2-litre Indian touring motorcycle breaks 53-year-old speed record

In September 2025, the US motorbike manufacturer Indian Motorcycle broke a 53-year-old speed record in the 2000 cc class for special construction motorcycles of the American Motorcycle Association with a modified Indian Challenger Race Bagger. In the Bonneville Salt Flats in the US state of Utah, the motorbike achieved an average speed of 194.384 mph (approx. 312.83 km/h) in two runs. This means that the land speed record of 169.828 mph set by J. Angerer on a Triumph in 1972 was beaten by two-time KOTB champion Tyler O’Hara.

Modifications for the record run

The record motorbike is based on a standard Indian Challenger Race Bagger, a motorbike that is actually designed for touring and is fitted with a 112-ci PowerPlus V-Twin engine from Indian. The engine delivers 126 PS (93 kW). Together with the US motorbike engine tuner S&S Cycle, Indian customized the standard machine for the 2000 cc APS-AG, class A for special construction motorbikes. Among other things, these motorcycles are allowed to have a partially streamlined fairing and run on “modified fuel.”

The engine was equipped with larger throttle valves, revised cylinder heads, racing camshafts, a full-weight crankshaft, and a large-volume two-in-two exhaust system. The latter to optimize the flow. High-octane fuel was also used. The motorcycle stands on forged wheels, has Brembo brakes as an emergency anchor, a 43 mm Öhlins FGR250 fork, and an Öhlins TTX monoshock as a damper on board.

However, Indian and S&S are keeping a lid on the bike’s specifications. The two companies are not providing any precise details on the technical equipment and performance data. However, the engine is likely to produce around 150 PS and have a torque of around 200 Nm.

O’Hara drove the motorcycle on the salt lake for two prescribed runs. He reached 192 mph in the first run and 196.567 mph in the second after further modifications to the machine. This results in an average value of 194.384 mph, i.e., around 312.83 km/h.

O’Hara describes his impressions of driving on the salt lake as follows: “You know, we’re out there, and you put it in sixth gear. You lean into it, get the green flag, and do your best to go as fast as you can. The bike lurches from left to right, and your mind is telling you to abort, but your gut is telling you to hang on. It’s just uncomfortable; it’s dangerous; you’re going 305 km/h, and then, wooo, you’re over the finish line.”

(olb)