MotoAmerica oversees seven championships from Superbikes to Super Hooligans. One of those championships, just three years old, is for baggers — cruisers usually powered by a big V-twin or a six-cylinder and fitted with hard or soft luggage, a step down in size and weight from the all-out touring bikes. Tyler O’Hara has won the King of the Baggers Championship two of those three years, riding an Indian Challenger prepped for the contest by performance shop S&S Cycle. To celebrate O’Hara’s series win in 2022, Indian’s selling 29 examples of his Indian Challenger RR, built just like his by S&S Cycle.
The extremely limited production refers to O’Hara’s #29 race number.
Instead of a headlight, DRLs and windshield in the large aero fairing from the production bike there’s a NASCAR-esque light sticker over an insert, the merest hint of a clear lip above. Behind those, adjustable S&S billet triple clamps stand over Ohlins FGR250 forks. There’s an Ohlins TTX shock under the raised Saddlemen seat.
The powertrain’s been improved with a big bore kit for the Thunderstroke 112 V-twin, CNC ported heads, S&S intake with a larger throttle body, S&S camshafts, biller rocker arms, belly pan, and chain drive conversion on a race swingarm, quick-shift kit, and two-into-one race exhaust. Engine parameters can be controlled through a Maxx full adjustable ECM and monitored on the AIM DL2 data logger dash panel.
Tweaks to ergonomics come from the S&S adjustable front fairing mount and handle bars, and S&S rear-set foot controls. Bits like the fiberglass rear fender, carbon fiber saddle bags, and billet clutch cover save weight.
The 19-inch front and 16-inch rear wheels on Metzeler Cruisetec tires give way to matching 17-inch racing rims on Dunlops. Brembo M4 brakes do the stopping in front, while a Hayes rear caliper clamps an EBC rotor.
Indian is selling each example for $92,229. And also just like O’Hara’s bike, they’re fast and not street legal.
PowerPlusTM
The limited-edition Indian Challenger RR was engineered for speed and performance on track. Packed with unparalleled power and customizations, it’s built to put you at the top of the podium – just like Tyler O’Hara used it during both King of the Baggers Championship seasons! Now you can own this bike too – for just $25,000.
The PowerPlusTM engine is the ancestor of the legendary Baker V-twin that set multiple long-distance records. Air-cooled in design, this engine generates an astounding 122 horsepower and 128 lb-ft of torque – enough to take your breath away in traffic or when riding along open road.
PowerPlusTM also introduces a slipper clutch, which reduces engine drag and enhances feel when down shifting, especially important when cruising down highways or taking on bad weather conditions. Furthermore, this reduces clutch fatigue – an advantage when spending extended periods riding your motorcycle.
It offers three throttle mappings (Rain, Standard and Sport), that can be tailored to suit various riding situations. Each throttle mapping has its own dedicated traction control setting that corresponds with the rider’s selected mode.
This powerful PowerPlusTM V-twin has been enhanced with an increase in bore diameter of 0.08 inches, taking it from 108 cubic inches (1768 cubic centimeters) to 112 cubic inches (1834cc). CNC ported heads and S&S camshafts add extra power, while the fully adjustable MaXX Sport ECU monitors the 78mm throttle body while an AIM DL2 data logger dash keeps track of performance.
In addition to its PowerPlusTM engine, the Challenger RR features a custom air intake and exhaust system. The airbox has been enlarged for improved performance and flow, while the cylinder head has also been modified to boost low-end power.
The S&S Cycle Challenger RR features a custom frame with modified swing arm, as well as a six-speed gearbox. It rides on 19″ front and 16″ rear wheels wrapped in Metzeler Cruisetec tires at both ends. At the front, Brembo M4 brakes provide stopping power while an EBC rear caliper clamps onto an EBC rotor for additional grip.
Smart Lean TechnologyTM
Indian has long been the go-to for air-cooled V-twin engines, but when it came time for their Limited Edition Challenger RR for 2019, Indian broke away and used a liquid-cooled 108ci PowerPlus engine instead. With an impressive 122 horsepower at 5,500rpm and 128 foot-pounds of torque at 3,800rpm, this motor is more than capable of taking down Harley-Davidson’s Twin Cooled Milwaukee Eight V-Twin in every way possible.
The Challenger RR offers a modern, muscular and well-balanced ride on its aluminum chassis. It also has the full range of available technology such as 7″ Ride Command infotainment system with three selectable riding modes and adjustable fairing airflow vents. Plus it comes equipped with hard saddlebags with 18 gallons of storage capacity plus power windshield for added safety.
This bike has 848 pounds of capacity, yet still manages to be surprisingly agile and stable at low speeds. Thanks to its frame-mounted fairing, weight is taken off the handlebars and fork, reducing steering effort by over two factors.
We took the Challenger on a test ride along California’s rugged and rocky coast to get an understanding of how it handles tight, technical corners. Its sturdy aluminum chassis and superior handling made the bike feel like it was built to take on even the toughest trails in America.
Smart Lean TechnologyTM, an optional feature on the Premium Package, adds lean-sensitive ABS and traction control (which can be turned off but traction control cannot), optimizing brake pressure based on lean angle to help the Challenger remain stable when leaning. It also introduces Drag Torque Control which reduces rear-wheel slippage when accelerating or decelerating rapidly.
Smart technologies, when properly applied and integrated with lean principles, can assist manufacturers in improving their performance and providing more value to customers. Furthermore, they create a more connected shop floor by collecting data from multiple systems in real-time for managers to review. This makes identifying process bottlenecks or quality control issues faster and cost-effective than relying solely on manual documentation alone.
Take The Lead
In a world where “bagger” usually conjures up images of tattooed men with beer belly tattoos, Limited Edition Indian Challenger RR stands out with its sleek style and powerful PowerPlusTM 108 engine. Plus, with its aerodynamic bodywork and Fox monoshock rear suspension system, it could very well be one of the top contenders for 2022 King of the Baggers honoree!
On a cold and windy Thursday in Road Atlanta, the first round of the series got underway with plenty of drama as both teams were penalized after post-qualifying inspections and had to start from the back. It made for an exciting race in which both riders made it through and put their machines on top of the box; O’Hara emerged victorious with his S&S Indian Challenger, followed by Roland Sands Design-backed Frankie Garcia taking third in what appeared likely to be his last race on track.
It’s the kind of story that could make you cry, yet also instill inspiration to strive harder for what you desire. And most importantly, it offers hope that no matter your background, there is a way forward.
Based on the real-life experiences of Pierre Dulaine (Antonio Banderas), Take The Lead follows a ballroom dance teacher as they strive to transform detention students’ lives by teaching them how to dance. Through his involvement, he becomes part of their daily lives and ultimately proves that anyone can achieve whatever goals they set for themselves in life.
Director Liz Friedlander, best known for her TV episodes, does a commendable job of turning an otherwise formulaic story into one with some depth and emotion. Unfortunately, it feels like she tries too hard which results in a film lacking energy and feeling lifeless and vacant.
Take The Lead is a decent enough film that should entertain those who can look past its formulaic writing and amateur editing. Unfortunately, the lackluster ending proves to be a major letdown.
Never Let It Go
Never Let It Go is more of a political thriller than social commentary on human trafficking, contrary to its name. With organic photography and captivating plot, the film remains captivating while its acting is excellent – particularly the climax scene where all cast members perform with great conviction.
The Challenger RR isn’t cheap, but for those willing to spend it, you get an impressively smooth big cruiser that’s surprisingly capable at speed. With its PowerPlus motor and combination of chassis components such as upside-down forks and Metzeler Cruisetecs working together in harmony, the bike provides a stable platform when going fast.
The Challenger’s traction control system features lean sensitive settings to adjust for different tyre pressures and road conditions. On pavement, it offers a comfortable ride due to its cast aluminium frame, forged wheels, and upside-down forks that are optimized for racing.
Switchgear can be a nuisance if you need to take your hands off the bars, but keeping an electric screen low is essential for twisty roads and town riding. While its top edge may be a little too close to handlebars when wearing thick gloves, its use is straightforward and uncomplicated.
Luxury is never far away with this vehicle; it boasts a sat nav, 68 litres of storage and cornering ABS/traction control as standard equipment. For an extra special touch, the Dark Horse adds a custom fairing and Highway bars while the Limited comes complete with premium tyre pressure monitor, sat nav and more chrome than you can shake an Autosol tube at.
For many riders, the Challenger is a dream machine. Packed with power and refinement, it offers speed and elegance while still having some American character. Although well-equipped and comfortable, its controls may not be perfect and using the screen may prove challenging. While not suitable for everyone, those searching for an extended distance V-twin tourer that can be enjoyed at walking pace should certainly give serious consideration to the Indian.
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