The Indian Motorcycle That Makes Harley Riders Look Twice
Cruisers and tourers have always occupied a special place in motorcycle culture because they prioritize the experience as much as the destination. The relaxed riding position, the unmistakable rumble of a big V-twin, and the freedom of long highway miles have helped turn these bikes into rolling symbols of American road-tripping and adventure.
And for decades, Harley-Davidson dominated the American V-twin touring motorcycle scene. Now, though, one modern challenger has managed to earn the attention of even the most loyal Harley faithful. In a segment where brand allegiance often feels unshakable, earning that kind of attention is no small achievement.
Brand Loyalty Runs Deep In The American V-Twin World
Few motorcycle rivalries generate as much discussion as Harley-Davidson versus Indian Motorcycle. Both brands trace their roots back to the earliest days of American motorcycling, and both have cultivated passionate communities that proudly defend their preferred machines. While Harley has historically enjoyed a larger share of the touring market, Indian has spent the last several years building motorcycles that appeal not only to its own loyal customers but also to riders who may have never considered looking beyond Milwaukee.
Harley-Davidson’s Long Reign As The Default Choice
Motorcycles have always been about more than transportation, and nowhere is that more apparent than in the American V-twin market. Riders don’t just buy a motorcycle. They buy into a lifestyle, a community, and often a family tradition that stretches back generations. For many Americans, Harley-Davidson became synonymous with motorcycling itself, creating a level of brand loyalty few manufacturers in any industry have ever achieved. That loyalty wasn’t built solely on engineering or performance. Harley cultivated an image that became deeply woven into American culture.
The Cruiser That Delivers Big-Bike Comfort Without Big-Bike Stress
With a 1,250 cc liquid-cooled V-twin engine and a traditional chassis, the Super Scout balances style, comfort, and everyday rideability.
The Modern Bagger Arms Race Changed Everything
The touring motorcycle segment has changed dramatically over the last decade. Once upon a time, comfort and styling were enough to sell a bagger. Today, riders expect significantly more. Modern buyers want stronger acceleration, better handling, advanced electronics, premium audio systems, sophisticated suspension technology, and genuine long-distance capability. Manufacturers responded by turning the touring category into an unexpected performance battleground. Horsepower figures climbed. Chassis development accelerated. Rider aids became increasingly sophisticated.
The Indian Challenger 112 Makes Harley Riders Look Twice
The motorcycle in question is none other than the Indian Challenger 112, a machine that takes the traditional American bagger formula and injects it with a distinctly performance-focused mindset. Starting at around $31,500 (depending on trim and options), the Challenger 112 sits near the premium end of the touring segment, targeting riders who want more than just classic styling and highway comfort.
More Performance Than You Expect From An American Bagger
At the heart of the Challenger 112 sits Indian’s liquid-cooled PowerPlus 112 V-twin. Displacing 1,834cc, the engine produces 126 horsepower and 133 pound-feet of torque, making it one of the strongest-performing production bagger engines currently available. Unlike many traditional American touring motorcycles that continue to rely on air cooling, the PowerPlus platform was engineered with performance as a primary objective from the beginning.
Beyond performance, the Challenger 112 arrives loaded with touring-focused equipment. Standard features include a six-speed transmission, cruise control, keyless ignition, full LED lighting, hard saddlebags, a power-adjustable windshield, ride modes, traction control, ABS, hill hold control, and Indian’s Ride Command infotainment system displayed through a large seven-inch touchscreen. Riders also get Apple CarPlay integration and a premium audio system designed specifically for highway use.
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Engine |
1,834 cc liquid-cooled 60-degree PowerPlus 112 V-twin |
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Output |
126 horsepower / 133 pound-feet of torque |
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Transmission |
6-speed manual with assist clutch |
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0 to 60mph Time |
Approximately 4.0 seconds |
The Challenger Sets Itself Apart From Traditional American Tourers
The Challenger’s appeal extends beyond raw engine output. Indian approached this motorcycle with a fundamentally different philosophy than many traditional American touring machines. Instead of prioritizing heritage first and performance second, the company built a modern performance motorcycle and then wrapped it in a bagger silhouette.
A Performance-First Philosophy That Changes The Riding Experience
That philosophy becomes obvious the moment the road starts to twist. The aluminum frame delivers impressive stability while allowing the bike to change direction with less effort than many riders expect from an 800-plus-pound touring motorcycle. Ground clearance is generous by segment standards, and the suspension remains composed even when road surfaces deteriorate. Technology plays an equally important role.
Modern touring riders often cover thousands of miles annually, and the Challenger’s electronics package helps reduce fatigue while increasing confidence. Ride modes allow the bike’s personality to change depending on conditions, while traction control and ABS work quietly in the background. The infotainment system is intuitive, the seating position is comfortable for long days, and the aerodynamic protection makes highway travel surprisingly relaxing.
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Frame |
Cast aluminum frame |
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Suspension |
Inverted telescopic fork, 5.1 inches travel Single shock with hydraulic preload adjustment, 4.5 inches travel |
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Brakes |
Dual 320 mm floating rotors with Brembo radial-mount calipers Single 298 mm rotor |
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Wheels and Tires |
Front: 19-inch wheel, 130/60B19 tire Rear: 16-inch wheel, 180/60R16 tire |
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Wet Weight |
855 pounds |
It’s also worth mentioning that the PowerPlus 108 remains available in the Challenger lineup. For riders seeking a lower entry price, the 108-powered models continue to offer excellent performance and touring capability. However, the newer 112 engine transforms the motorcycle’s personality, delivering stronger acceleration and even greater confidence during passing maneuvers and fully loaded touring situations. If you’re already shopping in this price bracket, the 112 is the version that truly showcases what the platform can do.
The Touring Bike That Feels Built For Riders Over 40
When long-haul comfort, stability and luxury matter most, this touring machine is tailor made for riders over 40 and their passenger.
The Challenger Doesn’t Replace Harley-Davidson, But It Forces The Conversation
None of this means the Challenger eliminates Harley-Davidson’s relevance or replaces the appeal of Harley’s touring lineup. The emotional connection many riders have with Harley remains powerful, and that’s not something any spec sheet can fully replicate. What the Challenger does accomplish is force a conversation that didn’t exist a decade ago. It proves that buyers no longer have to choose between traditional American style and modern performance.
They can have both. More importantly, it demonstrates that competition benefits everyone. Harley-Davidson has continued improving its own touring motorcycles, while Indian has pushed innovation further in pursuit of new customers. Value also plays a role in the discussion. While north of $30K is hardly inexpensive, the Challenger 112 arrives with a substantial amount of standard equipment, advanced technology, premium components, and class-leading performance.
Riders comparing feature content often discover that the Indian delivers a compelling package relative to similarly equipped rivals. Ultimately, the Indian Challenger 112 succeeds because it respects tradition without being constrained by it. It doesn’t ask Harley riders to abandon what they love about American touring motorcycles. Instead, it offers an alternative interpretation of the same formula. That’s a difficult balance to strike, and very few motorcycles manage it successfully.
Source: Indian Motorcycles
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