The Test Ride That Won Me Over! Indian Chief Dark Horse

[@BikesILike]

6 of my most recent videos you might enjoy! Cafe Racer Indian Chief [DIF] kzbin.info/www/bejne/fZynq3SenLlqgM0 He Took My Chief!! kzbin.info/www/bejne/p4LXhpyDg7WcrpI Christine’s Radical Indian Chief Vintage kzbin.info/www/bejne/a3-mgaOLYrCAaK8 MEGA Topic Ride Video kzbin.info/www/bejne/kGSamaOFZpKnqKs How I Brake kzbin.info/www/bejne/pYutiqybqM2Ya8k Bikes, Follow Your Head or Your Heart? kzbin.info/www/bejne/jabKpqt6ocqGopI

[@ValueNL]

The performance of Indian has gone up, HD has some serious competition.

[@BikesILike]

It really impressed me. :)

[@lutbec4814]

Thats for sure….Indian ist still partying after HD puplished the new prizes. 😂

[@TheAnnoyingBoss]

I just want craftsmanship.

[@tomtemple69]

​@@TheAnnoyingBossyeah, Indians are extremely well built, good balance of classic styling and modern features This is better than anything Harley has in my opinion This is the cruiser to get in 2023

[@justingoddard9589]

I have the bobber darkhorse 2022 585 cams everytime i get off massive smile on my face and say to myself what an awesome machine

[@Ritalie]

I hope you still have the Indian Chief Dark Horse. It's my favorite cruiser made today, and I've been studying engine and motorcycle designs my whole life, as someone who notices details. It's just stunning. I had to pause the video at 20:00 when you're doing your walk around the bike, to just admire the design. It's one of the best looking engines on any bike in history, and in my opinion, is just so much better looking than the liquid cooled motors. You need the fins, the fins on the cylinders and cylinder heads are part of the visual appeal. The mag wheels are also amazing, and look as good as spoked wheels, but for some reason Harleys and Triumphs, their mag wheels look very ugly. Indian knows how to make a beautiful wheel, that's for sure.

[@BikesILike]

Totally agree Ritalie.

[@roguecheddar]

As a proud owner of a stunning 2019 Indian Springfield in steel gray and burgundy metallic, I concur, Cruiser Heaven, all day, every day. Go Indian!

[@nathanjurado4834]

One of the best bikes I've ever ridden, maybe when I make a little more cash I'd love to get one.

[@whitebeltchamp1]

I have that same model, but in a different color. I changed the handlebars to the mini ape hangers. It's the perfect seating position for me. Also added a passenger seat. I never ride with a passenger. It's to stop me from sliding back on hard accelerations. I love that motorcycle! I look forward to your next video. There is not enough content on the Indian Darkhorse chief. You have a great channel, please keep posting!

[@BikesILike]

Thank you! I can see myself fitting the Mini apes and forward controls at some point.

[@teed412]

Hey, Whitebelt! Fancy seeing you here. I completely agree about there not being enough content on the Chief. We need more!

[@whitebeltchamp1]

@@teed412 what's up Teed!! Speaking of chief content. When are you posting that Saddleman seat review?!

[@teed412]

@@whitebeltchamp1 It's the next video I'll be posting!

[@kallikutharakeen4876]

I got y first Indian this year. A Chief Dark Horse n the sagebrush smoke green color. Great pulling power to where I have not even cracked half throttle yet. Had to get the five inch mini ape bars as the stock beach bar setup was too far forward to my 5'9" body. Loving the bike even though it feels a touch rough... something I did not realize until I tested a Chieftain. Lol. I might upgrade the bike next year.

[@CWJester]

I was at the dealer the other day getting the fuel pump replaced in my '21 Scout Bobber due to recall and test rode a Chief Bobber Darkhorse. I was back that weekend to trade in. The comfort and quality of life stuff alone won me over especially since it's my primary commuter.

[@BikesILike]

I can fully understand 😁

[@farracuda]

Great review Paul, your enthusiasm for this bike says it all. No doubt you had a big smile when you twisted the throttle

[@BikesILike]

Thanks Farracuda! You better believe it. 😁

[@luvsallbikes279]

I rode a friends Dark Horse (I have an 02 RK ) and I couldn’t believe the pull it had in sports mode , definitely would figure out how to stay more secure , aftermarket seat or backrest would be a must . Congratulations, stay safe

[@BikesILike]

Thank you!

[@sharpridgehomestead]

my mirror did that same thing on my first ride after purchasing .... I think that must be a dealer prep item that gets over-looked. Easy fix but it kinda freaked me out at first. I went with the bobber version because I liked the arms up some. The wind pressure isn't bad at interstate speeds. I've owned many bikes over the years and this one rides the smoothest and its low center of gravity means it handles well in curves. As far as comfort, I hadn't riden a bike in 3 years cause I was battling cancer ... but after I bought the bobber, I did 1 small local 50 mile ride and the very next day rode 378 miles .... I didn't even have my riding legs yet lol .. but not issues except my head was getting a little heavy the last 30-45 minutes to home.

[@BikesILike]

Thanks for sharing your new owner experience and I'm so glad to hear you're getting on top of your health issues and back on a bike! I'm hoping to put some miles on mine when I eventually get it so it's great to hear your feedback.

[@Sr.D]

What i like about the Scout and the hd softails it's that you don't have the exhaust line and the belt drive both on the same side, letting the other side a little bit unbalanced, "hollow"… same problem with old Sportsters evo, but that's just my take on design

[@BM-of6dg]

Funnily I went in to purchase the Chief dark horse however, I walked out purchasing the Scout Rogue! Great bikes, not been riding too long so the scout suited me. 👌🏾

[@BikesILike]

I like the Scout Rogue too ;)

[@tomtemple69]

That dash us awesone, speed on the outside edge and tach in the center on the bottom is such a good layout i loved it when I rode it

[@jmarks544]

I bought a 23 challenger pursuit dark horse with premium package wonderful bike too but what I like most about indian is the variety of motorcycles you can get from them and they are constantly improving their products too

[@cpysden]

Great review, all about the feel of the bike and the experience. Which i think is much more important than the stats.

[@BikesILike]

Thanks Chris!

[@teed412]

I'm glad your first impressions lined up with mine. It is an oddly cramped position on the Chief Dark Horse with the drag bars and mid controls. After a 100 mile ride or so, you really start to feel it in your hips. I've gone through a journey of replacing the handlebars with the Super Chief cruiser bars, adding forward controls, and putting a Saddlemen Step-Up seat on. All 3 have been great additions and made the bike feel much more comfortable. I am only 5'6 with a 30 inch inseam, but it fits much better than the stock bike did. Excited to see more Indian Chief content in the future!

[@BikesILike]

Thanks Teed! Yes I was wondering about the long term comfort and thought I'd probably end up doing something similar. For me it would be the mini apes and forward controls.

[@andyb8568]

Great review. I really enjoy your ‘reviews for the common man’ no nonsense as with the so called professional reviewers. Paid a deposit at Ballarat Indian today on Chief Bobber. Now just have to play the waiting game.

[@BikesILike]

Nice! Congrats Andy and thank you! I know, I can't wait to get mine.

[@fabioscomazzon5098]

Owned a couple of Harley’s and will never go back after testing then buying a Springfield. Great honest review!

[@BikesILike]

Thank you!

[@roguecheddar]

I test road a Road King, the Springfield blows it away. My 2019 Indian Springfield is my friend 'til the end. Cruiser Heaven, all day, every day.

[@AlanHaggarty]

Gday mate been following you I bought the super chief limited very happy aways been chasing HP I am 65 love the tourque all usable power. My new found friends on Harleys when we get in to the tight stuff I have to wait for them the floor boards are higher up and I haven't scratched them yet hope you get over your medical issues. What ever chief you buy you'll be very happy

[@BikesILike]

Nice Alan! Yeah I am very much looking forward to it!

[@RuggedEarthMan]

Gratz Man! Hope to see a video when yours comes in. Its a beautiful bike.

[@BikesILike]

Thanks Earth Man!

[@timfinning]

Thanks for doing this video mate , an absolutely honest review. I really like this bike and love the colour too. Stay safe 👍

[@BikesILike]

Thanks Tim!

[@guyfuller1369]

I am not in the least surprised. Ten minutes along in my Springfield test ride and the outcome was determined. Around town and on short jaunts in the country I go without the hard bags and leave the windscreen at home. Congratulations! Wonder if Indian offers a solo seat grab rail for the Chief. I find mine provides extra support in the wind and during aggressive acceleration. Looking forward to your upcoming content more than ever!

[@BikesILike]

Thanks Guy! I thought you might like my decision 😁 I've had a look through the accessories for a rider back rest but there doesn't appear to be one available for the Chief. I will check for the solo seat grab rail... that's a good idea!

[@Stevel_]

Test rode one, ordered a Super Chief limited within the week. Love it, just needed a Corbin seat to fit my tall self comfortably (6'5"). The bike is a torque monster in sport mode.

[@rebirth7757]

just got my indian chief dark horse and the first thing i noticed is that you need to replace the seat because the stock seat doesnt offer any rear support so when you full throttle it feels like the bike is going to throw yhou off the back so you have to death grip the handle bars which can 1 tire your hands and 2 death grips are called death grips for a reason.

[@andregrastyan3403]

It's a lot better choice than a Harley of course. Nice looking bike.

[@leftcoastcruising7080]

Thanks for the video, still a bit early for bike season here in Canada (even in BC where it’s warmer than everywhere else) but I’ve just put a deposit on a Chief Bobber Darkhorse. For now I have been watching all the KZbin content I can find to hold me over until I take delivery. 😁

[@FinesseTheChallenger]

Awesome video, the Indian Chief Dark Horse has a great design and the mini Ride Command system works really well for the functionality you get out of it. Despite the wait, I think it will be well worth it. I'll be looking for the follow-up video :)

[@indiadeadly]

It was nice seeing you slowly fall in love with the bike great video!

[@BikesILike]

Thanks you!

[@rogerwilliams2629]

I just saw this, I Love that bike!! My friend has a Super Chief he loves,and Indian is my favorite motorcycle!! Well done!

[@BikesILike]

Thanks Roger!

[@daviddamora232]

I love your content. This bike is on my wish list hopefully I’ll get it for the 2024 riding season

[@BikesILike]

Thanks David!

[@DonMachado]

The Super Chief Limited is my #1. I've got my eye on a new '23 in Silver Quartz Metallic. If things work out for me, it could be in my garage by the end of the year.

[@justingoddard9589]

Always good things being said about Ballarat dealers

[@Banditmanuk]

A lovely looking and sounding bike. We're definitely seeing more and more Indians on the roads here. Would certainly be my choice over a Harley Davidson

[@BikesILike]

Thanks Richard! I did get to check out the MT-10! The local Kawasaki dealer had a secondhand one on the floor. I didn't ride it but man was it light to pick up off the stand... Incredible. I think it would be way too much bike for me, a true licence shredder. But I can see the appeal. 😁

[@Banditmanuk]

@Bikes I Like You know when you find a bike that truly fits, is comfortable, exciting and never let's you down? That's my MT10. Loads of not perfect things with it: Range, fuel consumption, fuel gauge. Love it. Had it 7 years in June.

[@BikesILike]

@@Banditmanuk Yep I get it. 7 years, I think that says it all right there Richard.

[@gaz-gemw5801]

Good on ya Bill, it’s bloody awesome, and I luv it, have fun mate. 😊😊😊😊😊👏🏻👏🏻🇬🇧👍🏻

[@BikesILike]

Thanks Gaz! Will do! 😁

[@tomtemple69]

I rode one of these on saturday, the thunberstroke 116 on sport mode in this bike is nuts, the bike just wants to run away and leave u behind if i were to get a cruiser i would for sure get this

[@flatcapcaferacer]

I really enjoyed your test ride and you seemed to enjoy it too.

[@BikesILike]

I did! Thanks Jerry

[@markhalden3922]

If I didn't go for my MT-10, i probably would've gone for one of these. Maybe as my n+1.

[@Wannakatana2112]

I will never buy a Harley so definitely interested in Indian. I came from the adventure/tourer but it was too high for me. This will be my first cruiser. Looking at the bobber 60 however.

[@SteelHorseTexasTwangExchange]

I enjoyed your video. Good review. I have a scout bobber and love it. Has a lot of torque. It is liquid cooled so if you ride a lot in a hot environment it’s part of the consideration and I believe liquid cooled engines are known for torque. I will say mine definitely needs an upgrade in shocks to make the ride more comfortable.

[@BikesILike]

Thank you! I'm a fan of the Scout Bobber too. If I ever bought one I'd opt for the Fox Shocks as an alternative to the stock shocks. But I did see you can improve the ride of the stock shocks by ensuring they are correctly adjusted to your weight by following the instructions in the manual.

[@jamesthomson9843]

Well dark horse meets Dark Horse. I guess congratulations are in order, although maybe a bit early. I didn't see that coming though I do know you have a soft spot for a nice cruiser. That looks a very capable bike Paul and obviously you loved it. I look forward to finding out more as you get closer to the day. Well done. I'm off to the Indian page to have a closer look. 👍 popeye.

[@BikesILike]

Thanks Popeye! It took me by surprise too to be honest.

[@PapaTez78]

Love this bike i have owned harley cruisers before just cant justify big money on fairly new one with this stage 2 set up. Only thing imo is exhaust is too long. Maybe a 2 into set up in black is the go, s/bags, foward controls, mid apes, and black shield.

[@jaykay9639]

Here in Connecticut U.S I test rode the same bike and the left mirror did what your right mirror did. Wonderful bike but I also test rode the challenger and the cheiftian and i loved them all. I think i might even sell my Goldwing. Amazing bikes from Indian

[@BikesILike]

They're really nice riding bikes Jay. Hope to get a test ride on the Challenger and Chieftain at some point too!

[@nickfozouni8126]

Congrats When you find a bike that ticks the boxes for you You have to buy it

[@BikesILike]

Yep. That's what happened Nick.

[@tomsavage1832]

Thanks heaps for your video, I would never have known there was a demo bike in Ballarat to test ride if it wasn’t for this video. absolutely love the bike Mark is a great guy to deal with, after doing a test ride he offered to sell the it to me soooo I ended up buy this bike what a great machine

[@BikesILike]

Really! You bought the demo Chief? Nice work.

[@tomsavage1832]

Yup ended up buying it, got for a good price with the stage 1 kit, I’m adding super chief seats, cruiser bars and forward controls then it will be awesome

[@BikesILike]

@@tomsavage1832 Nice! Congrats!

[@Yamahog]

Kudos to Jarod's remark on it vs the soft tail slim, lol. Glad to see you bought one, Paul. .... ( the extra 78$,(?), per payment will save you waiting for upgrade parts to bring the scout up to where you would have wanted it .... and Warrantied too....(?) ....). Buttttt... I'd want the thing in Raven Black, not Gun-ship Grey.

[@BikesILike]

Thanks Wes! Yep I agree. I'd be spending a lot of money on the Scout and it still wouldn't be the same. I didn't go for Raven Black or Gun-Ship Grey. ;)

[@VeganGorilla555]

I really like the Chief, if I could afford a new bike I'd go with that.

[@janstrom3482]

Thanks for reading out speed, gear and rpm! 👍

[@DJPTEXAS]

Floor boards, mini apes and a Corbin seat ! Good luck with it !

[@BikesILike]

Thank you! Nice combo.

[@johndinon1730]

Good to see an Aussie review. Funny thing is I was also looking ar a scout but now you have me thinking

[@thomasholmes8458]

She's a beaut.

[@MrAndrew1953]

The bars look very thin. Tank looks a decent size as opposed to the smaller Scout..I like the traditional shape of the cylinder heads. Definitely go with the model with the clear screen and bags. Cruise control saves your licence.

[@MrAndrew1953]

Expensive test ride? Definitely worth it though. Those pipes have a very nice rumble.

[@MikMech]

Lovely, Lovely Bike. GPS? I think that's the precursor to speed limiting...

[@BikesILike]

Thanks MikMech! You might be right.

[@ChadGrimes]

I went to a demo event and got to ride them all. Those bars were too far forward for me. My torso is too tall, and my arms are too short. Switched to the one with mini apes, which worked great, but it put more weight on my tailbone. I would put a saddlemen seat in it to fix that. Thought it was a fantastic bike

[@BikesILike]

Body proportions vary so much. A good reminder that what works for one person won't necessarily work for another.

[@ValueNL]

Awesome!! 😎

[@victorvolkov8946]

Congrats for you. I love this minimalistic and sharpened design. If my memory serves me it is almost 2 liters engine, is it not? I reckon it probably sounds good also with base exhaust.

[@BikesILike]

Thank you! Yes, 1900 cc

[@domkabasoncars9555]

Great video, just discovered this in my research for alternatives for BMW R18. How does it compare agaist it now when you had spent more time on Chief?

[@BikesILike]

I haven't had any experience riding the R18, but people I've spoken to who own them are happy owners. For my Chief, I'm still loving it. I've just clicked over 12,000 km now.

[@domkabasoncars9555]

@@BikesILike amazing mileage, thank you.

[@orhancebi5288]

First of all, thank you for this great video! I really like your format, I hope that you will soon get the attention you deserve on KZbin. I am the proud owner of an indian scout bobber twenty as my first motorcycle even if my first choice would have been the chief i wanted to practice on the smaller scout first now after almost 3 years with it i feel ready for the chief and thanks to your video it was reaffirmed! Best regards from Germany and continued success with your channel too and your son seemed very likeable too :)

[@BikesILike]

Thank you so much!

[@tomedwards159]

Congrats, nice content.

[@BikesILike]

Thank you!

[@inout3513]

Love your videos and how you explain everything about your pride and joy...... I usually foamy cloth wash my bike, then go back oner it with a wet cloth to rinse to clear the dirty foam, one that's done I blow the water off with an air line...then polish and wax hope this helps....ps I never use any type of hose on my bikes....keep up the great content

[@BikesILike]

Thank you and thanks for the tips!

[@royz6872]

This is the first Indian that has tempted me away from my Harleys, lovely looking bike, like a modern dyna.

[@ichbins1226]

I own this bike an man i love it

[@HenOK389]

Looks like I missed it in the video, but how tall are you? Do you feel comfortable while riding this bike?

[@BikesILike]

6'1". I now own this bike and love it. Watch my later videos to see what changes I've made. ;)

[@yadd13]

I am 5’9 and weigh 75kg, not really a big guy, you think I can handle this bike ?

[@BikesILike]

Yes I reckon you can! Definitely get a test ride if you can to try it out.

[@Carlosization1]

Hi, I didn’t see a radiator? Is it not liquid cooled?

[@BikesILike]

Air and oil cooled Carlos.

[@howtheheliru]

Is this a chain drive or belt drive ?

[@BikesILike]

Belt drive

[@Carlosization1]

I’d never go back to air cooled. I’m very surprised they even make this. It’s contrary to the awesome performance gains on the Bobber for instance. Quite disappointing.

[@BikesILike]

I'm not finding the air cooling to be an issue on this bike and it's certainly not lacking in torque or power.

[@Bass.Player]

You would think this thing had 200 HP.

[@andregrastyan3403]

Surprised you are getting that bike. I tested it and it was very uncomfortable sitting position for me. I'm 5'10.5" high felt like It would be very tiring for a longer trip. Also the rear suspension is so much harder than the Rebel 1100cc. I felt every bump. But good luck with it. The weight and power ratio is a little bit out of wack on that Indian.

[@buy_da_dip8174]

The 6'3 guy looks goofy on it

[@BikesILike]

I think people put way too much emphasis on how they look on a bike. How you feel on the bike is way more important... Unless your just buying a bike to look cool?

[@buy_da_dip8174]

@@BikesILike look and comfort are related

[@inout3513]

Ride it like you stole it.....😮

[@BikesILike]

Not sure what you mean?

[@seethebutter]

Such a cool bike, thanks!

[@BikesILike]

Thanks John!

[@MightyMick88]

Great review, what is involved in a stage 1 upgrade, is it pipes and air filter or is there more to it?

[@BikesILike]

I believe stage 1 was slip on's and air filter but that's no longer available as an option in Australia. You can't do stage anything through Indian anymore.

[@MightyMick88]

Unbelievable??? Did you end buying a Chief? I did.

[@BikesILike]

@@MightyMick88 Yes! I'm now the proud owner of a Chief Dark Horse in Quartz Gray and I love it! Just had it's first service today! To see my latest videos on the Chief, click my avatar/face icon. ;)

[@MightyMick88]

Great, I hope to pick my bike up next week, I see that screen on your bike makes a difference are you happy with it?

[@BikesILike]

@@MightyMick88 Awesome! Yeah I really like the screen and it stays on all the time now. I have zero air pressure on my body with the screen but increased pressure on my helmet. It's a trade off. In lighter winds, I don't get buffeting, just a light flutter on the helmet but in stiffer head winds I get a stronger buffeting effect. It's not the sort of buffeting that pushes your head around but you can feel it. The relief that my body gets from the wind makes it all worth it though. Now that I have the quick release screen mounts installed, if I was going to do some serious touring I'd buy the Super Chief Screen and clip that on.

[@DM-ci2nn]

In this entire universe, there is no such thing as an impressive $25K motorcycle that's not allowed to go over 110 mph. Worm. 🖕

[@DM-ci2nn]

Drop gears, redline, then hit it, man, wtf. Until then, you aint reviewing shit, grandpa

[@BikesILike]

Very disrespectful :)