Indian’s Most Powerful Cruiser Makes Its Presence Felt At EICMA 2019

The recently launched Indian Challenger took centre stage at the Indian pavilion at EICMA. The new bagger was launched last week in the US alongside the more premium Challenger Dark Horse and Challenger Limited models. There is a strong possibility that Indian Motorcycles will launch the new Challenger range in India. 

Also Read: All You Need To Know About The Indian Challenger 

The Challenger gets an all-new bodywork with a large headlamp unit that includes an LED headlamp with integrated LED turn indicators. The new fairing is now mounted on the frame, taking most of the weight off the handlebars. It also gets adjustable vents to keep the rider cool on the road. Design-wise, there is a lot of similarity to the smaller liquid-cooled Indian Scout. One good example is the 22.7-litre fuel tank.  

Powering the behemoth is a new 1769cc PowerPlus V-twin motor. This liquid-cooled lump delivers 124PS and 173.5Nm, making the Challenger the most powerful Indian cruiser to date. In addition to the massive power output, the Challenger gets 3-rider modes: Rain, Standard and Sport. Safety aids include a six-axis Bosch IMU-based traction control and cornering ABS, engine torque control and cruise control.  

Get latest updates on
the automobile community

Login Now

It also gets an all-new frame that uses the motor as a stressed member. Suspension setup includes 43mm upside down forks and a Fox monoshock. The Challenger gets 320mm discs clamped with Brembo 4-piston radial calipers and a 298mm disc with a 2-piston caliper. 

Given that Indian Motorcycles sells almost its entire range in India, we see no reason why they will not launch the Challenger here. We expect the Challenger range to come to India by mid-2020. Expect prices to start at Rs 25 lakh (ex-showroom India).