Many might have questioned why Loris Baz took a different path with an Indian motorcycle in this year’s King of the Baggers championship. This category within the MotoAmerica series definitely doesn’t align with the traditional image of motorcycle racing that many have from across the Atlantic…
First and foremost, the motorcycles used—either the Harley Davidson Road Glide or Indian Challenger—are massive machines that aren’t really designed for this kind of racing.
For instance, the Indian motorcycle, which the French rider represents alongside the Australian Troy Herfoss and Californian Tyler O’Hara, exemplifies this.
Starting with a 112 cu-in (1934cc) motorcycle producing 126 hp and 181.4 Nm of torque at 3800 rpm, it weighs in at 372 kg dry. However, mandatory modifications include the removal of rearview mirrors, the kLaxon, the supportdeplaque registration, the box àtools, and the bekeel lateral. Additionally, the security bars must be removed, while thecentral and lateral footpeg supports are required to be welded for safety reasons, with the minimum weight set at 281.23 kg (620 lbs.).
The frame must retain its original structure, which leads to some interesting handling on American tracks, although minor adjustments to increase ground clearance are permitted, and the swingarm can be modified freely. This aspect is often seen as a weak point of the design.
On the other hand, the liquid-cooled, double overhead cam engine, known as PowerPlus, has fewer restrictions, with only the fuel system required to stay stock. Practically every other component, including cylinder heads, camshafts, valves, pistons, connecting rods, and crankshafts, can be upgraded. This opens the door to substantial horsepower gains; we’re likely pushing close to 200 horsepower now, which, while modest relative to the engine size, is significant considering the engine’s design and its racing limits of 7700 rpm (7000 for Harley Davidson).
Safety is crucial, so the minimum weight requirement is set at 281.23 kg (620 lbs.), and top-quality suspension systems (like Öhlins) are allowed, with a budget cap of $8000 for both front and rear. Additionally, there are no price limits for high-end brakes (such as Brembo GP4). On the aerodynamic front, parts may be constructed from carbon fiber while retaining the saddlebags and fork crown, the latter of which can be slightly modified in shape.
Indian 2023
Of course, none of the bikes come with ABS, Traction Control, or a Ride Height Device, and the exhaust system is nearly unrestricted (measuring 115 dB/A at 3000 rpm). With Dunlop slick tires, these beasts are unleashed—more akin to tigers than house cats—at the Daytona circuit, where they can achieve notable improvements in top speed, especially when drafting behind three or four other bikes pushing the air ahead…
According to the highly specialized journalist Sean Bice, Tyler O’Hara ( S&S/Indian Motorcycle) managed to propel his Indian Challenger to an astounding speed of 310 km/h (193.0 mph) on the fourth lap of the eight he completed in the second race of the Mission King Of The Baggers championship at Daytona (officially noted as 304.16 km/h)! This speed surpasses that of the fastest rider in the Daytona 200, which accommodates Panigale V2s!
Did someone say “the world turned upside down”? Regardless, even if Loris Baz had to settle for a speed of 297.88 km/h, he certainly enjoyed the ride…
Thanks for the stunning opening image: @scottodell_motoart
Indian King of the Baggers