Indian 1890 Springfield 2024 — Specifications

Since its return, Indian has not only been offering high-end cruisers. It also wants to shake up, push its long-time rival, Harley-Davidson, to its limits. And it’s working. Both are quickly developing evolutions to mark their territory.

In Milwaukee, the wind seriously blew with the birth of the Milwaukee Eight engine. Indian responded with the 116 ci - 1890 cm3 version of the large air-cooled twin. The Springfield (model) has recently embraced it.

In Springfield (city), the Thunderstroke engine already received more power in 2018; and the addition of Riding Modes in 2019. The power is there, and the electronics make it malleable: - The 'Tour' mode offers progressive acceleration for optimal smooth riding. - The 'Standard' mode is characterized by more responsive throttle control and balanced, progressive power delivery. - Finally, the 'Sport' mode offers instant throttle response and a more aggressive power distribution for even more pronounced acceleration. That’s not all. The engine management includes a rear cylinder deactivation mode. At idle, the twin can become a mono to limit heat emissions. A function that gently interrupts when the machine is restarted. And what a machine...

A bit more power, notions of character, and for 2023, additional smoothness in the clutch. Actuating the control lever now requires less effort thanks to a wider friction zone.

Indian complements its bagger offering with a charismatic machine. Every good American (or related) motorcycle manufacturer should present one or more in its range. This is the role of the Springfield. It left the classic side to the Chief Vintage (discontinued in 2021) with its leather saddlebags. For it, the game will be played on two tables, as the machine knows how to transform according to moods. Will you enjoy it in Cruising or Touring style?

It switches from one to the other. A double identity that allows for relaxed riding on Sunday outings or establishing a route for a four-figure mileage run. In all its majesty, the Springfield is ready for both highways and can be stripped down. The windshield is large, predicting good protection. A desire for fresh air before leaving or a more custom style? It can be removed in less than a minute without tools. Similar observations for the rigid saddlebags, which can be detached without screwdrivers or a 12mm wrench and without revealing unsightly mounting systems. It’s clean, practical, and of high quality. All while being technological. The saddlebags are lockable remotely, by remote control or from the dashboard.

Removable, wouldn't the 1890 Springfield be just a discoverable Indian Chief? Certainly not. The brand has gone a little further in this approach. This large caboteur benefits from a reinforced rear frame for additional luggage armament as well as an optional trunk (up to 242 kilos of capacity in total). If the steel/aluminum mixed frame is common to other models in the range, its front end should gain liveliness as the rake and trail have been tightened. A relative notion, partly conditioned by the rather substantial weight of the machine. 388 kilos full, a half-dozen refrigerators under the handlebar, it requires a certain equanimity in riding.

Its name evokes history. Springfield is the city where the brand was born. The long summers of Massachusetts are present even in the fins of the large twin. Like all the enormous models in the range, this bagger features the Thunderstroke 116. Deep, serene, muscular in the fat of American steel, this block is as sublime to look at as it is enjoyable to ride. A good, large mechanical unit full of torque and character, as only the Americans can do, with echoes and hiccups of a V8. It is given to be almost 90 horsepower. By going from 1811 to 1890 cm3, the gain is symbolic in power but more than significant in torque. It now peaks at 171 Nm, or 17.4 mkg. However, this maximum is available further in the revs - 400 rotations/min. Breath to move arms, senses, back. For the serenity of the latter, the Springfield is equipped like the other Chiefs with a pneumatic shock absorber. The saddle only peaks at 660 mm from the ground.

Riding far, the 20.8 liters of the tank allow it. In terms of equipment, Indian presents as standard ABS, cruise control, front and rear crash bars, tire pressure monitoring system, keyless start, chrome manual controls, a double studded leather saddle, a remarkable level of finish and a rather 'select' entry ticket. For accessories, the offer is not lacking, with 180 references intended for the Springfield. By offering simple and quick removal of its Touring equipment, the Springfield directly shakes up the Harley Switchback and Sport Glide; in a more premium, more luxurious register. Much more expensive too. Enough to offer the modularity of the Davidson touring bike with the prestige of a Road King. And a prestige of another caliber. Indian has recreated a very refined identity, bordering on elitism. The Springfield thus asserts itself as a high-line bagger.

M.B - Photos constructeur