Indian Motorcycle and S&S will field Troy Herfoss alongside Tyler O’Hara for the King of the Baggers and Super Hooligan National Championship in 2024.
Troy Herfoss transcends boundaries between on and off-road competitions, as he’s recorded championship titles in several forms of motorcycle racing, including Australian Dirt Track, Supermoto, and Supersport. Herfoss was the 2008 AMA Supermoto champion and a Moto X-Games silver medalist.
Troy Herfoss
“To have the opportunity to don Indian Motorcycle Red leathers and compete on behalf of such a historic brand is a true honour. As a motorsports enthusiast in Australia, I’ve been envious of all the bagger racing taking place in the states, and I’m extremely grateful to have the opportunity to pilot an S&S Indian Challenger and ride for a factory team that has a championship to its name.”
Tyler O’Hara enters his fifth year aboard the S&S Indian Challenger, having won the inaugural KOTB race in 2020, and the class championship in 2022. In addition, 2024 will mark O’Hara’s second year piloting the S&S Indian FTR within the SHNC class, where he’s earned back-to-back class championships.
Gary Gray, Vice President Racing and Service for Indian Motorcycle
“We’re excited to welcome Troy to the Indian Motorcycle family, as he’s a seasoned road racer with a wealth of experience competing at a high level. Backed by the performance capabilities of Indian Motorcycle, we feel we have three riders who could each win a championship in 2024. Jared of course is eyeing a record-setting 10th-career AFT championship, while Tyler and Troy could both very well be in the hunt for the King of the Baggers and Super Hooligan championship. Our team has put in the work this offseason, so we’re excited to get the season rolling and head out to Daytona.”
In addition to its factory efforts, Indian Motorcycle is offering up to $131,999 in KOTB privateer contingency and up to $67,249 in SHNC contingency.
The MotoAmerica road racing season will begin in just over a month with the Daytona 200 and round one of three of the series’ championships commencing on March 7 through 9 at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida. Along with the 82nd running of the Daytona 200, the “Great American Motorcycle Race,” opening rounds of the Mission King Of The Baggers Championship, BellisiMoto Twins Cup Championship, and Mission Super Hooligan National Championship will also take place during the three-day event.
Workhorse Speed Shop have revealed their latest custom creation – the FTR AMA, the first of two long-anticipated Indian FTR builds by Brice Hennebert.
Well known for his unique creations and with two iterations of Appaloosa – the Indian Scout based sprint racer – already under his belt, Brice was commissioned to create two very special FTRs for two brothers, the Black Swan and the FTR AMA.
While Black Swan is yet to be revealed, it was the commissioner of Black Swan who asked Brice to design a second build for his brother. The result is the FTR AMA, a bright and imposing motorcycle with a hardcore 1980s edge.
Brice Hennebert – Workhorse Speed Shop
“The brief was pretty open, something colourful and as sharp as a war tank. The only restriction was that the paint be inspired by the Martini Racing livery. After some research and brainstorming with myself, I based the look around AMA SBK racers from the 80s and the Rally cars from the same era. The main influences were the Lancia Delta HF mixed with Bol d’Or 750s and some muscle bike DNA.”
Starting work in early February 2021, Brice’s first decision was to retain an upright riding position, something close to the original FTR and using the original handlebars. From there, a lot of changes were about to happen.
Brice Hennebert – Workhorse Speed Shop
“While Black Swan was a clay shaped build, I decided to go in another direction in terms of design process with this bike. I used direct CAD design based on a 3D scan of the FTR chassis. Then, all the body parts were 3D printed and reinforced with carbon fibre.”
The 3D printed front plate houses a PiAA race light and supports the Setrab oil cooler beneath. Nestled behind the front plate sits the OEM dash from the new Indian Chief, a design more in keeping with the retro racing mood, but with all the options of a modern machine, such as phone connection and charging.
The printed module that incorporates the seat pan and taillight is also the battery holder, the battery having been moved into the rear as nod to endurances bikes. With the saddle upholstered in a smooth brushed leather by long-time collaborator, Jeroen from Silver Machine, the tail section is complemented by an old school taillight adapted to take LEDs
To accommodate the DNA performance air filters, the intake was redesigned and 3D printed, while two aluminium fuel cells were fabricated to fit the new bodywork, one under the tank cover and the other hung under the seat unit. Connected by AN10 connectors, the capacity matches the 14 litres of the original bike.
The chassis plates were redesigned for a more race-like look and machined from Brice’s CAD designs by Vinco Racing in Holland. Vinco Racing undertook all the machining on the project including the swingarm components, braking brackets, yokes, fuel cell components, the front brackets for oil cooler and more, with Brice sharing, “Vinco Racing spent a lot of time on the machining which saved me a lot of time to focus on other areas.”
The fork yokes are replicas of Bol d’Or 750cc yokes adapted to the 43mm Öhlins forks. And at the rear the tail section was modified to use twin piggyback Öhlins shocks mated to a bespoke swingarm built from 7020 aluminium Tubes. The swingarm design was inspired by the same era and is 40mm longer compared to the original with a 3D printed chain slider protecting the tubing.
Brice Hennebert – Workhorse Speed Shop
“The wheel set is a total eye catcher. I collaborated with Fabio from JoNich Wheels in Italy, the design is based on his Rush wheels, machined from billet aluminium, but without the carbon flanges. The design makes me think about the turbo fans wheels used on the racing Lancia. So that was a perfect choice for me. They are completed by a Dunlop GP tyre set with this mad 200 rear tyre.”
Clearance for the braking system was a concern with these wheels, so Brice called on another long-time collaborator, Etienne at Beringer Brakes.
Brice Hennebert – Workhorse Speed Shop
“I called Etienne to get their 4D braking system the same system I used on Appaloosa. Etienne is always motivated for technical challenges. So, we played with different colours on the components to work with the AMA mood. And then, because I removed the ABS module, I had to find another way to get the speed signal on the bike and the solution was a Motogadget Moto Scope Mini.”
To create the swoop of the exhaust, it was fabricated from stainless steel pie cuts and beautifully welded together, capped off by a couple of modified slip-on S&S Cycle Grand National mufflers.
Brice Hennebert – Workhorse Speed Shop
“The amazing paint job designed by Axecent in Japan has been applied by my friend Fabian who’s near to my workshop. This build is aggressive, massive and a real pleasure to ride. I had a lot of fun testing this ride.”
Indian Motorcycles are welcoming a new Scout to the range in the form of the new Scout Rogue, which with a 19 inch front wheel shod with a more contemporary profile tyre, is likely to sporten up the handling compared to the original.
MCNews.com.au was never a fan of the fat 16-inch tyres on the original, and the way they made the bike reluctant to turn-in and hold a line, making this change of direction in rubber a welcome one. Most of the popular model’s features are otherwise retained, with a few choice upgrades to set the Rogue apart.
Those include the fully blacked-out styling, which extends to most of the bike, including the cast wheel combo of 3.50 x 19in front and 3.50 x 16in rear, which will run Metzeler Cruisetec tyres in 130/60 and 150/80 profiles respectively. The rear size remaining unchanged in that regard.
Also standard will be a quarter-fairing, and while a new addition with the Scout Rogue, it will also be available as an accessory to suit older Scout models as far back as 2015, as well as 2018-2022 Scout Bobber models.
The sport style seat is promises plenty of support for rapid take-offs, with a minimalist look and the promise of decent padding for comfort. This will also be available as an accessory for 2018 onward Scout Bobbers.
The final inclusion is a set of mini-Ape bars, offering a taller front end reach for a bit more attitude.
The 1133 cc V-twin powerplant is retained, with power now down to a claimed 70 kW or 94 hp. The 2021 models claimed an even 100 hp, presumably Euro5 legislation responsible for the few missing ponies. Torque is now 97 Nm, down from the previously claimed 97.7 Nm.
Telescopic 41 mm forks continue to adorn the front with 120 mm of travel. The dual rear shocks only offer a short 51 mm of travel and are adjustable for pre-load. With such little travel bumps will likely not prove to be pleasant.
Dry weight is also down a kilo to 241 kg, with 129 mm of ground clearance and a rake and trail of 29° / 119.9 mm respectively, while the very welcoming 649 mm seat height is unchanged.
Brakes are a single 298 mm rotor front and rear, with a two-piston front caliper and single-piston rear unit, and ABS is standard fitment. That isn’t a combined brake system either. It’s a lot of bike to be only stopped by a modestly sized single disc.
The 2022 Indian Scout Rogue will be available in three colour options, pending local availability, Black Smoke Midnight, Sagebrush Smoke and Stealth Grey.
There’s also a range of performance, comfort and tech accessories available, including longer travel shocks with piggyback reservoirs, an auxiliary tachometer, a comfort seat, or Syndicate 2-up seat, or backrest. Luggage is also available.
Aaron Jax – Indian Motorcycle Vice President
“For so many motorcyclists, riding carries a rogue spirit – a bold statement of freedom and individuality that brings riders together – and Scout Rogue delivers that in spades. It’s an attitude that can only be found on a motorcycle, and it creates a totally unique level of camaraderie and community, and that’s what Scout Rogue is all about.”
2022 Indian Scout Rogue Specifications
2022 Indian Scout Rogue Specifications
Engine
Liquid-cooled, V-Twin 60-degree, DOHC, four-valves per cylinder, semi-dry sump
Transmission
Six-speed, constant mesh / foot shift
Battery
12 volts, 13 amp/hour, 245 CCA
Bore x Stroke
99 mm x 74 mm
Charging System
35 amp max output
Clutch
Wet, multi-plate
Compression Ratio
10.7:1
Cooling System
Liquid
Displacement
1133 cc
Exhaust
Split dual exhaust with cross-over
Final Drive
Belt drive, 141 tooth
Fuel & Capacity
91 octane recommended, 12.5 ltr
Fuel System
Electronic fuel injection, closed loop / 60 mm bore
Oil
SAE 15W60, 4.3 ltr
Primary Drive
Gear drive wet clutch
Horsepower
70kW / 94 hp at 8000 RPM
Peak Torque
97 Nm @ 5600 RPM
Front Suspension
Telescopic fork, 41 mm diameter, 120 mm travel
Rear Suspension
Dual shocks, 51 mm travel, adjustable
Dry Weight
241 kg
Ground Clearance
129 mm
GVWR
449 kg
Length
2274 mm
Rake/Trail
29° / 119.9 mm
Seat Height
649 mm
Wheelbase
1576 mm
ABS
Yes
Front Brake
Single 298 mm floating rotor with 2-piston calipers
Rear Brake
Single 298 mm floating rotor with 1-piston caliper
Tyres
Metzeler Cruisetec 130/60B19 61H, 150/80R-16
Wheels
Cast Black 19″ x 3.50″, 16″ x 3.50″
Colours
Black Smoke Midnight, Sagebrush Smoke, Stealth Grey
Indian have updated their bagger, cruiser and touring models for 2022 with both the Ride Command and Challenger traction control systems further refined in response to rider feedback.
In good news for existing owners the Ride Command software updates will also be available for 2020 and 2021 owners.
Alongside a host of new colourways across the various models, there’s also a big expansion of the accessories available, including luggage, lighting, wind protection and more.
Here’s a run down of the new colours, model pricing and accessories.
The 2022 Indian Springfield will start at $36,495 and be available in Maroon Metallic over Crimson Metallic, and Black Metallic over Dirt Track Tan. Features include ride modes, rear cylinder deactivation, quick release windshield, cruise control and TPMS. There’s also keyless ignition, leather seats, remote locking saddlebags.
With the 2022 Indian Springfield Dark Horse pricing starts at $35,995 with the Black Smoke joined by an all-new Quartz Grey. Blacked out finishes are joined by an open fender and 19 inch contrast cut wheel, mid-rise handlebars and USB charging, on top of the features mentioned for the standard Springfield, excluding the screen.
The 2022 Indian Chieftain Dark Horse will start at $39,495 in comparison and be available in Black Smoke, Ruby Smoke, and also in the new Quartz Grey, all of which naturally carry the blacked out theme. It runs the Thunderstroke 116 powerplant, with updated Ride Command, ride modes, the rear cylinder deactivation and Metzeler Cruisetec tyres. Highway bars are standard fitment with full LED lighting, cruise control, TPMS, remove lockable saddle bags all also fitted.
The 2022 Indian Chieftain Limited in comparison will be available in two new colourways – Silver Quartz Metallic and Deepwater Metallic from $39,995, but features far more chrome.
The 2022 Indian Roadmaster will be available in three variants, starting with the standard from $43,995, which is available in Black Metallic, or Maroon Metallic over Crimson Metallic. Features include heated seats and grips, remote locking trunk as well as saddlebags, adjustable passenger footpegs, plus lower fairings with adjustable airflow vents.
Also available is the 2022 Indian Roadmaster Dark Horse in the Black Smoke, or two new colourways, – Polished Bronze or Silver Quartz Smoke, with pricing starting from $42,495. A push button adjustable screen is also fitted, as well as Metzeler Cruisetec tyres, and naturally offers the vast majority of components blacked out as the name suggests.
The 2022 Indian Roadmaster Limited will be priced starting at $42,995, and available in Black Azure Crystal or Crimson Metallic adding premium finishes to the features already mentioned on the other two variants.
Also available is the Dark Horse from $40,495 in Black Smoke, Bronze Smoke, and an all-new Indy Red over Black Metallic, while the 2022 Indian Challenger Limited starts at $40,995, with the existing Black Metallic paint an option alongside two new choices – Maroon Metallic or Spirit Blue over Black Metallic.
Both offer Indian’s smart lean technology, a 19-inch contrast cut wheel and Ride Command. The Dark Horse offers blacked out styling, with gloss black dash and matt paint, while the Limited in comparison runs gloss paint with extensive chrome finishes, badging and highway bars.
The 1133 cubic inch liquid-cooled V-twin equipped Scout line that puts out 70 kW and 97 Nm of torque also received a fresh lick of paint.
The 2022 Indian Scout will be available in two new colours Maroon Metallic and Silver Quartz Metallic over Black Metallic, or in Black Metallic or White Smoke, with pricing starting at $21,495.
The 2022 Indian Scout Bobber meanwhile will start at $20,495 and available in Black Smoke, Black Metallic, Alumina Jade Smoke, Maroon Metallic Smoke, and two new colours – Silver Quartz Smoke or Titanium Metallic.
Finally the 2022 Indian Scout Bobber Twenty will start at $21,995, available in Black Metallic, Stealth Grey, and two new colours – Silver Quartz Smoke, or Spirit Blue Metallic.
When it comes to new accessories, there’s the Spirit Lake luggage line, including Touring Bag, Day Bag, Rack Bag and Backreset Pad. Pathfinder auxiliary LED saddlebag lights are also available, as it a premium Rogue Heated Seat, Hard Lower Fairings for Challenger models with adjustable vents, a Powerband Audio Lower Fairing installation kit, allowing fitment of additional speakers (speakers sold separately) and a new Lower Fairing Storage accessory.
New Scout accessories include the Syndicate Two-Up Seat, Syndicate Low Profile Passenger Backrest, Adjustable Piggyback Rear Suspension upgrade, Analogue Tachometer, or Smoked Turn Signals for the Bobber riders. A Pathfinder Adaptive LED headlight is also available, which activates LEDs when it senses cornering to ensure light is thrown through the corner.
For more information head to your local Indian dealer.
Indian overnight released the news of a new collaboration with Jack Daniel’s and Klock Werks Custom Cycles to produce a Jack Daniel’s Limited Edition Indian Challenger Dark Horse.
Only 107 of these machines will be produced and the limited few making it to Australia will retail for $49,995 Ride Away. That’s around a 10k price premium over a regular Challenger Dark Horse.
Along with its custom paint, the motorcycle features a numbered Jack Daniel’s Montana Silversmiths badge and a genuine leather, Jack Daniel’s custom-stitched seat.
Powered by the same 1769 cc, 60-degree OHC Indian PowerPlus V-Twin engine as the regular Challenger that means this special packs 122 horsepower and 178 Nm of torque at 3800 rpm.
Riders looking to add custom style and improve sound can add a Power Plus Stage 1 Air Intake with the Indian Motorcycle Stage 1 Oval Slip-On Muffler Kit. To unleash 10 per cent more horsepower and 3 per cent more torque, riders can upgrade to the Indian Motorcycle Power Plus Stage 2 Performance Cams.
All Challenger models feature touring amenities that include electronic cruise control, full LED lighting, ABS, keyless ignition, and weatherproof saddlebags with over 68 litres of storage space.
The Challenger’s seven-inch Ride Command system features key vehicle information, Bluetooth and USB mobile pairing. In standard form the system boasts 100 watts of power but this Jack Daniel’s special gets the upgraded Powerband Audio with upgraded fairing speakers and added saddlebag speakers to form a 400 watt system.
The Jack Daniel’s Limited Edition Indian Challenger Dark Horse has electronically adjustable rear suspension preload which allows riders to adjust their rear suspension preload from the convenience of their infotainment system.
This limited edition also scores an adaptive headlight which senses the bike’s lean angle and activates individual LED projector beams to provide unprecedented visibility. Pathfinder S Driving Lights are also standard on the Jack Daniel’s Limited Edition Indian Challenger Dark Horse.
High-spec radially-mounted Brembo brakes provide the stopping power to haul up all Challenger models which in this Dark Horse form registers 365 kg on the scales.
Australian deliveries of the machine are expected to arrive early in 2022.
The Cox-Keino Indian Chief custom has seen Paul Cox once again team up with Keino Sasaki to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Indian model and is the first of three such projects, the remaining two will be revealed later in the year.
This special really does takes us back in time and is about vintage looking as you can get when working off a modern base. With a hand-shift and foot-clutch it won’t be quite like riding the modern incarnation though!
Bridging the gap between past and future, the duo’s interpretation of the all-new Chief represents a personal milestone; the first time that they have worked on a build together since their tribute bike built for Indian Larry.
Having always remained in touch, Cox and Sasaki decided the time was right to bring their skills to the table after being approached by Indian Motorcycles to create a custom Chief as part of the 100th anniversary of the iconic model.
Paul Cox
“Late last year, Indian Motorcycle spoke to me about building a custom version of their upcoming Indian Chief alongside my old partner, Keino Sasaki. Fortunately, I’ve stayed busy all these years, through life’s ups and downs, and appreciated the fact that Indian Motorcycle had confidence in our work. I talked with them a bit more, and when I finally saw the new 2022 model I said ‘yes’, it seemed perfect for chopping.”
Despite having not collaborated for nearly 15 years, Cox and Sasaki swiftly fell back into the groove.
“The Chief was already a little bit retro, but with modern touches that would make a cool version of an early chopper. When Keino and I first spoke about the project, we already knew how the other thinks and works, so it only took about five minutes of brain-storming to basically design the entire bike.”
Working from the simple, bobbed lines of the stock Indian Chief, Cox put their ideas to paper before the duo split up the work to achieve the build.
“Having a fine arts background, I enjoy drawing out projects on paper, sketching and engineering as I go. So, I sat down and sketched the profile, working out some geometry issues along the way. From that point, we chose specific tasks to take on and got to work. Keino wanted to handle the gas tank fabrication and exhaust, and I chose to build a custom front end.”
For an aggressive feel upfront, they went all in to strip back the front end, even converting to a Jockey hand shift with a foot clutch.
“It already had an aggressive stance, with shallow rake for manoeuvrability, so I built one of my Girdraulic front ends with a steering damper for high-speed stability. We then deleted the levers and the front brake system. We mounted the hand controls on a custom Drag bar set up on Bare Knuckle Performance 6” risers. A perfect fit.”
In addition to the new front end, Cox and Keino also had some significant changes planned for the rear.
“To get a lower look at the rear, we ran a swing arm mounted, heavy gauge fender from Led Sled with reworked struts. It hugs the Avon 180 mm perfectly. I had an old Indian Motorcycle front fender light that worked great as a tail light with a new red Indian Motorcycle lens.”
Keeping the final bike clean and simple, without losing any of the modern features of the Indian Chief, was a key goal of the project.
“Streamlining the electronics was something else I wanted to do, and by making a covered section under the seat, we could conceal a lot of those components along with the smaller Antigravity battery.”
With final assembly approaching, paintwork and seating were the finishing touches.
“I painted the bike, including Keino’s handmade gas tank, in my custom Soylent Green metal flake and hand tooled a leather saddle for the bike, complementing the paint with the black rimmed wheels. With the bike being built at my shop, we handled miscellaneous wiring, plumbing, controls, concealment, and final assembly there. It was great to work with an organisation that had complete faith in the ideas we had, and who were totally supportive throughout the process.”
Cox and Sasaki’s custom Indian Chief will find its home in Southern California with globally renown tattoo artist Nikko Hurtado. The owner of Black Anchor Tattoo, with shops in Hollywood and Hesperia, CA., Hurtado is well known as a master in the use of colour and a trailblazer in the style of hyper-realism.
Hurtado was exposed to motorcycles at an early age, his father spending hours wrenching and customising his own motorcycles in the family’s garage.
Nikko Hurtado
“Motorcycles and anything that’s mechanical and hand built… you can feel the soul in it, and that’s what’s exciting for me with this bike. You can see Paul and Keino’s soul come through in the work. I like when brands and individuals push the envelope and that’s what Indian Motorcycle is doing right now, and I’m really honoured to be a part of this program.”
The Cox-Keino Indian Chief is the first in a series of three renowned V-twin customisers selected by Indian Motorcycle to produce totally unique builds from the 2022 Indian Chief.
Later this year, Indian Motorcycle will reveal projects from freestyle motocross legend Carey Hart and Go Takamine, creator of “Bratstyle,” the popular brand and globally recognised “throwback” aesthetic for motorcycle customisation and restoration.
The bike made its public debut at Michael Lichter’s custom motorcycle gallery at the Buffalo Chip during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.
Indian Motorcycle Metz is renowned for the custom builds and has just unveiled the new custom Scout creations to come from their Lorraine HQ. ‘Hundred’ celebrates their milestone of selling 100 motorcycles in a single year, while ‘Red Wings’ was all about the purity of old school motorcycles.
Approaching the Scout Bobber from two different directions, the drag bike inspired ‘Hundred’ and the retro spirit of ‘Red Wings’ show how imagination, carefully selected parts and attention to detail create vastly different and totally unique rides from the same base bike. Neither of them look all that comfortable but they do look good!
Thomas Castany – Indian Motorcycle Metz
“We make every effort to show a fun, young and dynamic image and there is no better way to express that than with the customs we create based on the Indian Scout. Indian Motorcycle is a legendary brand, and we are proud to represent it in Lorraine.”
Indian Motorcycle Metz ‘Hundred’
The Sprint Spirit is clear in the Scout Bobber ‘Hundred’ which takes its inspiration straight from American drag strips.
Putting all their passion and know-how into the transformation of the Scout, the team at Indian Motorcycle Metz put in long days for this custom creation.
For a riding position more suitable for the drag racing style, inverted Biltwell handlebars, a saddle kit from Wunderkind and a riser provides a more linear position.
The intake is completely open to let the Scout breathe through a Trask Performance filter with a Freedom performance exhaust and Samco Performance reinforced water hoses handle the coolant.
Riding on Arnott pneumatic shock absorbers and rims from Revtech fitted with Avon Cobra Chrome tyres, braking is taken care of with Galfer petal discs for an eye catching feature.
The stunning livery was applied by AR Performance in Orange Lamborghini with seven coats of varnish including a final ceramic varnish.
Indian Motorcycle Metz ‘Red Wings’
From the brash drag strip style to the simple, clean lines of the old school look with a Monza style fuel cap and Joker machined pulley cover.
Metz first raided the genuine Indian Motorcycle accessory catalogue for the rider controls with all-black Indian Motorcycle brake and clutch levers, Indian Motorcycle grips and genuine floorboards.
The floating solo seat was made to measure by Les Leathers Joff le Barbu and features the Indian Motorcycle roundel and Metz logo.
The bright chrome wire wheels, complemented by the Freedom Performance exhaust, are custom made by HD Wheels USA and the 200 section rear tyre rides on Arnott air suspension and is wrapped in a bespoke fender fabricated by Indian Motorcycle Metz.
Contrasting the bright elements is the deep Apple Candy paint applied by AR Performance.
But the unique and eye-catching feature is the springer girder front end created especially for ‘Red Wings’ by Blechfee, a German specialist of handmade metal parts.
Sporting a lenticular front light, Kellerman indicators and married to reinforced Klock Werks handlebars, the front end makes a real statement.
Making its first public appearance at The One Motorcycle Show in Portland, Oregon, a custom FTR 1200 S by Jeff Wright, the owner of Church of Choppers, made a striking impact among the 200+ other unique bikes on display.
To anyone who had been following the build on The Church of Choppers social channels, it was already clear that Jeff was again taking his own path with a unique twist on the FTR 1200 S.
“I picked up an FTR 1200 S from Indian Motorcycle’s factory in Spirit Lake, Iowa. Because of uncertain times, I wanted to make a statement with my hands rather than my wallet. I went to work on a plan and immediately took the bike apart and started cutting. Knowing the bike was for me only (no passenger) I topped the frame off with a new subframe and shock mounts. Spent late nights building the new swingarm to resemble the stock swingarm, but only upside down. Cleaned up the wiring, hand-formed the fiberglass body pieces, welded up a new gas tank, shaved all the tabs, and lowered the bars. Paint, seat, and finishing touches all wrapped up by the time The One Motorcycle Show started in Portland. People loved it, and now it’s time to ride it,” said Wright.
With the new swingarm fabricated after many hard hours, the frame and swing arm were powdered coated by Traxx Performance Powdercoating in contrasting red and black.
Part of the swingarm build was also to convert the FTR from a monoshock to a pair of fully-adjustable Öhlins piggy-back shocks complemented with matching Öhlins front forks that retain the Brembo callipers but with red brake lines to echo the swingarm.
The high spec parts continue with Gilles reasets, clip-on handlebars, Domino grips and a titanium Racefit “Longhorn” Growler exhaust.
For finishing touches a new black leather seat with red stitching was provided by Rich Phillips, Jeff polished the radiator guards and fitted two large Indian Motorcycle headlights to really switch up the front aspect of the FTR.
Indian Motorcycle are running a special introductory offer on a range of jewellery available through their apparel range, with a 20 per cent saving just in time for Christmas, available across a huge range of personal bling all of which is handmade in the USA.
If you’re a big Indian Motorcycle fan, or have one in the family, this could be the ideal Christmas treat, with each piece produced by King Baby, specialising in designer jewellery handcrafted for men.
The discount is available until December 20, 2020 and will be automatically applied on checkout, and you can check out the range here – at the Indian Motorcycles apparel website. Here’s a look at a couple of the items on offer.
Brown Leather Cuff with Indian Logo Silver Button
Made of .925 sterling silver and brown leather, available in two sizes 7.5 inch (19.05 cm) or 8.75 inch (22.2 cm) and handmade in the USA.
Thin Braided Black Leather Indian Headdress Double Wrap Bracelet
Also made of .925 sterling silver with a braided leather bracelet, two sizes are available 7.5 inch (19.05 cm) or 8.75 inch (22.2 cm) and naturally it’s handmade in the USA.
Indian Headdress Two Tone Brass and Silver Coin Ring
Featuring the Indian headdress and in two-tone brass and silver this ring stands out, with a .925 sterling silver and brass construction, and as with the entire range is handmade in the USA.
Indian recently took line honours at the inaugural Drag Specialties King of the Baggers invitational at Laguna Seca Raceway. Facing a field of 11 Harley-Davidsons, highly accomplished racer Tyler O’Hara captured the win onboard the S&S Cycle Indian Challenger.
Veteran rider Frankie Garcia put his Roland Sands Design Indian Challenger on the box with a third-place finish. That made it two out of three podium positions for the Indian Challenger to kick some sand in the face of the Harley faithful.
The historic race played out in truly dramatic fashion. Barely, 24-hours after an accident where he “looped” his 272 kilogram machine during qualifying, Frankie Garcia rebounded taking the holeshot. But it was O’Hara who immediately established a commanding lead through the first three laps.
With five laps remaining, an off-track mishap sent O’Hara back to third and Garcia to second, allowing veteran rider Hayden Gillim to take the lead.
From there, O’Hara began a patient, methodical comeback, working his way past Garcia and dramatically passing Gillim while diving into the famed “Corkscrew” during the penultimate lap.
O’Hara held strong for the final lap winning the inaugural race by 1.9 seconds, earning the title “King of the Baggers.”
Technical Specifications S&S Cycle Indian Challenger
Bike: 2020 Indian Challenger
Engine: Stock bore Indian 108″/1768cc PowerPlus
Stage 2 cams
CNC ported heads
K&N air filter
S&S engine covers for ground and pipe clearance
One-off stainless race exhaust
Full Spectrum Battery
Chain drive conversion to allow easy final gear ratio changes
Chassis: Custom tuned Fox shock valved and extended to increase ground clearance
FTR 1200 forks on S&S machined triple clamps valved for weight and riding style
Brembo Calipers – upgraded specification
Custom aluminium fuel cell for weight reduction and air flow to engine
PM billet wheels on S&S built hubs 17″ F&R
Dunlop Tyres
Body & Cockpit: Air Tech Carbon Fibre bags, fenders & tank cover For weight reduction
Saddleman Seat shaped to get rider in correct position
Custom made S&S rear set foot controls to provide ground clearance and better position for racing
Klockwerks Bars – Klip Hangers to adjust height and pullback to suit rider position
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