The Indian Chief Dark Horse is based on the Chief Classic but has stripped off parts as well as chrome and given a matte black paint job to compliment its name.

2016 Indian Chief Dark Horse Images
The Indian Chief Dark Horse is the sixth addition to the Indian lineup

Polaris owned Indian Motorcycles have launched its newest model for the 2016 model year the Indian Chief Dark Horse in the US. Based on the Chief Classic, the Chief Dark Horse comes stripped off parts for a lighter appeal while the chrome has been drastically reduced with a stealth matte black paint job that extends from the front infamous warbonnet to the rear fender including the engine and offers a bold look to the cruiser. Much like its name, the Chief Dark Horse looks serious while power comes from the Thunder Stroke 111 air and oil-cooled, 49-degree V-twin engine with 161 Nm of torque, paired to a 6-speed transmission.

Maintaining a minimalistic profile, the completely blacked out Indian Chief Dark Horse has been done away with most of chrome compared to the Chief Classic. The chrome spoked wheels have been replaced by new cast alloys finished in black while the matte black paint scheme extends to forks, handlebars, engine and bodywork. To further enhance the bold looks of the new mean machine, Indian has ditched the pillion seat, oil cooler, analog fuel gauge and driving lights from the Chief Classic that have considerably reduced the weight on the bike. Designed to ride solo, the cruiser comes with a 42-inch high seat but a pillion seat can be added from extensive accessories list.

Despite being minimal on paper, the 2016 Indian Chief Dark Horse comes with most modern day features including remote keyfob ignition, electronic cruise control and ABS as standard. Indian is also offering a five-year unlimited mileage warranty on the on the Dark Horse for a hassle free ownership experience. Priced at a competitive $16,999 (Rs.10.56 lakhs excluding taxes) in the US, the Indian Chief Dark Horse certainly stands out from the other motorcycles in the American manufacturer’s lineup and will be joining the Scout launched last year as its entry-level model. With the company aggressive about its Indian operations, the Chief Dark Horse can be expected in the country as well at a later date.

2016 Indian Chief Dark Horse Instrument Cluster
The Dark Horse does miss out on the fuel gauge, oil cooler and driving lights
2016 Indian Chief Dark Horse Side
The Chief Dark Horse has been stripped off parts for a minimalistic profile
2016 Indian Chief Dark Horse
Indian says the Chief Dark Horse has been designed to be a solo ride
2016 Indian Chief Dark Horse Side
The Chief Dark Horse joins the Indian Scout as an entry-level offering
2016 Indian Chief Dark Horse Side
Powering the Chief Dark Horse is the Thunder Stroke 111 engine wrapped in the Chief Classic’s chassis
2016 Indian Chief Dark Horse Rear
Indian is offering 40 optional accessories with the Dark Horse including pillion seat