Indian Roadmaster Dark Horse 2024 — Specifications

Cela may surprise you to feel more suppleness in the left hand. Yet, everything is simply explained: Indian revised the clutch for 2023; just like the front LED headlight and the controls (with tactile feedback) for the seat climate control. Small additions that are appreciated as the horizon unfolds.

Where a straight line is drawn. Long, so long, so incredibly long that it’s dizzying. Not for the Indian Roadmaster Dark Horse, which only dreams of seizing it. To coax it and then to hold it mile after mile. Like all vessels in this category, this one needs space to express itself, a journey to appreciate its comfort, a cruise to tell its story. And a moment of curiosity to interpret the black lacquers that proclaim the name it bears.

The dark covering, however, hides nothing of the large engine. Counting among the most beautiful air-cooled blocks in production, the ThunderStroke presents itself here in its 116 ci, or 1890 cm3 version. A powerhouse, American, worked metal with fervor, force that expresses itself even without starting. But once the fuel arrives and the sparks awaken it, the spectacle takes on its full dimension. Its larger bore (103.2 mm) compared to the 111 and its cylinder heads improving gas flow release a large amount of torque, peaking at 17.3 mkg. A value capable of upsetting the M8 twin from Harley, whether in its 107 or 114 formats. It even holds its own against the preferred dimension of the CVO, the 117.

Its black finish, far more than the previous year's model –fork, exhausts, top-case support, crash bars, turn signals, Indian fairing, and some engine components– shifts into the dark, is not the only distinctive feature of this Dark Horse compared to the standard Roadmaster. Its face is also very different. It changes generations entirely, forgetting the railroad shield look for a more refined face, shamelessly borrowed from the Chieftain. Its front end also breathes more freely, the traditional skirt giving way to a more open fender. Underneath, a 19-inch wheel replaces the 16-inch. The saddlebags adopt the shape initiated by the Chieftain in 2019, less rounded. Travelers can rest assured: with a total capacity of 140 liters (top-case + saddlebags), this GT has plenty of room onboard.

It also loses some elements, such as the rear protection bars. However, let's applaud the return of the footpegs (now adjustable), the luggage rack above the trunk, and the Roadmaster emblem on the sides – they had disappeared on the previous edition.

A little shorter, a little lighter, a little less expensive, it remains rich in equipment. The list resembles that of a car: adjustable windshield, heated grips, remotely lockable rigid saddlebags, safety hoops, tire pressure monitoring, lighting bar, ABS brakes, cruise control, keyless start, Indian badge on the tank, and Ride Command infotainment system with Apple CarPlay. The latter is faster than the previous generation thanks to a more powerful processor, new functions, predictive interpretation, and new customizable menus. 2021 enhances the journey with the ClimaCommand seat, heated AND cooled. The rider and passenger seats can be adjusted separately and benefit from 3 levels of efficiency. A USB port appears to the right of the dashboard.

Beyond its dark side, the Dark Horse is announced as a Roadmaster a little more accessible, visually lighter, still carrying a pronounced desire for Grand Touring and generously motorized.

M.B - Photos constructeur