Indian Vintage Dark Horse 2021 — Specifications

The Vintage represents the last of the Chief models, offering a small detour into the depths of style. Its destiny joins that of many models at Indian, now available in a Black Horse version. A corsair vessel that absorbs light and pulses with a buccaneer rhythm.

A Dark Horse is a moment with the night. A nocturnal ride without being taciturn. A mechanical eclipse stretching from the periphery to the intimacy of the motorcycle. With the Vintage, a touch of nostalgia is added.

Yes, there’s black everywhere. We would have expected that from the mere mention of the name. Everything is black: forks, handlebars, fairings, saddlebags and leather seat, exhaust line, mirrors, turn signals, headlight cover, tank, engine, control levers... everything, really. Even the tires. Stop laughing;-) There are no gags or fireworks. Just a need to clarify that the whitewall tires of the Vintage have given way to conventional tires on the Dark Horse.

These dark models have a particularity. They are less expensive than the original model. But they are also less well-equipped. Like a desire to eliminate what they consider superfluous. The Vintage Dark Horse says adios to the large windshield, passenger seat, crashbars, auxiliary headlights, and 22 kilograms. The chrome has almost completely disappeared. Only the cooling fins of the engine display a few metal fragments thanks to a good milling cut. Spoke rims don’t really correspond to the Dark philosophy, so they are replaced by cast wheels.

Lighter in mass, and in price. 2,000 euros less when moving into the shadows. Without losing an ounce of its character. Thick torque, muffled power wrapped in the large 1811 engine. This motorcycle is one of the last from the manufacturer to move with this (original) version of the Thunderstroke. The others have almost all switched to 1890 cm3. Sculptural and defender of American values, the engine offers a little flattering yield (46 hp/liter) and yet very current digital technology. The electronics consist of ABS, 3 Riding Modes (Tour – Standard – Sport), a Stop&Go system for the rear cylinder, cruise control, key start, and tire pressure monitoring. Mechanical enthusiasts will be more interested in its superb metal curves and its torque, reaching 15.3 mkg at only 2100 rpm.

The rider of the Vintage Dark Horse will travel alone but not without luggage. The fringe leather saddlebags, seeming relics of the Wild West, can accommodate 60 liters of capacity. Ideal for a raid across the highways, without frills, just with the motorcycle and its principles. Don't linger in the accessories section. You would quickly load its stripped-down side.

M.B - Photos manufacturer

Engine mappings:

- The “Tour” mode offers progressive acceleration for optimal riding smoothness. - The “Standard” mode is characterized by a still reactive throttle and a power delivery that is balanced and progressive. - The “Sport” mode offers an instant throttle response and an aggressive power distribution for even more pronounced acceleration.