2022 Indian Chief Bobber Dark Horse Test Ride

[@BrandonBicasso]

That’s why I always tell people to ride it and find out for themselves. 💪🏾

[@jasonshortphd]

Absolutely. No spec can tell you have the bike feels to you while riding. And I always tell people to ride it right after riding your bike. Compare the two, especially if you are trading in. Make sure you are happy with that.

[@Dagsuren]

I liked your view on the Chief. Everybody I watched was pushing the bike non stop praising it. You are the only one who actually gave an argumented and critical point of view. Good job!

[@jasonshortphd]

Thanks! I have ridden a sport chief since this video. It felt better to ride, but still wasn’t the bike for me.

[@davidgerlach1132]

You're comparing apples and oranges.... Triumph Tiger to a beautiful sexy suave Indian Cruiser. I want what you're smoking!

[@gregorykapanowski9540]

Some people don’t know what they are talking about. It’s like comparing a jeep to a camera. They are not even in the same ball park!

[@seasidewalktosand6567]

I test rode the chief bobber dark horse and then right after - the Super Chief Limited that had a 116 also. The Super Chief Limited engine and power delivery is almost as if it were a cadillac or mercedes very premium performing. The Chief Bobber Dark Horse in contrast is a more rebellious go against the grain rough and tumble style of engine and power and rider stance. The power is there if need be; it even jolted me a bit backwards on the seat when cranking the throttle. Being from a sportbike style of rider finding the foot pegs being forward was somewhat of a challenge not knowing where they were from a stop to go situation. The bike maybe better with some low back support on the seat and floorboards. Overall fun bike tho.

[@mark.lb116]

When people test ride the Chief Bobber Dark Horse they need to report if they were in Tour, Standard or Sport mode during the ride. These ride modes significantly change the character of the engine and throttle response.

[@jasonshortphd]

Test rides here you can’t really get above 40mph and are in traffic the whole time anyway. Wouldn’t make a lot of difference. Dealers limit you to 15 mins around here and they are off super busy roads not close to anything you could get some speed on anyway.

[@Bedevere]

I own the 2022 chief bobber dark horse. I like it a lot but I also upped the cams and exhaust, etc. I find its hard to compare it to other bikes because it doesn't feel like any other bike I have owned. I tend to be of the thought that what I like might not be what another person likes and having competition and variety in the market improves the market for the consumer. In a way I am glad people like different bikes than I do, it would be weird to have everyone riding the same bike. Oh and the ride command was the part that sealed the deal for me.

[@jasonshortphd]

Ride command is highlight of the bike for sure. Glad you enjoy. Didn’t mean to come across as negative, the bike is a good bike. Just not what I was looking for when I compare the price and features. I ended up buying a used BMW R1200RT because it had the features I was looking for right now. Of course that can all change in the future!

[@Bedevere]

@@jasonshortphd all good, you were clear it just wasn't fitting your needs. Ride what you like and we all benefit.

[@jeffm.604]

It's nice to see other views on the the new chief. Myself, I bought a new 2021 Scout (69ci) in early 2021. In 2022 I traded it in and bought the 2022 chief dark horse. For me it was night and day in terms of power. From watching you ride that chief, I can tell you, you weren't in sport mode. That or there is something terribly wrong with that bike. The throttle response you give it and the bike's reaction doesnt seems right, you may still in standard mode. If this was your first time riding it, we would have seen you jerking a lot more because it is very torquie in sport mode (especially in traffic) Anyway, glad you checked one out, it's not for everyone. I still do miss my Scout!

[@jasonshortphd]

Yea, I think I may go ride another one at some point. I think I had sticker shock on the price of the bike at the time. I had been looking at a lot of bikes, and the price combined with what you got just didn’t feel right to me. But I do understand the value of the bike now I think. I am looking at a Chieftain or Challenger as my next possible bike.

[@jeffm.604]

@Jason Short I hear ya. My end goal is the chieftain, but until I retire, I want something that I can blast around in. I haven't done long rides in a while but until then, the chief will suffice. Speaking of sticker price, don't forget about insurance price! I have the maximum discount and it still shocked me in comparison to the scout! Lol. That's through private as well. Good luck, ride safe!!!

[@mcvincnt]

I test rode a Challenger back-to-back with a Scout when I bought my Scout in 2019. Comfortable bike (didn't have mini apes like the Chief you are on here) and capable. The question I have is just what you said. At $28K+ for a Challenger or Pursuit does a Goldwing or BMW make more sense? Also, the Indian Dealer here closed shortly after I got mine so I am now ~3 hours from the closest one and there is a BMW dealer. I have also been following Bicasso's build and saw he just got 2 more in this week's post for his next projects.

[@jasonshortphd]

Thanks for watching, and totally agree. The price just makes me want to compare other touring bikes. The BMW and Goldwing both have way more refinement. I cannot believe the BMW 1250 RT is actually cheaper.

[@SOSchangedme]

Yeah you're definitely paying to be in the Indian family. But I think in 10 years when you have significant ly less problems than a Harley and a smoother ride, it would become an old friend than never lets you down. What mode did you have it in...?

[@jasonshortphd]

I ended up buying a Challenger. Bike felt better to me. It was in standard mode when I tested it.

[@hilarysilvertnewell9210]

Thanks for excellent, useful review. I've been really really thinking about this as my first- after-beginner-bike. What are the better alternative bikes you'd suggest instead?

[@jasonshortphd]

I think it REALLY depends on what experience you are after. Cruiser? The Scout is a FUN bike, but not as much tech. The FTR has the tech, but is not a cruiser. The Triumph Bonneville is a great bike, but different. I say go ride 3-4 of the bikes you think you might like. Loads of people love the Chief. I just didn’t for the price.

[@hilarysilvertnewell9210]

Thanks for your input. I've ridden what I can. The only bike I really wanted to try but couldn't was the Honda rebel 1100. I pulled the trigger and asked for year end prices on the dark horse chief bobber this afternoon. Squeeeeee!

[@jasonshortphd]

@@hilarysilvertnewell9210 the Rebel 1100 is a fun bike, but it was honestly not for me. The Chief Bobber is a great bike. I love the ride command. Have fun!

[@christopherd.337]

I'm thinking about getting Chief bobber dark horse motorcycle. I haven't ridden in long time and with gas prices so high I like have get to from work. what would you add and change on this bike? I know I like to upgrade the exhaust for louder sound.

[@jasonshortphd]

If you want something with great gas mileage look at a Honda. These are high 30s and need premium fuel. If you haven’t ridden in a while this is also a heavy bike.

[@bikesandchikn]

how did you like the bar positioning? Would your arms be comfortable on a 3hr+ ride?

[@jasonshortphd]

Not for me. I would have no blood left in my hands. I am 5’ 8”, and the OEM bars have my hands above my heart. That is a sure way to lose blood flow to your hands. Personally I find a more swept back bar, or something almost exactly level with my heart more enjoyable for long rides.

[@bikesandchikn]

@@jasonshortphd makes sense. the biggest selling point for me is that thunderstroke engine. while is was researching my options, thunderstroke was the only machine putting up 300k+ miles with regular servicing and little to no mechanical issues. this wasn't one or two thunderstrokes either, it showed up consistently across the forums. i'm a long term holder, my mustang just turned 10, and i'd need the same reliability from my bike. doubt i'd get similar longevity from a modern bmw

[@married2dastreets]

It’s pretty comfortable for me I’m 5 foot 6 inches

[@mikehayes3014]

@@bikesandchikn or Harley for that matter.

[@jnaz3thirty1]

@@jasonshortphd I’m 5’8 . They aren’t even straight apes which would put them around your heart area. They are lower . Not as high as they look . I’ve done some long rides , no issues whatsoever , I actually want to go to about 10” which would keep them right about straight ahead.

[@chadmachajewski1353]

Did you test it in sport mode?

[@jasonshortphd]

Yes, throttle is snappier. But still doesn’t have the get up of even the Scout. The air cooled bikes just don’t have that speed, lower compression bigger engine takes a while to get moving. I stand by the statement that a BMW Boxer like the R1200 is MUCH faster if that is what you are looking for in a bike.

[@2warhammer34]

@@jasonshortphd I’d Pepsi challenge you on that. I have a Chief dark horse and in sport mode it is a monster! My wife has a scout and I’ll take my Chief all day long. I am also in the PNW.up the hill from Lynwood.

[@MrFatboyfun]

I just test rode both the scout bobber and chief dark horse bobber. The scout bobber was very fun and snappy. If you rev it you will feel the power more. Then I got on the chief dark horse bobber in sport mode. As I left the dealer parking lot and hit second gear, I have it the same amount of the throttle as the scout. I almost fell off, no lie. For me, the dark horse was considerably faster. Keep in mind I only went to 65-70 for each bike. I was able to rev through gears 1-3 on the bobber and dark horse. I’d say the dark horse is faster when talking street riding. If you were to get on the freeway, the bobber might pull ahead because of the high revving and more horsepower.