Motorcycle specifications Indian1890 Chief Dark Horse 2023 Another tribe

Quite a change of direction for the Chief. It has evolved to such an extent that it could almost be called a new model rather than a new version. Between its technological contributions and the dynamic mutation of its motorcycle styling, Indian has gone from nostalgia to modernism at full speed. This is certainly to avoid falling into the trap of Harley's age-old image. Following in the footsteps of the FTR line, the Chief Dark Horse is now kicking the bucket.

A jolt, questions, almost a slap in the face for enthusiasts. From a majestic, opulent cruiser, the Chief has almost become a bobber. The silhouette is so visually lightened that you'd swear the machine has lost a quintal, at the very least. This modern Chief also features the virtual disappearance of the famous wheel skirts. An identifying feature firmly anchored in the collective vision of an Indian. Omnipresent in the range just 5 years ago, these characteristic mudguards now appear only on the Roadmaster and Springfield.

Everything has been redesigned, from start to finish. Right down to the frame! Only the big twin seems to have escaped the design frenzy. And yet, it too is benefiting from this revival.

Above, the old and new Chief Dark Horse

The Thunderstroke switches to the 1890 cm3 displacement that dominates the range. With 79 cm3 more horsepower and, above all, torque. A leap from 15.3 to 16.5 mkg. This comes at a price, or rather an effort. Maximum torque is reached at 3,200 rpm, 50% later than with the 1811.
A generous thrust generated by this mechanical sculpture, more in evidence than before. The fuel tank has been greatly reduced in size and capacity. What remains is 15.1 liters, balanced on the spine. As a result, the twin is truly THE highlight of this Chief.

Common to many models, this big block receives the flexibility of a new clutch in 2023. The wider friction zone and reduced lever effort improve shifting comfort and smoothness.

the Chief 116 is now fitted with a new frame, made up of a set of steel tubes with a very different design from the old structure, which was once made of aluminum castings. The 46 mm fork has not only lost all its cladding, but also a brake disc and the Sioux head on the mudguard. The latter has been reduced to the bare minimum, while the rear has been given a lively chainsaw. Take also into account the less posturing saddle, the eradication of the headlamp cover and most of the bodywork, new rims with refined and machined spokes, a pair of Crossover-type missile launchers for the exhausts and Drag Bar handlebars to gauge the change in personality. The Chief goes from Senator to Bad Boy, loses 44 kilos and is much more agile. The weight loss, combined with a more virile riding position, a wheelbase shortened by 75 mm and a column angle straightened by a few degrees, will take this Indian to a much more alert riding position than before.

the seat is low (662 mm), the wheel high (19"), the tire wide (130), the headlight minimalist, and the technology complex. The Chief may look so uncluttered as to have come out of a workshop deep in Kansas, but its electronics have nothing to envy a European bike. It's equipped with a circular TFT screen. From the back, it could be mistaken for an old-fashioned dial stuffed with springs and ticks. But from the front, we're in the future: the 4-inch Ride Command touchscreen can display a GPS navigator, several types of display for classic info (speed, rpm, etc.), control music and calls from a smartphone, monitor on-board info on the bike and select the appropriate riding mode.
Yes, a rider's mood can change, and so can the Chief's behavior. There are three riding modes: Tour - Standard - Sport, with a more or less velvety distribution of power. Add to this an impressive multi-focal headlight borrowed from the FTR, a keyless start system, cruise control, USB port and ABS, and you have an American motorcycle that's as much steel as silicon.

The Indian 116 Chief Dark Horse is another step into the future for the brand, establishing a strong presence in the present. The name comes from the '20s, but the desire to enjoy the open road (with a certain audacity) is drifting away from that era, as it is from the new world. The world has changed, and dreams and dreamers are no longer the same; Indian has understood this perfectly. We're just going to have to look at our bikes differently.

M.B - Manufacturer's photos