Oil Change Guide: 2025 Indian Challenger

Indian Challenger · 2025 · Oil Changes

Oil Change Guide: 2025 Indian Challenger

Quick Reference Table

Difficulty & Time Estimate

• Difficulty Level: Beginner to Intermediate (1.5 out of 5)
• Estimated Time: 40-55 minutes (first-timer: 50-65 min)
• Best Done: On a warm engine (oil flows easier after riding)
• Note: The PowerPlus engine is liquid-cooled (DOHC), meaning it has a radiator and coolant system — do not confuse the oil system with the cooling system.

Complete Tool List

Step by Step Instructions

Step 1: Warm the Engine

Run your Challenger for 5 to 10 minutes to warm the oil. Warm oil flows more freely and carries suspended contaminants with it. Do NOT perform an oil change on a completely cold engine. After warming, park the bike on a level surface and let it sit for 2 to 3 minutes so oil drains back into the sump.

Important: The PowerPlus 108 is liquid-cooled — do not drain the coolant system. The oil and cooling systems are separate.

Step 2: Elevate the Bike

Place the motorcycle on a motorcycle jack or lift so it is level and you have good access to the underside of the engine. The PowerPlus 108 oil drain is located on the bottom of the engine crankcase. Use jack stands for safety and do not rely on a hydraulic jack alone.

Tip: The Challenger's sport touring design gives it better ground clearance and under-engine access compared to the larger Pursuit. You should have excellent access to the drain plug from below.

Step 3: Remove the Oil Fill Cap

Remove the oil fill cap from the top of the oil tank. This is located under the seat area on the PowerPlus platform. Removing the cap allows air to enter so the oil can drain freely.

Step 4: Position the Drain Pan

Place your oil drain pan beneath the engine's drain plug. Position it so it catches the full stream of oil. The capacity should be at least 6 quarts to handle the 2.9-quart capacity with room for splashing.

Step 5: Remove the Drain Plug

Using a 10mm hex socket, loosen the drain bolt on the bottom of the engine. Turn counterclockwise to loosen. Finish removing by hand, being ready for hot oil to flow immediately.

Warning: Oil may be hot. Wear nitrile gloves and eye protection to avoid burns.

Step 6: Drain the Oil Completely

Allow all oil to drain completely. This takes 10 to 15 minutes. While draining, inspect the drain plug threads and the drain plug itself for damage, burrs, or metal debris.

Tip: The PowerPlus engine has a relatively small oil capacity (2.9 quarts), so the drain time may be shorter than on larger traditional V-Twins. Ensure the stream has completely stopped before reinstalling the drain plug.

Step 7: Clean and Inspect the Drain Plug

Clean the drain plug thoroughly with a rag. Inspect the threads for any damage. If the drain plug uses a replaceable washer, install a new one. Never reuse a damaged or deformed washer as it can cause oil leaks.

Step 8: Reinstall the Drain Plug

Clean the area around the drain plug opening. Install the drain plug with a new washer and hand-tighten. Use a torque wrench to tighten to 17-22 Nm (13-16 ft-lbs).

Important: Do not over-torque the drain plug. Stripping the crankcase threads requires expensive engine repair. Always use a torque wrench.

Step 9: Remove the Old Oil Filter

The oil filter is located on the right side of the engine on the PowerPlus platform. Place the drain pan beneath it to catch residual oil. Use an oil filter wrench to loosen the filter, then unscrew it by hand. Check that the old rubber gasket came off with the filter — a stuck gasket is the #1 cause of new filter leaks.

Step 10: Prepare and Install the New Filter

Dip your finger in fresh oil and apply a thin coat to the rubber gasket on the new filter. This ensures a proper seal and makes future removal easier.

Screw the new filter on by hand. When the gasket makes contact with the mounting surface, tighten it an additional 1/4 turn by hand. Do not use a wrench to tighten the new filter.

Step 11: Add New Oil

Using a funnel, pour approximately 2.5 quarts of SAE 10W-50 full synthetic oil into the fill port. Use oil that meets Indian PowerPlus Synthetic specifications or equivalent.

Important: The PowerPlus uses 10W-50 synthetic, NOT 20W-50. Using the wrong viscosity can affect the liquid-cooled DOHC engine's performance and lubrication.

Step 12: Check the Oil Level and Run Engine

1. Install the oil fill cap and tighten securely
2. Start the engine and let it idle for 2 to 3 minutes to circulate oil through the new filter
3. Turn off the engine and wait 1 to 2 minutes for oil to settle
4. Check the oil level using the dipstick on the fill cap (bike must be level)
5. If needed, add oil in small increments and recheck
6. Final level should be between the marks on the dipstick

Step 13: Final Inspection

• Check for leaks around the drain plug
• Check for leaks around the oil filter mounting
• Tighten the oil fill cap securely
• Clean up any spilled oil
• Reset the service reminder on the Ride Command display

Tip: The 2025 Challenger features a 7-inch Ride Command touchscreen. Navigate to Vehicle > Service to reset the maintenance reminder after completing your oil change.

Tips, Warnings & Common Mistakes

Helpful Tips

• Indian PowerPlus Synthetic 10W-50 is the OEM recommended oil for the PowerPlus 108 engine
• Good alternatives: Mobil 1 V-Twin 10W-50, Amsoil V-Twin Synthetic 10W-50, Castrol Power1 V-Twin
• Always verify JASO MA or MA2 rating for wet clutch compatibility
• Change oil before long storage periods or at the start of riding season
• Keep a maintenance log with date, mileage, and oil brand used
• The PowerPlus engine is DOHC and liquid-cooled — it runs hotter than air-cooled engines, making oil quality even more critical
• The Challenger's sport touring character means it may be ridden hard — consider 5,000-mile intervals if you track or canyon-ride

Warnings

• NEVER use 20W-50 in the PowerPlus 108. This engine requires 10W-50 synthetic oil. Using thicker oil can affect oil pump performance and DOHC valve train lubrication.
• NEVER confuse the liquid coolant system with the oil system. They are entirely separate.
• NEVER start the engine without oil. This causes immediate and catastrophic engine damage.
• NEVER over-torque the drain plug. The crankcase is aluminum and threads strip easily.
• Always use a motorcycle-specific oil filter. Automotive filters may not have correct bypass valve pressure.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Oil Disposal

Used motor oil is hazardous waste and should never be poured down a drain, into the trash, or on the ground.

1. Pour all drained oil into a clean container with a tight-fitting lid, such as the empty oil bottles
2. Take it to a certified recycling center. Most auto parts stores accept used oil for free: - AutoZone: Free oil recycling at all locations - O'Reilly Auto Parts: Free oil and filter recycling - Advance Auto Parts: Free oil recycling - NAPA Auto Parts: Accepts oil at most locations (call ahead to confirm)
3. Take the old oil filter with you. These stores typically also recycle used oil filters.
4. Your municipal recycling center or household hazardous waste facility is another option.
5. Never mix used oil with other automotive fluids (antifreeze, brake fluid, transmission fluid) as this makes recycling difficult or impossible.

Verification Notes for 2025 Model Year

The 2025 Indian Challenger carries over the PowerPlus 108 liquid-cooled DOHC V-Twin from previous model years. The following specs should be verified against your owner's manual:

To verify all specifications, check your 2025 Indian Challenger owner's manual, or visit Indian Motorcycle's official website and owner resources section.

This guide was prepared using PowerPlus 108 service manual specifications and Indian Motorcycle OEM recommendations. Always verify against your specific owner's manual before performing maintenance.