Indian Chieftain vs Indian Chieftain Dark Horse
Side-by-side comparison for used motorcycle buyers
Indian Chieftain vs Indian Chieftain Dark Horse. Indian Chieftain: 78 hp @ 4,600 rpm (Thunder Stroke 111; note: Indian rates torque over peak hp) hp, 379 kg (wet/curb weight) weight, top speed 185 km/h, Motoryk rating 8.0/10. Indian Chieftain Dark Horse: 78 hp @ 4,800 rpm (Thunder Stroke 116; note: Indian rates by torque — hp is estimated) hp, 390 kg (wet/curb weight) weight, top speed 185 km/h (estimated), Motoryk rating 8.5/10.
Performance at a Glance
Green = winner per metric · Bars are relative to the higher value
Indian Chieftain
Indian Chieftain Dark Horse
Horsepower (hp)
78 hp
78 hp
Torque (Nm)
139 Nm
161 Nm
Top Speed (km/h)
185 km/h
185 km/h
Weight (kg) — lower is better
379 kg
390 kg
Type
Cruiser
Cruiser
Horsepower
78 hp @ 4,600 rpm (Thunder Stroke 111; note: Indian rates torque over peak hp)
78 hp @ 4,800 rpm (Thunder Stroke 116; note: Indian rates by torque — hp is estimated)
Torque
139 Nm @ 2,900 rpm (Thunder Stroke 111)
161 Nm @ 3,000 rpm
Top Speed
185 km/h
185 km/h (estimated)
Weight
379 kg (wet/curb weight)
390 kg (wet/curb weight)
Fuel
6.5 L/100km (approx. 15.4 km/L, typical real-world average)
6.5 L/100km (approx. 15.4 km/L) — estimated real-world average
Fairing
Yes
Yes
Individual Reviews
Indian Chieftain
8.0/10
"A genuine Harley alternative that rewards buyers who do their homework."
Pros
+Thunderstroke engine genuinely reliable
+Fairing comfort class-leading
+Strong resale value holds
Cons
−Dealer network still patchy
−Heavy below 5mph maneuvering
−Early models had electrical issues
Indian Chieftain Dark Horse
8.5/10
"A genuinely accomplished touring bagger that embarrasses its asking price used."
Pros
+Thunder Stroke torque is immense
+Cornering ABS works brilliantly
+Premium fit and finish throughout
Cons
−Suspension too soft for sport
−Thinner dealer network than Harley
−Heavy, punishing in slow traffic
Top 10 Accessories
Picks that work on either bike.
