American 2000cc touring bike clocks 196 mph, breaking decades-old Bonneville record

Interesting Engineering ^ | October 01, 2025 | Sujita Sinha

[Red Badger]

Tyler O’Hara pilots a 600-pound Challenger near 200 mph, showcasing bagger speed rivaling top superbikes.

Indian Motorcycle’s race-spec Challenger hits nearly 200 mph at Bonneville. - Indian Motorcycle

Indian Motorcycle has taken its King of the Baggers race bike to new extremes. The company tested a race-spec Challenger on the Bonneville Salt Flats, reaching nearly 200 miles per hour.

This bold move showcased that baggers aren’t just about style—they can be serious speed machines.

For the record attempt, Indian teamed up with S&S Cycle and Mission Foods. Two-time King of the Baggers champion Tyler O’Hara was in the saddle, pushing the bike to its limits.

Racing legacy meets modern speed

Indian Motorcycle has a long history of racing success. From Ed “Iron Man” Kretz winning the 1937 Daytona 200 to Jared Mees dominating today’s flat track, the brand has backed champions for decades. This land speed record adds another milestone.

A 196 MPH race bagger at Bonneville. (Image credit: Indian Motorcycle)

The attempt also paid homage to Burt Munro, who hit 191 mph on a 1920 Scout in 1967. “Have fun, go fast, make Burt proud!” O’Hara said before blasting off. He achieved 192 mph on his first run, surpassing Munro’s legendary feat.

Joe Salas, an observer, remarked on O’Hara’s skill: he leaned into corners with his knee down, an impressive feat on a large motorcycle without full streamlining, unlike Munro’s 1960s attempt.

VIDEO AT LINK..............

Setting a new class record

After fine-tuning the bike, O’Hara made a second run at 196.576 mph. This earned a two-run average of 194.384 mph, setting a new American Motorcycle Association record for the 2000cc APS-AG class. The previous record of 169.828 mph had stood since 1972, set by J. Angerer on a Triumph.

Indian’s Bonneville Challenger is based on a stock race bike, upgraded by S&S Cycle. The 112 ci PowerPlus V-twin engine delivers 126 horsepower in stock form. Still, it was modified for speed with larger throttle bodies, ported cylinder heads, two-into-two exhaust, race camshafts, and a higher compression ratio. The crankshaft was replaced, and the exhaust tuned for flow rather than volume.

Though official figures haven’t been released, the bike likely produces around 150 horsepower and 150 lb.ft of torque. It also features forged wheels, Brembo brakes, 43-mm Öhlins FGR250 forks, an Öhlins TTX monoshock, and a fully carbon fiber body, including the tank, fairing, windscreen, and saddlebags.

Tyler O’Hara sets a new APS-AG class record. (Image credit: Indian Motorcycle)

Experiencing 200 mph on a bagger

O’Hara described the experience of riding a 600-pound bagger at near 200 mph: “You grab sixth gear, get the green flag, and you’re doing your best to go as fast as you can. The bike’s moving left-to-right, your mind’s telling you to ease off, but your gut’s telling you to stick with it. It’s uncomfortable, sketchy, and then wooo, you’re across the finish line.”

[Scrambler Bob]

Were you headed on down to Pullman, per chance?

[Paal Gulli]

It’s all relative. I’ve been 150 mph+ down an airport runway more times than I can count. A few times I’ve been faster than that on the Autobahn. In time you get used to it.

And 196 might seem fast for a bagger, but don’t forget that it was “race-prepared.” There are four or five L-4 crotch rockets that will best 200 mph with nothing but aftermarket intake and exhaust, and maybe a change of front sprocket.

[Sirius Lee]

I ride Ducatis and an Indian. No interest in riding an Indian at 200mph. Not much use or interest even for riding the Ducks above the ton anymore either. The Bimmer can do 100 all day long in comfort, but that’s more for riding out West on the other side of the Mississippi.

[ggboss]

132ftper second, per second. Honda 50 over South Rim Grand Canyon.

[shotgun]

We were actually riding to Rosalia to a motorcycle rally.