Indian writes a new chapter in speed history

The Indian Challenger is essentially a touring motorcycle, but for this record attempt it was refined in collaboration with S&S Cycle. The result was a machine that combined long-distance comfort with raw speed potential.

Indian itself describes the project not only as a way of putting numbers on paper, but also as a tribute to the legends who came before. Riding fast at Bonneville is as much about symbolism as performance – it is the place where dreams of speed have always been tested.

“Bonneville is sacred ground – not only for Indian Motorcycle, but for the whole of motorsport. Our engineers and partners at S&S have spent decades chasing speed on the salt flats, and we’ve long talked about finding out what our Indian Challenger could achieve here,” says Gary Gray, Vice President of Product Technology, Racing & Service, Indian Motorcycle.

“We’re proud to have set a record, but for us it’s not just about numbers – it’s about honouring the riders who came before us and pushing ourselves to the very limit.”

In the footsteps of Burt Munro

When Indian celebrates its records today, it is impossible not to recall Burt Munro – the determined New Zealander who in the 1960s travelled to Bonneville with his rebuilt 1920 Indian Scout and wrote himself into history through his speed records.

In 1967, at the age of 68, Munro set a record in the class for motorcycles under 1000 cc, reaching 296 km/h on his Indian Scout – a record that still stands.

His story has become immortal – not least through the film The World’s Fastest Indian (2005), in which Anthony Hopkins portrays Munro’s determination, ingenuity and uncompromising passion. Munro showed the world that motorcycle dreams do not require wealth, only determination.

Facts: Indian Challenger record attempt

• Rider: Tyler O’Hara
• Model: Indian Challenger, one of Indian Motorcycle’s most powerful touring bikes.
• Engine: 1768 cc PowerPlus V-twin, delivering 122 horsepower and 178 Nm of torque.
• Performance: Built for both long-distance riding and speed – combining touring comfort with a sporty riding feel.
• Location: Bonneville Salt Flats, Utah, USA
• Date: 2025
• Top speed: 312 km/h
• Historical background: In the spirit of Burt Munro – the New Zealander who set speed records with his Indian Scout in the 1960s, immortalised in the film The World’s Fastest Indian (2005).