 2020 Indian Challenger
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Joined: Apr 2006
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Loquacious
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OP
Loquacious
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Discuss and argue.  Indian Challenger Cycle World [image]https://cdn1.polaris.com/globalassets/indian/2020/model/model-pages/challenger/overview/gallery/indian-challenger-media-modal-1.jpg?v=75c508f7[/image]
Last edited by Speedmaster05; 10/30/2019 8:39 AM.
Kevin - Luceo Non Uro
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Re: 2020 Indian Challenger
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,683 Likes: 20
Monkey Butt
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Monkey Butt
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,683 Likes: 20 |
Looks pretty good but that box/fairing on it is just too boxy looking for me.
I try to aggravate one person a day. Today may be your day.
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Re: 2020 Indian Challenger
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Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,193 Likes: 22
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,193 Likes: 22 |
Just because Harley have made their headlights ugly, that's surely no excuse to copy them.
( I know, " don't call me Shirley.)
I took the Road Less Travelled.
Now where the ****** am I?
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Re: 2020 Indian Challenger
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Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,995 Likes: 10
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,995 Likes: 10 |
Quote:
Looks pretty good but that box/fairing on it is just too boxy looking for me.
Yep too boxy for me.Some of the earlier big'uns looked quite nice but I've never liked the scout series for the same reason plus the radiator on the scouts
Dinosaur.
"Oh Man I only ride 'em.I don't know what makes 'em work". Donald "Oddball" Sutherland
"Don't let the bastards get you down". Kris Kristofferson
"I am only paranoid because everyone is against me". Larry [Frank Burns] Linville
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Re: 2020 Indian Challenger
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,060 Likes: 6
Worn Saddle
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Worn Saddle
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,060 Likes: 6 |
I kinda like it. Kinda. I'm never crazy about the "boxey" styling, but I do kinda like the more modern squarish engine that is like the scout. And ya gotta admire the horsepower. I think they did a good job overall, it's just not my kinda bike.
Fidelis et Fortis
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Re: 2020 Indian Challenger
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Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,623 Likes: 2
Loquacious
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OP
Loquacious
Joined: Apr 2006
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To be honest, I was never a fan of the original Chieftain fairing. In fact, I was aghast when I saw it in August 2013. In 2013 I started with a Vintage - classic Indian styling. By November 2015 the Vintage was traded in on a Roadmaster. I learned to ignore the fairing! I think the performance on the Challenger will help people ignore the fairing. It's already been dyno'ed at a class-leading 107 HP and 113 TQ bone stock. With the new Metzeler tires and Smart Lean technology the handling should be precise. I'm hoping to demo one on Saturday. To be continued... 
Kevin - Luceo Non Uro
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Re: 2020 Indian Challenger
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Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 797 Likes: 17
3/4 Throttle
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3/4 Throttle
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 797 Likes: 17 |
Anyone else thinking the new styling are looking more and more like Victorys?
Road Rash Heals. Freckles Grow Back. Ride
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Re: 2020 Indian Challenger
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Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 663
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 663 |
Quote:
Anyone else thinking the new styling are looking more and more like Victorys?
I agree. The traditional vintage Indian styling elements seen on the big bikes look a bit out of place on this new one, to me at least. Still, it's probably a great looking bike in the flesh, and the performance is pretty enticing.
2013 Speedmaster Matte Black
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Re: 2020 Indian Challenger
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,175 Likes: 55
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,175 Likes: 55 |
Quote:
Anyone else thinking the new styling are looking more and more like Victorys?
My second thought exactly, my first was butt ugly. Not many more ugly except the Vision, and a few others but not many. I looked at this post before anyone else had replied but wasn't going to say anything because I disliked it so much and didn't want to be the first reply with a negative.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: 2020 Indian Challenger
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,683 Likes: 20
Monkey Butt
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Monkey Butt
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,683 Likes: 20 |
I road a Kingpin for 8 years and broke a clutch cable. Yep, that is it. Powerful and pretty unbreakable. I think had Indian stayed building and developing they would have made the Vintage. That Vintage IMHO is a really good looking and good performing bike.
But we generally buy them for looks.
I try to aggravate one person a day. Today may be your day.
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Re: 2020 Indian Challenger
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Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 594
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 594 |
Mostly it's a good-looking bike. I even (briefly) pondered getting an Indian when I had to shop for a new bike recently.
But I can't get over that fairing - the fairing and light together seem out-of-scale with the rest of the bike.
OMG IT'S A BOBBLEHEAD!
SFC, US Army (Ret)
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Re: 2020 Indian Challenger
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Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,995 Likes: 10
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,995 Likes: 10 |
Quote:
Anyone else thinking the new styling are looking more and more like Victorys?
Dinosaur.
"Oh Man I only ride 'em.I don't know what makes 'em work". Donald "Oddball" Sutherland
"Don't let the bastards get you down". Kris Kristofferson
"I am only paranoid because everyone is against me". Larry [Frank Burns] Linville
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Re: 2020 Indian Challenger
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,060 Likes: 6
Worn Saddle
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Worn Saddle
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,060 Likes: 6 |
Quote:
Quote:
Anyone else thinking the new styling are looking more and more like Victorys?
My second thought exactly, my first was butt ugly. Not many more ugly except the Vision, and a few others but not many. I looked at this post before anyone else had replied but wasn't going to say anything because I disliked it so much and didn't want to be the first reply with a negative.
Definately resembles the Victory styling. But of course cause it's from the same same parent company. And I think that the Victory styling is a smart move to attract the younger crowd cause us geezers ain't gonna be around much longer to buy new bikes! And since you mentioned the "Vision", I always liked the "futuristic styling. Not my kind of thing cause I'm more into the "antiquey" look, but still cool.
Fidelis et Fortis
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Re: 2020 Indian Challenger
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,681 Likes: 1
Bar Shake
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Bar Shake
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,681 Likes: 1 |
Kind of cool looking but I complain about the weight of my TBird Commander at 750 lbs. plus but this thing is 831lbs. W a full tank of gas. 
"Catching a yellow jacket in your shirt at seventy miles per hour can double your vocabulary" Author unknown
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Re: 2020 Indian Challenger
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Joined: Apr 2006
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Loquacious
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OP
Loquacious
Joined: Apr 2006
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Quote:
Kind of cool looking but I complain about the weight of my TBird Commander at 750 lbs. plus but this thing is 831lbs. W a full tank of gas.
To me the weight is a major deciding factor. My Visions weigh in at about 850 dry and the Indian Roadmaster comes in at a whopping 893 dry. So the Challenger's dry weight of 796 dry is a significant difference!
I had considered going with a Harley Heritage largely due to the low weight of 697 dry. But after all, it is still a Harley.
Yesterday one of my friends did a demo ride on the Challenger. This is a guy that has owned/ridden a bunch of bikes and owns an Indian Vintage, Indian Scout, Triumph Bonneville T100 and a Triumph Tiger.
He described the Challenger as "stupendous".
I hope to ride one today.
Kevin - Luceo Non Uro
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Re: 2020 Indian Challenger
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Joined: Apr 2006
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Loquacious
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OP
Loquacious
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I rode it. It was fantastic. I'm getting one. 
Kevin - Luceo Non Uro
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Re: 2020 Indian Challenger
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,683 Likes: 20
Monkey Butt
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Monkey Butt
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,683 Likes: 20 |
I try to aggravate one person a day. Today may be your day.
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Re: 2020 Indian Challenger
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,681 Likes: 1
Bar Shake
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Bar Shake
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,681 Likes: 1 |
Quote:
I rode it. It was fantastic. I'm getting one.
Go for it! You going to trade your Roadmaster?
"Catching a yellow jacket in your shirt at seventy miles per hour can double your vocabulary" Author unknown
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Re: 2020 Indian Challenger
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Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,623 Likes: 2
Loquacious
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OP
Loquacious
Joined: Apr 2006
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Quote:
Quote:
I rode it. It was fantastic. I'm getting one.
Go for it! You going to trade your Roadmaster?
In a minute!
Honestly, the power, handling, suspension and ergonomics were... perfect!
I'm going to C&P a review my friend wrote, which I agree with almost word for word:
This is a large, frame based fairing and as you can see from the dash picture the bars come up from the fork and to clear the fairing and reach the rider they appear high because they are longer handle bars like a victory vision. The chieftain bars can be closer since the fairing is bolted to them. I told Kevin there is nothing not to like about this motorcycle except for two categories of people. Harley riders who refuse to like anything else ... and those who just don't like certain aspects of a motorcycle, i.e. those who don't think American v twins should be liquid cooled, those who don't like radiators, those who don't gravitate to the design. Other than that there is no arguing that this is a well made motorcycle. The suspension is terrific for a cruiser. I hit every manhole cover I could find and it was pretty plush. The heat is a non issue. Nothing on your legs and nothing being blown into your space from the radiator. The engine is a blast. Instant torque and smooth. The gears shift very smooth. Btw, the smoothest gear box in the Indian lineup is the FTR. Greased with butter that rascal. I digress. The sounds of the engine is a wonderful growl both as a rider and listening to it drive by. The screen is bright and not a long reach at all from the grips. The saddle bags are large. The gas tank is huge but does not take up leg room. The front brembo brakes are amazing. The tires I can't comment on since I couldn't put them through their paces but they certainly look good. The powered windshield works very nice with the vents to create neural air in the cockpit without wind buffet. The speakers sounds good. The new warbonnet is cool. Very art deco with an LED strip down the middle. The seat is very soft. The legroom is nice without knee cramping. The steering is light and predictable and the bike didn't feel top heavy. If you want lower handlebars I'm sure there is something to please you, but I liked the stock. Again, aside from opinions, feelings and loyalties, there is nothing not to like about the quality of this motorcycle.
Kevin - Luceo Non Uro
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Re: 2020 Indian Challenger
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 7,028 Likes: 8
New Tires
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New Tires
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 7,028 Likes: 8 |
The styling is like most cars and bikes on the road, too Nippon for my old school taste.
Every normal man must be tempted, at times, to spit on his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin slitting throats.
H. L. Mencken
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Re: 2020 Indian Challenger
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Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,995 Likes: 10
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jun 2009
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Quote:
I rode it. It was fantastic. I'm getting one.
Good on ya It'd be a boring old world if we all liked the same stuff. 
Dinosaur.
"Oh Man I only ride 'em.I don't know what makes 'em work". Donald "Oddball" Sutherland
"Don't let the bastards get you down". Kris Kristofferson
"I am only paranoid because everyone is against me". Larry [Frank Burns] Linville
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Re: 2020 Indian Challenger
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,516 Likes: 28
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,516 Likes: 28 |
Quote:
Anyone else thinking the new styling are looking more and more like Victorys?
Me.
I was just thinking that when I read your post.
Bedouin.
Blessed are those eyes that have seen more roads than any man! (Homer).
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Re: 2020 Indian Challenger
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,629 Likes: 7
Monkey Butt
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Monkey Butt
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,629 Likes: 7 |
Quote:
Quote:
Anyone else thinking the new styling are looking more and more like Victorys?
Me.
I was just thinking that when I read your post.
All those Victory engineers and stylists had to go somewhere.
We all like to think of ourselves as rugged individualists. But when push comes to shove most of us are sheep who do what we are told. Worst of all, a lot of us become unpaid agents of whoever is controlling the agenda by enforcing the current dogma on the few rugged individualists who actually exist.
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Re: 2020 Indian Challenger
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2 |
Yep, word is the Challenger's engine design was initially started by the Victory engineering staff and was to be a Victory before Polaris pulled the plug on that brand.
Yep! Just like a good Single Malt Scotch, you might call me "an acquired taste" TOO.(among the many OTHER things you may care to call me, of course)
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Re: 2020 Indian Challenger
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Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,623 Likes: 2
Loquacious
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OP
Loquacious
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,623 Likes: 2 |
We've been through all this before, but the same folks that worked on Victory (engineers, designers, manufacturing, assembly, etc.) are Polaris employees. When they shut down Victory, most of the Victory guys started working on Indians and wearing Indian shirts. I have it on good authority that some of the loyal Victory guys now working on the Indian line are still wearing Victory gear. 
Kevin - Luceo Non Uro
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Re: 2020 Indian Challenger
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,516 Likes: 28
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,516 Likes: 28 |
Quote:
We've been through all this before, but the same folks that worked on Victory (engineers, designers, manufacturing, assembly, etc.) are Polaris employees. When they shut down Victory, most of the Victory guys started working on Indians and wearing Indian shirts.
I have it on good authority that some of the loyal Victory guys now working on the Indian line are still wearing Victory gear.
You should know, since you have secretly worked for them for years.  
Bedouin.
Blessed are those eyes that have seen more roads than any man! (Homer).
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Re: 2020 Indian Challenger
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Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,623 Likes: 2
Loquacious
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OP
Loquacious
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,623 Likes: 2 |
Quote:
Quote:
We've been through all this before, but the same folks that worked on Victory (engineers, designers, manufacturing, assembly, etc.) are Polaris employees. When they shut down Victory, most of the Victory guys started working on Indians and wearing Indian shirts.
I have it on good authority that some of the loyal Victory guys now working on the Indian line are still wearing Victory gear.
You should know, since you have secretly worked for them for years.
And here I am eagerly awaiting the royalties to start rolling in.
Kevin - Luceo Non Uro
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Re: 2020 Indian Challenger
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,516 Likes: 28
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,516 Likes: 28 |
Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
We've been through all this before, but the same folks that worked on Victory (engineers, designers, manufacturing, assembly, etc.) are Polaris employees. When they shut down Victory, most of the Victory guys started working on Indians and wearing Indian shirts.
I have it on good authority that some of the loyal Victory guys now working on the Indian line are still wearing Victory gear.
You should know, since you have secretly worked for them for years.
And here I am eagerly awaiting the royalties to start rolling in.
As you may recall, I was the only one onto you.
Bedouin.
Blessed are those eyes that have seen more roads than any man! (Homer).
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Re: 2020 Indian Challenger
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Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,623 Likes: 2
Loquacious
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OP
Loquacious
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,623 Likes: 2 |
Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
We've been through all this before, but the same folks that worked on Victory (engineers, designers, manufacturing, assembly, etc.) are Polaris employees. When they shut down Victory, most of the Victory guys started working on Indians and wearing Indian shirts.
I have it on good authority that some of the loyal Victory guys now working on the Indian line are still wearing Victory gear.
You should know, since you have secretly worked for them for years.
And here I am eagerly awaiting the royalties to start rolling in.
As you may recall, I was the only one onto you.
It's a sharp one you are laddie.
Kevin - Luceo Non Uro
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Re: 2020 Indian Challenger
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Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,623 Likes: 2
Loquacious
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OP
Loquacious
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,623 Likes: 2 |
Welp, I swung a good trade in deal on this back in late June. This is an amazing bike with great power and handling. Looks are subjective but you can't see how it looks when your burning up the twisites. Now that we're in East Tennessee we have fantastic riding opportunities at our doorstep. [img] https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.ne...bc8bb2c1f3a6ad529a2884e0&oe=5F54E803[/img]
Last edited by Speedmaster05; 08/08/2020 6:07 AM.
Kevin - Luceo Non Uro
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1 member likes this:
satxron |
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Re: 2020 Indian Challenger
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Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3,215 Likes: 50
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3,215 Likes: 50 |
Very picturesque. A sassy lookin ride for sure!!
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