Indian Motorcycle has applied for the trademark for the model names Pursuit and Guardian which should be coming in about six to seven months, possibly as police bikes like the Victory models above.
Given a similar time frame, we should expect to see the Pursuit and Guardian late this year, although that timeline could be disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
As for what they could be, we are not so sure.
Interestingly, this time the trademark filing was in the Australian intellectual property office which could simply be to throw moto-journos off the scent.
Police Pursuit and Guardian bikes?
To us, the name Pursuit sounds like a high-speed sports tourer that might be used by police.
So maybe they are going to challenge bikes such the Honda ST1300 and Yamaha JFR 1300.
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.
It will come in three models: Challenger ($US21,499), a blacked-out Challenger Dark Horse ($US27,999) and flagship Challenger Limited ($US27,999).
Challenger
Challenger Dark Horse
Challenger Limited
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 Australiaon 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.
Indian Motorcycle has unveiled its liquid cooled 1770cc engine with three ride modes called the Powerplus to be fitted to a new line of Challenger motorcycles.
The move was leaked in a video from the company dealer conference in the USA in July and has now been confirmed.
The video was been taken down, but is still available on Motorcycle.com.
However, it’s slightly more powerful with 91kW (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.
2020 Indian Challenger spy photo
Liquid cooling should make the engines compliant with the next generation of European emissions targets.
The new liquid cooled Powerplus powered motorcycle range will be smaller than the current 111-cube Thunderstroke V-twin that powers the Chief and Roadmaster models.
Powerplus will be available in chromed and black-out versions.
It is not yet known how many models will be in the range, when they will be released and whether they will replace the Chief and Roadmaster models or be an extra line-up.
Spy photo of a 2020 Indian Challenger
Here is the official release from Indian:
The PowerPlus will serve as the heart of the new Indian Challenger, an all-new, fixed-fairing bagger that utilises Indian Motorcycle’s state-of-the-art technology to become the highest-performing American V-twin ever developed. The new engine’s name is a nod to Indian Motorcycle’s iconic history, paying homage to the Indian PowerPlus motorcycle produced from 1916 to 1924.
“We challenge our engineers with the notion that anything less than best-in-class design and performance will simply not get it done, and it’s clear with this new engine that they have delivered on that high standard,” said Steve Menneto, Indian Motorcycle President. “Countless hours were spent in design, development and testing to ensure this is the best liquid-cooled V-twin ever developed, and I could not be prouder of our team and this incredible motor.”
The PowerPlus adopts several design and performance features from the liquid-cooled 1,133 cc Indian Scout engine, including an overhead camshaft design utilising four valves per cylinder. But comparisons end there. The PowerPlus was developed with a big-piston, big-torque mindset with an end game of maximum power delivery across the entire curve.
Power Plus Engine – Chrome – Left.
The all-new powertrain features a six-speed transmission with true overdrive, assist clutch to reduce clutch effort, and three ride modes that allow riders to tailor throttle mapping to their riding preferences. Advanced technology also includes hydraulic valve lash adjusters and hydraulic camshaft chain tensioners for ease of maintenance and reliability.
The PowerPlus was tested, refined and proven by one of the industry’s most rigorous development and testing programs, accumulating over one and a half million kilometres of simulated testing, including state-of-the-art dyno testing, and more than 400,000 on-road kilometres.
“You simply cannot deliver the ultimate bagger without an engine that stands head and shoulders above anything else in its class, and that was the motivation behind the PowerPlus,” said John Callahan, Indian Motorcycle Vice President, Engineering. “We developed the most sophisticated V-twin powerplant in the industry, and then we spent month after month, hour upon hour, putting it through the most intense paces to ensure it could take whatever we threw at it. The end result is something truly special.”
Indian Motorcycle PowerPlus Engine Specifications:
Challenger Limited
Powerplus Engine
Daytona Beach Police on Victory Motorcycles
Victory police motorcycle
