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BMW goes full bagger/dresser with new R 18 B and Transcontinental

BMW R 18 Transcontinental and R 18 B

It is fair to say that the first editions of the R 18 have not been quite the sales success that BMW had hoped for.  You can’t really out-Harley, Harley-Davidson, but overnight BMW revealed the new up-spec touring versions of the R 18 that should provide much wider appeal.     

The centrepiece of the suspension in the new R 18 Transcontinental and R 18 B is a double-loop steel tube frame manufactured in the Berlin-Spandau BMW Motorrad plant. Compared to the R 18 and R 18 Classic, however, for packaging reasons to enable a fuel tank enlarged from 16 to 24 litres, it is designed as a robot-welded double-loop tube frame painted in high-gloss metallic Black with a backbone made of sheet metal formed parts.

It is somewhat strange that BMW didn’t actually start the lineage of the new model here considering their proven reputation for comfortable long-range motorcycles fitted out with the latest and greatest technology in motorcycling. But in the new Transcontinental and R 18 B, BMW have put that experience to work to produce full-featured baggers that raise the game to a higher level with big fuel tanks, long travel suspension, great comfort and a comprehensive suite of both safety aids and infotainment. The new models are schedules to arrive in Australia this August and will be priced from $39,310* for R 18 B, and $41,675* for R 18 Transcontinental.

A mix of classic retro and modern convenience are the hallmarks of the cockpit lay-out

In the R 18 B we have a traditional looking bagger akin to something like Harley’s popular Street Glide. While with the Transcontinental we have the burger with the lot full dresser rival to Harley’s Ultra.  Both those models sell very well here in Australia for Harley and these new BMW models should certainly give them some very serious competition.

The chassis geometry of the new R 18 Transcontinental and R 18 B has been adapted accordingly with the aim of achieving superior ride stability with good handling qualities – even in two-person operation and under full load. The steering head angle is now 62.7 degrees (R 18 / R 18 Classic: 57.3 degrees) and the wheel castor is 183.5 mm (R 18 / R 18 Classic: 150 mm). Compared to the R 18 and R 18 Classic, the wheelbase of the R 18 Transcontinental and R 18 B has been shortened from 1,731 mm to 1,695 mm.

Special features of the new R 18 Transcontinental include: Front fairing with high windshield, wind deflector and flaps. Cockpit with four analogue round instruments and 10.25 inch TFT colour display, additional headlamp, Marshall sound system, engine protection bars, cases, top case, seat heating, chrome trim and an engine in Silver metallic.

BMW R 18 Transcontinental

In contrast, the new R 18 B does without a top case and, in the true style of a bagger, offers a low windshield, a slimmer seat and a matt black metallic engine among other things.

Starting from the highest point – the handlebar-mounted front fairing – the flyline stretches from the fuel tank, which has been increased in size to 24 litres compared to the R 18 and R 18 Classic, and slopes down towards the rear, creating an elongated, teardrop-shaped silhouette in “streamlining” style. The two cases with functionally integrated rear lights are firmly attached to the motorcycle. The design of the R 18 B in American “bagger” style is supplemented with a low fairing windscreen

The heart of the new R 18 Transcontinental and R 18 B is the twin-cylinder boxer engine, the “Big Boxer”. Not only its impressive appearance, but also its technical specifications show its ties to the traditional air-cooled boxer engines that have provided inspiring riding experiences for more than seven decades since BMW Motorrad began manufacturing motorcycles in 1923.

Although the “Big Boxer” has four valves, dual ignition, a modern combustion chamber architecture, intake manifold injection and the BMS-O engine management system for the best possible torque as well as optimum consumption and emissions, it uses the classic OHV configuration for its valve drive – as was the practice pursued by BMW Motorrad over a period of some 70 years

The most powerful twin-cylinder flat twin engine ever built in motorbike series production boasts an engine capacity of 1,802 cc. It generates an output of 67 kW (91 hp) at 4,750 rpm. In the 2,000 to 4,000 rpm range, it delivers more than 150 Nm of torque at all times as well as great pulling power and a sweet beat.

A single-disc dry clutch transmits the torque generated by the engine to the transmission. It is designed as a self-reinforcing anti-hopping clutch and thus eliminates the undesired stamping of the rear wheel caused by engine drag torque when shifting down hard.

Talking of beats…. With the Marshall sound system, the new R 18 Transcontinental and R 18 B promise an intense sound experience. As standard the new R 18 Transcontinental and R 18 B feature a sound system developed in collaboration with the British manufacturer Marshall, featuring two-way speakers integrated into the front of the fairing. Black cover grilles with white Marshall lettering round off the classic look. 

The Marshall Gold Series Stage 1 and Stage 2 sound systems are available optionally ex works to provide even more intensive listening pleasure. Special features of these sound systems are the grey cover grilles of the speakers in combination with golden Marshall lettering. The Marshall Gold Series speakers feature neodymium magnets and modified speaker cones to provide even better sound quality than the standard speakers.

The Marshall Gold Series Stage 1 and Stage 2 sound systems are optionally ex works to provide even more intensive listening pleasure. Up to four loudspeakers and two subwoofers with 280 watts of total output.

DAB and DAB+ for top-quality, unadulterated listening pleasure and reception stability
DAB-FM following. The received signal is compared and the best signal is automatically selected.
Equalising profiles – listening-optimised profiles for output adaptation for a perfect audio experience o via the helmet: one profile (studio). o via loudspeakers: four profiles (bass-boost, treble-boost, voice, balanced).

The cockpit, specially designed for the new R 18 Transcontinental and R 18 B, with four analogue round instruments and a 10.25 inch TFT colour display, blends into the classic appearance.  

The new R 18 Transcontinental and as well as the R 18 B are equipped as standard with a sound system developed together with the British manufacturer Marshall featuring two 2-way loudspeakers, each with 25 watts output, integrated into the front fairing black grille and white Marshall lettering

Featuring the iconic “BERLIN BUILT” lettering, it follows the classic style of the new R 18 Transcontinental and R 18 B on the one hand, and on the other hand offers a perfectly readable TFT colour display providing a maximum of functionality and information.

The Marshall Gold Series Stage 1 equips the new R 18 Transcontinental and R 18 B with a system of a total of four speakers plus a booster (amplifier). Two Marshall 2-way loudspeakers with 25 watts of output each are integrated into the front fairing. They are each complemented by a 90 watt subwoofer in the front upper section of the cases. The booster has an output of 180 watts.
Marshall Gold Series Stage 2 – The new R 18 Transcontinental is equipped with the Marshall Gold Series Stage 2, a system of six loudspeakers and a booster that meets even the highest demands in terms of sound quality and listening pleasure while riding. Two Marshall 2-way loudspeakers with 25 watts of output each are integrated in the front of the fairing, each complemented by a 90 watt subwoofer in the upper front area of the cases. In addition, there is a 2-way loudspeaker with 25 watts of output in the front side section of the top case backrest. The booster also puts out 180 watts.

Navigating the screens is by way of BMW’s very well proven multi-controller wheel set-up on the left bar.

That multi-controller wheel is well proven and intuitive to use

The suspension elements of the new R 18 Transcontinental and R 18 B use a telescopic fork and a directly swinging-arm mounted cantilever suspension strut with travel-dependent damping and automatically adjustable spring pre-load. 

Depending on the load, the spring rest (“spring preload”) is adjusted on the basis of information from a height sensor via a hydraulic unit actuated by a servomotor and linear drive so that an optimum riding position is always achieved.

In order to achieve the best possible ride response even when riding with a pillion and fully loaded, the rear suspension strut features progressive damping and automatic load compensation. 

The entire area of the fork tubes is clad with a cover extending to the slider tubes in the form of contemporary fork sleeves made of stainless steel.

As in the legendary BMW R 5, the tubes of the telescopic fork are encased in fork sleeves. The fork tube diameter is 49 mm, suspension travel is 120 mm at the front and rear. 

The R 18 Transcontinental and R 18 B feature cast light alloy wheels at the front and rear. The 3.5 x 19” front wheel is equipped with tyres of the dimensions 120/70 R 19 or 120/70 B 19 (depending on the manufacturer), while a 180/65 B 16 tyre is used on the 5.0 x 16″ rear wheel. Furthermore, Original BMW Motorrad Accessories offers the possibility of retrofitting design rims in chrome, Machined or 2-Tone-Black.

The new R 18 Transcontinental and R 18 B are decelerated by a double disc brake at the front and a single disc brake at the rear in conjunction with four-piston fixed callipers and BMW Motorrad Full Integral ABS. 

The tiles shown can be used to select the “My Motorcycle”, “Radio”, “Navigation”, “Media”, “Phone” and “Settings” menus. There is seamless integration of the display and operation of the optional extras Riding ACC and audio/radio

The R 18 Transcontinental and R 18 B are already equipped as standard with DCC electronic cruise control (Dynamic Cruise Control). DCC automatically regulates the riding speed set by the rider. Dynamic means that the pre-selected speed is kept constant even when riding downhill. Active Cruise Control (ACC) allows relaxed gliding with distance control – without the rider having to adjust the speed to the vehicle in front. With the aid of radar sensors integrated in the front fairing, the motorcycle is either accelerated automatically to adjust the speed or the new, standard full integral braking system is applied for deceleration purposes, depending on the situation on the road. ACC also ensures particularly safe cornering. Where necessary, the cornering control system automatically reduces the speed, giving the rider the right speed for a comfortable and safe banking angle. 

In the traditional BMW Motorrad boxer design, the two pushrods actuate one pushrod per cylinder side for the intake and one for the exhaust side, guided in a sealed pushrod tube on the top of the cylinders. The two intake and exhaust valves in the cylinder head are actuated in pairs via fork toggle levers. The valve clearance is compensated for – as has been the case for decades with most classic air-cooled BMW two-valve boxers – by means of one adjusting screw with lock nut per valve.

The new R 18 Transcontinental and R 18 B feature a casual, so-called mid-mount pegs, entirely in keeping with the BMW Motorrad philosophy of the best riding position for control of the motorcycle. This classic position behind the cylinders is not only typical of BMW, it also allows a relaxed and active riding position for the best possible motorcycle control.  That said, a foot-forward position for highway cruising can be achieved via the accessories catalogue, as can be seen below.

A foot-forward set-up can be achieved via the options catalogue

The R 18 Transcontinental is equipped with an especially comfortable seat and seat heating as standard to ensure long-distance riding comfort even in two-person operation. The R 18 B has a somewhat slimmer two-person seat bench. The new R 18 Transcontinental is fitted as standard with running boards and the new R 18 B with wider and more comfortable footrests than the R 18.

The seat height is only 740 mm (R 18 Transcontinental) or 720 mm (R 18 B).

Right from the time of market launch, the new R 18 Transcontinental and R 18 B will be available worldwide as exclusive R 18 Transcontinental First Edition and R 18 B First Edition versions. They combine the R 18 look with exclusive features in classic black paintwork with white double-lining. Further highlights are the specially designed surfaces (Chrome Package), high-grade stitching on the seat and the “First Edition” lettering.

BMW R 18 Transcontinental is equipped with an especially comfortable seat and seat heating as standard to ensure long-distance riding comfort even in two-person operation.

The Original BMW Motorrad Accessories range offers a maximum of individualisation options for tailoring the R 18 Transcontinental and R 18 B to your personal taste. The design collections of milled aluminium parts familiar from the R 18 and R 18 Classic, which were created together with Roland Sands Design, are also available for the new R 18 Transcontinental and R 18 B. With regard to audio systems, BMW Motorrad cooperates with the British manufacturer Marshall. For the new R 18 Transcontinental and R 18 B, BMW Motorrad offers a range of particularly high-quality and exclusive optional extras as “Option 719”, such as Option 719 Galaxy Dust metallic paint finish and Original BMW Motorrad Accessories.

The new R 18 Transcontinental is equipped as standard with running boards for rider and pillion; the new R18 B features footrests. The running boards – rider running boards are optionally available for the R 18 B – combine a comfortable seating position with a traditional look. Rider leg rests, also available as BMW Motorrad Original Accessories, ensure a particularly relaxed riding position on the highway. An infinitely adjustable rocker switch is available for particularly comfortable gear changes as part of the running board equipment.

BMW R 18 Transcontinental and R 18 B highlights

  • Handlebar-mounted fairing for excellent wind and weather protection.
  • High windshield (R 18 Transcontinental).
  • Low windshield (R 18 B).
  • Cases in body colour paint finish (27 litres, with audio 26.5 litres).
  • Vibration-decoupled top case in body colour paint finish (48 litres, with audio 47 litres, R 18 Transcontinental only).
  • Wind deflectors in body colour finish (R 18 Transcontinental only).
  • 24 litre fuel tank.
  • Cockpit with four analogue round instruments and 10.25 inch TFT colour display.
  • Biggest ever BMW boxer engine with a capacity of 1 802 cc.
  • Output 67 kW (91 hp) at 4 750 rpm, maximum torque 158 Nm at 3 000 rpm.
  • More than 150 Nm available at all times from 2 000 to 4 000 rpm
  • Open-running, gloss nickel-plated universal-shaft drive based on the classic role model.
  • Elaborately manufactured double-loop tube steel frame with backbone of sheet metal formed parts provide the optimal package.
  • Rear swinging arm with enclosed axle drive in rigid-frame design.
  • Telescopic fork with fork sleeves and cantilever spring strut with travel-dependent damping as well as automatic load compensation ensure optimum riding under all conditions.
  • Comfortable ergonomics for relaxed cruising and touring with the best possible motorcycle control.
  • Disc brakes at the front and rear and cast light alloy wheels.
  • BMW Motorrad Full Integral ABS.
  • Dynamic Cruise Control (DCC) as standard.
  • Active Cruise Control (ACC) – cruise control with integrated distance control for relaxed touring as an ex works option.
  • State-of-the-art LED lighting technology, classically interpreted.
  • Adaptive turning light with swivel module for even better illumination of the road when cornering as an ex works option.
  • Engine guard (R18 Transcontinental only)
  • Seat heating as standard (R 18 Transcontinental only).
  • Heated grips as standard.
  • Continuously adjustable rocker switch (in connection with running boards; standard for R 18 Transcontinental).
  • Keyless Ride for convenient activation of functions.
  • Three riding modes as well as ASC and MSR as standard.
  • Reverse assist for convenient manoeuvring and Hill Start Control for easy hill starts as ex works option.
  • Three attractive colours: In addition to black and the 719 Galaxy Dust metallic option, the new R 18 B and R 18 Trancontinental are also available in Manhattan metallic matt.
  • The R 18 Transcontinental “First Edition” and R 18 B “First Edition”: Exclusive look in paint and chrome.
  • Extensive range of optional extras and Original BMW Motorrad Accessories as well as a cool Ride & Style Collection.
  • “Option 719” equipment available as particularly high-quality and exclusive optional equipment and Original BMW Motorrad Accessories. 

The full R 18 line-up

The full R 18 line-up
BMW R 18 B

BMW R 18 B Deluxe: $39,310*

Standard specification

  • 1,802cc 2-cylinder boxer engine, air/oil cooled, 9.6:1 compression, EU5, 67kW (91 hp) @ 4,750 rpm, 158Nm at 3,000rpm
  • Automatic Stability Control (ASC)
  • ABS
  • 3 riding modes (Rock, Roll, Rain)
  • Keyless Ride
  • Spoke wheels
  • Twin disc front brake
  • Spring Strut Auto Load Levelling Dampers
  • Telescopic forks with covers
  • LED headlight, taillight, brake light and indicator lights
  • 12V socket
  • MSR (Dynamic engine brake control)
  • Adjustable hand levers
  • 4 Analogue instruments with 10.25″ colour TFT Display
  • Active Cruise Control
  • 24 litre fuel tank
  • Lockable fuel cap
  • Hill Start Control
  • Headlight Pro (inc. Adaptive Headlight and Daytime Riding Light)
  • Floorboards
  • Tyre Pressure Monitor
  • Central Locking
  • Heated seat
  • Marshall Gold Series Stage 1 sound system
  • Heated Grips
  • Reverse Gear
  • Active Cruise Control
  • Anti-theft alarm system
  • Seat height: Standard 720mm (Comfort Seat High 740mm, Option 719 Seat Bench 720mm)
    Options
  • First Edition package (inc. Black Storm Metallic with Design Option Chrome and pinstriping, contrast cut wheels, First Edition badging and First Edition key): $3,750
  • Comfort seat high: $590
  • Design option chrome: $2,260
  • Option 719 Design Package Aero: $1,550
    Colour options
  • Manhattan Metallic: No cost option
  • Black Storm Metallic: No cost option
  • Option 719 Galaxy Dust metallic/Titan Silver 2 metallic and Option 719 seat bench: $4,170

R 18 Transcontinental Deluxe: $41,675*

Includes all standard specification from the R 18 B and adds the following:

  • Top case
  • Straight exhaust pipes
  • Highway bars
  • Wind deflectors
  • Marshall Gold Series Stage 2 sound system
    Options
  • First Edition package (inc. Black Storm Metallic with Design Option Chrome and pinstriping, contrast cut wheels, First Edition badging and First Edition key): $3,750
  • Comfort seat high: $590
  • Design option chrome: $2,260
  • Option 719 Design Package Aero: $1,550
  • Manhattan Metallic: No cost option
  • Black Storm Metallic: No cost option
  • Option 719 Galaxy Dust metallic/Titan Silver 2 metallic and Option 719 seat bench: $4,170
    Colour options
  • Manhattan Metallic: No cost option
  • Black Storm Metallic: No cost option
  • Option 719 Galaxy Dust metallic/Titan Silver 2 metallic and Option 719 seat bench: $4,170
BMW R 18 Transcontinental

*Recommended Retail Pricing is shown and includes GST, but excludes on-road costs. Customers are advised to contact their nearest BMW Motorrad dealer for all pricing enquiries.

Source: MCNews.com.au

More Indian Challenger liquid models coming

Indian Motorcycle last year launched their fixed-fairing, liquid-cooled Challenger bagger aimed squarely at the Harley-Davidson Road Glide.

Now, patent drawings show the new 1770cc Powerplus engine will also be fitted to more models in the range targeting Harley’s Street Glide and Ultra.

The new drawings show the “ugly” blunt nose with double headlights has been replaced with a more traditional or Harleyesque single headlight and “batwing” fairing with a large touring screen.More Indian Challenger liquid models coming

They also show a shorter rear fender, but no bags. However, it would be expected the bike would come in a variety of tourers and cruisers with and without panniers.

The current Challenger range consists of the Limited at $A39,995 ride away and the matte black Dark Horse at $39,995.

Features include LED headlight, 19-inch cast front wheel and 16-inch rear 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, cruise control and keyless ignition.

The Limited has Smart Lean Technology with 6-axis Bosch IMU, Dynamic traction control, ABS with cornering control, and Drag Torque Control.

We expect these new Challenger models will have similar features and model designations.More Indian Challenger liquid models coming

Liquid cooled

They will be fitted with the same liquid-cooled 1770cc Powerplus motor which is smaller than the current 111-cube (1811cc) Thunderstroke V-twin that powers the Chief and Roadmaster models.

However, with 91kW of power (122hp) and 178Nm of torque it is more powerful than the Thunderstroke with 58kW/161Nm.

It also meets coming stringent Euro5 emissions regulations thanks to the liquid cooling.

And with lower fairings, the liquid motor’s radiator will be a little less obvious!

Even though the patent drawings were filed in 2017, they are only now publicly available.

So the production bike shouldn’t be far away!

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Gloves off in Harley Vs Indian rivalry

Indian Motorcycle has always been diplomatic about their rivalry with Harley-Davidson, but a brazen new video showing their new Challenger and a Road Glide Special towing a taco van has sparked an online bitter feud.

The YouTube video shows both frame-mounted-fairing baggers having a go at towing the taco van to prove that the new Challenger can “smoke” the Road Glide Special.

The Challenger is powered by a new 1770cc Powerplus liquid-cooled engine with 122hp (91kW) and 173Nm (128lb-ft) of torque at the crank.

By comparison Harley’s Road Glide Milwaukee Eight 114 (1868cc) has 80.71hp (60kW) and 153Nm (113.63lb-ft) of torque.

rivalryChallenger pulls taco van while Road Glide Special looks on

Sales rivalry

Harley hasn’t readily identified Indian as a threat even though it has been taking minuscule chunks out of the cruiser, bagger and tourer market since its modern revival in 2013.

Around the world and in Australia, Harley sales have been sliding over the past few years.

However, they still sell substantially more than Indian.

Indian doesn’t say how many motorcycles they sell worldwide, but Australian figures show Indian sold 803 bikes last year (down 3.9%) compared with Harley’s 6462 (down 7.9%).

If this is an indication of global sales proportions then Indian probably sold about 26,000 bikes globally while Harley sold some 218.273 last year.

That’s about 12%, which isn’t a lot, but it’s obviously starting to get under Harley’s skin.

Their marketing department has bitten back over the YouTube video with this very clever ad with a not-too-subtle dig at the brand’s Polaris ownership.

If you can’t read the small print it states:

We’ve been building riders (not gimmicks) for over 115 years. With 700+ US dealer partners and category defining motorcycles, there’s never been a better time to join the tribe. Tow challenge accepted – we’ve been carrying your weight for a long time.

Ouch!

That’s what you get when you poke the sleeping bear.

So now that the gloves are off, we can expect to see more direct comparison in this rivalry and a lot of fun and interesting videos and ads!

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Indian Challenger touring range unveiled

The Indian Challenger fixed-fairing touring range powered by the new liquid-cooled 1770cc Powerplus engine has finally been unveiled.

Neither has been much of a secret with leaks and spy photos for months.

The Challenger looks like an Indian version of the Harley-Davidson Road Glide with its frame-mounted fairing providing more stability with light steering and agility.

Features include LED headlight, 19-inch cast front wheel and 16-inch rear 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, cruise control and keyless ignition.

There are three colour options, black, blue and red.

Handling is aided by upside-down 43mm forks and a hydraulically adjustable Fox rear shock.

The Challenger has a lightweight cast-aluminium frame, Metzeler Cruisetec tires and stopping power is provided by race-spec, radially-mounted Brembo brakes.Indian Challenger

It will come in three models: Challenger ($US21,499), a blacked-out Challenger Dark Horse ($US27,999) and flagship Challenger Limited ($US27,999).

The Limited has Smart Lean Technology with 6-axis Bosch IMU, Dynamic traction control, ABS with cornering control, and Drag Torque Control.

There is no word yet from Indian Motorcycle Australia on arrival and pricing but those prices are similar to the Springfield which retails here for $A35,495 (ride away).

Powerplus power

As we reported back in April, the liquid-cooled, DOHC 1770cc V-twin engine produces 91kW of power (122hp) and 178Nm of torque.

It is believed the quad-valve Powerplus was originally developed as the Victory Freedom V2 before Polaris axed the brand in 2017.

The new liquid cooled Powerplus powered motorcycle range are smaller than the current 111-cube Thunderstroke V-twin that powers the Chief and Roadmaster models.

Click here for more details on the engine and watch and listen to it in action below.

Indian Challenger (2020) 
Power 91kW (122hp)
Torque 178Nm at 3800rpm
Type V-Twin PowerPlus
Bore and Stroke 52mm dual bore
Displacement 1769cc
Fuelling Closed loop fuel injection
Length 2500.7mm
Width 990.2m
Height 1427.5mm
Wheelbase 1667.8m
Clearance 137.3mm
Seat 672mm
Weight (wet) 377kg
Fuel Tank Capacity  22.7L
Transmission 6-speed
Clutch Type Gear Drive Wet Clutch
Indian Challenger
Challenger
Indian Challenger
7-inch screen
Indian Challenger
Challenger Limited
Challenger dark Horse
Challenger Dark Horse
Indian Challenger
Challenger
Indian Challenger
Challenger Limited

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Indian Challenger bagger spy photos

More spy photos have emerged for the upcoming Challenger bagger from Indian Motorcycle believed to be powered by a liquid-cooled 1770cc engine called the Powerplus.

We are not allowed to tell you where the blurry photos came from, but the bike looks like a “challenger” to the Harley-Davidson Road Glide.2020 Indian Challenger spy bagger

Like the Road Glide, it appears to have a big, frame-mounted fairing.

While it may look bulbous and ugly, a frame-mounted fairing has less weave effect on the bike’s stability at high speed.

Earlier this year, a video from the company dealer conference in the USA emerged showing the Powerplus engine.

The video was taken down, but is still available on Motorcycle.com.

Powerplus V-twin

The video confirmed our tip in April that it would be a 90kW (120hp), liquid-cooled, DOHC 1770cc V-twin engine.

It is believed the quad-valve Powerplus was originally developed as the Victory Freedom V2 before Polaris axed the brand in 2017.

The new Powerplus-powered motorcycle range will be smaller than the current 111-cube Thunderstroke V-twin that powers the Chief and Roadmaster models.

It is not yet known how many models will be in the range and whether they will replace the Chief and Roadmaster models or be an extra line-up.

Bagger names

We are still not 100% certain that the big bagger will be called the Challenger.

The company trademarked the name Raven in December, Renegade in January and Challenger in April.

Also in April the photo below was leaked of the bagger

Indian apollo raptor
Spy photo

You can see it is powered by the Powerplus engine. It also features LED “bracket-shaped lights as in the above video.

The same month a brochure was leaked that showed several new Apollo variants of its popular FTR 1200 and dark MiniBall versions of its Scout range.

2020 Indian Raptor Apollo
Part of the Indian brochure

None of these emerged when Indian announced their 2020 fleet earlier this month.

Indian Motorcycle increases engine capacity
2020 Indian Motorcycle increases engine capacity

The biggest announcement was that engine capacity was increased from 111 cubes to 116 (1818cc) on selected Thunderstroke models.

So we expect these other models, including the bagger, will be in next year’s line-up.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Gold makes Indian Roadmaster an elite bike

As if the Indian Roadmaster isn’t special enough, the company has released an Elite version with a 600-watt stereo system and gold-leaf paint that took more than 30 hours to paint by hand.

Indian Australia spokesman Christopher Gale says they have already sold one of the $52,995 (ride-away) limited-edition bikes to a Perth customer. 

He says they do not yet know when they will be delivered or how many will be available in Australia.

The company has been releasing these special Elite models for the past few years and they have all sold out rapidly.

Last year Indian Motorcycle released a limited-edition Chieftain Elite in a hand-painted and “marbled” silver paint job at $47,995 ride away which was the same price as the 2017 hand-painted Chieftain Elite in Fireglow Red Candy with Marble Accents.

Indian Roadmaster Elite2019 Indian Roadmaster Elite

This range-topping costs $10,000 more than the “standard” Roadmaster and for that you get a whole lot more bike as well as exclusivity which is priceless.

The bike already features a host of features including rider modes, rear-cylinder deactivation, Ride Command infotainment system, heated grips and seat, electronic windscreen and more.

The Elite is hand painted in Wildfire Red and Black Crystal livery with real 24-karat gold-leaf badging that takes about 30 hours.2019 Indian Roadmaster Elite

If the paintwork doesn’t take your breath away, the 600-watt audio system with speakers in the fairing, top box, and saddlebags will.

It also features billet mirrors and passenger floorboards, full leather upholstery right down to the pillion armrests.

Indian will make only 200 of the Roadmaster Elite models.

2019 Indian Roadmaster Elite

Meanwhile, Indian Motorcycle Australia is running a promotion on 2018 model bikes, offering a 116ci big-bore kit for free. The kit costs $5250 fitted.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com