2024 Indian FTR x 100% R Carbon and Challenger Elite first look

Nov 21, 2023

With the exception of new colors and finishes, much of Indian Motorcycle’s lineup returns unchanged in 2024. That includes the Scout, Chief, Springfield, Chieftain, Roadmaster, and Pursuit platforms. However, the FTR and Challenger families gain special-edition additions with the arrival of the FTR x 100% R Carbon and Challenger Elite.

FTR x 100% R Carbon

Indian teamed up with motocross gear brand 100% to spruce up the top-spec FTR R Carbon trim. While many riders associate the company with goggles, its new eyewear collection provides inspiration for the FTR x 100% R Carbon. Each example comes with a complimentary pair of Indian Motorcycle x 100% sunglasses, but a tasteful livery and trick componentry actually upgrade the 400 limited-run units.

Indian even includes the Akrapovic exhaust and Öhlins suspension in the facelift, finishing both in black. Indian Motorcycle photo.

Set against a bright white-painted trellis frame, the Candy Blue, carbon-fiber bodywork finish is subdued yet distinctive. Red and white graphics complete the treatment while also capturing the pride of the two American brands.

Indian and 100% logos on the tank sides and tank console celebrate the collaboration, while Akrapovic and Öhlins branding join the party on the tail section. Indian Motorcycle photo.

The FTR x 100% R Carbon makes good on its name with a model-exclusive carbon fiber chain guard, exhaust heat shield, and engine covers. Gilles Tooling contributes to the cause in the form of an oil cap, radiator cap, and bar-end weights.

The exclusive co-branded Indian Motorcycle x 100% apparel collection is comprised of men’s and women’s long- and short-sleeved shirts, hoodies, hats, beanies, and sunglasses. Indian Motorcycle photo.

At the R Carbon’s core remains a liquid-cooled, 1,200 V-twin producing 120 horsepower and 87 foot-pounds of torque. Dual Brembo brakes and a Ride Command-powered, four-inch touchscreen display uphold the model’s premium status (in the Indian lineup, at least). The FTR x 100% R Carbon retails for $18,999 and arrives in Indian dealerships in November 2023.

Challenger Elite

The 2024 Indian Challenger Elite also undergoes a modest makeover with its Charcoal Candy base, racing-inspired stripes, and red accents. Putting the cherry on top is a custom-stitched seat that Indian says will provide all-day touring comfort. Though Indian will only release 325 examples of the specially painted bagger, the manufacturer’s redesigned PowerBand Audio system headlines the feature-rich model.

Indian amped up the PowerBand's sound by adopting 100-watt speakers, which deliver an “increase in volume and clarity over the standard 50-watt speakers.” The new Bass Boost Tune results in 50% more bass, while the new Dynamic EQ auto-adapts audio quality to the current speeds and conditions. The speakers themselves also improve in the looks department, with titanium-plated domes and UnderGlow LED accent rings.

Indian Bagger and Touring customers can upgrade to an 800-watt audio system with 200-watt speakers available for the upper fairing, lower fairings, saddlebags, and touring trunk. Indian Motorcycle photo.

The Challenger Elite’s PowerBand audio system consists of two 100-watt speakers in the fairing and saddlebags. Equipped with the upgraded hardware, the bagger’s seven-inch TFT dash includes an expanded Audio menu complete with a nine-band equalizer. The 2024 Indian Challenger Elite starts at $38,499 and begins shipping to dealers this month.

	2024 Indian FTR x 100% R Carbon	2024 Indian Challenger Elite
Price (MSRP)	$18,999 (U.S.); $21,999 (Canada)	$38,499 (U.S.); $48,699 (Canada)
Engine	Liquid-cooled, eight-valve, 1,203 cc, 60-degree V-twin	Liquid-cooled, eight-valve, 1,768 cc, 60-degree V-twin
Transmission, final drive	Six-speed, chain	Six-speed, belt
Claimed horsepower	120 @ 7,750 rpm	122
Claimed torque	87 foot-pounds @ 6,000 rpm	128 foot-pounds @ 3,800 rpm
Frame	Steel trellis	Cast aluminum
Front suspension	Öhlins 43 mm inverted fork, adjustable for preload, compression, and rebound damping; 4.72 inches (120 mm) of travel	43 mm fork; 5.1 inches (130 mm) of travel
Rear suspension	Öhlins shock, adjustable for preload, compression, and rebound damping; 4.72 inches (120 mm) of travel	Fox shock, electronically adjustable for preload; 4.5 inches (114 mm) of travel
Front brake	Dual Brembo four-piston calipers, 320 mm discs with ABS	Dual Brembo four-piston calipers, 320 mm discs with ABS
Rear brake	Brembo two-piston caliper, 260 mm disc with ABS	Brembo two-piston caliper, 298 mm disc with ABS
Rake, trail	25.3 degrees, 3.9 inches	25.0 degrees, 5.9 inches
Wheelbase	60.0 inches (1,524 mm)	65.7 inches (1,668 mm)
Seat height	32.2 inches (817 mm) unladen	26.5 inches (672 mm)
Fuel capacity	3.4 gallons	6.0 gallons
Tires	Metzeler Sportec 120/70ZR17 front, 180/55ZR17 rear	Metzeler Cruisetec 130/60B19 front, 180/60R16 rear
Claimed weight	486 pounds (221 kilograms) dry	804 pounds (365 kilograms) dry
Available	November 2023	November 2023
Warranty	24 months	24 months
More info	indianmotorcycle.com	indianmotorcycle.com