The Indian Chief Dark Horse stands out with its stripped-down, mechanical design, featuring drag handlebars, 19-inch cast wheels, mid-mount foot controls, a sleek headlight bucket, and a solo bobber seat. Powering all Indian Chief models is the formidable Thunderstroke 116 (1890cc) engine, delivering a substantial 156 Nm of torque.
Review – Key Features – Features & Benefits – Specifications
2025 Indian Chief Dark Horse: FORMIDABLE THUNDERSTROKE 116.
Reviewing 2025 Indian Chief Dark Horse…
In 1921, Indian Motorcycle introduced the legendary Indian Chief, a motorcycle that stands as one of the most historic and influential bikes of all time. The Indian Chief Dark Horse seamlessly blends iconic American V-twin style with contemporary performance and technology. Its design embraces a simple, mechanical aesthetic that pays tribute to the golden age of American motorcycling. Wrapped within a beautifully straightforward steel-tube frame, the potent Thunderstroke engine powers the Indian Chief Dark Horse, delivering a stripped-down riding experience where power, minimalism, and attitude take the lead. It harks back to the days when cruising aimlessly with close friends and only the essentials were the stuff of legends.
The Chief lineup, along with all Thunderstroke and PowerPlus models, features a clutch that enhances the overall feel and user-friendliness. This innovative slipper clutch reduces engine drag, resulting in smoother downshifting and a more comfortable ride, especially in challenging road conditions. Furthermore, the expanded friction zone and reduced lever effort reduce clutch fatigue, which proves valuable in urban settings or during stop-and-go traffic.
The lineup showcases a 15.1-litre fuel tank, a bobbed rear fender, dual outboard preload-adjustable rear shocks, dual exhaust, LED lighting, keyless ignition, and Pirelli Night Dragon tires. In addition to cruise control, Chief riders have the option to fine-tune throttle response by selecting from three ride modes: sport, standard, or tour. The short 1626 mm wheelbase, low 662 mm seat height, and a wet weight as light as 304 kg make the Indian Chief lineup an inviting and confidence-inspiring choice for riders of all levels. Conventional 46mm front forks with 132 mm of travel, a 28.5-degree lean angle, and comfortable ergonomics combine to create a versatile machine capable of tackling even the most challenging routes.
The Indian Chief Dark Horse stands out with its stripped-down, mechanical design, featuring drag handlebars, 19-inch cast wheels, mid-mount foot controls, a sleek headlight bucket, and a solo bobber seat. Powering all Indian Chief models is the formidable Thunderstroke 116 (1890cc) engine, delivering a substantial 156 Nm of torque.
Furthermore, each model elevates the riding experience with the 101 mm round RIDE COMMAND system. This intuitive system can be operated via grip controls or the digital IPS touchscreen display. Riders have access to various interfaces, including two different gauge configurations, bike and ride information, and turn-by-turn navigation. When using a wireless helmet communicator, riders can manage their music through the RIDE COMMAND system once their phone is paired via Bluetooth or USB. Additionally, phone information, such as recent calls, contacts, number pad, and text message history, can be accessed, and incoming calls can be accepted or declined directly through the RIDE COMMAND system when connected.
2025 Indian Chief Dark Horse Totalmotorcycle.com Key Features
Everything you love about the Chief with blacked out finishes, more power and more ride enhancing technology.
ENGINE
116 Cu-In
WEIGHT
670 LBS
SET HEIGHT
26 IN
PEAK TORQUE
2,900 RPM
TORQUE
120 FT-LBS
Indian Motorcycle announces 2025 Indian Chief lineup introducing the all-new Sport Chief RT and Super Chief Dark Horse
- Sport Chief RT Features Premium Components, Custom-Inspired Styling & Purpose-Built Performance; Introduces Locking Rigid Saddlebags, Two-Up High Bolster Seat & PowerBand Audio Bluetooth Speaker accessory
- New 2025 Super Chief Dark Horse Offers Blacked-Out Attitude with Fender-to-Fender Premium Gloss Paint
Building upon its iconic cruiser lineup, Indian Motorcycle, America’s First Motorcycle Company, today announced its 2025 Indian Chief lineup, introducing the Sport Chief RT and Super Chief Dark Horse. Offering superior handling and ride performance, Sport Chief RT takes the beloved Indian Sport Chief to an entirely new level – introducing all-new, custom-inspired premium components.
“When we launched Sport Chief, we raised the bar for performance cruisers,” said Aaron Jax, Vice President for Indian Motorcycle. “After observing the aftermarket landscape, our product team saw an opportunity to design a motorcycle that came standard with high-quality, factory components that were traditionally aftermarket add-ons. With Sport Chief RT, we’re adding custom-inspired componentry to create the ultimate package for riders looking to enhance style and add storage.”
2025 Indian Chief Dark Horse Totalmotorcycle.com Features and Benefits
THUNDERSTROKE 116
Drawing external design inspiration from the rich heritage of Indian Motorcycle’s past, the air-cooled Thunderstroke 116 produces 120 ft-lbs of raw torque for passing power in all 6 gears.
STRIPPED DOWN DESIGN
Turn heads on every corner with simple, purposeful design showcasing bobbed fenders, exposed rear shocks, and a steel welded tube frame with premium gloss-black finishes from fender to fender.
RIDE & OWNERSHIP ENHANCEMENTS
Design detail meets modern function with the industry-leading 4″ Display powered by RIDE COMMAND. Unlock GPS navigation, Bluetooth® connectivity, ride stats and more to elevate your riding experience. Even better, unlock pre-installed RIDE COMMAND+ that offers Bike Locator, Bike Health and more so you can stay connected and informed.
RIDE WITH CONFIDENCE
With a low seat height, a solo saddle, and mid-mount foot pegs that keep your feet underneath you, the Chief Dark Horse gives every rider complete control to ride with confidence.
19-INCH MACHINED CAST WHEEL
The 19-inch machined cast front wheel with ABS adds to the menacing stance and will beg you to roll the throttle.
RIDER CENTRIC FEATURES
Off the line, every Chief Dark Horse comes with LED lighting, keyless ignition, cruise control, ABS, and Metzeler® CruiseTec® tires that offer supreme traction. These features provide convenience, safety, and performance, ensuring enjoyable rides for every rider.
RIDE MODES
Customize your riding experience with three ride modes – Tour, Standard, or Sport – for an experience that’s tailored to your riding style.
2025 Indian Chief Dark Horse – Totalmotorcycle.com USA Specifications/Technical Details
US MSRP Price: from $18,499 USD
Canada MSRP Price: from $22,999 CDN
Europe/UK MSRP Price: from £17,495 GBP (On The Road inc 20% Vat)
Australia MSRP Price: from $28,995 AUD
Engine & Drivetrain
Bore x Stroke
4.063 in x 4.449 in (103.2 mm x 113 mm)
Compression Ratio
11.0 : 1
Displacement
116 cu in (1,890 cc)
Drive/Driven Clutch
Wet, Multi-Plate
Electronic Fuel Injection System
Closed loop fuel injection / 54 mm bore
Engine Type
Air-cooled Thunderstroke 116
Exhaust
Dual Exhaust w/ Crossover
Gear Ratio (1st)
9.403 : 1
Gear Ratio (2nd)
6.411 : 1
Gear Ratio (3rd)
4.763 : 1
Gear Ratio (4th)
3.796 : 1
Gear Ratio (5th)
3.243 : 1
Gear Ratio (6th)
2.789 : 1
Peak Torque
120 ft-lbs
Peak Torque RPM
2,900 rpm
Transmission/Final Drive
2.2 : 1
Transmission/Primary Drive
Gear Drive Wet Clutch
Dimensions
Fuel Capacity
4.0 gal (15.1 L)
Ground Clearance
4.9 in (125 mm)
GVWR
1,160 lbs (526 kg)
Lean Angle
28.5°
Overall Height
49.3 in (1,253 mm)
Overall Length
90 in (2,286 mm)
Overall Width
36.3 in (922 mm)
Rake/Trail
29° / 5.2 in (132 mm)
Seat Height
26.0 in (660 mm)
Weight (As Shipped / Running Order)
647 lbs (294 kg) / 670 lbs (304 kg)
Wheelbase
64.0 in (1,626 mm)
Brakes
Front Brakes
Single / 300mm Semi-Floating Rotor / 4 Piston Caliper
Rear Brakes
Single / 300mm Floating Rotor / 2 Piston Caliper
Tires / Wheels
Front Tires
Metzeler Cruisetec 130/60B19 61H
Front Wheel
Machine Highlighted Cast Black 19 in x 3.5 in
Rear Tires
Metzeler Cruisetec 180/65 B16 81H
Rear Wheel
Machine Highlighted Cast Black 16 in x 5 in
Suspension
Front Fork Tube Diameter
46 mm
Front Suspension
Telescopic Fork
Front Travel
5.2 in (132 mm)
Rear Suspension
Dual Shocks w/adjustable preload
Rear Travel
3.0 in (75 mm)
Features
Color / Graphics
Black Smoke, Blue Dusk, Sunset Red Smoke
Factory Warranty
2 Years, Unlimited Miles
Gauges
Speedometer, Tachometer, Odometer, Fuel Gauge, Compass, Ambient Temperature, Gear Indicator
Infotainment
A 4″ Display Powered by RIDE COMMAND with GPS Navigation, Customizable Gauge Screens, Bluetooth® Connectivity and More; Factory-Installed RIDE COMMAND+ Telecommunications Unit (TCU) for One-Year FREE with Live Weather and Traffic Overlay, Bike Health, Bike Locator, Intuitive Destination Search and More
Lights
LED Headlight, LED Tail/Brake/Turn Signals
Standard Equipment
ABS, Ride Modes, Keyless Ignition, USB charge port, 12V Charge Port, Rear Cylinder Deactivation
2025 Indian Chief Dark Horse – Totalmotorcycle.com Canada Specifications/Technical Details
Engine & Drivetrain
Bore x Stroke
4.063 in x 4.449 in (103.2 mm x 113 mm)
Compression Ratio
11.0 : 1
Displacement
116 cu in (1,890 cc)
Drive/Driven Clutch
Wet, Multi-Plate
Electronic Fuel Injection System
Closed loop fuel injection / 54 mm bore
Engine Type
Air-cooled Thunderstroke 116
Exhaust
Dual Exhaust w/ Crossover
Gear Ratio (1st)
9.403 : 1
Gear Ratio (2nd)
6.411 : 1
Gear Ratio (3rd)
4.763 : 1
Gear Ratio (4th)
3.796 : 1
Gear Ratio (5th)
3.243 : 1
Gear Ratio (6th)
2.789 : 1
Peak Torque
120 ft-lbs
Peak Torque RPM
2,900 rpm
Transmission/Final Drive
2.2 : 1
Transmission/Primary Drive
Gear Drive Wet Clutch
Dimensions
Fuel Capacity
4.0 gal (15.1 L)
Ground Clearance
4.9 in (125 mm)
GVWR
1,160 lbs (526 kg)
Lean Angle
28.5°
Overall Height
49.3 in (1,253 mm)
Overall Length
90 in (2,286 mm)
Overall Width
36.3 in (922 mm)
Rake/Trail
29° / 5.2 in (132 mm)
Seat Height (Laden)
26.0 in (660 mm)
Weight (As Shipped / Running Order)
647 lbs (294 kg) / 670 lbs (304 kg)
Wheelbase
64.0 in (1,626 mm)
Brakes
Front Brakes
Single / 300mm Semi-Floating Rotor / 4 Piston Caliper
Rear Brakes
Single / 300mm Floating Rotor / 2 Piston Caliper
Tires / Wheels
Front Tires
Metzeler Cruisetec 130/60B19 61H
Front Wheel
Machine Highlighted Cast Black 19 in x 3.5 in
Rear Tires
Metzeler Cruisetec 180/65 B16 81H
Rear Wheel
Machine Highlighted Cast Black 16 in x 5 in
Suspension
Front Fork Tube Diameter
46 mm
Front Suspension
Telescopic Fork
Front Travel
5.2 in (132 mm)
Rear Suspension
Dual Shocks w/adjustable preload
Rear Travel
3.0 in (75 mm)
Features
Color / Graphics
Black Smoke, Blue Dusk, Sunset Red Smoke
Factory Warranty
2 Years, Unlimited Miles
Gauges
Speedometer, Tachometer, Odometer, Fuel Gauge, Compass, Ambient Temperature, Gear Indicator
Infotainment
A 4″ Display Powered by RIDE COMMAND with GPS Navigation, Customizable Gauge Screens, Bluetooth® Connectivity and More; Factory-Installed RIDE COMMAND+ Telecommunications Unit (TCU) for One-Year FREE with Live Weather and Traffic Overlay, Bike Health, Bike Locator, Intuitive Destination Search and More
Lights
LED Headlight, LED Tail/Brake/Turn Signals
Standard Equipment
ABS, Ride Modes, Keyless Ignition, USB charge port, 12V Charge Port, Rear Cylinder Deactivation
2025 Indian Chief Dark Horse – Totalmotorcycle.com Europe Specifications/Technical Details
Engine
| Engine Type | Air-cooled Thunderstroke 116 |
| Displacement | 1,890 cc |
| Bore x Stroke | 103.2 mm x 113 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 |
| Electronic Fuel Injection System | Closed loop fuel injection / 54 mm bore |
Performance
| Peak Torque RPM | 2024 model: 2,900 rpm
2025 model: 3,300 rpm |
| Peak Torque | 2024 model: 162 Nm
2025 model: 156 Nm |
Drivetrain
| Primary Drive | Gear Drive Wet Clutch |
| Clutch | Wet, Multi-Plate |
Gear Ratio (Overall)
| 1st | 9.403 : 1 |
| 2nd | 6.411 : 1 |
| 3rd | 4.763 : 1 |
| 4th | 3.796 : 1 |
| 5th | 3.243 : 1 |
| 6th | 2.789 : 1 |
| Final Drive | 2.2:1 |
Suspension
| Suspension: Front – Type/Travel | Telescopic Fork / 132 mm |
| Suspension: Rear – Type/Travel | Dual Shocks w/ adjustable preload / 75 mm |
Chassis
| Brakes/Front | Single / 300mm Semi-Floating Rotor / 4 Piston Calliper |
| Brakes/Rear | Single / 300mm Floating Rotor / 2 Piston Calliper |
| Tires/Front | Metzeler® CruiseTec® 130/60 B19 61H |
| Tires/Rear | Metzeler® CruiseTec® 180/65 B16 81H |
| Wheels | Machine Highlighted Cast Black 19″ x 3.5″ / Machine Highlighted Cast Black16″ x 5″ |
| Exhaust | Dual Exhaust w/ Crossover |
Dimensions
| Wheelbase | 1,626 mm |
| Seat Height | 662 mm |
| Ground Clearance | 125 mm |
| Overall Length | 2,286 mm |
| Overall Width | 922 mm |
| Overall Height | 1,253 mm |
| Lean Angle | 28,5° |
| Rake | 29° |
| Trail | 132 mm |
| Fuel Capacity | 15.1 L |
| GVWR | 526 kg |
| Weight (Empty tank / full of fuel) | 294 kg / 304 kg |
Features
| Colour / Graphics | Springfield Blue Smoke, Sunset Red Metallic, Black Smoke, Sunset Red Smoke |
| Factory Warranty | 2 years |
Standard
| Standard Equipment | ABS, Ride Modes, Keyless Ignition, USB charge port, 12V Charge Port, Rear Cylinder Deactivation |
| Lights | LED Headlight, LED Tail/Brake/Turn Signals |
Electrical
| Gauges | Speedometer, Tachometer, Odometer, Fuel Gauge, Compass, Ambient Temperature, Gear Indicator |
| Infotainment | A 4″ Display Powered by RIDE COMMAND with GPS Navigation, Customizable Gauge Screens, Bluetooth® Connectivity and More; Factory-Installed RIDE COMMAND+ Telecommunications Unit (TCU) for One-Year FREE with Bike Health, Bike Locator, Intuitive Destination Search and More (Features and Connectivity Vary by Country) |
Manufacturer Specifications and appearance are subject to change without prior notice on Total Motorcycle (TMW).
