fairing that houses the Adaptive Pathfinder LED headlight and is topped by an adjustable windscreen, low-slung saddlebags (with remote locks and interior LED lights), and premium blacked-out finishes like the frame and exhaust pipes. The two-up comfort seat sets the rider’s butt just 25.6 inches off the ground for solid footing at a stop.

The Pathfinder LED headlight is adaptive and punches a big hole in the night. (Indian/)

Chassis highlights include an air-adjustable preload rear shock and a 46mm fork with 4.7 inches of travel. Braking is handled by an ABS-equipped system with dual 300mm floating discs in the front clamped by a pair of four-piston calipers, and a two-piston caliper and 300mm disc at the rear. Precision-machined contrast-cut wheels measure 19 by 3.5 inches up front and 16 by 5.0 at the rear and also come with Metzeler Cruisetec tires in 130/60-19 and 180/60-16 sizes, respectively. The Chieftain Elite comes standard with a tire-pressure monitoring system. Dry weight is a claimed 797 pounds.

The Ride Command infotainment system features Apple CarPlay, turn-by-turn navigation, GPS, and controls the 400-watt audio system. (Indian/)

Although a more traditional cruiser than the Challenger, the $32,999 Chieftain Elite comes with Indian’s Ride Command infotainment system, featuring a 7-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay, turn-by-turn navigation, traffic and weather overlays, and the customizable Route Builder that allows up to 100 waypoints. The premium audio system has 400 watts of power, AM/FM, Bluetooth connectivity, and a USB input.

Classic American bagger style meets modern features and performance in the Chieftain Elite. (Indian/)

2022 Indian Challenger Elite Specifications

MSRP:	$34,999
Engine:	Liquid-cooled 60-degree V-twin
Displacement:	1,768cc
Bore x Stroke:	4.252 x 3.799 in. (108.0 x 96.5mm)
Compression Ratio:	11.0:1
Transmission/Final Drive:	6 speed/belt
Claimed Horsepower:	122 hp
Claimed Torque:	128 lb.-ft. @ 3,800 rpm
Fuel System:	EFI w/ 52mm throttle body
Clutch:	Wet, multiplate, w/ assist
Engine Management/Ignition:	Electronic
Frame:	Cast aluminum
Front Suspension:	43mm telescopic fork; 5.1 in. travel
Rear Suspension:	Fox shock w/ electronically adjustable spring preload
Front Brake:	Brembo 4-piston radial-mount calipers, dual 320mm discs w/ lean-sensitive ABS
Rear Brake:	Brembo 2-piston caliper, 298mm floating disc w/ lean-sensitive ABS
Wheels, Front/Rear:	Sport Contrast Cut aluminum; 19 x 3.5 in. / 16 x 5.0 in.; tire pressure monitoring
Tires, Front/Rear:	Metzeler Cruisetec; 130/60-19 / 180/60-16
Rake/Trail:	25.0°/5.9 in.
Wheelbase:	65.7 in.
Ground Clearance:	5.4 in.
Seat Height:	26.5 in.
Fuel Capacity:	6.0 gal.
Claimed Wet Weight:	804 lb. (w/o fuel)
Contact:	indianmotorcycle.com

2022 Indian Chieftain Elite Specifications

MSRP:	$32,999
Engine:	Air-cooled 49-degree V-twin
Displacement:	1,890cc
Bore x Stroke:	4.063 x 4.449 in. (103.2 x 113.0mm)
Compression Ratio:	11.0:1
Transmission/Final Drive:	6 speed/belt
Claimed Horsepower:	N/A
Claimed Torque:	126 lb.-ft. @ 2,900 rpm
Fuel System:	EFI w/ 54mm throttle body
Clutch:	Wet, multiplate, w/ assist
Engine Management/Ignition:	Electronic
Frame:	Cast aluminum
Front Suspension:	46mm telescopic fork; 4.7 in. travel
Rear Suspension:	Single shock; 4.5 in travel
Front Brake:	4-piston calipers, dual 300mm floating discs w/ ABS
Rear Brake:	2-piston caliper, 300mm disc w/ ABS
Wheels, Front/Rear:	Machined aluminum; 19 x 3.5 in. / 16 x 5.0 in., tire pressure monitoring
Tires, Front/Rear:	Metzeler Cruisetec; 130/60-19 / 180/60-16
Rake/Trail:	25.0°/5.9 in.
Wheelbase:	65.7 in.
Ground Clearance:	5.1 in.
Seat Height:	25.6 in.
Fuel Capacity:	5.5 gal.
Claimed Dry Weight:	797 lb.
Contact:	indianmotorcycle.com

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