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2016 Indian Chieftain Dark Horse Is a Neat Bagger, Could Have Been Darker

We reported about Indian Motorcycle’s plans to build a darkened sibling for the Chieftain, and here is the bike in all its splendor. At least, we here, who are not necessarily too enthusiastic about chrome, do believe that Indian should build a Dark version for each and every model in their line-up.
2016 Indian Chieftain Dark Horse 44 photos
Photo: Indian Motorcycle
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There aren’t too many things to be said about the Indian Chieftain Dark Horse because the bike is only a colorful (though black is not exactly a color) spin-off of the base model. However, this “minor” difference might make a much bigger one when it comes to customers.

Not only is the all-new 2016 Indian Chieftain Dark Horse a much more sober presence in the cruiser segment but it can also help certain riders make a statement. It goes without saying that such a statement relates to the fact that the new-generation cruisers, albeit emanations from US’s oldest motorcycle manufacturer, need not necessarily be all about chrome and bling. Obviously, this entire Dark Horse signature matte black is a matter of personal preference and choice, and we’re positive that some chrome fans will be bashing it.

The 2016 Indian Chieftain Dark Horse is finished in matte paint that covers almost the entire paintable surface of the bike. This includes the fenders, fairing, fuel tank and bags, which are blacked out, but also the “headdress, forks, mirrors, handlebars and switch cubes, turn signals, tank console, engine and airbox cover, lower controls, floorboards and taillight housing,” as Indian enumerates them.

If you ask us, Indian could have done a slightly better job if they skipped the few shiny accents that can still be spotted on the “evil Chieftain.” That is skipping the contrast machining on the rims and cooling fins, the saddlebag locks, the pushrod covers, and the exhaust. It’s difficult to tell if Indian is afraid to deliver a true all-black beast or this is, perhaps, what marketing studies indicated as the “optimal amount of blackness.”

Naturally, the all-black Chieftain can be accessorized with matching aftermarket parts. The optional equipment list comprises blackened filter covers, slip-on exhausts, saddlebag lid with 100 W speakers, performance cams, and more.

On the tech spec side, the new 2016 Indian Chieftain Dark Horse is identical to the base Chieftain, so if you know the Indian platform, you know what to expect. Our price estimation also turned out to be accurate, as the Chieftain Dark Horse is $21,999 in the US, compared to the $22,999 base Chieftain.
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