Indian Challenger and Pursuit Key Replacement

Quick answerThe PowerPlus baggers start from a fob, not a key, and fall back on a rider PIN. They do still carry one small metal key: a courtesy key stored inside the fob, which fits the saddlebag latch buttons. The fuel cap is locked electrically and released from a button on the fairing. Fob pairing is done by Indian dealers, and our work on these bikes is the mechanical side.

Indian Challenger and Pursuit key quick facts

The Challenger and Pursuit owner's manual describes keyless ignition with a fob, backed by a PIN entered on the turn signal switches or the Ride Command display.
A courtesy key is stored in the fob and released by a button on the back of it.
The manual notes that the provided key can be used in the saddlebag latch buttons to unlock the lids.
The fuel cap locks automatically when the engine starts and is opened from an unlock button on the lower right fairing.
The console lock switch works the electric saddlebag locks only when the fob is within range.
The manual includes a manual override for the fuel cap lock in case of a lock fault or loss of electrical power.

Indian Challenger and Pursuit key types by year

Years	Models	Key type	Chip	Notes
2020-present	Challenger, Challenger Dark Horse, Challenger Limited	keyless ignition with fob, rider PIN and courtesy key	yes	Electric saddlebag locks where equipped. No ignition cylinder.
2022-present	Pursuit, Pursuit Limited, Pursuit Dark Horse	keyless ignition with fob, rider PIN and courtesy key	yes	Adds a trunk. Covered by the same owner's manual as the Challenger.

The little key inside the fob

The owner's manual mentions the courtesy key in its fob battery procedure. The first step is to remove the courtesy key by pushing the button on the back of the fob, and the second is to pry off the back door to reach the cell. With no ignition cylinder and no keyhole in the fuel cap, that slim blade is the only cut key the manual describes for these bikes.

Its job is the saddlebags. In the hard bag removal instructions, Indian notes that the provided key can also be used in the saddlebag latch buttons to unlock the lids. So if the electric locks will not respond, because the bike's battery is flat or the fob is dead, the blade is how you get your rain gear out. Put it back in the fob after a battery change so it is there when you need it.

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Electric locks: saddlebags and fuel cap

A switch on the console locks and unlocks the electric saddlebag locks, on bikes equipped with them, and the manual labels it as the saddlebag and fuel cap lock switch. It only obeys when the fob is in range. Without the fob, the security light or power switch flashes and the command is ignored.

The fuel cap is the part that surprises new owners at their first fill-up. There is no keyhole. With the engine off, you press the centre of the fuel cap unlock button on the lower right fairing, then the release button for the spring-loaded cap. The cap will not release while the engine is running, and it locks itself again when you start up.

If the fuel cap will not unlock

Indian wrote a manual override into the owner's manual for exactly one situation: a lock fault or a bike with no electrical power, when you need fuel to get moving. The manual describes it as a one-time reset to add fuel if stranded and says the system should then be repaired by a dealer. Follow the manual for your model year if you are stuck. If the cap keeps refusing after that, it is a dealer repair, not a key problem.

Lost fob, lost courtesy key, and what we handle

A lost fob does not have to stop the trip. Your rider PIN, entered on the turn signal switches or the touchscreen, unlocks the security system and lets the bike start. A replacement fob then comes from an Indian dealer, since Indian says only its dealers can sync a fob to the motorcycle. We do not pair fobs, and we will tell you that on the phone.

What we can do at the bike is the keyed hardware. If the courtesy key is gone and you want the saddlebag latches to work by key again, a new blade can be made to fit them. The same goes for damaged latch locks and any accessory locks added to the bike. Bring photo ID and the registration or title.

Where to find the key code

These bikes have no ignition key code. The owner's manual has a records page for the master PIN, rider PIN and the serial numbers of fob 1 and fob 2. Keep the courtesy key in the fob, and if you want a number for it, check the blade itself and the paperwork from delivery.

What to have ready

Have this ready when you call or text

Year, make and model of the bike
Where the bike is parked
Whether you have any working key, a broken key or a key code
Photo ID and registration or title (we verify ownership before making a key)

Indian Challenger and Pursuit key FAQ

Is there a physical key for the Indian Challenger?

There is no ignition key, but a courtesy key is stored inside the fob. The owner's manual says the provided key fits the saddlebag latch buttons to unlock the lids.

How do I open the gas cap on a Pursuit?

With the engine off, press the fuel cap unlock button on the lower right fairing, then the cap's release button. The cap locks automatically when the engine is started.

My Challenger battery is dead and the bags are locked. Can I get in?

Try the courtesy key from the fob in the saddlebag latch buttons. If that key is missing, a replacement blade can be made for the latches.

Can a locksmith replace a Challenger fob?

No. Indian has its dealers pair fobs to the bike. Use your PIN to ride in the meantime.

The immobilizer system on this bike

Indian Motorcycle Key Fob, Rider PIN and Lost Fob GuideIndian's keyless ignition uses a paired key fob that the bike detects when you press the power switch, backed up by a four-digit rider PIN you can enter if the fob is missing or dead.

More Indian models

Services for this bike

Water Damaged or Broken Motorcycle Key Fob: Repair or ReplaceA damaged fob is often less dead than it looks.
Keyless Motorcycle Not Detecting the Key: Causes and BackupsOwner's manuals give a short list of reasons a keyless bike fails to detect its fob: a weak fob battery, the fob carried against a phone, laptop or metal object, strong radio interference nearby, the fob switched off or out of range, and a low battery on the bike itself.
Cruiser and Touring Motorcycle Keys: Bags, Forks, FobsYes, keys for cruisers and touring bikes can be replaced, and on most of them it is a mechanical job because the key is a plain cut or barrel key.
Buying Motorcycle Keys Online by VIN, Code or BlankOrdering online can work well for a plain metal key when you have the key code, because the code tells the seller exactly how to cut it.

Where we come to you

Sources

Page last updated November 14, 2026.