facebook
AD

Indian Chief Dark Horse


Rate & Win
  • Overview
  • Price
  • Expert Opinion
  • Similar Cruiser Bikes
  • Colours
  • Mileage
  • Specs & Features
  • News
Variant
Standard
City
Show price in my city
₹ 20,20,000
Check on-road price
Avg. Ex-Showroom price
Get Assistance
Contact Indian
Get in touch with Indian for best offers, test rides, EMI options, exchange benefits and much more...

Indian Chief Dark Horse Price

VariantPriceSpecifications
Chief Dark Horse Standard
₹ 20,20,000
Avg. Ex-Showroom
Disc Brakes, Alloy Wheels
Get Offers

Chief Dark Horse Key Highlights

Engine Capacity1,890 cc
Mileage - ARAI
14 kmpl
Transmission6 Speed Manual
Kerb Weight304 kg
Fuel Tank Capacity15.1 litres
Seat Height662 mm

Indian Chief Dark Horse Summary

Price: Indian Chief Dark Horse price for its variant - Chief Dark Horse Standard is estimated at Rs. 20,20,000. The mentioned Chief Dark Horse price is the average ex-showroom.

Indian Chief Dark Horse is a cruiser bike available in only 1 variant and 3 colours. With both front and rear disc brakes, Indian Chief Dark Horse comes up with anti-locking braking system. This Chief Dark Horse bike weighs 304 kg and has a fuel tank capacity of 15.1 liters.

Indian Motorcycles has announced the launch of the updated Chief series in our market. The range comprises the new Chief Dark Horse. The latest iteration of the motorcycle is built around a steel-tube frame and it uses Indian Motorcycle’s Thunderstroke motor. Linked to a six-speed gearbox, the BS6-compliant 1,890cc, twin-cylinder, air-cooled engine delivers a peak torque output of 162Nm at 3,200rpm. The motor on the new model also features a rear cylinder deactivation function.

The feature list on the motorcycle comprises a 15.1-litre fuel tank, bobbed rear fender, dual exhaust, LED lighting, keyless ignition, and Pirelli Night Dragon tires. The electronic rider aids include ABS, cruise control system, and three ride modes (sport, standard, and tour). The suspension tasks are handled by dual outboard preload-adjustable rear shocks and 46mm front forks. The braking setup includes 300mm discs on both wheels. The motorcycle rides on 19-inch front and 16-inch rear wheels that are wrapped in tubeless tyres.

The company’s Ride Command system is also part of the package and the system can be operated through the switchgear or via the digital IPS touchscreen display. The Ride Command system offers access to two different gauge configurations, bike information, ride data, and turn-by-turn navigation. The system can be connected to a smartphone via Bluetooth or USB and can be used to access phone information, recent calls, contacts, number pad, and text message history.

The colour choices for the motorcycle include three options – Black Smoke, Stealth Gray, and Alumina Jade Smoke.

Indian Chief Dark Horse Review

  • Good Things

    • Profoundly comfortable ergonomics
    • Abundance of low and mid-range torque
    • Oodles of road presence
  • Could be Better

    • Difficult to ride in traffic
    • Excessive engine heating
    • Clutch pull requires effort

BikeWale's Take

The Chief Dark Horse has all the qualities one would expect from an Indian motorcycle. This includes an engine with a jaw-dropping amount of torque, comfortable ergonomics for long distance and thumping exhaust note. But what sets this bike apart is the stealthy dark theme it maintains across its gigantic body work which seeks all the attention on the road.

Indian Chief Dark Horse Expert Opinion

To understand the Indian Cheif Dark Horse's place and purpose in the Indian market, we spend some time riding and living with this behemoth of a motorcycle.

Introduction

Indian Chief Dark Horse action

Indian Motorcycle is an American brand that silently exists in India with seven dealerships across the country. Plus, its cruiser models can easily be mistaken for the more popular Harley due to their similar American design and thumping V-twin engines.

But then the huge 'Indian' lettering on the fuel tank loudly announces it is a different brand with a different philosophy, story, and a unique product line-up. A line-up with a variety of tourers and cruisers, one of which is the Chief Dark Horse. The one you see in these pictures is the 2022 edition with a host of changes. Now, to understand its place and purpose in the Indian market, we spend some time riding and living with this behemoth of a motorcycle.

What's New?

Indian Chief Dark Horse Left Side View

Well, a lot. Starting with the design, minimalism is the name of the game here. Gone are the large swooping fenders and headlamp bezel, making way for a smaller naked headlamp and chopped fenders. However, this hasn't robbed it of its grandeur; the all-black theme, thoroughly exposed chassis, dual shotgun-style exhausts, and chunky tyres turn quite a few heads on the road.

Indian Chief Dark Horse Instrument Cluster

Where a welcoming change has taken place is in the technology department. The highlight here is the four-inch, circular TFT screen that packs in a surprising amount of data for a modern-retro offering. Firstly, there are two theme options for the main screen — one that shows various parameters in a concise format and the other, cleaner one, displaying just the basic stuff.

Indian Chief Dark Horse Instrument Cluster

Apart from the odometer and trip meters, you have the option to monitor information about each ride individually. This 'Current Ride' screen shows figures like distance covered, ride time, and elevation. The screen can also be connected to your smartphone for accessing music control, getting calls and messages notifications, and navigation. I couldn't test the Bluetooth since the dash isn't compatible with the latest iteration of OnePlus phones, I am told. Dang! 

Indian Chief Dark Horse Instrument Cluster

Anyway, what's impressive is that the screen is touch-sensitive while it can also be fiddled with through the buttons on the switchgear. And then with bits like auto-brightness adjustment, it comes across as too modern a setup on a retro-styled machine. 

Other modern features include a full-LED lighting setup, keyless ignition, USB charging port, cruise control, and ABS. There are three riding modes too! Choosing one amongst touring, standard, and sport mode essentially alters the throttle response without tinkering with the power output. 

Indian Chief Dark Horse Front Wheel

Now, let's look at a few numbers because they play an important role in the overall riding experience. The Chief is extremely long with a wheelbase of 1,626mm, sits low with a ground clearance of 125mm, and is super heavy at 304kg. How does all of this translate onto the road? Bear with me. 

The motorcycle rides on a combination of 19-16-inch alloy wheels that are suspended by 132mm telescopic forks up front and 75mm preload-adjustable dual shocks at the rear. The stopping power comes from a 300mm disc at both ends.

Indian Chief Dark Horse Engine From Left

As for the powerhouse, the Chief runs on a 1,890cc, V-twin, air-cooled engine that Indian calls the Thunderstroke 116. It produces a massive 162Nm of peak torque at as low as 3,200rpm. Sounds fun, no? It is.

The Ride

Indian Chief Dark Horse Exhaust Headers

The engine comes to life with a mechanical cacophony and a deep gurgling exhaust sound. Wring the accelerator and it greets you with a thundering roar, which is typical of a big V-twin. Now, get past the vocal drama and roll, only to realise that the engine performs as good as it sounds. 

Indian Chief Dark Horse action

The engine remains docile initially, but get past 2,000rpm, and a flood of torque is broken loose. The pull is relentless. It's brutal. It's manic. It's like an invisible force has whipped it hard at the back. The ferocious build-up of speed lasts until its redline of 5,000rpm. Interestingly, it is not just quick but the power delivery also feels smooth and clean. Even if you're sitting at 100kmph on the highway, overtakes require just a gentle prod.

Indian Chief Dark Horse action

Then, when you pull the brake lever, all the mayhem calms down at a brisk pace. Although it could do with harder stopping power, there's an acceptable and gradual bite from the front brake lever. Even the rear brake does a decent job of adding to the speed-shedding.

Now, switch to the Sport mode and you're in for even bigger and scarier surprises. The throttle becomes so direct that you're greeted with the rear wheel spin almost every time you take off spiritedly. It's difficult to ride sanely in this mode since the response from its ride-by-wire is outright choppy. Launching in a straight line is a quick and mind-bending affair. However, I had to be very careful while changing directions as vigorous wheel spins at slight acceleration kept giving me mini heart attacks, even on decently grippy surfaces.

Indian Chief Dark Horse Engine From Left

What deserves a special mention is the rear cylinder deactivation feature. Every time the engine is left idling in traffic, the rear cylinder is automatically stalled till the time you get in motion and revs climb. Although the engine still heats up, it's never to the extent of causing agony.

The wheelspins don't quickly turn things upside down, courtesy of the long wheelbase and Pirelli rubbers that offer tremendous grip. The feedback from these tyres was commendable even while leaning the bike. After getting a hang of its hefty weight, large turning radius, and lazy steering, I had started scraping the pegs around familiar corners. Even in traffic, it feels surprisingly agile and manageable on the move. 

Indian Chief Dark Horse action

The ride quality is equally impressive. Of course, given the short suspension travel and low ground clearance, high-amplitude undulations can be back-breaking. But at controlled speeds, rumblers and potholes are ironed out cleanly. While at high speeds, on clean sections of the highway, the bike doesn't lose composure.

Indian Chief Dark Horse Left Side View

What bothered me the most was the lack of comfort with the current setup. You undoubtedly look cool holding onto the flat and wide handlebar and stretching your legs out to reach the forward-set footpegs. However, the handlebar is too far to be comfortable, especially while taking U-turns. Placing your feet up and down the footpegs intermittently is also a difficult affair. Thanks to this whole setup, your backside digs into the seat and starts hurting within an hour of riding. This is where Indian's wide range of optional accessories like pulled-back handlebar, footboards, and touring seat come into the picture. 

Verdict

Indian Chief Dark Horse thumbnail

The Indian Chief Dark Horse is a quintessential full-blown cruiser, or bobber, in a sense that it has very limited applications. With the stock setup, I would only take it to a nearby coffee shop on a weekend where I can show it off. 

Long rides are out of the question until you install Indian's optional touring-focused pegs, bars, and a windscreen. And installing these elements will only increase the already steep price tag of Rs 20 lakh (ex-showroom). Since Harley-Davidson's similar-displacement models like the Fat Bob and Softail are priced much lesser, the Chief does seem expensive.

Indian Chief Dark Horse Rear View

Nevertheless, the Thunderstroke 116 is a gem of an engine that plasters a wide grin on your face every time you gas it, no matter how experienced you are. The gallops of torque and roaring sound are truly addictive. Needless to mention, the Chief Dark Horse also scores high in the aesthetic department. 

Photography by Kapil Angane 

Cruiser Bikes Similar to Chief Dark Horse

Harley-Davidson PAN America 1250
Harley-Davidson PAN America 1250
1252 cc|150.19 bhp|258 kg
₹ 21,24,000Onwards
Avg. Ex-Showroom price
Show price in my city

Compare with Chief Dark Horse
Indian Chief Bobber Dark Horse
Indian Chief Bobber Dark Horse
1890 cc|315 kg|6 Speed Manual
₹ 21,39,925Onwards
Avg. Ex-Showroom price
Show price in my city

Compare with Chief Dark Horse
Harley-Davidson Fat Bob
Harley-Davidson Fat Bob
1868 cc|92.5 bhp|306 kg
₹ 20,49,000Onwards
Avg. Ex-Showroom price
Show price in my city

Compare with Chief Dark Horse
Indian Super Chief Limited
Indian Super Chief Limited
1890 cc|335 kg|6 Speed Manual
₹ 22,82,155Onwards
Avg. Ex-Showroom price
Show price in my city

Compare with Chief Dark Horse
BMW R18
BMW R18
1802 cc|89.84 bhp|345 kg
₹ 19,89,819Onwards
Avg. Ex-Showroom price
Show price in my city

Compare with Chief Dark Horse
Triumph Rocket 3
Triumph Rocket 3
2458 cc|165 bhp|304 kg
₹ 20,19,490Onwards
Avg. Ex-Showroom price
Show price in my city

Compare with Chief Dark Horse
Harley-Davidson Fat Boy
Harley-Davidson Fat Boy
1868 cc|93.87 bhp|317 kg
₹ 24,49,000Onwards
Avg. Ex-Showroom price
Show price in my city

Compare with Chief Dark Horse
Harley-Davidson Heritage Classic
Harley-Davidson Heritage Classic
1868 cc|93.87 bhp|330 kg
₹ 26,59,000Onwards
Avg. Ex-Showroom price
Show price in my city

Compare with Chief Dark Horse
Harley-Davidson Street Glide Special
Harley-Davidson Street Glide Special
1868 cc|92.5 bhp|375 kg
₹ 37,49,000Onwards
Avg. Ex-Showroom price
Show price in my city

Compare with Chief Dark Horse
Indian Bikes

Explore Indian Bikes

Find out the list of available Indian Bikes.

Indian Chief Dark Horse Colours

Indian Chief Dark Horse is available in the following colours in India.

Indian Chief Dark Horse mileage

Indian Chief Dark Horse mileage

The ARAI mileage of Indian Chief Dark Horse is 14 kmpl.

Chief Dark Horse mileage details

Chief Dark Horse Specifications & Features

Standard

Change Version

  • Specifications
  • Features
  • Specifications
  • Features

      Specifications

      • Power & Performance

        • Displacement
          1890 cc
        • Max Power
          -
        • Max Torque
          162 Nm @ 3200 rpm
        • Mileage - ARAI
          14 kmpl
        • Mileage - Owner Reported
          -
        • Riding Range
          211.4 Km
        • Top Speed
          185 Kmph
        • Riding Modes
          Tour, Standard and Sport
        • Transmission
          6 Speed Manual
        • Transmission Type
          Belt Drive
        • Gear Shifting Pattern
          1 Down 5 Up
        • Cylinders
          2
        • Bore
          103.2 mm
        • Stroke
          113 mm
        • Valves Per Cylinder
          2
        • Compression Ratio
          11.0:1
        • Ignition
          CDI
        • Spark Plugs
          1 Per Cylinder
        • Cooling System
          Air Cooled
        • Clutch
          Wet Multiplate
        • Fuel Delivery System
          Fuel Injection
        • Fuel Tank Capacity
          15.1 litres
        • Reserve Fuel Capacity
          2.3 litres
        • Emission Standard
          BS6 Phase 2
        • Fuel Type
          Petrol
        • View More(+21)

      • Brakes, Wheels & Suspension

        • Front Suspension
          Telescopic Fork / 132 mm
        • Rear Suspension
          Dual Shocks w/ adjustable preload / 75 mm
        • Braking System
          Dual Channel ABS
        • Front Brake Type
          Disc
        • Front Brake Size
          300 mm
        • Rear Brake Type
          Disc
        • Rear Brake Size
          300 mm
        • Calliper Type
          Front - 4 Piston, Rear - 2 Piston Caliper
        • Wheel Type
          Alloy
        • Front Wheel Size
          19 inch
        • Rear Wheel Size
          16 inch
        • Front Tyre Size
          130/60 - B19
        • Rear Tyre Size
          180/65 - B16
        • Tyre Type
          Tubeless
        • Radial Tyres
          Yes
        • Front Tyre Pressure (Rider)
          36 psi
        • Rear Tyre Pressure (Rider)
          40 psi
        • Front Tyre Pressure (Rider & Pillion)
          36 psi
        • Rear Tyre Pressure (Rider & Pillion)
          40 psi
        • View More(+15)

      • Dimensions & Chassis

        • Kerb Weight
          304 kg
        • Seat Height
          662 mm
        • Ground Clearance
          125 mm
        • Overall Length
          2286 mm
        • Overall Width
          922 mm
        • Overall Height
          1253 mm
        • Wheelbase
          1626 mm
        • Chassis Type
          Steel Welded Tube Frame
        • View More(+4)

      • Manufacturer Warranty

        • Standard Warranty
          2 Year
        • Standard Warranty
          Unlimited Km

      Features

        • Touch Screen Display
          Yes
        • Instrument Console
          Digital
        • Odometer
          Digital
        • Speedometer
          Digital
        • Fuel Guage
          Yes
        • Digital Fuel Guage
          Yes
        • Hazard Warning Indicator
          Yes
        • Average Speed Indicator
          Yes
        • OTA Updates
          Not Available
        • Call/SMS Alerts
          Yes
        • Geo Fencing
          No
        • Distance to Empty Indicator
          Yes
        • Tachometer
          Digital
        • Stand Alarm
          Yes
        • No. of Tripmeters
          2
        • Tripmeter Type
          Digital
        • Gear Indicator
          Yes
        • Low Fuel Indicator
          Yes
        • Low Oil Indicator
          Yes
        • Low Battery Indicator
          Yes
        • Clock
          Yes
        • Service Reminder Indicator
          Yes
        • Battery
          12 Volt, 18 amp/hour, 310 CCA, Sealed Glass Mat
        • Front Storage Box
          No
        • Under Seat Storage
          No
        • Mobile App Connectivity
          Yes
        • DRLs (Daytime Running Lights)
          Yes
        • AHO (Automatic Headlight On)
          Yes
        • Shift Light
          Yes
        • Headlight Type
          LED
        • Brake/Tail Light
          LED
        • Turn Signal
          LED
        • Pass Light
          Yes
        • GPS & Navigation
          Yes
        • USB Charging Port
          Yes
        • Riding Modes Switch
          Yes
        • Traction Control
          No
        • Cruise Control
          Available
        • Hazard Warning Switch
          Yes
        • Start Type
          Electric Start
        • Killswitch
          Yes
        • Stepped Seat
          No
        • Pillion Backrest
          No
        • Pillion Grabrail
          No
        • Pillion Seat
          No
        • Pillion Footrest
          No
        • Front Suspension Preload Adjuster
          No
        • Rear Suspension Preload Adjuster
          Yes
        • Additional Features
          -
        • View More(+45)

      Write Review
      Stand a Chance to Win
      Write a detailed review and win
      Amazon Icon
      voucher worth Rs. 2,000

      Indian Chief Dark Horse Expert Reviews

      Indian Chief Dark Horse FAQs

      Q: What is the on-road price of Indian Chief Dark Horse in 2024?
      The 2024 on-road price of Indian Chief Dark Horse in Delhi is Rs. 22,70,132. This Indian Chief Dark Horse price includes the ex-showroom price, RTO and insurance charges.

      Q: Which is better Indian Chief Dark Horse or Harley-Davidson PAN America 1250?
      Indian Chief Dark Horse is priced at Rs. 20,20,000, has a 1890 cc 6 Speed Manual engine, and weighs 304 kg, whereas, the price of Harley-Davidson PAN America 1250 is Rs. 21,24,000 with a 1252 cc 6 Speed Manualengine, and weighing 258 kg.

      Q: What are the colour options of Indian Chief Dark Horse?
      Indian Chief Dark Horse is available in 3 colours which are Black Smoke, Stealth gray and Alumina Jade Smoke.

      Q: What are the key specifications of Indian Chief Dark Horse?
      Indian Chief Dark Horse is a Cruiser bike that weighs 304 kg, has a 1890 cc BS6 Phase 2 engine and a fuel capacity of 15.1 litres.

      Indian Chief Dark Horse News

      Upcoming Indian Bikes

      Indian FTR 1200
      Indian FTR 1200

      ₹ 16,30,000

      Onwards
      Dec 2024 (Tentative)Expected Launch

      Notify me

      Best Cruiser Bikes

      Royal Enfield Classic 350
      Royal Enfield Classic 350
      349 cc|35 kmpl|20.2 bhp|195 kg
      ₹ 1,93,080Onwards
      Avg. Ex-Showroom price
      Show price in my city
      Royal Enfield Meteor 350
      Royal Enfield Meteor 350
      349 cc|35 kmpl|20.2 bhp|191 kg
      ₹ 2,05,528Onwards
      Avg. Ex-Showroom price
      Show price in my city
      Jawa 42 Bobber
      Jawa 42 Bobber
      334 cc|30 kmpl|29.51 bhp
      ₹ 2,27,461Onwards
      Avg. Ex-Showroom price
      Show price in my city
      Harley-Davidson X440
      Harley-Davidson X440
      440 cc|34.5 kmpl|27 bhp|190.5 kg
      ₹ 2,39,500Onwards
      Avg. Ex-Showroom price
      Show price in my city
      TVS Ronin
      TVS Ronin
      225.9 cc|40 kmpl|20.1 bhp|159 kg
      ₹ 1,49,195Onwards
      Avg. Ex-Showroom price
      Show price in my city
      Royal Enfield Shotgun 650
      Royal Enfield Shotgun 650
      648 cc|46.39 bhp|240 kg
      ₹ 3,59,430Onwards
      Avg. Ex-Showroom price
      Show price in my city
      Jawa 42
      Jawa 42
      294.72 cc|33 kmpl|26.95 bhp|182 kg
      ₹ 1,96,588Onwards
      Avg. Ex-Showroom price
      Show price in my city
      Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650
      Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650
      648 cc|24 kmpl|46.3 bhp|241 kg
      ₹ 3,63,900Onwards
      Avg. Ex-Showroom price
      Show price in my city
      Royal Enfield Interceptor 650
      Royal Enfield Interceptor 650
      648 cc|23 kmpl|47 bhp|213 kg
      ₹ 3,02,418Onwards
      Avg. Ex-Showroom price
      Show price in my city