Since its debut in 2017, Indian’s Elite program has offered the most premium and feature-packed versions of its bagger and touring models, such as the Chieftain and Roadmaster. For 2022, Indian has unveiled two models: the Challenger Elite and Chieftain Elite.
“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.”
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2022 Indian Challenger Elite
Limited to 200 units worldwide, 2022 marks the debut for the Indian Challenger Elite. It offers muscle car-inspired styling and class-leading performance from its liquid-cooled PowerPlus 108 V-Twin, delivering 122 hp and 128 lb-ft of torque. Pricing starts at $34,999.
The Challenger Elite’s attention-getting Stealth Gray and Black Metallic paint with Indy Red accents screams American muscle. A red-stitched seat and color-matched Elite badging complete the bike’s performance-inspired design.
With three ride modes, riders can customize the bike’s throttle mapping by selecting Sport, Standard, or Rain. Each ride mode has been engineered with its own distinct traction-control setting to deliver three unique riding experiences.
The Challenger Elite is loaded with premium amenities like Fox rear shocks with electronically adjustable preload, Smart Lean Technology with lean-angle-adaptive ABS and TC, back-lit switches, an Adaptive Pathfinder LED headlight, and LED driving lights. It’s also equipped with an adjustable flare windscreen, select floorboards, and heated grips.
Ride loud and proud with an upgraded, fully integrated 400-watt PowerBand audio system with speakers in the fairing and saddlebag lids. The 7-inch color touchscreen display features the Ride Command infotainment system, which includes detailed vehicle info, Apple CarPlay, GPS with turn-by-turn navigation, a complimentary year of Ride Command+ connected features (live traffic and weather overlays, plus a vehicle locator feature).
The Indian Challenger Elite also includes standard features on the Challenger such as ABS, keyless ignition, tire-pressure monitoring, and remote-locking saddlebags with more than 18 gallons (68.1 liters) of storage.
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2022 Indian Chieftain Elite
The Chieftain Elite was the first Elite model offered by Indian back in 2017, and an all-new take for 2022 will be limited to 150 units globally. It’s powered by the air-cooled Thunderstroke 116, which delivers 126 lb-ft of torque. Pricing starts at $32,999.
The factory custom features Heavy Metal Smoke paint complemented by premium bronze finishes, including the tank’s Indian Motorcycle headdress, saddlebag latches, center 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 and slammed saddlebags contribute to the bike’s aggressive stance. In addition, LED saddlebag lights, a two-up comfort seat, low suspension, precision-machined wheels, and premium blacked-out finishes round out its head-turning style.
The Chieftain Elite’s Thunderstroke 116 features three ride modes (Sport, Tour, and Standard) that adjust throttle response and rear cylinder deactivation to mitigate engine heat when idling at a stop.
Like its Challenger Elite stablemate, the Chieftain Elite is packed with premium features, including an Adaptive Pathfinder LED headlight, an adjustable and tinted flare windscreen, select floorboards, rear saddlebag LED lights, backlit switch cubes, and an integrated 400-watt PowerBand audio system.
It’s also equipped with a 7-inch color touchscreen display with Ride Command, a year of Rider Command+ connected features, ABS, keyless ignition, tire-pressure monitoring, and remote-locking saddlebags.
For riders who want to further customize their Challenger Elite or Chieftain Elite, Indian offers a range of style, comfort, and touring accessory upgrades. Indian Challenger Elite riders can add Pathfinder LED Saddlebag Lights, while Chieftain Elite riders can add Pathfinder S LED Driving Lights. Elite riders can also add the ClimaCommand Heated and Cooled two-up seat, color-matched Hard Lower Fairings, a color-matched Trunk, up to 800 watts of PowerBand audio, and items from the versatile Spirit Lake Luggage Collection,
For more information or to find an Indian Motorcycle dealer near you, visit IndianMotorcycle.com.
2022 Indian Challenger Elite Detail Gallery:
2022 Indian Chieftain Elite Detail Gallery:
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Source: RiderMagazine.com