Indian Chieftain Dark Horse - Surrender To Darkness

Here is one more attractive Indian ready to be witch the Indian motorcycle cognoscenti.

- Ravi Chandnani

INDIAN Motorcycle’s Chieftain Dark Horse seems like a mythical creature as it wears a cloak that creates the illusion of a traditional cruising machine. Under that retro skin, however, lies modern engineering. The wizardry of its gadgetry is commendable but the real magic lies in what this beast from the “land of the free and home of the brave” does when it is in motion. We spent a day with this dark horse just to realise that there is more than what meets the eye.

Just a single glance is enough to enlighten one about the name of this motorcycle. Black/grey or dark, as Indian like it, is the main theme that dominates every inch of the Dark Horse. The familiar silhouette with matte black scheme totally knocks it out of the park. I was mesmerised by the quality of paint on the bike. The finish is immaculate and the detailing echoes finesse. Of course, the stance of the bike is low and long, fairly traditional cruiser style, and why not, since it is based on the standard Chieftain. But there are modern bits that are cleverly hidden in the classic garb. Elements such as the 1950s-style dashboard, which ideally should be fitted in a car rather than a bike, hides a small digital display in the instrument console for stuff like trip computer, a clock, temperature, engine oil level, real time range, gear position and Bluetooth status. Yes, the Dark Horse comes with Bluetooth connection, an FM radio and superb 100W music system with dual speakers — I told you, this dashboard belongs in a car.