Indian Motorcycle has taken its King of the Baggers race bike to new extremes. The company tested a race-spec Challenger on the Bonneville Salt Flats, reaching nearly 200 miles per hour.
This bold move showcased that baggers aren’t just about style—they can be serious speed machines.
For the record attempt, Indian teamed up with S&S Cycle and Mission Foods. Two-time King of the Baggers champion Tyler O’Hara was in the saddle, pushing the bike to its limits.
Racing legacy meets modern speed
Indian Motorcycle has a long history of racing success. From Ed “Iron Man” Kretz winning the 1937 Daytona 200 to Jared Mees dominating today’s flat track, the brand has backed champions for decades. This land speed record adds another milestone.
The attempt also paid homage to Burt Munro, who hit 191 mph on a 1920 Scout in 1967. “Have fun, go fast, make Burt proud!” O’Hara said before blasting off. He achieved 192 mph on his first run, surpassing Munro’s legendary feat.
Joe Salas, an observer, remarked on O’Hara’s skill: he leaned into corners with his knee down, an impressive feat on a large motorcycle without full streamlining, unlike Munro’s 1960s attempt.
Setting a new class record
After fine-tuning the bike, O’Hara made a second run at 196.576 mph. This earned a two-run average of 194.384 mph, setting a new American Motorcycle Association record for the 2000cc APS-AG class. The previous record of 169.828 mph had stood since 1972, set by J. Angerer on a Triumph.
Indian’s Bonneville Challenger is based on a stock race bike, upgraded by S&S Cycle. The 112 ci PowerPlus V-twin engine delivers 126 horsepower in stock form. Still, it was modified for speed with larger throttle bodies, ported cylinder heads, two-into-two exhaust, race camshafts, and a higher compression ratio. The crankshaft was replaced, and the exhaust tuned for flow rather than volume.
Though official figures haven’t been released, the bike likely produces around 150 horsepower and 150 lb.ft of torque. It also features forged wheels, Brembo brakes, 43-mm Öhlins FGR250 forks, an Öhlins TTX monoshock, and a fully carbon fiber body, including the tank, fairing, windscreen, and saddlebags.
Experiencing 200 mph on a bagger
O’Hara described the experience of riding a 600-pound bagger at near 200 mph: “You grab sixth gear, get the green flag, and you’re doing your best to go as fast as you can. The bike’s moving left-to-right, your mind’s telling you to ease off, but your gut’s telling you to stick with it. It’s uncomfortable, sketchy, and then wooo, you’re across the finish line.”
This record shows that American touring bikes can compete in speed like superbikes. While most 200-horsepower sport bikes top out around 190 mph, Indian’s Challenger is a bagger that can rival them straight down the salt flats.
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