Updates for Indian’s 2023 line-up
By Ben Purvis
Has written for dozens of magazines and websites, including most of the world’s biggest bike titles, as well as dabbling in car and technology journalism.
08.11.2022
The biggest news in the 2023 Indian range might be the FTR Sport but it’s far from the only revision being made for next year’s line-up. There are also improvements to the bigger ‘Thunderstroke’ and ‘PowerPlus’ engined bikes as well as a new limited-edition Challenger Elite for next year.
Chief Bobber Dark Horse (above) is among the models to get a new clutch for 2023
Starting with the big V-twin machines – essentially everything in Indian’s range apart from the Scout and FTR line-ups – both the air-cooled Thunderstroke-powered bikes and the liquid-cooled PowerPlus models get a new slipper clutch that’s designed to give better feel and smoother engagement, resulting in a better gearshift. The Thunderstroke models include the Chief, Chieftain, Roadmaster and Springfield ranges, while the PowerPlus engine is used in the Challenger and Pursuit models. Other improvements include new LED headlights for the Springfield, Chieftain, Challenger, Roadmaster and Pursuit ranges, giving better vision at night, and there are tweaks to the controls for the touring models fitted with Indian’s heated and cooled seats.
2023 Challenger Elite (above) is limited to 150 examples worldwide
The Challenger Elite, which first appeared as a limited edition run of 200 bikes in 2022, is back for 2023 with new colours and even more limited availability. Just 150 of them will be made, and with more than 100 expected to stay at home in the USA we’re unlikely to get more than a handful in this country. Based on the liquid-cooled, 120hp, 1768cc Challenger, the Elite is fully-loaded with electronically-adjustable rear suspension, lean-sensitive ABS and traction control, adaptive lights, an uprated stereo and unique ‘Sapphire Blue Smoke with Black Smoke and Titanium Metallic Smoke accents’ paintwork.
‘Sagebrush Smoke’ is among the new colours on the Chief Dark Horse (above)
Other new colours appearing in the 2023 range include ‘Sagebrush Smoke’ for the Chief Dark Horse, ‘Stryker Red Metallic’ for the Roadmaster Limited and Pursuit Dark Horse, ‘Bronze Pearl Metallic’ on the Roadmaster Limited and Springfield, and ‘Titanium Smoke’ on the Challenger Dark Horse.
Indian has introduced a range of new accessories for 2023, including two purpose-made toolkits from CruzTOOLs, a new tail pack that fits most models, a new heated seat for the Challenger and a ‘reduced reach’ kickstand for the PowerPlus-engined Challenger and Pursuit models. There are also new luggage options for the Chief, which also gets two new seat options as well as a low-profile pillion backrest, while Indian’s bagger models can be fitted with a new quick release, low profile trunk with a lockable lid and 46 litres of capacity but which can be installed or removed in moments without tools.
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