Ultimate Indian Challenger Dark Horse Review: What You Need to Know

[@rolandjosef7961]

The closest Indian dealer where I live is not too customer friendly. They would not entertain me to Test ride and just ignored me multiple times even after I engaged them. I like Indians a lot, but I went for HD and bought a 2022 Road Glide Special because I was treated nice.

[@MOTOBLADE]

Same reason I bought my first Indian. Local harley dealer where I lived in TN treated me like crap. Guys at Indian were the best and nicest folks you could ever work with. Dealership relationships are crucial to happy customers 👍🏻

[@MagWire8]

My wife and I want to move to TN some day! Appreciate the videos!

[@RoadKing187]

@@MOTOBLADE the only place to buy a Harley around the greater Tennessee area is Appletons in Clarksville. I’ve always heard great things about their customer service.

[@Bikerbug2020]

Wow you had a bad experience at an Indian dealer? That is terrible, too bad because the Indian has so many great features standard that cost so much extra on a Harley… For me I went to Harley to look at the Road Glide ST and couldn’t get the dealers to make a deal that I would be happy with, whereas the Indian dealer was willing to accommodate me and since that time they have reaped the rewards of accessory purchases. Harley lost out… Upcoming is a Lloydz tune and the Fox electronic shock.. looking for the higher HP and Torque.

[@Beastius24]

I live in Surrey, UK 🇬🇧. My Indian dealers are super friendly but so were the HD folks at Guildford. Unbelievable how some dealerships think they can afford mistreating customers. I feel lucky in this regard. Happy riding and thanks for the review chap

[@jasonbreedlove495]

And you show the reasons the challenger is so appealing, comfort and power for all of the riding. Great motorcycle and sweet review.

[@MOTOBLADE]

Thanks!

[@timp1051]

I was impressed how fast you were going in the corners. I didnt think a bike that size would take the twisties that easily.

[@MOTOBLADE]

It really rips. The handling was superb. My Chieftain will do it too, but not quite like the challenger. Challenger is just phenomenal.

[@Johnrider1234]

You should see the goldwing corner

[@tonydandrea4774]

After riding both, I'd hold a good argument that the Challenger handles better. That Fox Monoshock in the rear really does it justice. @@Johnrider1234

[@kylelee8685]

@@Johnrider1234 goldwing and bmw k

[@Scarr_Tunez]

After seeing this bike pop up on my feed I think ima get an Indian challenger darkhorse instead of a Harley road glide. I had no idea this was this bad ass

[@MOTOBLADE]

Welcome to the tribe ✌🏻😎

[@DelSolBaby]

I have 2023 Road Glide and I'm switching 💪🏻

[@MOTOBLADE]

@DelSolBaby welcome to the tribe 💪🏻🦅🦬🇺🇸

[@BrewTownBiker]

Klock werks windshield and Tab performance exhaust is about all you need, worked pretty well on my Bronze dark horse

[@MOTOBLADE]

New exhaust is kinda a "must" on most bikes in my opinion. I think a stage 1 kit on this would be awesome!

[@ChadGrimes]

If you plan on riding a passenger have them test that backrest. When I went to the demo my wife hated it. My friend bought it for his challenger and his wife hated it too, and it's expensive. That backrest is what eventually convinced me to get the Pursuit. Once you add a trunk to a Challenger it's almost as much as the Pursuit. I can fit both helmets with comms in it

[@MOTOBLADE]

I agree. I have the same trunk on my Chieftain and my passengers love it! I can get 2 full face helmets in with no issue.

[@ChadGrimes]

@@MOTOBLADE I think they might be the same, I wonder if it fits

[@douglasradowick508]

Hey Motoblade, great job on the presentation of the MC! This was done by the demonstration/explanation of how it works, the feel of the ride, and, the performance of the motor! The first upgrade-get a backrest for the driver/rider's seat! It's the one, very overlooked, upgrade that all riders don't think of getting-thinking it won't help them "eat up the miles on the road"! Do this and you'll "rat up more road miles" in comfort! The best investment you can do for a better cycling experience! 🏍️👍⭐⭐⭐🤓😁Doug

[@MOTOBLADE]

Thank you Doug! And yes, my Saddlemens were the best investments I ever made. I tripled my daily seat time without being sore by upgrading those seats.

[@SilverIndian]

You have a nice bike with nice engine...unless you make long trips why you wish to buy a Powerplus bike ? Chieftain is to enjoy places around you... Poweplus....is to go from A to B fast.. Different lifestyles.

[@MOTOBLADE]

I did 7200 miles around the country this summer in 2.5 weeks. Route 66. National parks. Videos are up on my channel. So my trips are longer. I like my chieftain, I just really like the new challenger. Both wonderful bikes

[@onlyhereonce7290]

A good video. To the point. And fun to watch. Good job !

[@MOTOBLADE]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@MrAndrew1953]

Very impressive bike and I enjoyed the review. I think it is the Dark Horse limited with the electronic adjustable screen and phone pocket /socket on the dash I enjoy. When it gets hot,it's nice to be able to lower the screen on the fly. No need to melt or die of heatstress.

[@jonathandelvalle1749]

This bike is insane..i want it..I'll get there one day

[@7thSentinel]

I still need to check out the new RevZilla store front. hope you come down to Jersey again at some point. Would be great to ride Bear mountain and hit up the roads by Highpoint state park with y'all

[@MOTOBLADE]

If I come down to Jersey that would be great! If you come to VT let me know too 😎✌🏼

[@MrLabanimal]

Great video especially from Lake George. Went from Challenger to Ultra Limited, now going back the Challenger. Ultra wasn’t a good fit. Getting extended reach search since I’m 6’8”, only downside is backrest not available from Indian for their extended reach. Not sure if aftermarket has them yet.

[@MOTOBLADE]

I believe Saddlemen has an extended reach (backrests are available for almost all their seats too). If they don't, I'm sure they would make it for you!

[@touchthebacon5447]

I'm between the Challenger and a Road Glide right now. It's going to come down to how they feel to ride. My closest indian dealer was really cool when I went down there and was just browsing as I need to pay off what I got now and was just bored one day and stopped in to see what's up. But my local Harley dealer felt kind of disconnected and not really caring if they had a potential customer, so I'm not to sure if I'll go back there and instead go to another dealer that's not to far out from me to test ride a Road Glide when I'm ready.

[@donaldsoncole3095]

Where do you out your ezpass transponder , I just don't know ?

[@bombaya85]

Are the locking mechanism on the storage compartments the same as the Chieftains? Because I`ve experienced that the plastic tap holding the lid broke, and heard of others having the same issue. Wish you happy decisions^^^,

[@MOTOBLADE]

To be honest, I don't know. Didn't pay that close attention to the lock mechanisms on the bags. I've never had any issues on my 2018 Chieftain bags, did that come about in later models as an issue?

[@bertpoisson4227]

Harley guy. Love the looks and everything about this bike. But why does it look like the windshield was an afterthought? Some shape to it would go a long ways!

[@MOTOBLADE]

It works well, but it has a slot to slide into, so it has to match the profile of the windshield up/down slot. I would've liked a flip up on top like a klockwerks shield though.

[@bertpoisson4227]

Great video btw

[@Ironboots123]

I’m patiently waiting for my DH BS to arrive….end of September.

[@MOTOBLADE]

Congrats on the new bike! The wait must be torture!

[@RILLAMAN84]

I just went to one of our dealerships here in Florida. I’ve test drove a base model earlier this year. I’ve never been on the Dark Horse yet. At the same time, THAT’S, the one that I actually want. I spoke to one of the salesman there. I just wanted to know just how long it would take to order one, if they ran out🤷🏽‍♂️. She was trying to get me to buy the one that was there 😂. Lord knows I would have LOVED to snatch the one that they had left. I can’t wait to own one 🙏🏽. Beautiful bike for sure.

[@MOTOBLADE]

Hold out for the one you want. If you're gonna do it do it right!

[@RILLAMAN84]

@@MOTOBLADE I definitely agree 👌🏽

[@rspielmann51]

I got the elite love it went from a 19 street glide with stage 3 the challenger will beat it and no 5k to get the power and torque. The only issues is the handle bars need to upgrade with bars that fit me. It’s a cruiser and very easy to handle got 2,500 miles on it and no regrets so far. The water cooled engine runs about 187 down interstate at 85mph and did go through down town Sturgis when it was 106 out and temp went to 211 no more burning my inner thighs

[@MOTOBLADE]

I was in Sturgis for that insane heat! I was coming in through the badlands the first Friday of the rally and it was pushing 111 degrees! My Chieftain never broke a sweat, but I sure did with the heat coming off. Considering this bike more and more due to the liquid cooling alone.

[@rspielmann51]

@@MOTOBLADE thank you

[@MrJo1340]

Gorgeous all around and best performance bagger out there. My only knock is that backrest looks awful. Also this confirms what I already know. Why would anyone waste their money on HD?

[@MOTOBLADE]

I prefer the trunk to the backrest on my Indian too. Looks better and my passengers have said it's more comfy.

[@MrJo1340]

@@MOTOBLADE The pursuit is about $6000 more.

[@leahbrettt]

Well done!! May be my next bike 👍

[@MOTOBLADE]

I'm hoping it's my next bike too! The Challenger Dark Horse is incredible. Indian knows their stuff!

[@christopherwilde6673]

In the market for my very first bike, and I’m thinking this is gonna be the one for me.

[@batsinthesky]

I'm having a hard time deciding if I want this bike or a 2022 indian pursuit dark horse Indian Pursuit Dark Horse Black. After watching this I'm thinking more towards the Challenger.

[@MOTOBLADE]

Can always add a trunk and leg fairings later. But the electronic adjustable suspension on the pursuit can't be added later. So that's really what it comes down to for me 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@batsinthesky]

@@MOTOBLADE thanks for the advice.

[@painsrides3616]

Thanks for the ride along 👍

[@spvimagery3527]

That’s a beautiful motorcycle.

[@MOTOBLADE]

Yes it is!

[@tonybattaglio4625]

wonder how it compares to a Gold Wing?

[@MOTOBLADE]

Have a full gold wing review on my channel as well. Next week I will be test riding all the new 2023 bikes and have new videos on both coming very, very soon!

[@tomhengel7244]

I think you'll be buying it... but personally your bike has personality you've done a lot to make it your own...

[@MOTOBLADE]

After riding my Chieftain out to Sturgis and back almost 5000 miles, I'm very attached to it. Hard choice to make. Chief Slapahoe has been a great bike to me!

[@sokodad]

Looks like it scoots pretty good

[@leftlegtrumpcard8152]

I can't decide if I want a chieftain or a challenger...its ruff

[@Valkyrie0307]

Will it be a touring bike or an around town bike? I have owned 2 Roadmasters, a Vintage and a Springfield. I now own the 2022 Challenger Limited. The Challenger is a game changer. It has virtually no vibration and is super smooth. I traded in a Springfield to get it. I'm glad I did.

[@leftlegtrumpcard8152]

@@Valkyrie0307 I'll run around town but I've got several 3 hour to 10 hour road trips planned with my wife. We like the looks of the Indian but wanna make sure we are comfortable for more than 2 hours.

[@Valkyrie0307]

@@leftlegtrumpcard8152 if it makes a difference, the saddlebags on the Challenger are bigger. I haven’t ridden the Chieftain equipped with the more “modern” fairing design so I can’t speak to the amount of wind you feel on that bike vs the Challenger or the classic Chieftain line (with the turn signals integrated into the fairing itself). I do like the idea of the frame mounted fairing over the batwing style especially on long rides and in windy conditions. You really can’t go wrong either way you decide. 👍🏼 Happy hunting.

[@MOTOBLADE]

For what it's worth, I rode my Chieftain Dark Horse (2018) with saddlebags and trunk out to Sturgis this year. Fantastic bike. Made the trip like a champ. I could see in some ways where the Challenger may have been slightly (and I mean slightly) nicer for the Journey, but I don't regret my Chieftain at all. Good luck on the decision. I'm sure you'll enjoy whatever you get. You can't go wrong with Indian!

[@leftlegtrumpcard8152]

@@MOTOBLADE thanks for the reply. I find myself leaning chieftain for looks and sound. I'd say I'm split 60/40 in favor of the chieftain

[@slaytanic921]

Indian had a demo event by me recently where they took you out as a group on the most boring ride I’ve ever been on.

[@MOTOBLADE]

Oof, sorry to hear that. More fun when you can actually ride the bike and see what it can do. Honda is the same way at americade. It’s a very pretty, but very boring/slow group ride. I understand why they do it, but I don’t think it helps them sell a bike. Hopefully my video gave you a better idea of what this machine can do!

[@likebikes302]

Great Bike! I almost bought one, put a deposit and all down, but went with a new Road Glide Special instead. Had they not thrown in a new suspension front and back Id be riding the Challenger instead.

[@MOTOBLADE]

There's still time to come to the dark side! We'll be waiting when you're ready to trade in :)

[@NewWitNip]

I would like to gift my son with a new bike; he works hard and is a great person

[@MOTOBLADE]

I’m sure he would love that!

[@ironwill4706]

Trading in my Softail slim s for this beautiful angel

[@davidknows3320]

The electronics are glitchy on mine to the point that it has become maddening. My windshield has stripped out, and now I am having an issue where the cam won't relieve compression on start causing the torque limiting clutch to slip. Best part is that it is intermittent. If the dealer doesn't replace the cams, its for sale. I've had about enough. Such a great bike, and my second Indian, but the aggravation that is coming from a 30K toy has just about one nail to go in the coffin.

[@kaseyatl75196]

What year do you have?

[@davidknows3320]

@@kaseyatl75196 2020 same problems as the 2021 and soon, the 2022s'

[@twistieslayer3592]

It appears to be good value for money.

[@MOTOBLADE]

One of the best, if not THE best I've ever seen or ridden!

[@CGB65]

Does the tank sticker come off?

[@MOTOBLADE]

Of course. Demo bike I couldn't touch it

[@jessemelton1257]

I want one

[@MOTOBLADE]

Me too!!

[@donlew8222]

I gotta stop looking at these vids. I know where I'm headed if I don't. If I only had a garage.

[@MOTOBLADE]

Come to the dark side. Join us. We have bike covers for the otherwise garageless :)

[@darrenlingerfelt5879]

👍👍

[@MOTOBLADE]

Thanks man!

[@royseleech3524]

I personally liked the Indians over the Harley

[@MOTOBLADE]

You and me both! And I own them both.

[@FreedomRider1982]

💯💯👍👍

[@MOTOBLADE]

Thanks man ✌🏻😎

[@sean8470]

Faster and cheaper than Harley... Harley does have the better paint though

[@MOTOBLADE]

Not anymore. That thing with the Indian paint quality was for 2 model years back prior to 2015. All good now.

[@Ironboots123]

No no no. No Saddleman seat! Those seats are not as good as the stock seat.

[@sean8470]

Backrest is too high

[@benjaminfishburn6114]

Rides like a Cadillac

[@jnaz3thirty1]

Lol@ipod

[@MOTOBLADE]

RIP iPod 🪦

[@TKinMB]

Ouch....next time leave yer purse at home before you test ride.

[@MOTOBLADE]

Lol what?

[@TKinMB]

@@MOTOBLADE Sorry but that holeshot was weak, didnt hear any rubber burnin.

[@MOTOBLADE]

@TKinMB 😂 alright that's fair, I promise I pulled harder on the test rides this year. Should have a new 23 challenger video soon. Hopefully that'll be more impressive 😅

[@TKinMB]

@@MOTOBLADE Sounds good.