Indian Chieftain Dark Horse 2022 — Specifications

Who can claim to make Harley-Davidson tremble in the bagger segment? Indian, with its 2022 Chieftain Dark Horse, continues to play the spoiler from Springfield. This "blacked-out" version of the American bagger doesn't just throw on a dark costume to show off. It packs a 1890 cc Thunderstroke 116 V-twin, beefed up since 2020 thanks to a revised bore (103.2 mm) and a compression ratio raised to 11:1. The result: 90 hp and, more importantly, 124 lb-ft of torque from just 2900 rpm. On paper, it's the kind of low-end grunt that pins you to the seat with every twist of the throttle. On the road, this four-valve-per-cylinder twin delivers its power with a smoothness that Milwaukee's engines sometimes struggle to match.

The Indian Chieftain Dark Horse has evolved considerably over the years. The 2019 version had already redesigned the fairing and improved the audio system. The 2020 model brought the new engine and a Ride Command system boosted by a faster processor. By 2022, the formula is well proven. The cast aluminum frame, 46 mm telescopic fork, and air-adjustable rear mono-shock handle the 822 lbs wet weight without flinching. It's heavy — no one will argue otherwise. But the low 25.6-inch seat height reassures at a standstill, and the 65.7-inch wheelbase provides ocean-liner stability on the highway. The braking system, with dual floating front discs and four-piston calipers backed by ABS, proves up to the task of slowing all that mass.

What sets the Dark Horse apart from the standard Chieftain is its obsession with black. Fork, mirrors, engine, air cleaner housing, floorboards, console — everything gets the dark treatment. The machined-spoke wheels wear a 130/60-19 up front and a 180/60-16 at the rear. The tinted power windshield, lockable hard saddlebags, cruise control, keyless ignition, and Bluetooth audio system all come standard. For a machine listed at €30,490, you expect that level of equipment. The price of an Indian Chieftain Dark Horse remains steep compared to a Street Glide, but the standard equipment partially offsets the gap.

The belt drive and six-speed transmission allow for peaceful cruising at 80 mph, while top speed maxes out at around 112 mph. This is not a machine built for the track — it's a grand touring bagger that eats up miles with authority. The 5.5-gallon tank offers decent range without being overly generous for a bike this size. The 5.1 inches of ground clearance calls for some caution in tight corners or over steep speed bumps. Custom riders know the drill.

If you're looking for a used Indian Chieftain Dark Horse, the 2019, 2020, or 2021 model years make good entry points, since the 116 engine has been available since 2020 and cosmetic changes have remained modest from year to year. The 2022 Chieftain Dark Horse is aimed at touring riders who want a premium, tech-loaded bagger with an uncompromising visual presence. Against the competition from Milwaukee, Indian offers a credible alternative here, driven by a torque-rich engine and meticulous build quality. The "Black-out" accessories catalog lets you push customization even further, from the air cleaner to the high-performance camshaft. For those who can handle the weight and the price tag, this is a machine that delivers on its promises.