After substituting for a tour guide who had fallen ill, I found myself with two weeks to explore Southern California. I took that opportunity to attend a few motorcycle events. I rode with Beachside Moto Club, I socialised at The Moto Social Los Angeles, I watched the races at Moto Beach Classic, I visited the classic stops along the Canyons, Rock Store and Old Place, I ate hot dogs at Westside Motorcycle Collective’s Halloween Party, and I celebrated the 5 year anniversary of OFF TRACK. To get my bum to all these events scattered along the SoCal coast, I had the privilege to roll around on a big Indian bagger: Indian Challenger Limited 2025. At the Halloween event, the sparkling ghost white metallic colour yielded its nickname: Edward.
Tech
The 112 Powerplus motor in this street legal version of the King of the Baggers champion puts out 126 bhp and 178Nm at 3600rpm. It transfers this power via a wet, multiple plate assisted clutch, a smooth six speed gear box, and a belt drive to the 180/60 R16 rubber. It is liquid cooled, contains a SOHC and 4 valves per cylinder, and is well able to move the 381kg to cruising speed. That weight disappears as soon as it’s moving, what a nimble delight to throw around the potholes. Or to eat the miles when going the distance: radio on, mind off, and cruising speed, and the Challenger holds it steady with adaptive cruise control, and brings it to a stop safely with dual radially mounted M4.32 Brembo’s and cornering ABS.
Electro
Further electronic gadgets in the Rider Assist Package include Bike Hold Control, Electronic Combined Brake System, Blind Spot Warning, Tailgate Warning, and Rear Collision Warning. I noticed on my first ride that the blind spot warning in the rear view mirror is a series of convenient LEDs on the inside that is unobtrusive, yet unmistakable. The windshield is easily adjustable, being electronic, but even at the highest setting, a 6ft man like myself might still experience some buffeting at German Autobahn speeds.
Experience
What stood out to me, is that despite its weight, the motorcycle moves effortlessly through the sharp corners in Malibu Canyon Road, Mulholland Highway, and down Kanan Dume Road. The pistons and rings and cams all move in sync and with little vibrations. The upside down forks (130mm of travel), and the single rear shock (114mm) ensured that the bike stayed planted on the uneven surface.
Additionally, the bagger comes with, you guessed it, bags. Panniers to be precise. Two remote locking hard cases with built-in speakers can accommodate 68 litres of luggage. Plenty for a day trip to the beach, beach towels, blanket, bather, a roll of tools (not that you’ll need them), a cooler bag for your beverages of choice, and some snacks. Enough for a road trip of a couple of days, a few changes of clothes, rain gear, tools, med kit, road snacks, and your camera. If you were inclined to go camping, and you have small or ultralight gear, you could probably even make do with these cases. Heck, you could go for weeks like this, the bike is built for it and you will be comfortable!
In all, while you might initially think this is just another heavyweight tourer, it is so much more than that! It is smooth, it is nimble, and it is fun! Cruise into town to meet friends for a coffee, enjoying the smooth and vibrationless engine in normal mode, or switch to sport mode on the backroads and hear that engine roar. What surprised me the most, is how many people acknowledged the bike with a nod or thumbs up, and how many people came up to me to talk about this motorcycle, young, old, men, women, riders, non-riders. Maybe because my appearance does not match the stereotype that people have of motorcyclists who ride baggers, but probably because Indian managed to design a motorcycle that draws attention without exaggerating, under-promising, overdelivering.
