2023 Indian Motorcycle Lineup | First Look Review

Indian Motorcycles has announced updates to its 2023 lineup, including a new FTR model and other FTR revisions, plus details about the premium Challenger Elite model, and other upgrades across the board. Here’s a first look at the 2023 Indian models and new upgrades.

See all of Rider’s Indian coverage here.

2023 Indian FTR Lineup

New for 2023 is the FTR Sport, a model that replaces the FTR S. This FTR sits just below the premium FTR R Carbon but above the FTR and FTR Rally. The FTR Sport features a new tank-panel design, a sporty chin fairing, and a seat cowl. It will be available in Black Metallic with Indy Red accents for $15,749 and White Lightning with Indy Red and Black Metallic accents for $15,999.

The FTR Sport will share a new 4-inch round touchscreen display with the FTR R Carbon model, offering navigation and Bluetooth connectivity. Both bikes will come standard with three ride modes (Sport, Standard, and Rain), lean-angle-sensitive ABS, stability control, traction control, wheelie and rear-lift mitigation, a USB charge port, and cruise control. The FTR and FTR Rally come standard with ABS and cruise control.

The FTR R Carbon separates itself from the rest of the FTR lineup with carbon fiber components, a premium seat, fully adjustable Öhlins gold front forks, and a gold piggyback shock. It is also the only model with the Indian script logo tank panels and finished with Cloud Silver and Championship Gold pinstriping.

All four FTR models will feature a sportier muffler and a retuned front braking system. The speedometer has been moved up on all FTRs for easier viewing, and a new clutch has been implemented, which Indian says provides improved feel and performance. The Indian FTR lineup starts at $13,499.

2023 Indian Challenger Elite

Indian began its Elite program in 2017 with the Chieftain Elite. Since then, Indian’s Elite motorcycles, limited to 150-200 units for each bike, feature all the premium options available along with a unique look. In 2022, we saw the first Challenger Elite, limited to 200 units. The 2022 Challenger Elite featured Stealth Gray and Black Metallic paint with Indy Red accents, inspired by American muscle cars.

For 2023, Indian has announced it will be offering 150 units of the 2023 Challenger Elite in Sapphire Blue Smoke Paint with Black Smoke and Titanium Metallic Smoke accents. For this premium bike with a unique look, you’re looking at $35,999.

The Challenger Elite will have the same PowerPlus 108ci engine with 122 hp and 128 ft-lb of torque that you’ll find in other Challengers, but the Elite is packed with all the top-notch options and extras. Those extras include three ride modes, Fox adjustable rear suspension, smart lean technology, an LED headlight and driving lights, an adjustable flare windscreen, select footboards, heated grips, a new precision-cut five-spoke wheel, and Powerband audio with saddlebag speakers.

At $10,000 over the price of a regular Challenger, the 2023 Challenger Elite is packed to the gills with premium features, a marketing strategy similar to Harley-Davidson’s CVO line.

Other Updates Across the Board

The 2023 lineup will feature a host of upgrades and paint colors across the board.

All Thunderstroke and PowerPlus models will receive a new clutch, said the reduce engine drag and provide a smoother down shift. The new clutch has a larger friction zone and decreased lever effort for reduced clutch fatigue.

The PowerPlus models will get integrated buttons on the heated seats, and Thunderstroke models will feature haptics, allowing riders to feel the button’s response when wearing gloves. The Springfield, Chieftain, Challenger, Roadmaster, and Pursuit models will get a redesigned LED headlight with a larger reach and spread.

All models with the 4-inch round touchscreen display will now be able to tie their Ride Command account from the Indian Motorcycle app or website to their bike. This will give riders access to features like vehicle health, vehicle locator, and ride tracking.

For more information, visit Indian’s website.