Motorcycle specifications Indian1811 SPRINGFIELD Dark Horse 2018 A night between roads

little by little, the dark spirit took hold of Indian's range. Darkness was first abandoned on the Chief, then spread to the Chieftain. This time, it's the Springfield that blends into the Dark Horse correlation.

an imposing bagger, this variant is subtly dipped in black. But with a certain conception of the dark, far from taciturn. The Dark Horse alternates between matte black paint and glossy elements. This nocturnal whirlwind takes with it handlebars, forks, mirrors, headlamp covers, dashboard console, footrests, mudguards, crash bars, indicators... almost everything. But the engine has a sense of rebellion and style. Its cylinder head covers and crankcases have also succumbed to black. But the cooling fins and the exhaust line are all in the light. A detail of appearance: while this silver horse gains an imposing Sioux head on its tank, it loses its emblematic figurehead on the mudguard.

the Springfield Dark Horse has also opted for a more airy front end. Here, no traditional skirt to protect the 16" wheel, but a flared mudguard (in reference to the Indians of the 20s and 30s) overhanging a large 19" wheel.

a more ethereal invitation to travel than the big Tourers in the range, with a more welcoming rhythm. It's not so much the engine, which remains the same 1800 as in 3/4 of the firm's models, as the spirit of this bagger/cruiser that will make the difference. Heavy, the Springfield weighs in at a hefty 386 kilos with a full tank, but is clearly slimmer than the manufacturer's larger models. Leading the way is the Roadmaster, the most statuesque Indian-headed production, weighing in at over 400 kilos and looking as wide as the road. Then let the Thunderstroke 111's torquey power intoxicate you, with the air's delicate or fierce caresses. For it's up to you whether you prefer the protection of the imposing removable windscreen, which can be fitted and removed in less than a minute without tools. Just like the removable suitcases.

if the "Bagger's" instinct for existence makes us think of an almost stripped-down Tourer, focused on the essentials, the Springfield subtly reminds us that technology is abundantly present beneath the night-time dress. There's its cast aluminum frame, fuel injection, ABS, cruise control, tire pressure monitoring and keyless start and lock system. Thus adorned, this new member of the Dark Horse family (a parallel with Dark Customs?!?) is purposefully heading for a long destiny.

M.B - Manufacturer's photos