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.”
With only 200 available worldwide and just 25 coming to Europe, 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 colour-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, 1768 cc (108 ci) PowerPlus engine. With best-in-class 122 horsepower and 178 Nm of torque, the Indian Challenger Elite delivers incredible V-twin performance with unmatched passing power.
With three ride modes, riders can customise 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® and GPS with turn-by-turn navigation*. 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 68 litres 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 20 available in Europe from the 150 being produced, 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, centre 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 demeanour. 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 171 Nm 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 aluminium 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® and GPS with navigation*. Standard features include, ABS, keyless ignition, tire pressure monitoring, as well as weatherproof and remote-locking saddlebags with more than 68 litres of storage.
Riders looking to personalise 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, colour-matched Hard Lower Fairings, a colour-matched Trunk and up to 800 watts of PowerBand audio.
