A Dark Horse Cometh

 

 

Two summers ago, a bold attempt was made to bring a new balance of power to the world of American motorcycles. The venue was Sturgis, South Dakota, and the event was the official return to market for iconic and storied American manufacturer Indian Motorcycle. Releasing its first three new models featuring clean-sheet design but instantly recognizable lines, Indian Motorcycle was indeed back with a massive bang.

 

Since then, Polaris’ newest motorcycle manufacturer since Victory Motorcycles was launched in the 90s has worked in earnest toward broadening its model lineup. In fact the summer of 2014 saw a pair of new bikes join the original Chief Classic, Chief Vintage and Chieftain. New for the 2015 model year, the imposing Roadmaster came fully equipped for the long haul with a host of luxury features and creature comforts. Right alongside its very big brother, the slender and nimble Indian Scout was practically shot out of a cannon during a massive media and public launch at the Indian Motorcycle block in downtown Sturgis. Right out of the cannon’s muzzle, the Indian Scout was poised to tear things up with a powerful liquid-cooled high-output V-twin powertain and a tight, low-slung chassis. 

 

Then today, Indian Motorcycle offered up the mid-season release of the Dark Horse, the edgiest member of the Indian Chief line-up and the first 2016 model. Wait, did you get that? The company’s statement implies that there’s more to come this year. From the looks of it, we’re set for another hot and eventful summer in Sturgis for the 75th anniversary, folks!

 

 

But let’s throw a virtual leg over Dark Horse and inspect this new and sinister beast. Built upon the celebrated Indian Chief platform, the Indian Chief Dark Horse is a cruiser featuring a toned-down styling and only a flash of chrome. Instead of sporting layers of cascading chrome, the Dark Horse makes its statement with a generous dose of matte black paint, a pair of cast aluminum wheels and a discreet use of the shiny stuff. Striving to secure a position as a more aggressive model in the Chief family, the Dark Horse displays a menacing stance and happens to be the lightest and quickest in the series, according to the manufacturer.

 

 

Striking a balance of attitude and features, the 2016 Indian Chief Dark Horse will start at $16,999. Blacked-out from end to end and powered by the Thunder Stroke 111 engine, the Dark Horse uses the same chassis and suspension of the Indian Chief Classic. Stripped off most of its chrome, the Dark Horse however maintains ABS, a remote key fob for keyless ignition, electronic cruise control, and features a two-year unlimited mileage factory warranty.

 

Built to be an aggressive solo ride, the Dark Horse ditches the oil cooler, analog fuel gauge and driving lights of Chief Classic. A passenger seat and your choice of passenger pegs or floor boards are available as part of the Genuine Indian Motorcycle Accessory line-up for those who want to ride two-up.

 

“The Indian Chief Dark Horse is unlike anything else currently available from Indian Motorcycle,” said Indian Motorcycle Sr. Product Manager, Ben Lindaman. “While it shares the best traits with other models in the Chief platform, its signature matte black paint and minimalist profile give it an attitude unlike any other Indian motorcycle. We’re excited to unveil this new bike at an aggressive price point for a full-size cruiser.”

 

 

Indian Motorcycle sees the Dark Horse as an ideal platform to customize and play the 40 available accessories rolling out during the spring and early summer. More components will be available to take the Dark Horse to en even darker place, says Indian. Items such as ape hanger handlebars, accessory air cleaners, fender struts, slip-on exhaust with black heat shields and exhaust tips, and black fender trim help create the fully blacked-out look.

 

www.indianmotorcycle.com