2024 Indian Challenger Elite First Look

Maybe the market for luxury tourers ain’t what it used to be, but for 2024 it looks like Indian Motorcycle is trimming its limited-edition Elite model lineup. Last year we saw the new full-dress Pursuit Elite, the 116ci Chieftain Elite, and a mildly updated Challenger Elite representing the tricked-out touring lineup, but for 2024, the brand is counting on just the Challenger to carry the Elite torch. That may be why the 2024 Challenger Elite looks a bit more spiffed up than last year’s subdued effort, with the class-leading bagger packing a raft of features like Indian’s completely redesigned PowerBand audio system, an all-new, custom-stitched seat, and a refined, custom Charcoal Candy paint scheme that’s a great fit for the premium tourer’s top-of-the-line standing. Indian says just 325 units will be available worldwide.

The Minneapolis brand does call the Challenger Elite the “ultimate American bagger,” which is due largely to the 122-hp liquid-cooled PowerPlus engine, though that is unchanged this year, and it’s the same one in the standard Challenger. Still, 128 lb.-ft. of torque is nothing to sneeze at. In fact, you’ll find that much of the Challenger Elite’s running gear is shared with its base-model brother, down to the lightweight cast aluminum frame, inverted fork, chassis-mounted fairing, radially mounted Brembo brakes, 7-inch touchscreen display, and 18 gallons of cargo capacity.

Related: 2022 Indian Challenger Elite and Chieftain Elite First Look

You do get a raft of goodies on the Elite trim though; for starters, the electronically adjustable Fox rear suspension is standard issue on the Challenger Elite, so you can adjust the preload right from the bike’s infotainment system. The heart of that system is the 7-inch touchscreen powered by Indian’s Ride Command OS, which, as before, offers Apple CarPlay integration, turn-by-turn navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, and more.

The Elite also offers what Indian calls Smart Lean Technology, a suite of aids that uses a six-axis Bosch IMU to tune traction control and ABS by monitoring wheel slip and torque while optimizing output based on lean angle and whichever ride mode you’re in (Rain, Standard, or Sport). An adaptive LED headlight and LED driving light brighten the entire road for nighttime runs, and an adjustable flare windscreen ensures a smooth pocket of air when it’s time for a road trip. The long list of premium touring amenities continues with driver and passenger floorboards, heated grips, saddlebag lights, and saddlebag closeouts.

The Elite’s biggest news for 2024 is the new PowerBand audio setup, which likewise uses the Ride Command brain to tap into an array of built-in amplifiers, a nine-band equalizer, and 16 speakers to deliver increased volume, more bass, and better sound clarity at speed. The 100-watt speakers utilize new Dynamic EQ for the highest-quality audio as speed and conditions change. Indian says the speakers are durable, water-resistant, and also bring a visual component, with a modern look and UnderGlow soft-LED accent lighting that will definitely stand out from your buddy’s system at bike night. The new PowerBand audio system is compatible with 2020–2024 models and comes standard on the Challenger Elite as well as a few other Indian bagger models.

Pricing for the Challenger Elite begins at $38,499, and it’ll begin shipping this month to US and Canada Indian dealers.

The regular Challenger, the Challenger Dark Horse, and Challenger Limited are also returning for 2024, with no changes except color swaps and minor cosmetic refinements to the dash visor, storage door, dash trim, and gauge bezel. Prices start at $24,999 for the base-model Challenger. More info can be found at indianmotorcycle.com.