[Iron1967]

Wow, thanks for the responses. I did some more digging and basically the only single difference in the 2025 PowerPlus Chieftain and Challenger is the fairing. To my eye, the "cyclops" look of the Challenger fairing is off-putting. I do wonder that if one were to paint the blacked out section around the lights in that fairing with body color, would it look less "cyclops-ish"?

I did read a lot of articles about the heat between your legs on a TS engined bike, and most said that if you were to remove the catalytic convertor and/or go to true dual exhaust, that helps a lot. Some even say a good tune will help that situation too. Doesn't the rear-cylinder deactivation technology help as well?

View attachment 876270

I don't hate the shark nose look, but I don't love it either. If you want the best wind protection, that is the fairing to have. You really should ride each PP model with the shark nose and batwing fairings, and decide for yourself which one feels better while you are riding. Comparing things such as road vision, space between you and the fairing (distance to touch the display, etc), is also important.

 

[Iron1967]

Yes, the PowerPlus Chieftain and Challenger are identical except one is fork mounted fairing and the other frame mounted. The heat on the TS models is exactly how much you'd expect if you were sitting on top of any motor thats operating at 200+ degrees. Cylinder deactivation works fine.

I don't think the heat is terrible on the TSs, and the rear cyl deactivation does help a little. For me, I would focus on the engine performance before worrying about engine heat. Good points made on the TS.

 

[DyingBreed]

I don't think the heat is terrible on the TSs, and the rear cyl deactivation does help a little. For me, I would focus on the engine performance before worrying about engine heat. Good points made on the TS.

Neither do I, but there are others that feel differently.🤷‍♂️

 

[Bill_VA]

BTW, here's a review from the "Law Abiding Biker" talking about the Chieftain's fairing and how unaffected it was while riding with no hands past a semi.

Funny, this is the third video I've watch from different riders on the exact same ride/day.

 

[Tundra_Man]

I did read a lot of articles about the heat between your legs on a TS engined bike, and most said that if you were to remove the catalytic convertor and/or go to true dual exhaust, that helps a lot. Some even say a good tune will help that situation too. Doesn't the rear-cylinder deactivation technology help as well?

There's a lot of factors regarding TS heat. People's tolerances are different. I think there are variances from bike to bike, even of the same model. Some people say the mods helped their heat, some people do the mods and say they still have it. Some people leave their bike stock and say they have no heat issues.

I've heard of people complaining about heat on the PP bikes as well, so frankly I think it's a wash. I wouldn't pick between the two engines solely on what people are saying about heat.

I personally own a TS bike (111 with the cylinder deactivation) and while the engine puts out heat, I've never found it to be unbearable. I'll notice occasionally on a hot day stopped in traffic, but if I'm moving it's a non-issue.

 

[DyingBreed]

BTW, here's a review from the "Law Abiding Biker" talking about the Chieftain's fairing and how unaffected it was while riding with no hands past a semi.

Funny, this is the third video I've watch from different riders on the exact same ride/day.

This was IMCO unveiling of the 2025 PowerPlus models... As far as the discerning difference, most have said that the wind buffering on the open roads is greater on the Chieftain than the Challenger.

 

[Lindy]

Count me as another one who doesn't find the heat of the 111 to be an issue. Don't really notice it..

 

[buyao]

I went from Scout to Springfield DH, 116, no regrets, specially about suspension. I added a stage 2 and the performance of 116 improved a lot. I love the "simplicity" of SPDH, no faring, no screen, no speakers, detachable windscreen, no radiator, no water level, etc. Just mount and ride. About heat, on the scout I had to add a leather protector to engine to not burn my upper legs, in the SP felt hot only in the seat in hot weather or in traffic jam.
So the engine is important, but you should test the whole bike and decide what fit best for you.

 

[JFeisty]

I previously owned a Victory Cross Country and now own a Challenger. I've only test rode the pre-PowerPlus Chieftains a few times. Coming from the Victory I didn't realize how spoiled I was with how much room the bike has. I'm 6'0" and could easily stretch out without highway pegs. The Indians, not so much. BUT, for me the pre-PowerPlus Chieftains and the Challenger do have different ergonomics. I definitely felt more cramped on the Chieftain than the Challenger. Now, if you're looking at PowerPlus Chieftains I think that's a different story...they're built off the same frame I believe. Just a note...test ride them, and happy hunting!

 

[Baron58]

There's a lot of factors regarding TS heat. People's tolerances are different. I think there are variances from bike to bike, even of the same model. Some people say the mods helped their heat, some people do the mods and say they still have it. Some people leave their bike stock and say they have no heat issues.

I've heard of people complaining about heat on the PP bikes as well, so frankly I think it's a wash. I wouldn't pick between the two engines solely on what people are saying about heat.

I personally own a TS bike (111 with the cylinder deactivation) and while the engine puts out heat, I've never found it to be unbearable. I'll notice occasionally on a hot day stopped in traffic, but if I'm moving it's a non-issue.

Sorter riders will usually have issues with heat. This is because their legs are tucked up closer to the engine. Taller riders' legs are further away from the engine and airflow passes between them. Taller riders also tend to use seats that move them further back away from the engine as well.

 

[Bill_VA]

You should rent one of each for a weekend, put some good miles on them, and see what you think after that. Love both engines, and switching from a Chieftain with a TS to a Challenger with PP had nothing to do with the engine (Fixed fairing is my preference over fork-mounted). ✌

Where could I possibly rent an Indian? I can rent a HD just about anywhere, but never saw any Indians for rent. I even tried Riders-Share.com and there's only Scouts anywhere remotely close to me in Northern Virginia. Nothing at EagleRider either.

 

[Chief T]

Just missed demo days at Dulles (23 & 24).
Feel like a trip to SE Virginia? Demo days in November. 🤷‍♂️

 

[Rusty Arse]

Where could I possibly rent an Indian? I can rent a HD just about anywhere, but never saw any Indians for rent. I even tried Riders-Share.com and there's only Scouts anywhere remotely close to me in Northern Virginia. Nothing at EagleRider either.

Well you could fly out to Honolulu lol. That’s where I rented a ‘23 Challenger a couple years ago. Rode around Oahu for a day just to get all 50 states under my belt.

 

[Bill_VA]

Just missed demo days at Dulles (23 & 24).
Feel like a trip to SE Virginia? Demo days in November. 🤷‍♂️

I know, I just had surgery last week and I wasn't recovered enough to ride. I really wanted to go.

Newport News, huh? Possible!

 

[dbw]

Had a 2019 chieftain for a year and the better part of 20k km. The heat was a deal breaker for me. Replaced it with a 2021 Challenger. No more heat issues to really speak of. Love the motor and the brakes.

 

[DMV SoloRider]

Where could I possibly rent an Indian? I can rent a HD just about anywhere, but never saw any Indians for rent. I even tried Riders-Share.com and there's only Scouts anywhere remotely close to me in Northern Virginia. Nothing at EagleRider either.

Check Indian’s website. They have a rental network, and I think there’s good availability. Even if you have to travel a bit to rent the bike you want to try out, seems like it could be worthwhile - a weekend trip to tool around on a fun bike (they’re all fun!) might be better than buying a $30k bike you like less than the other $30k bike. 🤷‍♂️🤣

 

[TCL]

Where could I possibly rent an Indian? I can rent a HD just about anywhere, but never saw any Indians for rent. I even tried Riders-Share.com and there's only Scouts anywhere remotely close to me in Northern Virginia. Nothing at EagleRider either.

Try a dealer. My local dealer in So Cal rents them.

 

[graemeblore]

Well you could fly out to Honolulu lol. That’s where I rented a ‘23 Challenger a couple years ago. Rode around Oahu for a day just to get all 50 states under my belt.

What’s the name of the dealer in Honolulu renting Indians please?

 

[Rusty Arse]

At the time the dealer didn’t rent bikes. I went through Aloha Motorsports in Honolulu. Brand new ‘23 Challenger. About $350 for the day if I remember correctly.

 

[Baron58]

The PowerPlus 112 is the best engine you can get hands down.

It has the low-end grunt of a Thunderstroke, and the top end punch. It makes the 108 seem anemic.