Indian Motorcycle Reveals Limited-Edition Indian Challenger Elite, 2023 Model Upgrades
Indian Motorcycle has announced a very limited-edition bagger for 2023. Only 150 of the Indian Challenger Elite model will be produced, making it as exclusive as it is stylish.
The manufacturer also listed various model updates and new accessories for the coming year. New 2023 Indian bagger and touring models will set out for dealer locations starting in November, and new 2023 Scouts will start to ship in December.
“Fully loaded with models and styles for the widest range of riders, the 2023 lineup is a powerful testament to our team’s relentless effort to build and refine a truly comprehensive product offering over the past nine years,” says Indian Motorcycle President Mike Dougherty.
The Indian Challenger Elite
The 122-horsepower (91-kilowatt) Indian Challenger Elite prestige model has a Sapphire Blue Smoke finish accented with Black Smoke and Titanium Metallic Smoke highlights. The exclusive bagger is engineered around a liquid-cooled, V-twin engine with 108 cubic inches (1,770 cc) of displacement and 128 pounds-foot (173.5 newton-meters) of torque.
A Bosch inertial measurement unit modulates said torque, along with the bike’s antilock brakes and traction control, as part of Indian’s Smart Lean Technology for curves. The Challenger Elite offers three ride modes and a Fox rear suspension with electronically adjustable preload. A new, five-spoke Precision Cut wheel looks fast even while standing still.
The Challenger Elite illuminates the road ahead with a Pathfinder adaptive LED headlamp as LED driving lights signal its presence to other drivers. Indian outfits the bike with an adjustable, tinted flare windscreen and heated grips for comfort. A 7-inch Ride Command+ touchscreen keeps the rider informed with turn-by-turn navigation and entertained with Apple CarPlay support. The latter finds expression through a 400-watt PowerBand sound system with saddlebag speakers.
2023 Model Updates
Indian Thunderstroke and PowerPlus models get a new slipper clutch for 2023. Besides its lower lever effort and more forgiving feel, the new clutch also provides smoother downshifts with less drag on the engine. PowerPlus and heavier Thunderstroke bikes also receive new haptic feedback buttons on their heated and heated/cooled seats, which lets the rider feel the button response even while wearing gloves.
A redesigned LED headlight shines brighter and wider on 2023 Indian Springfield, Chieftain, Indian Challenger, Roadmaster, and Indian Pursuit models. Indian Pursuit bikes equipped with the Premium Package now come with standard lower fairing storage compartments.
Owners of Indian motorcycles with the 4-in. round touchscreen display can now view their bikes’ location and status and use ride tracking on the Indian Motorcycle app or website. Users can make the connection through their Ride Command account.
New Colors
Indian announced new color options for the 2023 model year, including 58 factory colors available for the new Quick Release Low Profile Trunk for bagger and touring models. New motorcycle hues include:
- Sagebrush Smoke on the Chief Dark Horse
- Stryker Red Metallic on Scout Bobber Sixty, Chief Bobber, and Roadmaster Limited
- Spirit Blue Metallic on Chieftain Limited and Indian Pursuit
- Titanium Smoke on Indian Challenger Dark Horse
Accessories
Indian partnered with CruzTOOLS to offer a pair of tool kits compatible with all of its bikes, as well as an axle adapter for its FTR series. Most Indian models with certain passenger seats or luggage racks can benefit from a new all-weather vinyl tailbag.
Indian Challenger models have a new Syndicate heated seat option. Challenger and Indian Pursuit bikes can be fitted with a reduced-reach kickstand as well.
Chief Accessories
Indian’s Chief motorcycles receive a number of new accessory options for 2023. A new fork bag can store small items—gloves, phones, sunglasses—in front of the handlebars. New Chief Bobber saddlebags provide water-resistant storage for larger items.
A new low-profile passenger backrest for the Chief supports a second rider’s backside with a cushion for comfort. Chief owners can also opt for a cushier Comfort+ Solo Seat reminiscent of the muscle car era, or a two-up Syndicate Seat in fade-proof, weather-resistant black vinyl.
Find The Right Motorcycle
MotorSportsUniverse.com lists new and used motorcycles for sale from a variety of manufacturers, including a number of touring bikes.
Source: Indian