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About a year ago, I started reading about the Indian Challenger Limited. It intrigued me in two ways. One, this was the first Indian I saw that didn't have that d@mn wheel skirt. Two, was the performance and engineering claims. So, I've been reading....lurking on the Indian sights....just watching in general. About a month ago I finally dropped into the local Indian dealer. Yeah, yeah, listened to the sales dudes drivel about this and that and said, "just gimme the keys" (or, "FOB" in this case) and let me take it for a spin. The sales dude tells me about the engine, the ride modes, the suspension.....yeah yeah yeah.....gimme the keys. So, I give it a walk around, fire it up, and off I go. I came back later grinning like a mule eatin briars. An hour later, I rode it home. My first Indian. I feel.....well....like I cheating. Been riding Harleys since '84. Love them. Always will. I've put 1500 mile on this beast already, without a burp, glitch, or complaint, and D@MN, for a stock almost 900# bike, it hauls @ss!!!..... So for right now, I'm taking a break from the HDForum. Still looking for that elusive panhead that I'll buy when the time and $$ are right. But for now, I guess I'll be a PC/incorrect Indian. See you on the road, but not on the slab. Cheers.
Well boys......It's been a little over a year since I purchased the Indian Challenger. Time for an update:
Did a few mods.....pipes, LLoyds tune, intake, some brighter lights here and there. Overall, one of the most comfortable fastest (stock) bikes I've ever owned.....unless you count the KZ 650Four I had in high school.
BUT......it is a pain in the @*** to work on. The Polaris Indian engineers made a great ride, but it was NOT a bike designed or built with wrenchers in mind. Add to that, some of the quality workmanship is not the best. Can't tell you how many screws I've had to re-tap because the factory installed them to max-grunt torque and cross threaded.....fun. The electronics are nice, but a bit effed up. Every day I fire it up, it thinks I'm in Iowa (I'm Not). And I'm pretty sure they use one coat of paint, and one coat of clear on everything....no more....no less.....The dealer has tried to fix all the gremlins, and I have a good relationship with them, but like many places, the good techs are overworked, underpaid, and don't stick around very long. ALSO.....aftermarket parts and options are far and few between, at best.
With my head bowed, I believe I may have made an error, in straying from the fold. The good news is, I have a buyer for the Challenger. Yep, I'm losing a bit of money, but in the long run, I'll know what I'm getting from the MoCo and I'll know how to fix most anything without having to search for days on line just to find a $5 bracket that Indian charges $80 for (they DID get that right from the HD marketing and selling people).
So, I'm back......and looking for a Raid King or Road king Special.......I'll post pics when I find the one I want.........or maybe a Pinhead if I win the lottery.....
Hey >>> A biker is a biker. I will say this, thats a fine looking motorcycle. Good luck with your new purchase. You seem very happy with it. Isnt that really all that matters at the end of the day. 😉😉
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See you when you dump that. Safe riding
Adios....for now
