Indian Challenger to be launched by end-2020

• Will be brought to India via the CBU route

• 1,769cc, liquid-cooled, V-twin makes 122hp and 173.5Nm

• Features include a 7.0-inch touchscreen and 1000W audio system with Bluetooth

Polaris-owned Indian Motorcycle will launch the new Challenger in India by end of 2020. During an exclusive interview with Polaris India's new country head, Lalit Sharma, it was disclosed that the company plans to launch the Indian Challenger along with a slew of other BS6 compliant motorcycles. The timeline, however, depends on the global COVID-19 situation.

Indian Motorcycles was one of the worst affected by the transition from BS4 to BS6 emission norms in India. All its motorcycles are imported via the CBU route, and its international portfolio, including the Challenger, is yet to be upgraded to Euro5/ BS6 specifications, which has led to the delays.

The Indian Challenger was introduced globally in October 2019. It is an all-new motorcycle, built to take on the likes of the Harley-Davidson Road Glide range. The Challenger is powered by a newly developed V-Twin engine called 'Power Plus'. The 1,769cc mill puts out 122hp and 173.5Nm of torque via a 6-speed gearbox. 

The list of features on the Challenger includes LED headlamps with an integrated DRL, hard-case panniers, electrically adjustable windshield, keyless ignition, cruise control, a 7.0-inch touchscreen display and a 1000W music system with Bluetooth.

Internationally, the Indian Challenger is available in three variants - Standard, Dark Horse and Limited. Prices in India are expected to begin around the Rs 21 lakh mark.