Indian Springfield Dark Horse 2024 — Specifications

Gradually, a dark spirit has permeated the Indian lineup. Night first descended on the Chief, then spread to the Chieftain. This time, it’s the Springfield that blends into the Dark Horse correlation. And it’s pleasing: barely presented, it received numerous improvements in 2019. Several colors, engine improvements, and styling tweaks. Already, the return of the Sioux head on the front fender is praised. Then, the highway bars and removable windshield are removed. Finally, we discover bright black accents on engine components, exhausts, and saddlebags.

2023 offered a bit more flexibility and less effort in terms of the clutch. A touch of relaxation in a moment of mechanical force. The 1811 twin had recently gained a significant boost in horsepower. It delivers even more with this 116 version. Showing its muscles with 1890 cm3, it now distributes more than 17 mkg at 3,000 rpm. An engine in the image of the Americans, gargantuan with metal and imposition. But nowadays, the results of a foundry are expressed only in raw power. It’s about letting it pulse in a triple cheese style.

Riding assistance technology has caught up with the manufacturer, who is proud to offer a ‘à la carte’ Thunderstroke. The rider can choose between 3 injection maps to be carried along on the road. ‘Tour’ mode for cruising, ‘Standard’ for daily use, and ‘Sport’ when it’s time to get a little excited. More details at the bottom of the specifications sheet. And that’s not all. In certain conditions, the rear cylinder can be deactivated to release less heat during stops. A light sleep - at acceleration, everything restarts smoothly. A first in the motorcycle world.

Imposing bagger, this variant is subtly steeped in black. But with a certain conception of darkness, far from taciturn. The Dark Horse is an alternation of matte black paint and bright elements. This nocturnal whirlwind carries with it the 12-inch ape-hanger handlebar, the forks, the mirrors, the headlight fairing, the dashboard, the footpegs, the fenders, the crash bars, the turn signals… almost everything. But the engine has a rebellious spirit; and stylistic effects. Its cylinder heads and cases have also succumbed to black. But the cooling fins and the exhaust line claim a faith in light. A dark shade that would suit Darth Vader perfectly. Not just him now: a white and black outfit, very stormtrooper, has joined the offer. The atmosphere is the same, as white bursts into the night.

The Springfield Dark Horse has also embraced a more airy front end. Here, no traditional skirt to protect the 16-inch wheel, but a flared fender (in reference to the Indian models of the 1920s-30s) overlooking a large 19-inch wheel.

An invitation to travel more ethereally than with the large Tourer models in the range, in a more approachable rhythm. It’s not so much the engine but the spirit of this bagger/cruiser that will make the difference. Heavy, the Springfield exceeds 350 kilograms with a full tank, but is noticeably more refined than the manufacturer’s large ships. The Roadmaster, the most stately production with a head of Indian, exceeds 400 kilograms and appears as wide as the road. We will then be intoxicated by the large torque of the Thunderstroke 116, with the delicate or fierce caresses of the air.

If the instinct of existence of the "Bagger" makes us think of a nearly stripped-down Tourer, focused on the essentials, the Springfield subtly reminds us that technology is largely present beneath the nocturnal robe. It has its aluminum cast frame, injection, ABS, cruise control, a tire pressure monitoring system, and a keyless start and locking system. Thus adorned, this member of the Dark Horse family (a parallel with the Dark Customs ?!) heads purposefully towards a long destiny.

M.B - Photos manufacturer

Engine maps:

- ‘Tour’ mode offers progressive acceleration for optimal driving smoothness. - ‘Standard’ mode is characterized by a still-reactive throttle and a balanced and progressive power delivery. - Finally, ‘Sport’ mode offers instant throttle response and aggressive power distribution for even more pronounced acceleration.