Most Powerful in Its Class
Indian Motorcycle has revealed its new PowerPlus V-twin engine. The company claims the engine is the most powerful in its class. This engine is a liquid-cooled V-twin with a displacement of 1,769cc. The engine punches out 121 hp and 131 lb-ft of torque. The company said that this new engine will be put in the upcoming Indian Challenger.
We’ve discussed the Challenger before. It’s a fixed-fairing bagger that will be a modern motorcycle with state-of-the-art technology. Indian says it will be the “highest-performing American V-twin ever developed.” I will have to see it and ride it to be sure. One thing is for sure, though, Indian is starting right with this new engine.
The PowerPlus engine utilizes an overhead camshaft design and four valves per cylinder. The engine is mated to a six-speed transmission with a true overdrive and an assist clutch. There are three different ride modes that tailor throttle mapping to whatever the rider wants at that specific time. There are also hydraulic valve lash adjusters and hydraulic camshaft chain tensioners.
Indian said that it tested the engine for over one million miles, including dyno testing and more than 250,000 miles on the road. That should mean that the engine is ready to go.
Here are some numbers and specifications from the Indian press release:
• Engine Displacement: 1769 cc (108 ci)
• Power: 120.6 hp / 90.1 kW at 5,500 RPM
• Torque: 178 Nm / 131.3 ft-lbs at 3,800 RPM
• Maximum Engine Speed: 6,500 RPM
• Architecture: 60-degree V-twin, liquid-cooled powerplant
• Crankcase: Unit design featuring a high capacity semi-dry sump oil system
• Timing System: Overhead camshafts and four valves per cylinder
• Fuel System: Electronic fuel injection. 52mm dual-bore throttle bodies
• Compression Ratio: 11:1
• Transmission: Six-speed with true overdrive, constant mesh
• Clutch: Assist clutch
I’m looking forward to the Challenger. I can’t wait to see what this new bike is like and what this new engine is like.