Definitely not your grandfather’s cruiser. The S&S Cycle Indian Challenger strikes a pose at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.

The King of the Baggers Invitational race-winning S&S Cycle Indian Challenger is quite a specimen. Built with a specific focus on reducing weight and increasing ground clearance, the bike lost about 200 pounds from its stock curb weight and is capable of lean angles of more than 50 degrees, which enabled Tyler O’Hara to drag his knee at will around WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. Don’t try that on a stock Indian Challenger.

Rider: Tyler O’Hara

Engine: S&S Cycle-built 1768cc (108 cu. in.) PowerPlus, 4 stroke, liquid cooled, 60° V-twin, SOHC, 8 valves, Stage 2 camshafts, CNC-ported heads

Air Filter: K&N

Transmission: Six-speed

Exhaust: S&S Cycle custom one-off stainless steel race exhaust

Fuel: VP Racing

Fuel Tank: S&S Cycle custom aluminum fuel cell (provides weight reduction and improved air flow to engine)

Battery: Full Spectrum

Final Drive: Chain drive conversion (facilitates changes to final gear ratio)

Front Suspension: FTR1200 twin forks (valved for weight and riding style), S&S Cycle machined triple clamps

Rear Suspension: Fox shock (custom-tuned valves and extended to increase ground clearance)

Front Brakes: Brembo calipers

Front Brakes: Brembo caliper

Wheels: 17” Performance Machine billet (front and rear), S&S Cycle hubs

Tires: Dunlop

O’Hara in full road racer tuck position. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.

Bodywork: AirTech carbon fiber side bags, fenders, and tank cover (provides weight reduction)

Seat: Saddlemen (shaped to position rider further forward)

Engine Covers: S&S Cycle (provide improved ground and pipe clearance)

Fifty-degreee lean angle on a Bagger? You betcha. Photo by Brian J. Nelson

Handlebars: Klockwerks Bars, Klip Hangers (adjustable height and pullback to suit rider position)

Foot Controls: S&S Cycle custom-made rearsets (provide ground clearance and better position for racing)