Ultimate Test Ride: Indian Springfield Dark Horse 2023 - First Impressions & Full Review | MOTOBLADE
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- Опубліковано 3 лип 2024
- Experience the thrill of the 2023 Indian Springfield Dark Horse in our latest test ride review. Join us as we explore every aspect of this classic cruiser, from its powerful 116 Thunderstroke Engine to its stylish mini apes and spacious locking saddlebags. Whether planning a cross-country tour or a city ride, this bike promises comfort and performance.
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⏰Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction and Overview
00:14 - Design and Aesthetics
01:11 - Comfort and Seating Features
02:08 - Engine Performance
07:25 - Handling and Riding Dynamics
10:40 - Conclusions and Viewer Engagement
This video is about Ultimate Test Ride: Indian Springfield Dark Horse 2023 - First Impressions & Full Review. But It also covers the following topics:
Cruiser Motorcycle Tips
Luxury Cruiser Review
Cruiser Bike Accessories
Video Title: Ultimate Test Ride: Indian Springfield Dark Horse 2023 - First Impressions & Full Review | MOTOBLADE
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Indian Chieftain Dark Horse
Previous:
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Indian Chief Dark Horse
Kawasaki Vulcan S
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#indianspringfield #springfielddarkhorse #motorcyclereview #2023motorcycles #biketouring #cruiserlife
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Thank you for the most awesome review videos on the internet.
You're welcome! Thank you for the compliment, it means a lot to me that you guys like my videos :)
Personally this is my favorite bike in indians lineup right now. I like the big touring bikes but even on long rides theres just something special about the classic style bikes.
I agree. I like my sound system and windshield on the chieftain, but there’s something free and pure about handlebars in the wind and the road in front of you. Reminds me of my old Indian Chief.
I bought the Springfield dark horse, and I love the styling, handling, and power. I love this machine!
It’s an amazing bike! Welcome to the Indian tribe brother ✌🏻
I love the look of the Springfield Darkhorse and if they have an option for a quick release windshield I think that would be great to offset having to fight wind and fatigue on long trips. Definitely the bike I would love to have for the styling.
They do have a quick release windshield. Just like I had on my old chief. Fun to ride without it most of the time, but if you’re going to do a lot of highway miles on a long road trip, very nice to have.
I rode that exact bike (or one setup like that with the paint and trunk) on a demo day in Virginia. I loved it. My wife prefers the bigger trunk and I can't blame her. Most of the time I would be solo riding so that setup would be perfect for me.
It’s an amazing bike. I own a Chieftain Dark Horse and I’ve considered this more a more “pure” riding experience. No windshield, no sound system or gps, just you and the road.
I have that exact bike (minus trunk and add stage 1 with TAB exhaust and Dynojet PV3) and absolutely love it! Traded in a Scout Bobber Icon in March. Also put the Indian windshield and it's a Caddillac now. Good friend of mine has a Softail and people damn near trip over themselves walking past the Harley to come compliment the Springfield so much that it's a running joke between us.
Oh I know the feeling. So much fun to go to Harley dealers bike nights and everyone couldn’t care less about the Harley’s. They all want to ask me about Chief Slapahoe 😂
Love those Indian motorcycles!
They just keep getting better and better👍
Oh yes they do!!! The tribe is on the move 💪🏻
Just an amazing video. So so cool. Thanks for taking us along.
That’s my job! Thanks for watching 😁
I think Indian made the right decision by axing the old chief and making the new Chief model, however theres some models that shouldve carried over to the Springfield. Loke what was the Chief Classic, and Chief Vintage, should've became the Springfield Classic and Vintage models imho
I miss the full front wheel fairing of the old chief like my 2015 chief dark horse had. That clamshell fairing was classic
I keep leaning towards the Springfield! Just a hands down good looking bike.
As you can see from my profile pic, I have a SDH. I LOVE THIS BIKE!! It's a 2022. I agree that they should put the same gauge/info cluster/Ride Command that the Chief has in the SDH. I'm GLAD they didn't do it for 2023, because I would have been REALLY tempted to upgrade, just a few months after purchasing mine. The only difference between the '22 and the '23 is the headlight, which I changed out out anyway. After 8 months, I still have the stock seat and I don't see a need to change it out. It's just fine. Loved the review!
Good to hear from an owner of this bike! It’s an awesome ride. Tempted to get my own if they put that digital gauge in. Ride safe brother ✌🏻
I purchased a 2020 Chieftain Darkhorse back in 2020.I found the stock bars and stock seat suited me to the tee no complaints what so ever
Great to hear from another Indian owner✌🏻
I need chrome, so I bought the Springfield Classic. Beautiful to look at, and Beautiful to ride. I'm 6'2".
That’s a good looking bike!
I'm 6'!" and wondering how the springfield classic has been treating you since you've owned it. It really is the best looking bike out there!!
I see there's no facility to fit a screen like the early Springfield's had, not into the blacked out look but still a awesome bike, good review👌
They do offer it in different colors. I just prefer the dark horse variant like my chieftain.
Appreciate the walkthrough! I’m still debating on whether I want to hold out for the infotainment as you suggested. I agree that it would be a great addition and probably one of the only things I would change about the current set-up
Bike is perfect as a bike. Just a preference for tech/no tech. But the bike itself is just flawless
You really do nice reviews. I own a Victory Vision Tour. I am also pretty tall at over 6" 4" and about 270lbs. I like the simplicity of the Springfield line and the ability to ride without a windshield on short trips without it in good weather. I also tend to carry a lot of gear with me, so the small trunk is a no-no. My inseam is only around 32" so the Mini apes would probably work well as I naturally sit higher. I sat on one at our local dealership and really liked it. Would I sell my Vision--no way, but for me this would be a second bike and a great commuter, daily rider.
I own the scout bobber twenty. The springfield looks awsome. I like the colour! Thanks for the Video. Greetings from Germany!
Sorry I missed your comment! Thanks for watching over there! 🇺🇸
Love this one! Again, a great review, you do very good work my friend, every week, i just can't wait for your videos to show up! Have a good one a ride safe!😎✌
Thank you sir! I appreciate you watching every week. We've been washed out for a week down here, hope to get back out riding this week.
@@MOTOBLADE Yeah exact same here, going for almost 2 weeks, bike is sleeping in the garage, we where lucky, didn’t get flooded like in Montreal which is 10 minutes from my place, but still a lot of rain and water everywhere, and a lot of wind damages, broken tree’s and all…Lets hope our season keeps going until December! Have a great one buddy!
Another great review. Like the cut down trunk. Not enough room but looks bad ass.
I agree. Looks good, but I carry wayyy too much crap with me to fit it all in that trunk. Benefit of the larger trunk is I can get 2 full size helmets in there.
@@MOTOBLADE I planned on ordering the low trunk for my 19 chieftain Darkhorse until I had a chance to see in in person - other than looks it is worthless to me. Went full-size .
Love the Springfield and ya did a great job on the video I think I've narrowed it down to the Springfield or the Chieftain!!!
I’ve got a brand new video up (posted it Sunday) on the new Chieftain and I will have one up on the new spring field in a couple weeks. Hope that helps! Good luck on the new bike. Can’t go wrong with either!
I had a 2020 Springfield, then traded-in for a Street Glide Special w/infotainment (which I never used) and then traded-in the SG for a 2023 Springfield. This last trade-in set me back about $2,000, but now I have content. The Indian Springfield is much more comfortable and that alone with the classic look is what puts a smile on my face. Happy riding everyone!
Welcome back to the tribe brother ✌🏻 happy you love your Indian Springfield so much. It would be my second bike if my bank account wouldn’t laugh at me 😂
I'm going to a demo event in two days. I am absolutely riding one of these. They look great, they're easily affordable and with a set of lloydz 585 cams they wake up big time. I own a hot rodded victory cruiser and a K1600B. Indian has done something right if this beauty has caught my eye. Good review as well.
They’re spectacular bikes. Hope you enjoy the ride!
Great bike, great review!
Thank you! ✌🏻
Absolutely Spectacular bike!!
Yessir!
Took it to the limiter on a test ride. Ballsy. I like ballsy....subbed lol.
I don’t know how I missed this comment 😂 Thanks for the sub! I appreciate it! Ride it like you stole it!
Put a batwing fairing on it and itll look really clean
I think like you the Springfield can be a classic hard to find middle of the road type of thing.
I AM still a fan of higher gauges some sort if traditional style mix with some modern electronics like temp, oil, etc. Not on the fuel tank like your suggestion on that part keep it as traditional as possible.
To me if it's a bagger definitely the biges trunk for it otherwise don't have one. Live plain, would like to have an optional add on screen and I tend to favor Chrome 1/2 & 1)2 Imho. 😎🤙
There is an option for a quick release windshield. But with most Indian aftermarket items, it is VERY pricey!
Springfield definitely is a forgotten child but it serves a nice niche. The Super Chief is not the direct competitor to the Heritage that Indian intended.
Springfield is really the only “classic” looking Indian left in the lineup in my opinion. Hope they never get rid of it.
Great review. Just wondering, was that a stock exhaust on the bike? To me, it sounded pretty good for stock, if it was. Thanks for the review.
They MAY be stock pipes. The stock pipes were definitely louder than what I expected, but I changed mine out for Rinehart Racing pipes.
Sorry I missed your comment, UA-cam wasn’t showing me all comments for a while for some reason 🤷🏼♂️ to answer your question, yes those were stock pipes. Indians exhaust always sounds really nice. They spend time actually making their stock exhausts sound acoustically pleasant (they have a name for it and I can’t remember what they called it). Sorry again for the late reply! Thanks for watching!!
Has anyone been a Harley guy for years, made the jump to Indian and regretted it? I currently have a 07 dyna wide glide. I am debating this springfield dark horse and a road king special.
For what it’s worth. I own both a Harley and an Indian. I like both for different reasons, but for absolute quality and comfort and just ‘a cut above’ - my Indian wins. I don’t have a Springfield, but I have a chieftain with the same dark horse package. Hope that helps! Need some more Harley owners to chime in here too.
@@MOTOBLADE Thanks for the response. I guess I'm just stuck in my ways and and just always been around Harleys my whole life a d never really been on anything else. Once I rode a Honda shadow and I absolutely HATED it. So with that being my only non Harley experience, it makes me cautious. I'm going to try and schedule a test ride soon
@@Jgmoya1989 best thing you can do is ride one for yourself. My first dealership after the MSF course was Honda and they wanted nothing to do with me. Then I went to Indian and they treated me like family. But no matter who you go with make sure you ride it for yourself! You’ll know almost immediately if it fits you right or not.
A review that could be awesome was ruined by NOT talking about suspension so in my book it’s just an overview… I own a Road King Special and test rode the Springfield DH a few months back and it feels like riding in the clouds. It’s a little laggy to respond on the throttle input but I didn’t dare ride it on sport lol. Now with that being said I also own a GSA and again the suspension on the DH Springfield is if not better I’d say very very close to the ESA in the Beemer. Great video besides the above comment. Thanks for sharing ride safe from balmy Arizona 🌵🌵🌵🫡🇺🇸
Thanks for the feedback! I appreciate it. I will be sure to mention suspension in future reviews. You’re absolutely right, it is like riding on a cloud compared to other bikes out there. There’s always upgrades available for any bike but to have this so comfortable STOCK is amazing. All of Indians touring lineup is like that. Thanks again for the helpful criticism. Will help me with future reviews!
@@MOTOBLADE we are ALL a community that tries to better each other as far as bikes go… Imagine if we were doing that on a broader scale how awesome we would become..!🫡🇺🇸🌵
@@MRGS48 America could use some of that right now! We seem to be a house divided everywhere you look.
@@MOTOBLADE truth!
Springfield would be my second bike if i could afford to have two
My bank account just said “no” when I tried to look 👀
Thinking of buying one in March or april
Your time has come. Join the dark side brother. We will welcome you to the tribe 🇺🇸🦅🪶
Thanks for the vid. How is this for tall riders? I'm 6'3 260 lbs and am pretty new to the motorcycle scene
@@high_commando the tall bars will make it a lot nicer for you. Won’t feel hunched over. You can get an extended reach seat for it if you feel you need to, but take a test ride at your nearest Indian dealer and try it for yourself! You’ll know pretty quick if it feels right for you. I’m about 5 inches shorter than you so I can’t give you a perfect idea, best thing you can do is go sit on one :)
@@MOTOBLADE thanks so much for the suggestion man!
@@high_commando Of course! I hope you end up on the perfect bike for you - all that matters is that you get out and ride! Be safe and have fun brother ✌🏼
Looks very cool, other than that I’ll take my Pursuit all day everyday.
Awwww man I don’t want to hear from you 😂😂 You got the king of Indians lineup, I’m jealous!!
Not sure if it's true but i heard they set the max speed just below when they lose integrity
Not true, I just found out later they limit the demo bikes. Easily unlocked with a digital interface for the bike computer. Guess what I’m doing to my chieftain next 👀😂
Great review!!, im in my early 30s, and I am mad because Indian changed the look of the bikes, I have no idea why. Back in 2015 2016 the normal chiefs looked classic now they look like crap, what were they thinking?, at least the scout looks the same, i cant afford a Springfield or I would get one, I dont like tech, I dont like drive by wire, I will be moving abroad,if the bike had no TECH in it i would bring it with me and work on it myself, but since there is Sh**** TECH i am going to have to get something different. I dont think there are any Indian dealers or service centers where i am going, they had it right in the 1930s and earlier, the Indian 4 was great the 1917 power plus was great, why change what works? no computers in those, there are power pluses still going strong with no restoration, and just regular care.
I had a 2015 Chief and now a 2018 Chieftain. Glad I got the classic look while it was still there. Of course you can always look for a used 2015/16 Chief and save some money. But I get it. Used to be able to work on a bike yourself with some good old school mechanical know -how. Now you have to have a computer science degree to adjust the blinker fluid 😂
For a bike this expensive, they should really at least put on the 4" ride command. I get it is a "look" but it is a little ridiculous.
Agreed! They should at least make it an option. I know plenty of people that want the classic “no-tech” pure riding style and that’s totally cool, but it can’t be that difficult to make it a plug and play upgrade or option to switch out a gauge.
I don't like the plastic around the headlight, it looks cheap. Should be metal or carbon fiber imo.
Stock seats leave a lot to be desired I’ve changed the seat on my last 5 bikes Mustang,Corbin and Ultimate , the styling department must have been on strike on this model
Amazing review. One observation though, for safety, don’t take your hands off the handles. I was watching this with my kids and kept making comments on that. It’s just not safe
Fair point. I will keep that in mind
110 is slow
They capped the demo bikes for safety. Easily unlocked on the bike computer by your dealer
He says, “Man that engine sounds SO good.”, and my first thought was, “Yeah, like a lawnmower.” 😂 I don’t know what it is, but there is something about the way the Indian bikes sound that I just don’t like. There’s a whine….