Indian Chief Dark Horse 2017 — Specifications

What drives a century-old manufacturer to plunge one of its icons into a bath of black ink? At Indian, the answer comes down to two words: Chief Dark Horse. Introduced in 2017 and continued across model years (2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022), this darkened version of the Chief Classic goes beyond a mere cosmetic treatment. It offers a different philosophy — that of a motorcycle, the Indian Chief Dark Horse, conceived as a blank canvas for unapologetic custom enthusiasts.

The concept is simple and devastatingly effective. Take the Chief Classic, strip away the auxiliary lights, passenger pegs, and a few superfluous accessories, and shed 13 kilograms from the scales. The result still tips in at 356 kg wet, which remains a hefty piece of machinery next to a Harley-Davidson Fat Bob or a Triumph Thunderbird. But the weight savings are noticeable, especially during low-speed maneuvers. Cast wheels replace traditional spokes, matte black invades every corner from the 20.8-liter tank to the engine cases, and only the chrome exhaust pipes dare to break this deliberate darkness. The price tag, set at 20,990 euros, sits roughly 2,000 euros below the Chief Classic — enough to free up a comfortable budget for browsing the accessories catalog, which boasts around forty parts. The bobber version, for instance, appeals to those who want to push the stripped-down look even further.

Between the footpegs, the ThunderStroke 111 lets its 1,811 cc do the talking. This V-twin with two valves per cylinder, featuring a 101.6 mm bore and 113 mm stroke, isn't chasing horsepower. Its 74 hp won't turn heads on paper, especially against the 86 hp of a Harley Road King. But the real story lies elsewhere. The 139 Nm of torque available from just 2,600 rpm turns every roll-on into a smooth, authoritative surge. The six-speed gearbox and belt drive do the rest. You don't ride this machine — you go along with it. Top speed caps out at 180 km/h, a figure that's almost beside the point given how much this Indian Chief Dark Horse invites long, relaxed cruising rather than chasing lap times.

On the chassis side, the cast aluminum frame integrates the airbox — a solution that promotes rigidity while maintaining clean lines. The telescopic fork and rear mono-shock get the job done without pretending to rival the comfort of a fully equipped bagger. The 1,646 mm wheelbase and low 692 mm seat height plant the rider firmly in the machine, feet flat on the ground. For those wondering whether the Indian Chief Dark Horse comes with ABS, the answer is yes: dual 300 mm floating discs up front with four-piston calipers, a single disc at the rear, all paired with standard anti-lock braking. Cruise control and keyless ignition round out an equipment list that, despite the "stripped-down" positioning, remains generous.

Riding the Indian Chief Dark Horse reveals a machine that knows exactly what it is. Not a tourer in disguise, not a sportbike lost in the custom world. It's a pure cruiser, built for straight asphalt and parking-lot evenings where the gaze of onlookers matters as much as the pleasure of riding. On the used market, the 2019 to 2021 model years represent compelling opportunities to access this characterful V-twin without paying new-bike prices. Against Japanese competition from the Yamaha V-Max or Kawasaki Vulcan, Indian plays a different card: heritage, raw torque, and a style that no one can contest.