Build Breakddown: Redferrin's Jack Daniel's® Indian® Challenger

Build Breakddown: Redferrin's Jack Daniel's® Indian® Challenger

The one-of-a-kind Jack Daniel's® Indian® Challenger® built for country artist Redferrin is the latest chapter in a long-standing partnership between Indian® Motorcycle, Klock Werks, and Jack Daniel's®, celebrating American performance, craftsmanship, and motorcycle culture. Unveiled during the 19th Annual Palace City Pre-Sturgis Party in Mitchell, South Dakota, the custom build brought together riders, music, and community before thousands of enthusiasts headed to the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Discover the story behind the collaboration, why Redferrin chose the Indian Challenger, and the people, design, and performance that brought this one-of-one motorcycle to life.
Flare® Windshield Guide: The Real Fix for Motorcycle Buffeting and Wind Blast Du liest Build Breakddown: Redferrin's Jack Daniel's® Indian® Challenger 8 Minuten

More Than a Custom Build: A Partnership Years in the Making

This project begins with a blank motorcycle. It began with relationships.

For more than 12 years, Indian Motorcycle and Klock Werks have collaborated on custom motorcycles that blend American performance with purposeful design. Several of those projects have celebrated the heritage of Jack Daniel's Tennessee Whiskey, creating motorcycles that honor three iconic American brands known for doing things the right way rather than the easy way.

When country artist Redferrin entered the picture, the partnership found its next chapter.

Known for songs like Jack and Diet Coke and Just Like Johnny, Redferrin shares the same appreciation for authenticity that defines the brands behind the build. He grew up riding dirt bikes, embraces the outdoors, and lives the lifestyle he writes about. Rather than creating a motorcycle for photo opportunities, the goal was to build one he'd genuinely want to ride.

There was no better place to reveal it than the Klock Werks shop floor in Mitchell, South Dakota right before the 2026 Palace City Pre-Sturgis Party.

The custom Challenger debuted at Klock Werks headquarters during the company's annual open house before hundreds of riders gathered for the community ride that launches the Palace City Pre-Sturgis Party each year. The celebration continued through downtown Mitchell with motorcycles, live music, family activities, and Redferrin taking the stage in front of the World's Only Corn Palace as riders from across the country made their way toward Sturgis.

Like the event itself, the motorcycle represents what makes the motorcycle community unique: people coming together around a shared passion for riding, craftsmanship, and American heritage.

Redferrin and Brian Klock with Factory Indian Challenger

Why Redferrin Chose an Indian® Challenger®

Redferrin has built his career on authenticity. Whether he's writing songs, climbing onto a bull at a rodeo, or throwing a leg over a motorcycle, he believes in experiencing things firsthand.

That same mindset shaped this build.

Although he grew up racing dirt bikes, he wasn't interested in owning a motorcycle that simply looked good on stage. He wanted one he would ride across the country.

Before making that decision, Redferrin toured the Indian Motorcycle factory, met with engineers and production teams alongside builder Brian Klock of Klock Werks, learning how the motorcycles are designed, tested, and built. That firsthand experience led him to the Indian Challenger and its 112 cubic inch PowerPlus engine, a platform that delivers the horsepower, torque, comfort, and handling expected from a modern American performance bagger.

His decision wasn't based on appearance alone. It was based on understanding the engineering behind the motorcycle and choosing a platform built to perform.

If you're looking to improve the comfort and performance of your own Challenger or Pursuit, explore our collection of Flare® Windshields for Indian Challenger and Pursuit models.

How Klock Werks Brought the Vision to Life

Every Klock Werks custom begins with a story, and this one was about honoring heritage without losing sight of performance.

For nearly three decades, Klock Werks has been designing motorcycles and components that are meant to be ridden. From Brian Klock's Biker Build-Off victory and land speed record efforts at Bonneville to the invention of the patented Flare® Windshield, every lesson learned has shaped the company's approach to motorcycle design.

That philosophy guided every decision on Redferrin's Challenger.

Working alongside Indian Motorcycle and Jack Daniel's, the team focused on creating a motorcycle that felt timeless instead of trendy. Rather than blacking out every component, select metallic finishes were retained to complement custom paint by world-renowned South Dakota artist Mickey Harris. Rich textures inspired by Jack Daniel's whiskey barrels, subtle branding elements, and carefully selected performance upgrades create a motorcycle that tells a story from every angle.

The result represents the people behind it, of Indian Motorcycle, Jack Daniel's, Klock Werks, Mickey Harris, and Redferrin, and the shared belief that motorcycles are built to be experienced on the open road.

Build Breakddown: Redferrin's Jack Daniel's® Custom Indian® Challenger

What Makes the Paint and Graphics Unique?

The visual centerpiece of the build comes from two longtime collaborators.

Jeff and Shannon at Gjerde Production Paint created the custom metallic finish, giving the motorcycle depth and movement that changes under different lighting.

Mickey Harris Art then layered the bike with hand-painted details including:

  • Barrel wood textures
  • Steel whiskey barrel bands
  • Faux wooden handlebars
  • Vintage portrait artwork
  • Jack Daniel's-inspired tank graphics
  • Hand-painted wood grain wheel inserts

Every surface contributes to a motorcycle that feels handcrafted instead of wrapped or digitally printed.

 

Mickey Harris custom automotive airbrush artists

 

Build Parts

Although the styling immediately grabs attention, the performance upgrades ensure the motorcycle delivers on the road.

The build includes:

Engine & Performance

  • Indian Motorcycle performance engine upgrades
  • S&S Air Cleaner
  • S&S Performance Exhaust

These components improve airflow, increase performance, and complement the character of the PowerPlus engine.

Chassis & Rider Controls

Redferrin comes from a dirt bike background, so rider feel mattered.

The team selected:

  • Hart Luck grips
  • Twisted Choppers floorboards
  • Drag Specialties seat

Together, these upgrades provide improved rider comfort while maintaining an aggressive riding position.

Wheels & Tires

The motorcycle rides on:

  • SMT Wheels
  • Custom painted wood-grain inserts
  • Metzeler tires

The wheel treatment ties directly into the Jack Daniel's barrel theme without sacrificing durability or ride quality.

Why Was the Flare® Windshield Chosen?

Every Klock Werks custom motorcycle reflects the company's performance-first philosophy.

That's why this Challenger wears a Flare® Windshield.

Unlike traditional touring windshields, the patented Flare® design helps redirect airflow around the rider while reducing buffeting at highway speeds. The design was born after thousands of miles of testing and refinement following Brian Klock's land speed racing efforts at Bonneville.

Combined with the signature Slicer Front Fender, the front profile delivers the aggressive stance Klock Werks customs have become known for.

Build Specifications

Base Motorcycle

  • Indian Challenger
  • 112 cu. in. PowerPlus Engine

Paint & Graphics

  • Custom metallic paint by Jeff & Shannon, Gjerde Production Paint
  • Hand-painted graphics by Mickey Harris Art
  • Barrel wood detailing
  • Steel barrel bands
  • Faux wood handlebars
  • Jack Daniel's-inspired graphics
  • Vintage portrait artwork
  • Painted wood wheel inserts

Performance

Why Do Klock Werks Customs Stand Apart?

Every custom motorcycle built in our Mitchell, South Dakota shop begins with the same philosophy: create motorcycles that perform as good as they look.

That approach has earned Klock Werks partnerships with brands like Jack Daniel's and Indian Motorcycle, while innovations like the Flare® Windshield continue to shape the touring motorcycle industry.

This Redferrin Challenger is a motorcycle built around one rider's personality, riding style, and story.

People Also Ask

What motorcycle does Redferrin ride?

Redferrin's custom motorcycle is based on the Indian Challenger powered by the 112 cubic inch PowerPlus engine and was custom built by Klock Werks in partnership with Jack Daniel's and Indian Motorcycle.

What parts are on Redferrin's Jack Daniel's motorcycle?

The build includes a Klock Werks Flare® Windshield, Slicer Front Fender, SMT Wheels, Metzeler Tires, S&S intake and exhaust, Twisted Choppers floorboards, Drag Specialties seat, and Hart Luck grips, along with extensive custom paint and graphics.

Why did Redferrin choose the Indian Challenger?

After touring the Indian Motorcycle factory and learning about the PowerPlus platform, Redferrin selected the Challenger for its combination of performance, engineering, and touring capability.

What makes the Flare® Windshield different?

The patented Flare® Windshield redirects airflow to reduce rider buffeting while maintaining excellent visibility. It was developed through years of testing, including land speed racing at the Bonneville Salt Flats.

Who built Redferrin's custom motorcycle?

The motorcycle was designed and built by Klock Werks in Mitchell, South Dakota, with custom paint by Gjerde Production Paint and artwork by Mickey Harris Art.