A king on his throne: The Indian Challenger Elite makes a case for being the ultimate bagger. (Indian Motorcycle/)

You know what they say: Win on Sunday, sell an extremely small run of limited-edition models on Monday.

According to the press kit, “muscle car styling” inspired the new 200-model Indian Challenger Elite. But follow the brilliantly concepted King of the Baggers race series to see where some baggers are actually taking their cues from. The Challenger Elite takes an already impressive Challenger package and adds Stealth Gray and Black Metallic paint with Indy Red accents and tacks on a red-stitched seat and color-matched Elite badging. Muscle car, King of Baggers, Indy Red paint—whatever the inspo, it looks a bit faster.

Windscreen is said to be adjustable and the previously optional 400-watt PowerBand audio system now comes standard. Heated grips and “select” floorboards are included. And there ends the elite-ness of the new Challenger Elite.

The liquid-cooled 108ci V-twin powerplant, brakes, suspension, exhaust, TFT, and dimensions are identical to the un-Elite Challenger. The usual complement of rider aids are there; three rider modes (Rain, Standard, or Sport), Smart Lean Technology, ABS, traction control, and electronically adjustable rear suspension preload. And you get 122 ponies to corral.

For King of the Bagger fans, the lean angle of 31 degrees is unfortunately the same as the normal Challenger. So while H-D racks up wins on the track, you’ll be able to outgun standard Road Glides (29-degree lean angle) on canyon roads, with the exception of the CVO Road Glide (34-degree lean angle). Also, storage capacity (18 gallons) remains the same.

By contrast, the Indian Chieftain Elite reaches deep into the Bagger Marketing Bible and sticks with additional options and upgraded aesthetics. That’s a real book, BTW.

A limited-edition run of 150 Chieftain Elite models get Heavy Metal Smoke paint matched with bronze finishes on the tank’s Indian logo, saddlebag latches, center console, primary cover, and airbox. The pushrod tubes get oil-rubbed bronze finishes along with the horn cover and cam cover. It features the same streamlined bags as the Chieftain Dark Horse, as well as numerous blacked-out bits of trim.

Like Indian’s website copy, the Chieftain Elite borrows the same touchscreen as the Dark Horse. A one-year trial of Ride Command+ (as Indian shouts in all caps) integrates Apple CarPlay, turn-by-turn navigation, Bluetooth, and other niceties. The Chieftain Elite gets the Chieftain Dark Horse 116ci V-twin with 92 hp, but more importantly, a claimed 126 pound-feet torque.

Like the Challenger Elite, the Chieftain Elite gets an integrated 400-watt PowerBand audio system. Adaptive Pathfinder LED headlight, an adjustable and tinted flare windscreen, spacious aluminum select floorboards, rear saddlebag LED lights, and backlit switch cubes. And remote locking for the saddlebags.

The tl;dr? You get a Chieftain Limited with a 116ci powerplant and paint no one else has. Besides the other 149 buyers, that is.

Listen: If you’ve got black ink in your checkbook for this bagger, you don’t need a SWOT analysis. The Indian Challenger Elite has a $34,999 MSRP, while the Chieftain Elite lists at $32,999. Happy riding and/or check-writing.

Matte black trim and details, with minimal Indy Red accents. (Indian Motorcycle/)

Invest in a good bike cover: Indy Red seat piping and 400-watt PowerBand speakers. (Indian Motorcycle/)

Even lone wolves need company: A rider looks for a willing Chieftain Elite passenger. (Indian Motorcycle/)

Bronze finish highlights the iconic 60-degree Indian V-twin. (Indian Motorcycle/)

A sizable 7-inch TFT integrates Bluetooth and Apple CarPlay functionality. (Indian Motorcycle/)

Indian Motorcycle Challenger Elite Technical Specifications and Price

Indian Chieftain Elite Specifications

Source: MotorCyclistOnline.com