2023 Indian Challenger, Pursuit & Chieftain Collection First Look

Behold the brand new 2023 limited-edition Challenger Elite. (Indian Bike/)

For those who really feel like Indian Bike dropped the very first version of the Challenger Elite only some months in the past, you’d be proper. Try the debut of the 2022 mannequin right here. However since we’re now into the brand new mannequin 12 months, it appears the honchos at Indian felt assured in saying “the debut of the Challenger Elite” for 2023.

Ah, properly, it’s all good. For one, the 2023 Elite really does appear like a brand new mannequin, given its sharp new Sapphire Blue Smoke with Black and Titanium Smoke livery. And for 2023, the mannequin retains its unique standing; solely 150 examples will likely be accessible globally.

Indian can be bringing the opposite three Challengers again for 2023, in addition to the 2 PowerPlus-powered Pursuit fashions and the three Chieftain V-twins; there isn’t a Chieftain Elite this 12 months.

The 108ci PowerPlus motor on the 2023 Challenger Elite is unchanged, however it’s nonetheless good for a claimed 122 hp. New Sapphire Blue Smoke paint and Precision Minimize wheels make the scene for 2023. (Indian Bike/)

Again to the Challenger Elite, which for 2023 retains its premium gear with the identical high-end detailing and different upscale touches that comply with the high-quality Elite system. The Challenger Elite builds on the bottom bagger, with its 1,768cc liquid-cooled PowerPlus engine and aluminum body, and piles on a collection of refined particulars, premium facilities, and an unique paint job. The bike is mechanically unchanged this 12 months, nevertheless, and nonetheless comes with three selectable journey modes (Sport, Normal and Rain), Brembo brakes, and an adjustable flare windscreen. It additionally retains the Indian Good Lean Expertise with IMU to allow lean-sensitive ABS and traction management, in addition to an electronically adjustable suspension preload, as we first noticed final 12 months.

Associated: Indian Bike’s New Pursuit Mannequin Is on the Means

The 2023 Challenger (base mannequin) is unchanged this 12 months; the bike in Black Metallic has an MSRP of $24,499. (Indian Bike/)

Different premium bits tucked into the Elite embrace an adaptive LED headlight, backlit swap cubes on the Experience Command system, heated grips, and naturally upgraded audio, with the built-in PowerBand Audio system which provides saddlebag lid audio system. Base-model Challenger goodies carry over as properly, together with the 7-inch touchscreen show with Indian’s Experience Command, keyless ignition, tire stress monitoring, and remote-locking saddlebags. New this 12 months are the Precision Minimize five-spoke wheels, although they’re nonetheless mounted with Metzeler Cruisetecs. Indian says the Challenger Elite will likely be hitting dealerships within the coming weeks and can retail for $35,999.

In Maroon Metallic, the 2023 Challenger Restricted will set you again $28,489. Clutch and LED headlight are revised for 2023. (Indian Bike/)

The opposite three Challenger fashions, the bottom Challenger, Challenger Restricted, and Challenger Darkish Horse, all carry over for 2023 primarily unchanged aside from a number of minor refinements. All of the Challengers acquired a redesigned LED headlight to enhance illumination unfold in addition to an improved slipper clutch for higher really feel.

The non-Elite fashions additionally see a palette of latest colours and new pricing.

The 2023 Challenger Darkish Horse provides Experience Command, Apple CarPlay and GPS to the bottom mannequin together with Distinction Minimize wheels and different particulars. It retails for $28,999 and goes as much as $31,499. (Indian Bike/)

Returning for 2023 is the Pursuit Restricted, which carries the liquid-cooled PowerPlus engine (unchanged this 12 months). Each ’23 Pursuit fashions get an improved LED headlight and clutch. (Indian Bike/)

Additionally again for 2023 are each variations of Indian’s Pursuit liquid-cooled tourer, which made its debut final 12 months. The Pursuit makes use of the present Challenger bagger as the bottom, tacking on a full suite of luxurious touring options together with a cargo trunk with an built-in passenger backrest, heated grips, and a brand new touring seat. At its core, you’ll nonetheless discover the Challenger’s aluminum body and liquid-cooled PowerPlus engine in addition to the identical chassis-mounted fairing. Minor updates this 12 months embrace a redesigned LED headlight for a greater view of the highway and a brand new clutch to enhance really feel and cut back lever effort.

On ’23 Pursuit fashions with a Premium Bundle, decrease storage compartments now come commonplace, as on this 2023 Pursuit Darkish Horse. (Indian Bike/)

The 2023 Pursuit lineup will characteristic two fashions with two trims every, with the Pursuit Restricted and the Pursuit Darkish Horse as the 2 essential entries. Each are additionally accessible with an non-compulsory bundle of ride-enhancing tech and luxury facilities that Indian cleverly calls “Premium Bundle” and counts as a trim degree. For those who order a Pursuit with the Premium Bundle, you’ll now get the Decrease Fairing Storage compartments as commonplace.

The bottom-model Chieftain, with the Thunderstroke 111 engine returns in 2023 with no modifications aside from a brand new and improved clutch. (Indian Bike/)

Three Chieftain fashions, in the meantime, are additionally coming again for 2023, with the premium Chieftain Elite slicing ditched for this mannequin 12 months. You received’t discover any main mechanical modifications to the bottom Chieftain’s Thunderstroke engine, however it does get a brand new slipper clutch (as do the opposite Chieftain fashions) which Indian says reduces lever effort and improves really feel. All three fashions are additionally geared up with the 7-inch touchscreen show with Experience Command and a 100-watt audio system with AM/FM, Bluetooth, and a USB enter. The 2023 Chieftain has an MSRP of $22,499 and is simply accessible in black.

Spirit Blue Metallic is a brand new colour possibility on the 2023 Chieftain Restricted; it’ll value $28,749. Mannequin is proven with equipment. (Indian Bike/)

The extra premium Restricted and Darkish Horse fashions up the ante each in energy and facilities, rolling with the air-cooled Thunderstroke 116 motor with rear cylinder deactivation and three journey modes and likewise including Experience Command+, Apple CarPlay and GPS navigation. Model-wise, consumers get the identical aggressive look throughout all three fashions, with a streamlined fairing, slammed hard-edged saddlebags, and blacked-out parts, together with a precision-machined 19-inch entrance wheel to cleared the path; that wheel is Distinction Minimize on the Restricted and Darkish Horse nevertheless. Costs begin at $27,999 for the Restricted and go as much as $30,249 for the Darkish Horse mannequin in Copper Smoke.

Indian expects to ship new fashions shortly.