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2022 Indian Challenger Elite and Chieftain Elite Baggers Rolling to Dealers Soon

Tue, 07 Jun 2022

If you have to ask...

Our Indian spokesperson says she’s excited to share that Indian Motorcycle is unveiling two new limited-edition baggers within its premier “Elite” class, and that makes us excited. “With limited availability, and an exclusive, custom-inspired design, the 2022 Indian Challenger Elite and 2022 Chieftain Elite deliver the ultimate in style and exclusivity,” we’re told. The Challenger of course rolls with Indian’s latest 108-inch PowerPlus liquid-cooled V-twin that we love, the Chieftain with the more traditional air-cooled Thunderstroke 116 motor, complete with pushrod tubes. Horses for courses. Either way, these bodacious high-tech, high-end baggers will definitely flip some wigs and/or furrow some brows straight off the factory floor.

Pricing for the Indian Challenger Elite starts at $34,999, while the Chieftain Elite begins at $32,999. Both models will begin shipping to dealers this month.

Indian Press Release:

INDIAN MOTORCYCLE LIMITED-EDITION, ‘ELITE’ BAGGERS COMBINE SHOW-STOPPING STYLE WITH SOPHISTICATION & RELIABILITY

New Indian Challenger & Chieftain Elite Deliver the Ultimate in Style & Exclusivity

MINNEAPOLIS, MN (June 7, 2022) – Indian Motorcycle, America’s First Motorcycle Company, today unveiled two new limited-edition baggers within its premiere “Elite” class. With limited availability, and an exclusive, custom-inspired design, the 2022 Indian Challenger Elite and 2022 Chieftain Elite deliver the ultimate in style and exclusivity.

“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.”

Indian Challenger Elite

With only 200 available worldwide, 2022 marks the debut for the Indian Challenger Elite. Its muscle car-inspired styling turns heads, while class-leading performance provides unmatched passing power. Premium amenities and advanced ride-enhancing technology combine for a comfortable ride – whether cruising city streets or touring backroads.

Muscle Car-Inspired Styling

The Challenger Elite’s Stealth Gray and Black Metallic paint with Indy Red accents screams American muscle. A red stitched seat and color-matched Elite badging complete the bike’s performance-inspired design.

Class-Leading Performance

At the heart of the Indian Challenger Elite is the liquid-cooled, 108 cubic-inch PowerPlus engine. With best-in-class 122 horsepower and 128 ft-lbs. of torque, the Indian Challenger Elite delivers incredible V-twin performance with unmatched passing power.

With three ride modes, riders can customize the bike’s throttle mapping by selecting from Rain, Standard or Sport mode – resulting in one motorcycle with three distinct performance personalities. Each ride mode has been engineered with its own distinct traction control setting to align with each mode’s specific throttle mapping.

Premium Amenities & Ride-Enhancing Technology

With loads of premium amenities and advanced ride-enhancing technology, riders will have no problems traversing hundreds of miles a day. Electronically adjustable rear suspension preload from Fox allows riders to conveniently dial in their bike to account for extra cargo or two-up riding, while intuitive Smart Lean Technology keeps riders confidently grounded. Back lit switch cubes improve the rider’s ability to see the bike’s controls at night, while an adaptive LED Headlight, along with LED driving lights, deliver superior illumination, as the adaptive headlight adjusts light spread based on the bike’s lean angle. An adjustable flare windscreen, select floorboards, and heated grips contribute to a comfortable ride experience.

In addition, an upgraded and fully integrated 400-watt PowerBand audio system, including saddlebag speakers, produce crystal-clear sound quality at any speed. The bike’s industry-leading seven-inch touchscreen display powered by RIDE COMMAND offers Apple CarPlay, GPS with turn-by-turn navigation and a complementary year of RIDE COMMAND+ connected features, which includes live traffic and weather overlays, and a vehicle locator feature that allows riders to track their bike’s last location where it was powered on. Standard features aboard the Indian Challenger Elite include, ABS, keyless ignition, tire pressure monitoring, as well as weatherproof and remote-locking saddlebags with more than 18 gallons of storage.

Chieftain Elite

Designed for discerning riders who demand the best of the best, the 2022 Chieftain Elite combines a sophisticated design with custom-inspired details straight from the factory. With only 150 globally available, the Chieftain Elite is highly exclusive.

Custom-Inspired Style

It’s all in the details, as the Chieftain Elite’s eye-catching Heavy Metal Smoke paint is complemented by premium bronze finishes, including the tank’s Indian Motorcycle headdress, saddlebag latches, center console, primary cover and airbox. Oil-rubbed bronze finishes across the engine’s push rod tubes, horn cover, and cam cover take the Chieftain Elite’s style to an entirely new level straight from the factory.

The Chieftain Elite’s streamlined fairing, slammed saddlebags with sharp lines and hard edges contribute to the bike’s aggressive demeanor. In addition, LED saddlebag lights, a two-up comfort seat, low suspension, precision machined wheels, and premium blacked-out finishes complete the Chieftain Elite’s head-turning style.

Unmatched, Air-Cooled Performance

Packing the most powerful Indian Motorcycle air-cooled engine, the Thunderstroke 116, the Chieftain Elite delivers class-leading performance with 126 ft-lbs of torque. Rear cylinder deactivation improves rider comfort when riding through slower traffic, while three selectable ride modes, including Tour, Standard and Sport, allow riders to adjust the bike’s throttle response to match their riding style.

Premium Amenities & Ride-Enhancing Technology

As standard equipment, the 2022 Chieftain Elite packs premium amenities, including an Adaptive Pathfinder LED headlight, an adjustable and tinted flare windscreen, spacious aluminum select floorboards, rear saddlebag LED lights, backlit switch cubes, and an integrated 400-watt PowerBand audio system. Like the Indian Challenger Elite, the Chieftain Elite features the seven-inch touchscreen display powered by RIDE COMMAND with Apple CarPlay, GPS with navigation, and RIDE COMMAND+ features, like live traffic and weather overlays, and a vehicle locator feature. Standard features include, ABS, keyless ignition, tire pressure monitoring, as well as weatherproof and remote-locking saddlebags with more than 18 gallons of storage.

Riders looking to personalize their Indian Challenger Elite or Chieftain Elite can do so with a variety of style, comfort and touring accessory upgrades. Indian Challenger Elite riders can add even more custom style to the rear with Pathfinder LED Saddlebag Lights, while Chieftain Elite riders can add even more lighting up-front with Pathfinder S LED Driving Lights. Elite riders can also take their comfort to the next level with the ClimaCommand Heated and Cooled two-up seat that features individual controls for rider and passenger. Riders of either model can enjoy longer rides with the versatile Spirit Lake Luggage Collection, color-matched Hard Lower Fairings, a color-matched Trunk and up to 800 watts of PowerBand audio.

Pricing for the Indian Challenger Elite starts at $34,999, while the Chieftain Elite begins at $32,999. Both models will begin shipping to dealers this month.

To learn more about Indian Motorcycle visit IndianMotorcycle.com and follow along on Facebooksm, Twittersm and Instagramsm.

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John Burns

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MikeD on Jun 08, 2022

I feel like INDIAN doesn't make enough Cruisers and charge too little for their creations.
They need MORE Cruisers and higher MSRP's.
And not just some lightweight, +900 pound, H-D wannabe, motorized bicycle.
I'm talking something that finally eclipses the Half Ton mark, a proper 500kg (1102lbs) motorcycle.
C'mon INDIAN, you can do this ! The World needs heavier and more premium Cruisers !

  • Imtoomuch on Jun 08, 2022

    That grey, black and red Challenger Elite looks beautiful. Why does this only seem to be offered on their baggers. Give the Chief and the Scout more exciting paint.

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