12 Things I Love About My 2023 Indian Chief Dark Horse.

[@RocketMan_Moto]

Excellent consumer advice, delivered in your usual laid-back, honest style👍

[@BikesILike]

Cheers RM!

[@furocity]

If anyone is after the most comprehensive review of the chief. This is it. Thank you Paul for your honesty and down to earth attitude. I’m pretty set on buying one of these myself because of your videos

[@BikesILike]

Thanks Furocity, I appreciate that!

[@matthewmayberry239]

I didn't notice the bolt holes at first, but when I was removing the exhaust support arm after going with some aftermarket shorty exhaust slip-ons, noticed that it left 3 additional open, but that was when I noticed all the others where the pegs go, and where the forward controls would go. Agree that I wish they'd have plugged those ones from factory, but not upset to spend a couple dollars to do it myself just for my own sanity to know they're not just filled with water/rust. The torque of this bike is one of the biggest reasons I bought it. I don't need a sport bike that can go insanely high speeds, but I commute on the interstate daily, so I do need something that can quickly move around others and out of the way if needed and this thing pulls no matter where I'm at in the RPM range it feels like. Coming from my 30 ft-lb/40.6 nm previous bike, it's been a massive improvement in feeling safer when riding.

[@olboymotoaustralia4294]

Indian has surpassed HD in charging painfully high prices for parts & accessories. There is still no where near enough aftermarket affordable items for Indian bikes. In HD’s case the aftermarket choice is endless. Good video mate thanks. 👌

[@BikesILike]

Thanks Ol Boy!

[@tmar0075]

The good thing the Indian does not need much improvement...😊

[@Jonathan-L]

@@tmar0075 The current model Dark Horse actually looks pretty good in stock form, so what you say is true, no improvements are required. I wouldn't bother with aftermarket pipes, seat or fuel cap. The standard items are adequate and louder mufflers are not my preference anyway. I'd love to have a test ride on one, but sadly in my part of the world the local dealer doesn't have a good reputation for friendliness. A friend has a Springfield, and as much as he loves the bike, he feels that he's really on his own as the dealer has a 'DILLIGAF' attitude. I don't think that will affect sales, as the bike looks really good anyway.

[@skeech1979]

Ya. You said it man. Have to sell your life away for our bikes. Lol

[@jdonez8347]

Fk a HD...the whole bike is overpriced, Indian is doing their thing...I love the styling no aftermarket chops or bs like you have to do to a HD to get the look you want.... everything HD is overpriced right down to the saddle bags

[@farracuda]

I think the blacked out motor is great, the polished cooling fins and the gloss rocker covers fits the look perfectly

[@30Thousand]

Good video. I agree with you an all points, just applied to my 2022 base Chief with the 111. Accessory pricing from Indian stings quite a bit. Lots I would get if stuff was 30% less expensive. I couldn't bring myself to spending over $1,100 USD on the factory saddlebags but I did find a new unused set of the factory bags on eBay for less than half of that! Keep searching! Thanks a lot for the tip and bolt sizes for the open threaded holes. I'll be going to Lowe's to pick up some stainless steel button head bolts and paint them gloss black!

[@BikesILike]

Right now there's 30% off the entire Indian parts and accessories range for Father's Day here in Australia. Much more achievable pricing. Hey great! Glad to hear people are finding the bolt tip useful.

[@mattwuk]

We own Indians so we are blessed, that's special.

[@mijoizagas3747]

That’s a sharp looking bike. Cracking good video mate. Well done.

[@BikesILike]

Cheers Mij!

[@clagadin71]

Nice video, i almost went with a chief, but always wanted a full bagger so got the chieftain. Mine came with a tab performance zombie kit. Sounds nice going down the road. They do make darkhorse pipes if you're interested in checking into them as an option. And I agree on the accessories, to expensive. 100 usd for a locking gas cap, 300 for 1 replacement side cover... for a piece of plastic...

[@Sr.D]

Really great review, I've being riding a '12 Sportster 883 since, well 2012, with 60k km on it I'm starting to look for an upgrade, I've been hating having only 5 gears all this years, the street bob was my first option, but the chief it's really growing on me, greetings from Spain and sorry for my English.

[@BikesILike]

Hey thanks for watching my video Sr.D and your english is great! A 2012 Sportster you say... that would make a nice chopper. Just sayin :)

[@saviourone7165]

The Chiefs are terrific bikes. Every time I get on my Sport Chief, I love it more and more as well. I ordered the Dean Speed Havok 2 to 1 exhaust (black) for it. It should arrive around the end of this month. Thanks for the tip about the bolt screws. Can you share which the sizes you used to cover the holes?

[@BikesILike]

Would love to hear your thoughts on the Dean Speed Havok 2 system once you get it installed! Re the bolts, I did say in the video. 4 x M10, 20 mm Standard 1.5 pitch bolts for the pillion mount holes and 2 x M10, 25mm Standard 1.5 pitch bolts for the open forward control mount holes.

[@saviourone7165]

@@BikesILike I will certainly share my thoughts with you when everything is installed. Thank you for the bolt information. It will help a lot of people. I agree that it’s a good idea to cover them up.

[@phil9398]

I have the 2024 chief darkhorse, and, to me, the only real problem I have is that the pegs sit a little higher than I like and hurt my hips (arthritis problems). I'm going to put floorboards on it to solve the problem. The dealership is going to work with me on the price.

[@quickjan]

Hi Paul, I had the same condensation in the headlight for first 3 weeks and reported to the service guys. They consulted Indian and will get new one, waiting over a month already but don’t see condensation anymore so no rush. I also noticed that at about 2,500km the bike started running much more smoother especially on low revs - curious

[@BikesILike]

Ok, good to know! Cheers Jan.

[@gaz-gemw5801]

Love your bike Bill, it looks bloody awesome 😊😊😊😊🇬🇧👍🏻

[@BikesILike]

Thanks Gaz! You have great taste :)

[@jasontrickey4524]

I bought the next model up headlight for my scout a few years ago while I was living in the states and it had condensation in it as well Indian sent me another one which also had condensation in it Mine is still fogging up with no issues so far Just disappointing it they still haven’t got it right

[@jocoloco1320]

I love the crow squawking in the background. Sounds like a Mad Max movie! Lol

[@BikesILike]

Actually, some Mad Max scenes were shot in this area. ;)

[@KEN-du2iz]

I've been watching these last couple videos of yours the more I watched the more I think I need to go down and at least try one of these bikes out. I'm 6'3 and I'm just simply looking for something around town or take out on the weekend just to thrash on. Comfort is my number one concern.

[@BikesILike]

Hey cool Ken! If comfort is number one and you want to try a Chief, look at the Super Chief Limited or Chief Bobber first.

[@KEN-du2iz]

@@BikesILike will do thank you

[@BikesILike]

@@KEN-du2iz The standard Scout might be another option. I found it comfortable and it is pretty roomy for taller riders especially when fitting the extended reach seat and extended forward controls.

[@KEN-du2iz]

@@BikesILike I was wondering that, I wanted to say one of your videos your were showing body types and bikes. I'll go back and check that one again. Thanks again.

[@jocoloco1320]

They are beautiful!

[@JustinaHerne]

Hi Paul, thanks for another honest, informative video! Can I ask how you are finding the reduced ground clearance of a cruiser, compared with yr previous bikes. Have you had to modify cornering technique (lean angle) much to avoid too peg scraping?

[@BikesILike]

Yes! I can't lean the Chief over as much I'd like when cornering hard. The bike is more than capable, but the pegs touch down early. I've scraped the pegs often but only when I've been pushing it harder in the turns. In normal day to day riding I have no issue though. Going to experiment with hanging off the seat more to hold the bike more upright when cornering quickly, I think this will help a lot.

[@JustinaHerne]

@@BikesILike

[@SomebodysNephew]

I just picked one of these up 2023 model new for under $7000. Gonna learn on my Yamaha bolt then switch to this girl when I'm comfortable. I just wish they made bigger gas tanks for them the range is so low it bugs me and I'm not even going to be riding it yet 😂

[@BikesILike]

Nice! Gas range is not a problem. By the time you're looking for fuel, you'll appreciate the opportunity to get off the bike and stretch your legs. ;)

[@tpv59]

THANK YOU. I have been watching MANY of your vid's lately. You are very natural and real. May I ask how long have you been into Indian? WHY please? WHY? You obviously prefer them over HD. I am VERY SERIOUSLY considering the Scout Bobber. (red/tech. $25K) Because the Indian was to me, out of sight out of mind, I Never saw them ever (at Peter Stevens) nor seen many on the roads. I now LOVE them. Thank You. All the very best. (65 yr old in Melbourne)

[@BikesILike]

Hi Terry, thanks very much for you comment and question. I thought this one was best answered with a video. You can watch it here kzbin.info/www/bejne/fKbRhKejpcyDbKc

[@tpv59]

@@BikesILike Thanks Paul, I will check it out now. Very much Appreciated. All the best. Regards.

[@barrybarnes96]

Nice bike. Either the exhaust looks a bit big to the point that it overpowers the bike or it's a trick of the camera lens.

[@rosssteward9890]

Nrmoto Exhaust sound and look good and bonus Aussie made in Melbourne

[@BikesILike]

I'll check them out! Thanks Ross.

[@AdamSuperAC]

Well thought out review. I can appreciate Indians and like there cruiser designs they make. Cheers. !

[@BikesILike]

Thanks Adam!

[@davidcoleman4941]

It's a stunning bike, the engine is a work of art. The shape of the fuel tank sweeping down across the seat is like a Ruben's painting of a beautiful women. Indians FTR 1200 is a gorgeous bike, again the sweep from the fuel tank to the seat, I'd buy them both not to ride just to look at.

[@denisebrydon1685]

I've had a chief which I didn't like much, then a scout bobber twenty, that was a better bike but unfortunately no comparison to my harleys, the build quality of Indians and electronics unfortunately let them down or maybe I just wasn't very lucky... Gonna stick with my fat boy ❤

[@BikesILike]

It's all about what makes YOU happy. 😉

[@joshhauschild1863]

So I live in Texas where we just got out of the hottest summer we've had in years with a constant 116° weather. I'm looking at this bike to be a potential upgrade to my own. Is it even worth looking at with any overheating issues due to Being air cool?

[@robertedwards4494]

Very nice review.

[@jackwood2328]

The starter business is a v-twin thing. A high compression Harley-Davidson XR is more. Let your starter shift the motor with one short press and start the motor with a second press. We're trying to start an engine - not trying to melt the starter solenoid.😊 Or the motor. So bigger battery isn't the answer. 12.6V under system load is perfection. Please reply if you'd like more comprehensive explanation and I'll dig into it.

[@BikesILike]

Good explanation! No more needed, cheers.

[@paulshearer9140]

Thanks mate.

[@BarnettSpeedSuzukiThou]

All pre load changes is ride height not springrate.

[@BikesILike]

But I do definitely notice a difference in small bump harshness now. It's more compliant over those type of bumps by backing the tension off a little. There's more happening than just a ride height adjustment.

[@BarnettSpeedSuzukiThou]

Hi, yes there is it's geometry. Too difficult to explain here but a read of Lee Parks Total Control or The Superbike Coach books can help with a few misconceptions some people may have re suspension. However on a bike without correct springing (preferably linear), rebound or compression adjustability, a good seat, non OEM tyres and tweaking pressures can help more. Always did on my H.D's. @@BikesILike

[@BikesILike]

@@BarnettSpeedSuzukiThou Cheers Barnett, I'll check it out.

[@daryldaryl913]

Seems Indian has modelled their bikes and business model on Harley. However i do see the Victory in them but less than before. Easy work to learn off others without the losses . Although they had a practise with Victory as well. I notice similarity with components such as gear levers and similar pieces. Possibly use same supplier as Polaris Victory. Shop around for slip ons. You can get good deals if you are patient. I tend to stick away from where i bought the bike from. Far to expensive.

[@168meister]

Great vid, do u prefer the 17.8 inch vs the stock 23.8 indian windshield from head buffeting?

[@BikesILike]

I've tried both and I don't like either. The 17.8" screen puts the buffeting on my chin and the 23.8" screen puts the buffeting higher up on my helmet. I prefer to ride without a screen altogether now. When the channel gets larger and things become financially more viable, I will buy in a few screens and do a full-on windscreen review.

[@168meister]

@BikesILike thanks for your reply. yep I put on the 18in Freedom shield along with fork wind deflectors and still have some buffeting top of helmet. Ugh. Either I go with the Indian 26.8 inch which will be 3 inches taller would solve the problem but wanting to throw down almost 600 and no guarantee or look into Batwing fairing. Anyhow sorry for the rant, keep your vids coming. thanks and ride safe

[@BikesILike]

@168meister Thank you! Good to know as I was considering the Freedom shield 👍

[@williampowell2722]

rake could be shorter and rear suspension travel is lacking. no real wind protection available that blocks buffetind. the engine is the jewel of the bike. the lower compression 111 is made for longevity people sacrifice durability for power. the company could counter balance the vibration out of the motor.

[@alexred09]

Hey I saw a video of a guy who had one, when he pushed his tank slightly it moved side to side, does yours do it?

[@BikesILike]

Yes. I was confused why he saw that as a fault. Most bikes have rubber mounted tanks. I put it down to inexperience.

[@alexred09]

@ my triumph has a rubber mounted tank as well, but it’s much sturdier, he barely pushed his. But yes Triumphs tend to be amazing quality. Also those cruisers tend to vibrate more at idle perhaps that’s the reason. As long as it stays on tight even if your leg pushes up against it, it should be good.

[@BikesILike]

@alexred09 Yeah, the big air cooled V Twins shake the whole bike, which is a huge part of the appeal for me. It is possible someone had the tank off and did some work on the bike, but without putting my hands on the bike, it's too hard to tell if it's exceptionally loose or not.

[@mr.solitude3352]

Guess I was raised old school. I avoid businesses that overcharge, either for their product or their services. Ergo, metric bikes get my attention these days. Rubber side down, Kemosabe.

[@ダンボールユウ]

Hi, I wanted to comment today because I had a question I wanted to ask you. I am Japanese and I want the bike you show in this video. But I heard that Indian bikes are more fragile than Japanese bikes too. So now I am hesitating to buy one. Has your dark horse had any breakage so far? Also, I would appreciate it if you could tell me which parts of Indian bikes are more fragile. Japan is very warm and humid, so I don't think it would be a good match for an American Indian bike. Would it be difficult to have a dark horse in Japan? It is a very cool bike and I would like to have one someday.

[@BikesILike]

Hi, I have had no issues with my Indian Chief, it rides really nicely, the 116 engine is not known to have problems, some say it's practically bulletproof and I feel the Chief will be equally as reliable as the Japanese brands I've owned in the past. Australia is also very warm in summer, but in our state, Victoria, we tend to get a dry heat. We're starting to get some warmer days now as we move into Spring and so far I have not felt any engine heat. Mid summer will be the true test though, where we're regularly go over 30 degrees celcius. I'll make a video of what the Chief is like in heat when things get warmer. So far I've been very impressed with the performance and build quality of my Chief and I'm not expecting any problems to be honest. I get the feeling it's going to be a very reliable and long lasting bike. My two favourite Indians are the Chief and the Scout. The Scout has been around for a while and is very well sorted, I'd also expect little trouble with that model too. Whether I could recommend a Dark Horse for Japan? I've never been to Japan and can't speak to that but I do love your country and plan to visit one day. I have watched videos of other Japanese people riding Chief's and Scouts around Japan though and they seem very comfortable doing so. Hope that helps!

[@BikesILike]

Check out Yoshi Zaki channel kzbin.info/www/bejne/m5O5q52NnLSeqdUsi=j-12ew6iGiVtd7W3 ;)

[@ダンボールユウ]

@@BikesILike どうもありがとう！！(Thank you！！！)

[@BikesILike]

@@ダンボールユウ どういたしまして!

[@bashiralawar3475]

Do you advise in switching from scout to sport chief

[@BikesILike]

Need more info. Do you prefer torque or horsepower? Are you a larger rider or smaller rider? Do you want to travel 2 up? Do you want to ride longer distances?

[@bashiralawar3475]

@@BikesILike I am based in Lebanon it is mostly mountainous terrain sometimes we travel 2 I feel that the scout chassis and suspension is not set up for 2 traveler and we do 2 hours ride each trip. Moreover the dealership propposed to do a trade in for 2019 scout 60 for brand new 2023 sport chief with 15000$ usd I don’t know if it is a good deal

[@bashiralawar3475]

@@BikesILike thanks for ur reply and offering advice

[@BikesILike]

@@bashiralawar3475 Ok I see. I can't make an assessment on the riding conditions in your area or the exchange rates of your currency but the Sport Chief will offer a more comfortable ride, has superior suspension and longer travel. It also has better brakes and features. It will be better two up but you may need to upgrade to a more comfortable seat for your passenger. A test ride will show if the Sport Chief is the right bike for your needs.

[@starseeddeluxe]

Is the 5th gear tall enough. Is it tall enough that you aren't constantly hunting for another gear? I'm dreading buying another motorcycle because motorcycles seem to be under geared, most times quite dramatically so. I heard one video of an Indian Chieftain driving by with the Thunderstroke 1900cc engine, with air cooling, and it sounded like it actually had a real overdrive 5th gear. I'm riding a Hayabusa 2nd Gen, and it is one of the few bikes with extremely tall gearing, which was done out of necessity because it has so much horsepower and torque, it needs the tall gears for top speed. I wish it had an overdrive, it turns 3250 rpm at 60mph, but has enough torque to do 90mph at 3250 rpm. Tall gearing is so peaceful and less frenetic.

[@BikesILike]

My Chief is a 6 speed. It's definitely tall enough geared to cruise at higher speeds.

[@stephengrainger7586]

The bike is a lot of money

[@30Thousand]

Looks like Indian is treating you Aussies better than us Yanks... where they are built!!! LOL

[@flatcapcaferacer]

You are quickly becoming "Mr. Indian". Just be glad you are not buying BMW OEM/ Wunderlich accessories.

[@BikesILike]

More than happy to be associated with Indian Motorcycles Jerry, I really like their products. Hope your recovery's going well and yes, even after all these years I still can't get over how expensive our hobby is. :)