Indian Chieftain Dark Horse 2017 — Specifications

When Indian decided to dip its Chieftain in a bath of matte black, the result was bound to turn heads. The 2017 Indian Chieftain Dark Horse takes the proven American bagger recipe and pushes it to its aesthetic limits. Everything is dark, from the fairing to the saddlebags to the engine block. Only a few flashes of chrome remain, as if to remind you that beneath this raven cloak beats the heart of a premium machine. The Thunder Stroke 111, an air-cooled 1811 cc V-twin, delivers 74 horsepower and, more importantly, 119.2 lb-ft of torque available from just 3000 rpm. On paper, the power seems modest compared to a Harley-Davidson Street Glide or a Road Glide. But it's the torque curve, fat and generous from the lowest revs, that defines the character of this engine. You don't chase the redline — you ride on a cushion of pound-feet.

The Indian Chieftain Dark Horse was listed at around 27,000 euros when new in 2017. What does an Indian Chieftain Dark Horse cost today on the used market? Prices vary by model year, but expect a 2018, 2019, or 2020 Indian Chieftain Dark Horse in good condition to still command strong money. Resale values remain solid, buoyed by a brand image that shows no signs of fading and by production volumes that are limited compared to the Milwaukee competition. Whether you're looking at a 2019 Indian Chieftain Dark Horse or a 2021 model, depreciation stays contained in this segment.

At 831 lbs wet, this beast doesn't play in the featherweight category. We're talking about a bagger built to devour asphalt, not a gymkhana tool. The seat set at 26 inches keeps shorter riders confident and lets you plant both feet flat without hesitation. The 65.7-inch wheelbase delivers ocean-liner stability on the highway, while the pneumatically adjustable telescopic fork and rear mono-shock adequately absorb road imperfections. The braking system, with dual floating front discs gripped by four-piston calipers and standard ABS, proves up to the task of hauling down all that mass. The 5.5-gallon tank provides reasonable range for rides of a few hundred miles without worry.

The standard equipment sets this Chieftain Dark Horse apart from many competitors. Tinted power windshield, lockable hard saddlebags, cruise control, tire pressure monitoring, audio system with Bluetooth, and keyless ignition. The list is long and fairly comprehensive for a bagger of that era. The one notable shortcoming for the 2017 model year: the absence of the Ride Command multimedia system, which was reserved for other models in the Indian lineup at the time. A frustrating choice when you consider that the 2022 or 2024 Indian Chieftain Dark Horse versions have since addressed this gap. The six-speed belt-drive transmission ensures quiet operation and minimal maintenance — a real advantage over greasy chains.

This motorcycle is aimed at fans of big American baggers who want to stand out without veering into flashy custom territory. The full matte black treatment, from fenders to floorboards, creates a monolithic and sleek silhouette. The typical rider? A long-distance touring enthusiast who likes a bold look, who covers big miles with comfort and equipment, but who refuses excessive chrome. Up against a Street Glide Special or a Road Glide ST, the Indian plays the exclusivity card along with effortless engine torque. It gives up a few horsepower but gains mechanical character and road presence. For those wondering how much a 2019 Indian Chieftain Dark Horse weighs or how much power it makes, the numbers stayed consistent across this generation: 74 hp, roughly 831 lbs, and a visual presence that numbers alone can't convey.