2025 Indian Challenger Elite and Pursuit Elite First Look

For 2025, Indian is adding a pair of limited-edition Elite models to its fork-mounted bagger and touring motorcycle lineup. Like previous Elite models, the 2025 Challenger Elite and Pursuit Elite tick all the option boxes—that means they both use the PowerPlus 112 engine and PowerBand Audio package—and will be built in small numbers and feature what Indian calls “custom-quality” paint. Only 350 Challenger Elites and 250 Pursuit Elites will be produced, costing $39,999 and $44,999, respectively.

The price of the Challenger Elite represents a $6500 premium compared to a fully spec’d out Challenger, while the Pursuit Elite represents a $9500 premium compared to a boxes-ticked Pursuit.

Aside from the exclusivity of owning one of these limited-edition models, the biggest reason to shell out for the Elite models is the paint. The Challenger Elite has a multilayered paint job that uses particles of shattered glass to add depth. Indian says it was inspired by AMA Hall of Famer Gene Walker, who won 19 national flat-track championships during the early part of the 20th century. An image of Walker’s PowerPlus racebike graces the center console. The Pursuit Elite is inspired by the PowerPlus models built for the US Army in 1916. There’s no olive drab paint here, however. Like the Challenger, the Pursuit Elite uses multilayered paint in addition to hand-painted gold accents. Both models use blacked-out Dark Horse finishes. Finally, every Elite model is individually numbered and has special Elite badging.

The Elite models are outfitted with several parts from Indian’s accessory catalog, including Pathfinder Adaptive LED headlights, driving lights, LED saddlebag lighting, headdress floorboards, and Flare windshields (on the Challenger Elite).

Both models use Indian’s PowerPlus 112 engine, which debuted earlier this year as an option across Indian’s bagger/touring lineup, including on the new Chieftain PowerPlus model. The 112ci PowerPlus produces a claimed 126 hp and 133 lb.-ft. of torque at 3600 rpm—about 4 hp and 5 lb.-ft. of torque more than the PowerPlus 108. Like that engine, the 112 uses full liquid-cooling, four valves per cylinder, SOHC, and rigid mounting.

As with the non-Elite models, Indian’s new Rider Assist Package is bundled with the 112 engine. The Rider Assist package includes Bike Hold Control, Electronic Combined Brake System, Blind Spot Warning, Tailgate Warning, and Rear Collision Warning. Indian’s Smart Lean Technology (an IMU-managed suite of rider aids) is included. Rider-aid settings are controlled through a 7-inch touchscreen.

The Elite models use nonadjustable inverted forks and Brembo M4.32 brake calipers—the same as the standard models. Five-spoke cast aluminum wheels are unique to the Elite models.

While non-Elite Pursuit models are equipped with electronically adjustable spring preload in the rear, the Challenger has manually adjustable preload in the rear. With the Elite trim, however, both models are equipped with the system, which can be adjusted through the TFT dash.

Both models use Indian’s higher-spec PowerBand Audio system; the Challenger Elite features four 100-watt speakers while the Pursuit Elite features six 100-watt speakers. White LED lights illuminate the dynamic drivers for a custom look.

Other amenities include keyless ignition, remote locking storage, cruise control, Bluetooth Connectivity with support for Apple CarPlay, USB charging, and heated grips and seats.

The differences between a boxes-ticked Challenger or Pursuit and their Elite equivalents aren’t as great as between a standard Harley-Davidson Road Glide and a CVO Road Glide, where the latter has, not just flashy paint, but an entirely different engine and uprated suspension and braking components. As such, the price gap between a Challenger and a Challenger Elite is less than the price gap between a standard and a CVO Harley-Davidson. It’s worth mentioning because it gives some insight into Indian’s mindset. First of all, the PowerPlus 112 engine isn’t reserved for these limited-edition, high-end models; it can be spec’d (for an additional $3000) on any model in Limited or Dark Horse trim. At the same time, the non-Elite models are already equipped with Brembo brake calipers and inverted forks; Harley-Davidson reserves similar equipment for its up-spec models. In other words, Indian gives the average customer access to the good stuff without requiring them to pony up for an Elite model.

So, if at first glance, the Indian Elite models aren’t as distinguished as a CVO Harley, it’s because—as no doubt Indian would argue—the spec of the standard models is already quite high. Like a Harley CVO model, however, the Elite models can be viewed as turnkey customs. That fancy paint and the addition of a few premium parts will make them really stand out on the showroom floor.

The Challenger Elite and Pursuit Elite will begin shipping to dealerships this month.