Indian Announces 2022 Indian Challenger Elite, 2022 Chieftain Elite

[advrider]

Indian has revealed two new sub-models for 2022, the Challenger Elite and Chieftain Elite, which take a page from the competition’s playbook, offering “factory custom” options in showrooms. They appear to be much the same as the base model bikes mechanically speaking, but they come with very flashy paint jobs that drive the price tag up.

Leaving behind the discussion of how the term “factory custom” is a non sequitur … Both bikes come with trick paint and other aesthetic details (special seat coverings, and limited availability (only 150 Chieftain Elite models available worldwide, only 200 Challenger Elite models available worldwide). Indian says the more-powerful Challenger comes with “muscle car-inspired styling” and the more traditional Chieftain, with its air-cooled engine, comes with “custom-inspired style,” including slammed saddlebags and a streamlined fairing.

2023 Indian Challenger Elite. Photo: Indian

Neither bike makes any more power than their base model counterparts, far as we can see from the press release, which is different from Harley-Davidson’s usual tactic of muscling up its CVO line of factory customs.

However, Indian does appear to offer other “ride enhancing” updates to these bikes, Both bikes come with 7-inch TFT display, with Polaris’s Ride Command infotainment system. Along with Apple CarPlay and GPS features, the Ride Command system controls a 400-watt audio system. The Challenger also comes with electro-adjust suspension from Fox. Indian offers further add-ons if you want extra LED lighting or other bling on your machine. Perhaps this is where the term “factory custom” really becomes accurate, and chances are that most owners will indeed take advantage of this opportunity, because once you’re in for big money, what’s a few thousand more?

Speaking of money: These bikes are supposed to ship to dealers soon, priced at $34,999 USD for the Challenger Elite and $32,999 USD for the Chieftain Elite. Obviously, for non-US customers, those prices will be different; ask your local dealer for more deets.

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