Indian Challenger RR is finally available to the public
Indian Challenger RR reminds me of another operation carried out by Indian Motorcycle: FTR750 flat-tracker sold to the public in 2017. Since that move worked so well, the company is now selling this hand-built, race-spec Challenger. That’s right, we are talking about a race replica of the motorcycle that won the King of the Baggers. Let’s go see some details.
Engine
The Indian Challenger RR is built following the 2022 MotoAmerica King of the Baggers series race standards by the same S&S hands who built Tyler O’Hara’s No. 29 championship-winning motorcycle. MotoAmerica rules require the motorcycle to be equipped with the same originally equipped PowerPlus V-twin engine as the stock Challenger, though those same rules allow for all kinds of modifications: cylinders, cams, throttle bodies, and airbox to name just a few.
This motorcycle runs a hot-rodded V-twin with a 112 CID big-bore cylinder/piston kit along with CNC-ported cylinder heads, S&S camshafts, and an S&S air intake system with 78mm throttle body. The S&S billet rocker arms are adjustable, and out back perches an S&S 2-1 race exhaust. It’s all managed by a Maxx fully adjustable ECM.
Chassis
On this Indian Challenger RR you will find a long list of one-off parts, and although they are a mix of custom-built and S&S-sourced, some are likely different from other components on the actual racer which can vary from race to race.
The main frame has to be the original one from the factory and, even if can be replicas of the original parts, the fairing and saddlebags are also required to be fitted.
As with the current racebike, Indian placed special attention on the race-spec chassis, giving it S&S billet adjustable triple clamps and Öhlins FGR 250 fork up front, matched to an S&S race-modded swingarm and a TTX Öhlins rear shock. The 17-inch race rims are equipped with Dunlop race tires. The braking compartment rocks race-spec Brembo M4 front calipers acting on dual 330mm rotors on the front, and at the back it has a Hayes rear caliper with an EBC rear rotor to enhance the braking capabilities so crucial to the big race machine.
Other bits distinguishing this RR include an S&S chain drive conversion with automatic chain tensioner along with a quickshifter kit, an S&S adjustable handlebar and rearsets, a taller Saddlemen race seat, Aero windshield and fiberglass rear fender. Carbon Fiber saddlebags are added to adhere to race rules and the bellypan also comes from S&S.
Conclusions on the Indian Challenger RR
As with the Scout FTR750 racer, the Indian Challenger RR marks the first time fans can purchase a purpose-built Indian bagger racebike meant for a racing series. In Indian’s words, it’s a unique opportunity for “fans and collectors…to own a piece of history.”
Gary Gray, vice president of racing, technology, and service for Indian Motorcycle, explains further: “Originally, the thought of roadracing baggers was perplexing to many.… But in just three short years, King of the Baggers has emerged as the hottest thing in motorcycle racing as these bikes have rapidly evolved in their sophistication, and we thought it would be awesome to give people the opportunity to own the bike that holds the crown. We’re excited to embrace the fandom of bagger racing and celebrate our second title with this highly exclusive, special run of Indian Challenger RR motorcycles. This bike is the real deal, much like when we released the venerable FTR750; the Challenger RR is a true racebike and is not street legal.”
The price tag on the purpose-built Challenger RR is a whopping $92,229. Being realistic, here we are talking about a handcrafted racing machine equipped with a lot of racing equipment, it was only natural for it to have a price like that.
Unfortunately though, this means that it is likely to become a toy for collectors, unless you are a die-hard track-racer with very deep pockets. If that’s the case: lucky you, brother.
