A new photograph of the accessory-laden Indian Scout
shows something more than the optional extras. The motorcycle in the backdrop
is the American brand’s upcoming tourer, the Challenger. A few styling details and the
brand name of the upcoming model were revealed in August this year. The
motorcycle will most likely make its public debut at the 2019 EICMA show in
Milan.
The new photograph of the Indian Challenger reveals
the front fender-mounted Indian “War Bonnet”, alloy wheels, semi-fairing setup,
backward sweeping handlebar and an Indian Scout style fuel tank with flat
sides. The headlight, as seen in the leaked footage last month, will be a
full-LED unit.
The bagger-style touring motorcycle will come with
hard panniers. The finer details are yet to be revealed, although we expect to
see an electronically adjustable windscreen at the front and remote lock for
the panniers – features that are available on the Indian Chieftain range of
motorcycles. Typical cruiser-style ergonomics will include rear-set handlebar
and forward placed footboard.
The cockpit will most likely include an Indian
Roadmaster-style semi-digital instrument console. Thus, we may see an analogue
speedometer and tachometer, while the rest of the information will be available
on a touch screen display in the centre. The motorcycle will most likely
feature a speaker set towards the edge of the fairing. Heated grips will most
likely be part of the optional extras.
In terms of engine specifications, the Indian
Challenger will use the new Powerplus 108 unit. The 108 cubic inches or 1,770
cc 60-degree V-Twin, liquid-cooled motor is expected to pump out 120 HP of
maximum power. The peak torque should be lower than the 1,811 cc Thunder Stroke
111’s 161.6 Nm. The engine will be linked to a six-speed transmission. Electronic
aids will include riding modes, traction control, ABS and cruise control.
The hardware specifications, as seen in the video
and in the latest photograph, will include upside-down telescopic front forks.
Anchoring department will comprise twin discs at the front and a single disc at
the back – both featuring Brembo sourced callipers, to provide the stopping
power. The upcoming Indian Challenger will rival the Harley-Davidson Road
Glide Special.