Technical expertise and tradition combined
The joint project between Indian Motorcycle Racing and S&S Cycle brings together decades of racing experience. The engineers and mechanics from both teams use the legendary Bonneville Salt Flats as a testing ground for innovative technologies and proven engineering. During the current record attempt, the goal of reaching the 200 mph (321.87 km/h) mark was within reach. O’Hara finally succeeded in setting a new AMA record in the 2000cc APS-AG class: At 194.384 mph (equivalent to 312.81 km/h), he significantly surpassed the record set by J. Angerer on a Triumph in 1972 (169.828 mph or 273.40 km/h).
A tribute to the history of motorsports
Gary Gray, Vice President of Product Technology, Racing, and Service at Indian Motorcycle, emphasized the significance of this achievement: “Bonneville is sacred ground—not just for Indian Motorcycle, but for all of motorsports. Our engineers and partners at S&S have been involved in speed records on the salt flats for decades. We’ve talked for a long time about how fast our King of the Baggers Indian Challenger can really be there. Of course, we’re proud to have broken a record, but this project was about more than just setting a new benchmark: it was about honoring the legends before us and exploring our own limits.”
Significance of the new record
With a new top speed of 194.384 mph (312.81 km/h), the Indian brand underscores its claim to combine tradition and innovation in racing. The Indian Challenger, specially built by S&S, demonstrates the potential of modern baggers in the right configuration. The record is valid in the AMA 2000cc APS-AG category and sets a new benchmark for large-displacement motorcycles on the legendary Bonneville Salt Flats.
