Watch This Custom Indian Challenger Become ‘King of the Baggers’ in Race Highlight Video
The Indian Motorcycle custom bike bested a Harley-Davidson challenger in the first-of-its-kind race.
Ahead of MotoAmerica Superbike Speedfest’s “King of the Baggers” invitational, Maxim got an exclusive look at one of two Indian Challengers set to compete against a field of Harley-Davidson Road, Street and Electra Glides in the first-of-its-kind race.
![S&S Cycle Indian Challenger King of the Baggers (1)](https://www.maxim.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/ss-cycle-indian-challenger-king-of-the-baggers-1.jpg)
Wisconsin-based V-Twin engine specialist S&S Cycle decided to sponsor and rebuild Indian’s most powerful model for one simple reason. “We chose the Indian Challenger because we’re gonna go racing, and we want to win,” said S&S Cycle president and ex-racer Paul Langley. “This is the fastest and easiest way to do it.”
![S&S Cycle Indian Challenger King of the Baggers (2)](https://www.maxim.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/ss-cycle-indian-challenger-king-of-the-baggers-2.jpg)
Langley’s confidence was vindicated with victory. The S&S Indian piloted by decorated road racing veteran Tyler O’Hara pulled out the win in eight laps at SoCal’s highly technical Laguna Seca track—watch highlights from the wild race above.
![Indian Motorcycle x S&S Challenger (1)](https://www.maxim.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/indian-motorcycle-x-ss-challenger-1.jpg)
The event didn’t transpire without drama. After securing an early lead, O’Hara ran his 600-pound behemoth wide on a corner into sand, falling third to a Harley-Davidson Electra Glide and the second Challenger in the process.
![Indian Motorcycle x S&S Challenger (7)](https://www.maxim.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/indian-motorcycle-x-ss-challenger-7.jpg)
Despite the mid-race snafu, O’Hara proceed to edge out both, overtaking the Harley with a daring maneuver at the track’s infamous steep-graded corkscrew section to regain the lead. O’Hara’s Indian ultimately took the top podium spot, with the Harley and other Indian taking second and third, respectively.
![Indian Motorcycle x S&S Challenger Promo](https://www.maxim.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/indian-motorcycle-x-ss-challenger-promo.jpg)
Pointless—even hilarious—as a bagger bike race may seem, Indian’s success against Harley does have some real-world relevance relevance. In 2020, the Indian Challenger debuted as a direct competitor to the class-leading Harley-Davidson Road Glide. With the goal of stealing business of H-D loyalists, the Polaris-owned brand is currently holding “Challenger Challenge” promotion inviting riders to test the bikes back-to-back at dealers.
![2020 Indian Challenger Dark Horse (2)](https://www.maxim.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/2020-indian-challenger-dark-horse-2.jpg)
The Challenger is already superior to the Road Glide in raw power and acceleration. But the King of the Baggers crown—while not necessarily a practical pro—certainly represents another advantage for the Indian.