Thinking about trading my Indian Challenger for a new Rocket.

[FemmeFatale]

I have both (2021 Darkhorse & 2022 GT) and I wouldn't trade my Challenger for it. The Rocket, to me, just isn't built for very long distances unless you're:
1. A hardcore "wind at interstate speeds doesn't bother me" type of rider or
2. Someone who finds those hideous taller windscreen options and even uglier Corbin accessories acceptable adaptations.

While I would say it is easier to ride, especially with a quickshifter (lighter, much smoother transmission), my Indian Challenger is far more comfortable for these reasons:
1. The suspension is much better than the Rocket's. It absorbs bumps sometimes better than my SUV. And yes, I've adjusted the Rocket's suspension, it just can't compete with the Challenger's.
2. Wind protection is far superior, of course.
3. It is shockingly, in my opinion, more flickable around corners and bends.

So for now, my Rocket will be used as my 'rip around town' bike and my Challenger will be used for when I want to travel on the highway/interstate.

 

[Hipporider]

Thanks for the reply. How do you find the cornering clearance, Challenger vs R3GT? I'm in Tasmania and we've got plenty of tight twisty roads and I am left wondering how much I'll have to compromise with the new Pursuit. I'll still hang on to my 2010R3R for the moment as well.

 

[mexican]

Hello. I've got an Indian Pursuit ordered myself. As you may be aware, I've been on the old R3 , ever since 2005, when i joined the. Com site. What's made you get rid of the Challenger, may i ask? I've ridden a Challenger briefly and whilst it's not the torque monster like my old R3 is, the comfort behind that fairing is pretty **** good, i have to say. Did you find you lost too much ground clearance cornering with the Challenger after owning the old R3 ?

Hello. I've got an Indian Pursuit ordered myself. As you may be aware, I've been on the old R3 , ever since 2005, when i joined the. Com site. What's made you get rid of the Challenger, may i ask? I've ridden a Challenger briefly and whilst it's not the torque monster like my old R3 is, the comfort behind that fairing is pretty **** good, i have to say. Did you find you lost too much ground clearance cornering with the Challenger after owning the old R3 ?

Selling the Challengwer was a mistake, it is the most comfortable bike that i have ever owned, plenty of ground clearence and plenty of power. i may buy another one at some point.

 

[Dr.D]

The Challenger has plenty of clearance for cornering but not as much as the new Rockets. I will say the Challenger is the best handling bagger I’ve ridden. It feels much lighter than it really is.

 

[Hipporider]

The Challenger has plenty of clearance for cornering but not as much as the new Rockets. I will say the Challenger is the best handling bagger I’ve ridden. It feels much lighter than it really is.

I test rode a Challenger belonging to a fella down here, straight after riding to his place on my 2010 R3R. I was amazed how light the front end was! It was like getting on a push bike! Handles like a dream. My shoulder problems will be very pleased. I might add, I have been running a 140 on the front of my R3's for years now, as well, which lightens the front end handling on the old R3

 

[FemmeFatale]

Thanks for the reply. How do you find the cornering clearance, Challenger vs R3GT? I'm in Tasmania and we've got plenty of tight twisty roads and I am left wondering how much I'll have to compromise with the new Pursuit. I'll still hang on to my 2010R3R for the moment as well.

I haven't scraped the pegs or floorboards on either bike, yet. But with a higher seat height and what looks to be a higher peg height, i would assume that the R3GT has slightly better ground clearance and lean angle.

With that being said, I'm more comfortable leaning the Challenger than the Rocket. While the massive rear tire looks great on the Rocket, it impinges on its handling ability when it comes to leaning at higher speeds. When riding curvy roads on the R3GT, I feel I have to put more effort/muscle into getting around curves. But with the challenger, it simply falls into the curves with minimal effort.

I know I'm probably sounding super critical of the Rocket, but the Challenger truly does handle better at speed and it is far and away the more comfortable bike of the two.

With you coming from an older rocket, I think you are going to be pleasantly surprised by how nimble the pursuit is given its size and weight.

 

[steve59]

I'm trying to be tactful...I want the 2500cc triple motor, I don't want an oversize, overweight Diavel.

 

[Mighty Mouse]

It's all in what you want and like. I like the wind hitting me in the face although I like a small shield for longer trips. The guys that like the larger baggers for comfort I get it. I appreciate the baggers but don't want one at this time in my life. I do like hot dogging once in a while and scraping the pegs in turns on the back roads pretty much all the time. I'm going to take a Challenger out as I have an Indian dealer about 20 miles from me. I'm looking forward to it. I like belt drives but do not like the footboard location but only due to longstanding injuries. I certainly don't expect to take back road turns like I do on my GT but I am looking forward to the comfort, exhaust note and acceleration. I hear it picks up well for a big girl. I dig the looks of the Challenger also. The wind on my body does get old after 50 plus miles on the freeway but me going a tad over the limit and bending the smallish Powerbronze shield downward like it's taffy doesn't help I'm sure. Thank goodness for cruise control. You guys that have both bikes, I hate you.

 

[mexican]

It's all in what you want and like. I like the wind hitting me in the face although I like a small shield for longer trips. The guys that like the larger baggers for comfort I get it. I appreciate the baggers but don't want one at this time in my life. I do like hot dogging once in a while and scraping the pegs in turns on the back roads pretty much all the time. I'm going to take a Challenger out as I have an Indian dealer about 20 miles from me. I'm looking forward to it. I like belt drives but do not like the footboard location but only due to longstanding injuries. I certainly don't expect to take back road turns like I do on my GT but I am looking forward to the comfort, exhaust note and acceleration. I hear it picks up well for a big girl. I dig the looks of the Challenger also. The wind on my body does get old after 50 plus miles on the freeway but me going a tad over the limit and bending the smallish Powerbronze shield downward like it's taffy doesn't help I'm sure. Thank goodness for cruise control. You guys that have both bikes, I hate you.

@RKTNMYPKT just bought a very nice challenger, but sadly, i think he is too busy riding it and no time to stop by here to show it off

 

[steve59]