Post by: Feed Poster on June 10, 2024, 22:00:49 PM
Indian has released its new model announcements for 2024, and the big news on the list is the new
2024 Challenger Elite, a limited-edition bagger that sits at the top of its ultra-premium Elite series. Actually, can we even call it a series anymore? The press release mentioned no other Elite models (Indian's website shows a Pursuit Elite and Chieftain Elite but we're told those aren't 2024s) so it looks like the Challenger Elite is the sole representative this year, with what's being called "a sinister blacked-out performance look," a revamped seat, and most importantly, Indian's redesigned PowerBand audio system. The bike will be limited to 325 units worldwide.
First up is the new Charcoal Candy/Candy Black paint job, which starts with black candy color applied over a charcoal metallic paint. An acid-etched silver graphic flows from front to back on the fairing, tank, and bags, with a contrast red stripe outline for impact. Redline badges, stitches on the seat, and even the wheels carry the same red theme. Below those styling refinements, though, you'll still find the excellent foundation of the base Challenger, with a 108ci liquid-cooled PowerPlus engine good for a claimed 122 hp and 128 lb.-ft. of torque along with an aluminum frame, chassis-mounted fairing, and a full complement of luxury touring amenities.
Related: 2022 Indian Challenger Elite and Chieftain Elite First Look
As with all Elite models there's no shortage of creature comforts on the Challenger version, which rocks an adaptive LED Headlight, LED driving lights, an adjustable flare windscreen, driver and passenger floorboards, heated grips, saddlebag lights, saddlebag closeouts, and three selectable ride modes including Tour, Standard, and Sport. Then there's the slick, electronically adjustable Fox rear suspension, which comes standard on the Challenger Elite and allows riders to adjust the preload right from the bike's infotainment system.
That infotainment setup should come as no surprise either, with the familiar 7-inch touchscreen powered by Indian's Ride Command system taking center stage and offering Apple CarPlay integration, turn-by-turn navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, and more. Riders can access the bike's IMU-enabled Smart Lean Technology from here as well to tune traction control and ABS or select ride modes (Rain, Standard, or Sport). Backlit switch cubes help you spot crucial control functions at night while the Pathfinder Adaptive LED headlight and LED driving lights serve to illuminate nighttime cruises, and an adjustable tinted flare windshield up front can be raised or lowered with the push of a button.
But the main upgrade Indian is pushing on the Elite is its completely redesigned PowerBand audio system featuring four 100-watt speakers, two fairing speakers, and two saddlebag speakers. It comes standard exclusively on the Challenger Elite, though it's available as an upgrade on the other Challenger models. The system leverages Ride Command to operate a cluster of built-in amplifiers, a nine-band equalizer, and 16 speakers to deliver what Indian says is "better sound clarity at speed."
The 100-watt speakers are said to produce higher volume, clearer tones, and 50 percent more bass via the new Bass Boost Tune. New Dynamic EQ optimizes tunes for the highest-quality audio as conditions change, and the speakers are also redesigned for a more modern look, as well as getting new UnderGlow LED accent lighting.
The company says it's the "loudest audio in Indian Motorcycle history," with riders able to take the system up to 800 watts; the new PowerBand system can be easily installed on 2020–2024 models or owners can get the Bass Boost Tune software upgrade at the local dealership.
Other returning Challengers for 2024 include the base-model Challenger, the Challenger Dark Horse, and the Challenger Limited, though they're mostly unchanged except for new colors and pricing.
The 2024 Indian Challenger starts at $26,499 and will be available in either Black Metallic or Titanium Smoke.
The 2024 Indian Challenger Limited has a starting MSRP of $29,999 and is available in Black Metallic, Ghost White Metallic, or Sunset Red Metallic colors.
The 2024 Indian Challenger Dark Horse rolls in at $30,999 to start, with color options including Black Smoke; Sunset Red Smoke; Spirit Blue Smoke; Sunset Orange (Icon); Storm Gray (Icon); Black Metallic over Smoky Quartz Metallic Pearl (Icon).
The 2024 Indian Challenger Elite starts at $38,499 and comes only in the custom-inspired Charcoal Candy/Candy Black color. All the bikes will start shipping to Indian dealers in the US and Canada this month. More info can be found at indianmotorcycle.com.
2024 Indian Challenger / Challenger Elite Specs
| MSRP: | $26,499–$38,499 |
|---|---|
| Engine: | 1,768cc, liquid-cooled, 60-degree V-twin |
| Bore x Stroke: | 108.0 x 96.5mm |
| Compression Ratio: | 11.0:1 |
| Claimed Horsepower: | 122 hp |
| Claimed Torque: | 128 lb.-ft. @ 3,800 rpm |
| Transmission/Final Drive: | 6-speed/belt |
| Fuel Delivery: | Closed-loop electronic fuel injection w/ 52mm throttle bodies |
| Clutch: | Wet, multiplate w/ assist |
| Front Suspension: | 43mm telescopic fork; 5.1 in. travel |
| Rear Suspension: | Fox shock, hydraulically adjustable preload, 4.5 in travel; Fox shock, electronically adjustable preload; 4.5 in. travel |
| Front Brake: | 4-piston calipers, dual 320mm semi-floating discs w/ ABS |
| Rear Brake: | 2-piston caliper, 298mm floating disc w/ ABS |
| Wheels, Front/Rear: | 5-spoke cast; 19 x 3.5 in. / 16 x 5 in. / (w/ tire pressure monitoring) |
| Tires, Front/Rear: | Metzeler Cruisetec; 130/60B-19 / 180/60R-16 |
| Rake/Trail: | 25.0°/5.9 in. |
| Wheelbase: | 65.7 in. |
| Ground Clearance: | 5.4 in. |
| Seat Height: | 26.5 in. |
| Fuel Capacity: | 6.0 gal. |
| Claimed Dry Weight: | 796 lb. / 804 lb. |
| Contact: | indianmotorcycle.com |
Source: Indian Unveils 2024 Indian Challenger Elite (https://www.motorcyclecruiser.com/news/indian-challenger-elite-first-look/)
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