I have a 2021 Chieftain Dark Horse Ghost Grey, absolutely love it, I've done 18000 miles since new, it gets lots of looks/ comments here in England, fantastic bike!
Having had 14 harleys, and now an Indian owner, I can say Indian have a more refined motorcycle. I did have a 2022 Pursuit Premium, and just traded up to a 2023 Chieftain Elite.. what an awesome bike.. Feel very connected with the bike, even more so than I did with the Pursuit.. Great review mate, From Australia 👍💨💨
Good video. As a 2018 Springfield Dark Horse owner, I really like the simplicity of the Springfield. I get on the motorcycle for relaxation and wind therapy. That's just me. The Chieftain is an amazing motorcycle.
I have the 2023 chieftain darkhorse in sagebrush green. Its an awesome bike. Put vance and hinds slip ons on and get a backrest and it's a perfect motorcycle.
Great in-depth review! I'm with you, 110% on the newer styling- I always want my styling to be closer to vintage/ Mid Century -vs- being contemporary. I covered this in several of my Roadmaster/ Chieftain videos filmed in the Rockies.
I owned a Chief Dark Horse before my 2018 Chieftain Dark Horse I own now. It had the even MORE classic clamshell front wheel fairing. I don't see why Indian has to do away with the classics to embrace this newer 'modern' trend. I'm sure they've run the numbers but I'm firmly in the classics camp.
I am taking delivery of a new 2023 Chieftain Dark Horse on 2nd Jan. I own 2 Harleys and thought a change would be nice. Great review, ride safe always.
Every so often I come back and watch this excellent review all over again. After I get this bike I’ll probably still come back and watch again 🤣😂 so much good in this bike it’s hard to look elsewhere.
As a senior rider (70plus) I bought a used Indian instead of piling up debt on a new purchase. My last ride was a 1969 Honda 450. I'm visually drawn to the tan leather on my 2014 Vintage and olde style look, but acknowledge security with locking hard bags a serious advantage on a chieftain. Would I go big & new with a Springfield, Chieftain, Challenger, or even a Pursuit? For now the Vintage suits me ok, but we'll see in another season or two. My bucket list rides includes the Mohawk Trail Massachusetts, White mts. of N.H., and a few more 100/200 mile loop rides., maybe even a few stay over Rides when the weather breaks in Spring of 2024. I'm just not ready to jump up to all that great, but for me unnecessary tech at the moment. I thank you for the ride review & test ride along. .
I’ve owned three different Thunderstroke bikes (15 RM, 17 Chieftain, and 18 RM), and now riding 20 Challenger. Completely two different rides. However I will be adding another bike to my stable soon. Just might be another TS, inline motor. Also all stock (non tuned) bikes are set at 110 MPH by Indian. Great review.
So let me start off by Thanking You for making or doing all of these tutorials on the Indian Motorcycles . When I started going to the Indian " Demo rides" I said.. what am i doing here ? I ride a HD street glide . After i took the Chieftain and the Challenger for a ride i knew why i was there. OMG could it really be true that i'd trade my HD on a Indian ? The answer is YES ! Even though the Chieftain is more like what i currently ride ,for me the Challenger will be my next purchase .( like in 10 days as of 2-19-2024) I do have a question for you MOTOBLADE ..Both the chieftain and Challenger have analog gauges but for the speedometers do they have a digital speedometer too ?Let me know . Listen Once again Thank You for making these videos / tutorials on these bikes . Great job and keep up the good work !
I’m so glad my videos could help! That’s what I’m here for! To answer your question, yes, they have a digital speedo as well. It’s on the ride command screens. And you can make custom screens with all the data you want as well, and place it where you want it. Very customizable. Hope that helps! (I own and ride a chieftain dark horse as well as a small Harley project bike). Welcome to the tribe brother! Happy to have you!💪🏻🇺🇸
I own a chieftain and have done a lot of test rides on challengers. Take a look around my channel, I guarantee I’ve got plenty of videos to help you with the decision! Thanks for watching :)
An excellent review. I like the classic style of the pre 2019 Chieftain and Roadmaster. Unfortunately, for me in 2021 the color I wanted wasn’t available. But I digress, you put a lot of effort into this video. And it shows. Good job. 🎉
Were you at Americade? Looks like Lake George entrance to the Northway. I was down there with my Springfield. I won't part with my Springfield, but I'm watching this cause I'm thinking of adding a Chieftain.
Great vid!! I am currently riding a Kawasaki Vulcan s 650, my first bike . It’s been 3years on it and it’s time to upgrade to something more comfy for two people on longer rides but still fun for when I just driving . Looking at the Indian chieftain or challenger, your recommendations would be appreciated. Thanks
Hi Richard! Not sure if you've been a subscriber of mine for a while, but if you have, maybe you've seen my videos on the Vulcan S. It was my first bike as well - and I upgraded for the exact same reason you are. Comfort and the need to carry two people (wives are an expensive hobby 🤣). You can't go wrong with EITHER bike. Some differences to highlight are air cooled + oil cooler on the Indian Chieftain, vs. liquid cooling on the Challenger. A LITTLE more power on the challenger. Biggest difference will be in ride handling. You have a fork mounted fairing on the chieftain, vs a frame mounted fairing on the challenger. The BEST thing I can recommend you do is test ride BOTH at an Indian dealer. If the dealership won't let you do a test ride - move along! Always go to a dealer that will allow you to test ride and compare. You'll usually know right away which one fits you better and feels best for you. Hope that helps! If you're on instagram shoot me a message, I'd love to talk more to someone doing the same upgrade I did! Ride safe and happy trails brother!
Nice review MotoBlade. Love the Chieftain Darkhorse!! Got to demo one back in late spring, an seriously considering adding one to the garage in the near future. How did you feel about the heat off the engine, since they added rear cylinder de-activation? I had read some other reviews about people complaining about that. I didn't notice it myself when I rode, but I probably did not ride the bike long enough in the demo to notice. I wonder if a tune or free flowing slip ons would help dissipate that.
I could tell a difference compared to my chieftain that was the model year before they added rear cylinder deactivation. It was a hot day on the test ride. Was nice not to have my legs roast. Don’t get me wrong they’re all hot, this one was just less hot 😂
It is fantastic. Talk to some other Indian riders besides me and you'll hear the same thing. We spend our time riding, not in the shop. My Harley has had far more problems in one bike then my 2 Indians have ever had. Never done anything more to my Indians than the oil and air filter changes and they are just chugging right along.
Why is the big 50s style front fender so limited? Is this Imdian responding to customers, or is it Indian decide to do so? I think it makes the bikes unique. Wonder if it fits across different models?
I moved fender lights between challenger and chieftain. So there has to be some similarity. The arc on the top of the fender was the same, so were the lighting hookups so that tells me there’s enough crossover in manufacturing and design it’s possible to order a fender as a “part” from another bike and add it. No guarantees but an Indian mechanic would probably know for sure.
Always like your Honest and professional short Reviews, 👏👍👍. can one still get or order the old fearing design, or does one would have to go after-market ...⁉️ Thanks for your input yeah I like them both depending on what they offer would say I lean towards the Indian a bit more. 😎🤙
Dirty bird concepts may have a fairing design available to mimic the older style chieftain. I don’t think you could place an older one on the newer bike as an oem part, due to the shape of the fairing pockets and design that hold the electronics in place up front.
I have the 2021 Chieftain DH in Icon Stealth Gray and didn't realize they made the Indian head light up on the fender for the 2023 model? He mentions his 2023 model lights up, does it?
I rode a 111 that had the stage 2 cams done. It was awesome. I would go for that. When I was actually looking at getting my chieftain, the dealership didn’t have one ready the day I walked in that I could test ride. But the owner of the dealer, Mr. Crockett, came out to the show floor and handed me the keys to his personal bike and said “go have fun, you’ll love it.” He had the 111 with stage 2 and it was so crisp in the throttle and so nice. That was real customer service. When I came back to the dealership from the ride, I said “get it for me in black” 😂
I own a chieftain and have plenty of cursing around videos on my channel that will give you a better idea of that. Sorry. Been yelled at more in the comments for not showing “speed” in my reviews that I’ve swung in that direction when doing these videos.
If you like everything else but the dash, I would suggest taking a look at the Indian Springfield. All the power and dark horse looks but without all the tech around you. A truer “riding experience” - got a video on it right here for ya: ua-cam.com/video/HX0Vvac9ce8/v-deo.htmlsi=XXmwOASFklehtCk3
The bike has a nice dash its a shame you can't show the bike that would have made for a nice review oh well just another review of handlebars and road ahead
With all due respect this is a worthless comment. You obviously did NOT watch the video. At 5:23 I hop off and perform a complete walk around of the bike showing all the features. My test ride videos include riding, covering features, and walking around to SHOW THE BIKE. Would do you well to watch the video before commenting nonsense like this. Sorry, not sorry.
Not sure what you're talking about, could be lag in the camera perhaps but it was quite responsive even while using gloves. Ride command on Indian has been perfected over the past couple years and it's the best you can get on the road.
first
Noice 👌🏻
@@MOTOBLADE thanks mate, you make the best bike reviews on YT, keep on
Thanks man! I appreciate it 💪🏻
I have a 2021 Chieftain Dark Horse Ghost Grey, absolutely love it, I've done 18000 miles since new, it gets lots of looks/ comments here in England, fantastic bike!
That’s awesome! See, those proud ungrateful colonials make good stuff 🇺🇸😂
@@MOTOBLADE 😂🤟
Having had 14 harleys, and now an Indian owner, I can say Indian have a more refined motorcycle. I did have a 2022 Pursuit Premium, and just traded up to a 2023 Chieftain Elite.. what an awesome bike.. Feel very connected with the bike, even more so than I did with the Pursuit..
Great review mate,
From Australia 👍💨💨
So you would recommend the Chieftain if I'm coming from a Harley?
@markmcintosh7095 yes. Definitely ...
Take one for a ride, and go for a mixed ride of local and highway. You won't be disappointed 😎💯
Good video. As a 2018 Springfield Dark Horse owner, I really like the simplicity of the Springfield. I get on the motorcycle for relaxation and wind therapy. That's just me. The Chieftain is an amazing motorcycle.
Springfield is a beautiful bike.
Love those Indian motorcycles!
They just keep getting better and better👍
Yes they do! Best bikes out there!
Tried both the Harley and Indian bikes, last year, wound up with a Road King Special. Beautiful bike and runs/handles like a dream.
I own an Indian and a Harley. All great bikes, as long as you love what you ride, that’s all that matters ✌🏻
I have the 2023 chieftain darkhorse in sagebrush green. Its an awesome bike. Put vance and hinds slip ons on and get a backrest and it's a perfect motorcycle.
Love my 2018 in Thunder Smoke Black. Backrest is a must and away we roll!
The older front end dose looks better then the new, good review👍
Thanks man ✌🏻
Great in-depth review! I'm with you, 110% on the newer styling- I always want my styling to be closer to vintage/ Mid Century -vs- being contemporary. I covered this in several of my Roadmaster/ Chieftain videos filmed in the Rockies.
I owned a Chief Dark Horse before my 2018 Chieftain Dark Horse I own now. It had the even MORE classic clamshell front wheel fairing. I don't see why Indian has to do away with the classics to embrace this newer 'modern' trend. I'm sure they've run the numbers but I'm firmly in the classics camp.
I was considering the sport chief but when I laid eyes on the chieftain dark horse I fell in love.
Join the club! That’s why I ended up with one 😎 started with the chief but couldn’t resist the chieftain.
I am taking delivery of a new 2023 Chieftain Dark Horse on 2nd Jan. I own 2 Harleys and thought a change would be nice. Great review, ride safe always.
Every so often I come back and watch this excellent review all over again. After I get this bike I’ll probably still come back and watch again 🤣😂 so much good in this bike it’s hard to look elsewhere.
Thank you so much for watching again! Repeat viewers/subscribers mean the world to me as I grow my channel :)
As a senior rider (70plus) I bought a used Indian instead of piling up debt on a new purchase. My last ride was a 1969 Honda 450. I'm visually drawn to the tan leather on my 2014 Vintage and olde style look, but acknowledge security with locking hard bags a serious advantage on a chieftain. Would I go big & new with a Springfield, Chieftain, Challenger, or even a Pursuit? For now the Vintage suits me ok, but we'll see in another season or two. My bucket list rides includes the Mohawk Trail Massachusetts, White mts. of N.H., and a few more 100/200 mile loop rides., maybe even a few stay over Rides when the weather breaks in Spring of 2024. I'm just not ready to jump up to all that great, but for me unnecessary tech at the moment. I thank you for the ride review & test ride along. .
I’ve owned three different Thunderstroke bikes (15 RM, 17 Chieftain, and 18 RM), and now riding 20 Challenger. Completely two different rides. However I will be adding another bike to my stable soon. Just might be another TS, inline motor. Also all stock (non tuned) bikes are set at 110 MPH by Indian. Great review.
So let me start off by Thanking You for making or doing all of these tutorials on the Indian Motorcycles . When I started going to the Indian " Demo rides" I said.. what am i doing here ? I ride a HD street glide . After i took the Chieftain and the Challenger for a ride i knew why i was there. OMG could it really be true that i'd trade my HD on a Indian ? The answer is YES ! Even though the Chieftain is more like what i currently ride ,for me the Challenger will be my next purchase .( like in 10 days as of 2-19-2024) I do have a question for you MOTOBLADE ..Both the chieftain and Challenger have analog gauges but for the speedometers do they have a digital speedometer too ?Let me know . Listen Once again Thank You for making these videos / tutorials on these bikes . Great job and keep up the good work !
I’m so glad my videos could help! That’s what I’m here for! To answer your question, yes, they have a digital speedo as well. It’s on the ride command screens. And you can make custom screens with all the data you want as well, and place it where you want it. Very customizable.
Hope that helps! (I own and ride a chieftain dark horse as well as a small Harley project bike). Welcome to the tribe brother! Happy to have you!💪🏻🇺🇸
currently have a 2023 scout rogue in matte black. LOVE IT!!!! in 2025 I'm looking for either a chieftain or a challenger. Some homework to do.
I own a chieftain and have done a lot of test rides on challengers. Take a look around my channel, I guarantee I’ve got plenty of videos to help you with the decision! Thanks for watching :)
The fairing is actually like the Victory Magnum X-1. I like it better than the old style
Had not thought about that but now that you mention it I can see the ‘victory’ in the design. Good eye!
I wish they had a bigger dealer network. The closest dealer is 100 miles and most of it is heavy traffic. Other wise I would own one.
An excellent review. I like the classic style of the pre 2019 Chieftain and Roadmaster. Unfortunately, for me in 2021 the color I wanted wasn’t available. But I digress, you put a lot of effort into this video. And it shows. Good job. 🎉
Thank you! I appreciate that ✌🏻
The old look is the way. Classic styling.
Yes sir!
Were you at Americade? Looks like Lake George entrance to the Northway. I was down there with my Springfield. I won't part with my Springfield, but I'm watching this cause I'm thinking of adding a Chieftain.
Shoot most of my test ride videos at Americade each year!
Great vid!! I am currently riding a Kawasaki Vulcan s 650, my first bike . It’s been 3years on it and it’s time to upgrade to something more comfy for two people on longer rides but still fun for when I just driving . Looking at the Indian chieftain or challenger, your recommendations would be appreciated. Thanks
Hi Richard! Not sure if you've been a subscriber of mine for a while, but if you have, maybe you've seen my videos on the Vulcan S. It was my first bike as well - and I upgraded for the exact same reason you are. Comfort and the need to carry two people (wives are an expensive hobby 🤣). You can't go wrong with EITHER bike. Some differences to highlight are air cooled + oil cooler on the Indian Chieftain, vs. liquid cooling on the Challenger. A LITTLE more power on the challenger. Biggest difference will be in ride handling. You have a fork mounted fairing on the chieftain, vs a frame mounted fairing on the challenger. The BEST thing I can recommend you do is test ride BOTH at an Indian dealer. If the dealership won't let you do a test ride - move along! Always go to a dealer that will allow you to test ride and compare. You'll usually know right away which one fits you better and feels best for you. Hope that helps! If you're on instagram shoot me a message, I'd love to talk more to someone doing the same upgrade I did! Ride safe and happy trails brother!
Nice review MotoBlade. Love the Chieftain Darkhorse!! Got to demo one back in late spring, an seriously considering adding one to the garage in the near future. How did you feel about the heat off the engine, since they added rear cylinder de-activation? I had read some other reviews about people complaining about that. I didn't notice it myself when I rode, but I probably did not ride the bike long enough in the demo to notice. I wonder if a tune or free flowing slip ons would help dissipate that.
I could tell a difference compared to my chieftain that was the model year before they added rear cylinder deactivation. It was a hot day on the test ride. Was nice not to have my legs roast. Don’t get me wrong they’re all hot, this one was just less hot 😂
Saw a black one with j and h exhaust, 2023, 100miles, 31k, need it haha
Sounds awesome!
Love your reviews!
Question: how is the reliability of Indians generally, especially the touring ones?
Thanks 😋
It is fantastic. Talk to some other Indian riders besides me and you'll hear the same thing. We spend our time riding, not in the shop. My Harley has had far more problems in one bike then my 2 Indians have ever had. Never done anything more to my Indians than the oil and air filter changes and they are just chugging right along.
Good review. Nice scenery.
Thank you!
Why is the big 50s style front fender so limited? Is this Imdian responding to customers, or is it Indian decide to do so? I think it makes the bikes unique. Wonder if it fits across different models?
I moved fender lights between challenger and chieftain. So there has to be some similarity. The arc on the top of the fender was the same, so were the lighting hookups so that tells me there’s enough crossover in manufacturing and design it’s possible to order a fender as a “part” from another bike and add it. No guarantees but an Indian mechanic would probably know for sure.
I have this bike in Black Smoke. The fender Indian ornament does not light up stock. You have to buy additional parts. Huge fail on Indian's end.
How much do the parts cost to get it to light up?
It's better to light up the rear tire.
Looks like a cross between E.T. and the movie Short Circuit.
Always like your Honest and professional short Reviews, 👏👍👍.
can one still get or order the old fearing design, or does one would have to go after-market ...⁉️
Thanks for your input yeah I like them both depending on what they offer would say I lean towards the Indian a bit more. 😎🤙
Dirty bird concepts may have a fairing design available to mimic the older style chieftain. I don’t think you could place an older one on the newer bike as an oem part, due to the shape of the fairing pockets and design that hold the electronics in place up front.
@@MOTOBLADE thanks for info ‼️
Ride like the Wind let The Holy Spirit carry you (ride Safe)
brother 👍‼️
🙏❗😎🤙
So it does GPS directions as well. So I wanted to go somewhere. I can program it into it and hit it and hit it in the directions.
Yes
I have the 2021 Chieftain DH in Icon Stealth Gray and didn't realize they made the Indian head light up on the fender for the 2023 model? He mentions his 2023 model lights up, does it?
Plug in is for battery tender.
Nice video keep up the good work
Thank you!
Price per pound you get more with an Indian, definitely way more comfortable than HD. Hell even the floor boards are roomy.
They are roomy! Don’t feel like your feet are hanging off the edge if you stretch your legs out wide!
Great review!
Thank you!
@@MOTOBLADE Just bought a 23 Chieftain myself!
slow turn radius Indian vs Harley?
Great review
Thank you! I appreciate that!
flash and cam change dont need 116 upgrade..
I rode a 111 that had the stage 2 cams done. It was awesome. I would go for that. When I was actually looking at getting my chieftain, the dealership didn’t have one ready the day I walked in that I could test ride. But the owner of the dealer, Mr. Crockett, came out to the show floor and handed me the keys to his personal bike and said “go have fun, you’ll love it.” He had the 111 with stage 2 and it was so crisp in the throttle and so nice. That was real customer service. When I came back to the dealership from the ride, I said “get it for me in black” 😂
At 70 why dont you have it the last gear. Id like to see what regular cruising is like.
I own a chieftain and have plenty of cursing around videos on my channel that will give you a better idea of that. Sorry. Been yelled at more in the comments for not showing “speed” in my reviews that I’ve swung in that direction when doing these videos.
@@MOTOBLADE Good review. I'll check out your other videos.
Thank you
I have the 2018 Indian Chieftain Limited. Sure the new ones have more features but not liking the new look.
Nice vid dude. Thanks for posting. I love this bike, i just wish it had more hp. The look to me is gorgeous.
They have stage kits for the engine to milk more power out of it if you’re feeling the need for speed 😎
If they offer this bike in white for the '24 model year I'm going to be broke.
I love the old smoke white with metal flake they used to have for dark horse packages. Looked so good in the light.
I’ve always enjoyed your reviews but sorry I ride a HD ride safe
I ride a Harley too :) I have them both. Like them both. But I always prefer my Indian.
Apparently you're here because you're thinking of switching to an Indian.
Inner fairing looks like something from bugs life.
It’s an Indian - that’s the ‘great spirit’ watching you 🧿🪲🧿
@@MOTOBLADE 😂
😍🇹🇭
I don’t think I like the dashboard on this bike. Looks like some weird version of ET.
If you like everything else but the dash, I would suggest taking a look at the Indian Springfield. All the power and dark horse looks but without all the tech around you. A truer “riding experience” - got a video on it right here for ya: ua-cam.com/video/HX0Vvac9ce8/v-deo.htmlsi=XXmwOASFklehtCk3
@@MOTOBLADE OK thanks for the follow up information. I’m gonna watch your video right now.
The bike has a nice dash its a shame you can't show the bike that would have made for a nice review oh well just another review of handlebars and road ahead
With all due respect this is a worthless comment. You obviously did NOT watch the video. At 5:23 I hop off and perform a complete walk around of the bike showing all the features. My test ride videos include riding, covering features, and walking around to SHOW THE BIKE. Would do you well to watch the video before commenting nonsense like this. Sorry, not sorry.
That LCD is sloooow. It's like swiping on an Android from 10 years ago. Tech on bikes is always a bad idea.
Not sure what you're talking about, could be lag in the camera perhaps but it was quite responsive even while using gloves. Ride command on Indian has been perfected over the past couple years and it's the best you can get on the road.