2024 Indian Chieftain Dark Horse - Ultimate Test Ride Review

[@MOTOBLADE]

What do you guys think about the new Indian Chieftain Dark Horse? What new motorcycles are you excited to seen videos on? Let me know in the comments below!

[@user-zl7qs1xh2n]

Nice video nice bike keep up the good work

[@MOTOBLADE]

@@user-zl7qs1xh2n thank you! I appreciate that a lot.

[@stuwhyte479]

Great bike great review.Im fortunate to own a 2020 CDH titanium smoke.(dark grey😁).Keep em coming bro👍

[@MOTOBLADE]

@@stuwhyte479 Thanks man! I've got more great bike videos coming!

[@michaelschmitzerle2587]

Love those American made Indian motorcycles❣️ They just keep getting better and better 👍

[@MOTOBLADE]

Yes they do! They are absolutely awesome 🇺🇸

[@OutbackOutlaw]

It’s a bloody beautiful bike. Great vid mate. 💯👍🏾

[@MOTOBLADE]

Thank you sir 😎✌🏻

[@OutbackOutlaw]

@@MOTOBLADE I just went back through your vids and found the one where I subscribed to you 5 years ago. A ride down memory lane.

[@MOTOBLADE]

@@OutbackOutlaw that’s awesome! Thanks for sticking around with me and being an awesome subscriber! What was the original video that made you a subscriber?

[@OutbackOutlaw]

2018 Indian Chief Dark horse full detailed review.

[@MOTOBLADE]

@@OutbackOutlaw oh cool! That was when I had just gotten the Chieftain Dark Horse. Seems like a long time ago now. Glad you’ve stuck around with me this long 😄

[@JoeFurtado-xv5no]

I’m thinking of moving away from Harley love my street glide but not a fan of the all digital dash they have on the 24’s. Don’t get me wrong I do like the digital display but I also want at least a speedometer and tach gauges set in case the screen died just my feelings on the subject

[@MOTOBLADE]

@@JoeFurtado-xv5no I teach in airplanes all day long. For all the digital stuff we have - the crucial gauges always have analog backups. I get where you’re coming from 100%

[@ericthered7226]

I was surprised to hear you say that about the fairing. I'm glad they changed it up. The '19 + fairings look great to me.

[@MOTOBLADE]

@@ericthered7226 it’s nice that they kept it around on the road master classic, so whether you want the new look or the classic look, they have everyone covered.

[@ericthered7226]

@@MOTOBLADE , that's true. Variety is a good thing!

[@chrishunter5041]

Good to see you back on the Indians.

[@MOTOBLADE]

Yes sir! I got my Chieftain Dark Horse fixed and then I rode it to go do all these demos with Indian Motorcycle. Rode and filmed all their new 2024 models so there’s plenty more to come!

[@island7458]

Thanks for your inputs, on my way to buy one...

[@MOTOBLADE]

@@island7458 congratulations! Have fun!

[@Rider_on_Indian]

One of my dream bikes..Roadmaster also is nice. I test rode it one... I love that thunderstroke motor.. It just needs to catch up with the new Glides from Harley-Davidson. 2025 will be the year of decisions. Harleys & Indians we want to see more reviews!

[@MOTOBLADE]

The Indian Challenger is the direct competitor to the Harley Road Glide. I have test rides on both coming up! Indian Roadmaster and Street Glide too! I’ve got my weekly Sunday release schedule all lined up with test ride videos for you guys for the next 5 months!! That’s how many I filmed in 2 days with Harley and Indian!

[@Rider_on_Indian]

I disagree...Challenger has a watercooled motor.. Polaris must create a Road Glide opponent with an upgraded 116.. Challenger , lacks the sound of thunderstroke aircooled engine.. I test rode the Pursuit...all excellent...but the japanese sound of engine...moves me away..

[@MOTOBLADE]

@@Rider_on_Indian Ah but the new 117 Harley engine has liquid cooled heads, bring it more inline with the Challenger :) but I get your point. I prefer the 116 exhaust, or any air cooled v-twin sound over liquid cooled engines any day. But liquid cooling is the way of the future for most bike companies. Better for the bikes too, as long as they figure out a way to preserve the exhaust sound.

[@Rider_on_Indian]

Its all about the sound... New Glides have this watercooled system only for the exhaust valves...doesn't affect how engine works. The rider doesn't feel so much heat like before.. Engine is aircooled & the sound stays as it is.. If i want a watercooled motor without that fantastic sound, is easy..i buy the Goldwing...best reliable touring bike. Testing the Pursuit i noticed a lot of heat going to my right foot...i stayed few minutes inside traffic & i couldn't stand the levels of hot temperature...i placed my foot away from right footpeg. The amount of heat is worse than any thunderstroke engine... Is problem, company has to make changes.. You rode the Pursuit..you didn't noticed it ?

[@Pops592002]

The myopic and hindsight complaints from Harley enthusiasts ( most of whom research shows don't own a 23' or 24') needs to stop. In most comparison reviews you want to down play all the advancements made by the competition (in this case Indian, but there are several); that is until 5-8yrs later when Harley copies them and then you DROOL about the advancements (which is LITERALLY you catching up to the competition only to be blown by IMMEDIATELY in the next year models). Years of comparative data on stock engine, suspension, included accessories, intuitive electrical assistance components, etc. [meaning there's MUCH MORE]) show it's NO COMPARISON on what you're getting for your money. Oh, and let's tackle the lame argument that we buy Harleys to turn them into our own. No, you buy 20-year-old USED Harleys to turn into your own ( because all the stock tech on Indians requires you to purchase a CVO to even sniff it): which means they have out priced the every day working mans pockets. But let's see the people run up in droves telling you they own 45- 60k motorcycles AS IF THAT NULLIFIES any of these points listed. I always see people write ride what you ride and love what you ride, so I'll go with that cleashe

[@ericknapp3114]

always thought challenger was clearly the way to go…. now i’m not so sure! chieftain looks pretty solid actually

[@MOTOBLADE]

I love my Chieftain! But I would also like the frame mounted fairing of the challenger - best thing to do is try them both on a test ride - you should know right away which one you like best :)

[@Mr.Quizzable]

Looks friggin sweet dude! Nice ride and review!

[@MOTOBLADE]

It is a sweet bike! Thanks man ✌🏻

[@TechNickRides]

Nice review, love the Chieftain such a great handling bike with all the extra comfort features too. 👍

[@MOTOBLADE]

Couldn't agree more! I love my Chieftain - Indian knows how to make em!

[@rl6319]

I actually prefer the look of the newer chieftain in the old one

[@MOTOBLADE]

@@rl6319 it’s definitely working for them! A lot of people like it. I think I’m just biased towards mine :)

[@randomstuffwithjoe]

I have a '22 Chieftain DH in Blue Slate Metallic. Love it. The seat definitely changes the comfort tho. I went with a Mustang Wide Tripper and it's super comfortable. It pushes be back about 1.5" to 2" and it puts me in the perfect position. I definitely wanna do something with the bars at some point tho. I just need about 2" of pull back and maybe 1-2" of rise... and I can't find something that'll do it for me. I might try the risers at some point to see where it positions the bars for me. One thing I will say.. the stock headlight is garbage. I did finally upgrade it this year to the Adaptive headlight.. and added the fog lights. Makes a huge improvement. And the upgraded tune that comes with the high flow air filter is much better than the stock tune.

[@MOTOBLADE]

I did the light upgrade to LEDs on my chieftain and a saddlemen road sofa seat. Makes a world of difference, but like you, it moved me back and I need about 2” of pull back/rise now. Best option I have seen thus far (although the rise is a mid bar) is the Apache Black 6” bars from KST industries. They even have the most detailed video I’ve ever seen on their channel showing you how to install them yourself. Video is an hour long and they really know their stuff when it comes to Indian. May be something for you to look into. I’m considering it right now for my chieftain. Thanks for watching brother, ride safe ✌🏻

[@OEFveteran2010]

That bike looks awesome! I really want to try one out. I currently ride a 2016 Harley FLSS.

[@MOTOBLADE]

Go for it! I think you’ll like the Indian better - it’s an amazing machine!

[@Rider_on_Indian]

Do a comparison test between this & a Street Glide 2024 with the 117 motor.

[@MOTOBLADE]

Got the Street Glide Review coming in a few weeks! It’s in the schedule queue!

[@Rider_on_Indian]

So, make after a new comparison detailed video from those 2 bikes...

[@Smitty-J]

@MOTOBLADE LOOK8NG FOR A COMPARISON WITH THE HARLEY STREET GLIDE, THE INDIAN CHIEFTAIN DARK HORSE, AND THE KAWASAKI VULCAN VAQUERO 1600 ABS. LIKE ALL THE LOOKS HOWEVER THE INDIAN FOR LOOKS STICKS OUT TO ME. ALTHOUGH IM MUCH MORE INTERESTED IN PERFORMANCE, ERGONOMICS, RIDE QUALITY.

[@MOTOBLADE]

Performance and handling - better than the street glide in my opinion. I enjoy the ride quality of the chieftain much more. I also own a chieftain so I may be more used to it (so take that for what it’s worth). Currently on a 7500 mile ride around America right now as I type this. On the chieftain. It’s amazing. I’m sorry I can’t comment on the Vaquero - I haven’t been on one in about 5 years, so I wouldn’t know anything about the current model. Haven’t kept up with that so I can’t give guidance there.

[@jimtomstimpson1477]

I agree the classics look better to me. Sad that if you buy a new Chieftain, you have to buy driving lights whereas they come built in to the classic fairing

[@MOTOBLADE]

Yeah, I like my 3 light setup in the classic fairing. They essentially took away a whole feature in addition to changing the look. Plus in the classic Indian Chieftain fairing, you get the integrated LED turn signals, instead of fork mounted signals.

[@hannahbrown8163]

I see you had a Vulcan S before, how do you feel about this compared to the vulcan? Looking to upgrade to this one but thinking about the overall ride. I like the vulcan, but feel like I need more power, and a little more comfy suspension... but really like the vulcan s for the way it sits and the center of gravity feeling low. Any thoughts?

[@MOTOBLADE]

Moved from a Vulcan S to a Chief (2015, different than the current redesigned chief), then to a Chieftain. Best thing I ever did. COMFORTABLE. So much more comfortable than the Vulcan S. Good power for 2-up and highway, still easy and sporty to maneuver. Jump to the bigger bike. You’ll love it. Best thing as always is to take a good test ride first, but I think you will be very, very happy.

[@talkingrock7011]

Dealer support is my issue with Indian , there’s way few dealerships around the country

[@MOTOBLADE]

You and me both brother. I will be much happier by the end of summer with that situation :) But for now, I have a service manual, a set of sockets, and my own two hands since I'm 4 hours from a dealership when I need to do any maintenance or work. Indian has new dealerships popping up all the time, they will get there, but it is an issue right now depending on where you live.

[@MOTOBLADE]

@TRC_WA I wish my Indian dealer was 30 miles away. Right now it's 150 miles and 4 hours. I rode the new 24 RG with all the updates and skylineOS. Currently editing that video now and it will be up on the channel in the coming weeks. I liked the new Road Glide a lot. I would personally go for an Indian Challenger, but that new skylineOS is such a beautiful display. They have ride command on the ropes for now. Congrats on the new bike! Have fun!!

[@MOTOBLADE]

Thanks for the subscribe brother ✌🏻welcome to the touring bike club. You’re going to be so comfy you’re never going to get off your bike 😂

[@aliciagonzales7240]

How would this compare to the harley low rider st? I test drove one yesterday and loved it. I know this one is heaver by 150 lbs or so. I could handle st just fine. But idk about 850 lbs lol

[@MOTOBLADE]

I’ve ridden them both and the chieftain wins for comfort and handling in my opinion. Have a video on the low rider ST coming up, but it won’t be posted for a few weeks. The best advice I can EVER give someone is go test ride one for yourself. You’ll usually know right away if it’s a good fit or not. Then it’s just about the features and what you like more at that point. Don’t worry about the weight, they handle great 👍🏻 hope that helps in some way.

[@jakefatman4876]

Chieftain and Roadmaster would you say If I want to have some ” fun” then Chieftain as long distance bike both are good Here in 🇫🇮 these bike are extremly expensive . I have Scout now and as I started riding with It when got 50 years . Perhaps Chieftain looks better🤔

[@MOTOBLADE]

Indian Chieftain and Roadmaster are the same frame so you can always get a chieftain and if you want the trunk or windshield of a Roadmaster, you can add it later if you want to. What I did to my Chieftain.

[@jakefatman4876]

@@MOTOBLADE thank you ride safe

[@peter455sd]

What's the story with the transmission ? Is it smooth like a Japanese cruiser or clunky like a Harley ?

[@MOTOBLADE]

Smoother than a Harley, not as smooth as, for example, a Gold Wing with a shaft drive - but they aren't the same thing, and they aren't trying to be.

[@thanosetsitty1896]

If I have to buy an Indian, it would have to be the chieftain classic because of the extra lights and the big front fender.

[@MOTOBLADE]

You could also get a model year ‘18. I have the Chieftain Dark Horse 2018 and it has that look but all blacked out. Just another option for ya. Ride safe brother ✌🏻

[@lennyjames65]

sweet looking

[@MOTOBLADE]

Yes it is! Love my chieftain.

[@pcbeachouse]

Too bulky, no smooth lines. Might be mechanically satisfying, but it looks like a bunch of add ons thrown at it on the design board. Bring back the ‘41 Indian Four!

[@MOTOBLADE]

I prefer the look of my 2018 chieftain with the classic fairing, so I understand where you’re coming from. I love the look of the VERY old Indians as well. Would be cool for them to make something super retro one year, totally stripped down with a classic paint job and colored headdress logo.

[@Cnzcia]

Damn nobody waves in your area...

[@MOTOBLADE]

This was at a rally. Thousands and thousands of bikers. If everyone waved at everybody that passed, we’d never have our hands on the bars 😂 I get your point though. On the way there we’d all wave but by the time you get to the center of the rally it’s just too many! It’s awesome.

[@Louie14109]

Love my 2016 SGS but Harley went WOKE same as bud light, time to look at indian

[@MOTOBLADE]

You are not the first person to tell me this. LOTS of people at Sturgis were talking to me about the same thing. I will have a video discussing some of those sentiments soon. As an Indian and a Harley owner, I feel like I’m in a good position to talk about it. Come to the Dark Side - we’d love to have you on team Indian 🇺🇸

[@derfskittlers6125]

Still looks like a praying mantis starring at me.

[@MOTOBLADE]

😂😂 great, now I can’t unsee it!

[@Dawgs241]

I see E.T. with his mouth wide open. 😅 Beautiful bike, I'm in love with it. This or the Springfield dark will be my next bike.

[@MOTOBLADE]

@@Dawgs241 You are in luck my friend - my video on the 2024 Indian Springfield Dark Horse goes up tomorrow at noon! I still personally prefer the Indian Chieftain but they are both amazing bikes!

[@Dawgs241]

@MOTOBLADE awesome! Looking forward to it. 👍

[@717.Hooligan]

I’ll never unsee that, thanks lol

[@user-zl7qs1xh2n]

What's the seat height

[@MOTOBLADE]

25.6 inch seat height according to the specs on Indian Motorcycle's website. Hope that helps!

[@davey9308]

@@MOTOBLADEI am 5’7, is that enough to flat foot it? I can on the Street Glide but only barely

[@MOTOBLADE]

@@davey9308 I’m the same height. Flat foot mine just fine. Best thing to do is go throw a leg over one for yourself if you can! I think you’ll love it!

[@dmgd509]

Looks are subjective... but woof that's ugly .😂.. to each their own

[@MOTOBLADE]

I definitely like the look of my older 3-light fairing better, but I don’t think it’s ‘ugly’ - we save that 4-letter word for BMWs 😃

[@dmgd509]

@MOTOBLADE the shape of the fairing looks bug like.. even the Guage/screen setup... like why does it look like a bug 🤣🤣

[@user-Petey]

Hate the screen and led.

[@davesaunders5247]

Nice bike but Wayyyyyyyyyyyyy over priced.

[@MOTOBLADE]

Fair enough- I understand that. I paid full price new for my Chieftain. Tough, but worth it. I have loved every second of riding mine. My first Indian (2015 Chief, prior to the Indian Chief redesign) I got used for a great deal, after that I was HOOKED on Indian!

[@northrider8628]

That's the dumbest looking dashboard EVER 🤣🤣🤣