Motorcycle specifications Indian1770 Challenger Dark Horse 2023 Another choice for Terminator

Whether for Indian or Harley-Davidson, the bagger is a strategic category. A blend of cruiser and stripped-down GT, these machines have grown in stature and importance in recent years. Indian is expanding its range with the 1770 Challenger, which is surprising in more ways than one behind its massive mug. More than ever, the confrontation between Illinois and Wisconsin turns into a fratricidal war.

Of course, the Chieftain is in the catalog to please fans of the genre. But Indian wanted to provoke the Road Glide. With obvious effrontery. Like the Chieftain, its front end is a huge fork head, as stylish as a military SUV, with the distinctive feature of being attached to the frame rather than the steering column. American expression in all its lightness, with the slenderness of a cathode-ray tube and the content of a multimedia cabinet.

With this generous space, Indian takes the opportunity to integrate the Ride Command multimedia console, with GPS, radio, intercom, smartphone pairing, tire pressure control, USB playback, etc... As well as two large speakers, storage compartments, two needle-type counters and an electric windscreen.
At the front, the light signature is imposing and eye-catching, with a very distinctive and identifiable diurnal play - the central headlight is very slightly revised for 2023. When a Challenger arrives, it can be seen from afar and it's a real eye-catcher up close.

The introductions are made, and the slaps are about to fly. From the Milwaukee Eight for Harley to the Challenger's new, powerful engine. Big, dry and torquey. It's called Powerplus 108. Not completely new, since it's derived from the Scout's twin 1133. Except that it's much bigger, has only one ACT per cylinder, is also liquid-cooled, promises to be just a little more powerful than the 1200 of the FTRs, and has the highest torque of any of the manufacturer's models.
Whether fitted to the Dark Hors or the Limited, this block sends out 122 hp and 18.15 mkg. 1 more than the ThunderStroke 1901 block, even though it's a fuller 132 cm3. At its service are a 6-speed gearbox, an assisted clutch (revised in 2023 for greater smoothness), 3 driving modes (Rain - Standard - Sport), traction control and cruise control.

but what differentiates the Challenger Dark Horse from the Limited? It's not the engine, it's not the equipment, it's not the form, it's not the function. So what!?! The Dark Horse finish covers the exhaust system, engine, handlebars, parts that are chrome-plated on the Limited, mirrors, tank console and part of the Sioux head on the front mudguard in black.

These are the only elements that might make you prefer one version or the other. Pricing, too, is identical, as are other specific features of the machine. Let's briefly mention the aluminum frame, the almost sporty front end with 43 mm inverted forks and Brembo M4.32 calipers, 68-liter panniers, cornering ABS, IMU inertial unit, keyless start, hydraulically-adjustable FOX shock absorber, LED lights.... In short, this bagger isn't really part of the stripped-down philosophy. This is to be expected, given Indian's commitment to the high-end segment; only the Scout Sixty has any popular appeal.

"The ultimate bagger" - that's how the brand presents its Challenger. From bagger, it has only the form. From ultimate, it has the aplomb and the equipment. This machine cannot go unnoticed, and promises a different kind of performance from the machines it tackles. Hence the apt name.

M.B - Manufacturer's photos