First ride: Indian Dark Horse 2015 Review

After watching the World’s Fastest Indian as a kid I have always had a soft spot for Indians. I know that sounds corny, but it was the first motorcycle movie I saw and it definitely struck a chord with me.

So when I got the call to test the 2015 Indian Dark Horse I couldn’t jump at the reins any quicker. The Dark Horse sits alongside the Chief Classic in the Indian cruiser range. Basically the Dark horse is a lighter, darker Chief Classic.

The arrival of the Dark Horse continues Indian’s pledge it made back in 2013 to bring three new models per year to the market, and it joins the Scout and Roadmaster as the 2015 additions. Competitors for the Dark Horse include the Harley-Davidson Fat Boy.

Everything ranging from the engine, fenders, tank, suspension and headlight are all matte black on the Dark Horse – even the Indian logo and front-mounted Warbonnet have had the black treatment.
The exhaust pipes are chrome, as are the engine cooling fins and fender trim. Other differences to the Chief Classic include cast wheels (instead of spoke), solo seat, deletion of the oil cooler and riding lights.     

At the core of the Dark Horse is a fuel injected, 1811cc 49-degree V-twin. Indian doesn’t publish a claimed horsepower output (we reckon somewhere around 75hp), but it's happy to boast the bike’s 139Nm of torque, available from 3000rpm.

Twist the throttle and the mammoth V-twin pulls with potency from almost idle before building into a meaty mid-range surge. There are no rewards for revving this engine and if kept in the sweet spot, roughly 3000-5000rpm, the Dark Horse rewards nicely – especially up to highway speeds.  

Engine vibes are pretty unobtrusive for such a large engine and it is quite smooth throughout the entire rev range, while throttle response is instant and crisp. The standard pipes do offer an ear-pleasing soundtrack, but I am sure they won’t last long before being swapped.     

All 139Nm make their way to the 180-section Dunlop rear-tyre through a six-speed box and belt final drive. The gearbox operation is on the clunky side. Gears are spaced sensibly and at highway speeds will see the revs hovering around maximum torque in sixth.   

Up front, there are twin 300mm discs that are clamped by four-piston calipers, while the rear 300mm disc is pinched by a two-piston caliper. Anti-lock braking is standard.

The front brakes offer good feel, but do lack stopping power on their own – admittedly they are hauling up quite a substantial bit of metal. When both units are deployed the Dark Horse stops quite nicely. 

The machine makes use of a 46mm telescopic fork and a monoshock on the rear – which is neatly hidden. Both are non-adjustable,  but for a pretty basic setup the suspension actually performs pretty well.    

At a claimed weight of 341kg it is no Mr Puniverse -- but still the lightest in the Chief family. However, a tap of  both fenders will show Indian had no intention of
making this motorcycle light (they are metal). It can be a handful at
slow speeds, but once the speed rises all that weight is disguised well.

Initial tip-in is precise and accurate, mid-corner stability is sound and that good suspension keeps the cruiser on-line if bumps are encountered. The very low 660mm single-seat height allows the rider the ability to get both feet flat on the ground at a stop–  and importantly while at slow speeds.

The floorboards are quite widely spaced, but not to the point that you are pulling a groin. The seat is super-plush and sculpted so there are no pressure points. The blacked-out handlebar wraps back to meet your hands, placing you in that familiar cruiser posture.

Cruise control is standard and is operated through the right-hand switchblock. It offers up and down speed increments as well as a resume function. The tank-mounted dash is easy to read and features a large analogue speedo and small LCD screen. The LCD screen offers all the usual information and also a basic digital tacho. Keyless ignition is also standard.

In terms of modifications Indian has not left the rider without options. There are genuine aftermarket air intakes, ape hanger handlebars, luggage racks and the ever-important exhaust system. 

Indian has priced the Dark Horse at $26,995 rideaway and backed it with a two-year warranty.

PERFORMANCE
Claimed maximum power: Not given
Claimed maximum torque: 139Nm at 3000rpm
Economy: 7.2lt/100km (measured)

TRANSMISSION
Type: Six-speed
Final drive: Belt

DIMENSIONS AND CAPACITIES
Claimed dry weight: 341kg
Seat height: 660mm
Wheelbase: 1730mm
Fuel capacity: 20.8 litres

OTHER STUFF
Price: $26,995
Colours: Matte black
Warranty: 24 months