First out in the wild last year, the Springfireld Dark Horse was a solo saddle amalgamation of the mechanicals and stature of an Indian Springfield. It received subtle yet dark cosmetic changes to give it a stealth outlook while blacking out just about everything to showcase the menacing character of the epoch Springfield.

For 2019, the Springfield manufacturer will equip the Springfield Dark Horse with a fresh sleaze of technology under its belt that enhances riding experience to an all new level. New Ride-Enhancing Technology like ride modes, rear cylinder de-activation, and a few others. But the star of the show is what makes the Dark Horse rather sane. The White Smoke color option.

2019 Indian Springfield Dark Horse

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2019 Indian Springfield Dark Horse
  • Engine/Motor: Thunder Stroke® 111
  • Horsepower: 73
  • Torque: 102
  • Transmission: 6
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

STYLING

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Black Thunder

White Smoke


The Indian Springfield Dark Horse is a heavily kitted version of its stablemate, the Chief Dark Horse. That means, except for a long list of equipment, the Springfield is essentially the same motorcycle as the Chief Dark Horse. But those features are substantial enough to make you feel that this Springfield is an entirely different motorcycle from the Chief.

It still carries the Hiawatha headlamp and nacelle born in the 1960’s, a time when chrome ruled the streets. Except there isn’t any chrome there now. What you get is a dark themed matte finish that goes on all sides to put things blatantly into perspective. For 2019, however, Indian has given the Springfield Dark Horse a whole new character that contradicts its otherwise antagonist outlook. And they did that by just having the bike painted in White Smoke.

Giving the Dark Horse a softer appearance that equally showcases the magnanimous appeal of lust. The matte white paintjob sees the fenders, fuel tank, saddlebags and the side panels. For 2019, the paintjob boasts premium gloss black finishes on the engine’s primary, valve, and cam covers, push-rod tubes, as well as on the exhaust and saddlebag hinges.

Flanked at the front are the black fog lamps to match the humongous Hiawatha. This time, the machine will also receive remote-locking saddlebags, keyless ignition and tire pressure monitoring as standard.

It holds true to its pedigree with its design and makes it its purpose to let you ride in style. It offers a wealth of features to roll as one of the most badass V-twin on the market. The dash includes a main analog-digital unit along with a smaller analog fuel meter. The instrumentation also gets a black treatment along with the fuel cap. The saddlebags themselves will carry 22 lbs each and can be unmounted with a quick-release lever.

Talking of comfort, you can now lock and unlock the bags with a remote which also acts as a keyless ignition that will be a standard fitment. An automatic trunk release for you and a start-stop button. Fancy stuff. At the front, the fenders expose the 19” blacked out wheels which offer a nod to the Indian’s open fenders of the 20s’ and 30s’ era.

Overall Dimension

Make Model

2019 Indian Springfield Dark Horse

Harley Davidson Road King

Length

99.3 in

94.3 in

Width

39 in

38.1 in

Height

56.8 in

56.6 in

Wheelbase

67 in

64 in

Seat height

26 in

26.3

Wet weight

1385 lb

826 lb

Fuel capacity

5.5 gal

6 gal


POWERTRAIN

Indian has kept the old-school charm for this engine layout with its valvetrain geometry, head construction, and valve-cover design. But don’t get fooled because the inside story is an out-and-out modern mill

Designed from the ground up, the Thunder Stroke 111 engine does the job still with its 1811cc 490 V-Twin capable of belting out 73bhp of power and 102 lb.ft of torque. Enough torque to tear apart the tarmac and accelerate without breaking a sweat in every situation. It is both oil and air cooled and operates pretty smooth compared to the heavy throbbers around.

For 2019, Indian will equip this motor with Rear Cylinder Deactivation. This technology automatically deactivates the rear cylinder when the bike is at a standstill, resulting in less engine heat for improved comfort in slow-moving or stopped traffic. The rear cylinder instantly reactivates when the throttle is applied for a seamless transition to full power.

The engine breathes through a 54 mm throttle body and transmits power to a 6-speed gearbox through cable-actuated clutch having a relatively light pull. Power, like in all Indians, is always on tap and is delivered to the rear wheel via a belt-driven system. The forward foot controls are available on floorboard operations like the Springfield.

The transmission is set on the right-hand side of the right cam cover and multi-directional finned valve covers. You can even notice the downward firing exhaust outlets of the Six-Shooter that makes the Dark Horse roar like the God of Thunder.

Engine Specification

Make Model

2019 Indian Springfield Dark Horse

Harley Davidson Road King

Capacity cc

1811

1202

Bore/ Stroke mm

101/113

100/111

Output

73 bhp

78 bhp

Torque

102 lb.ft @ 3000 rpm

111.5 lb.ft @ 3250 rpm

Type

Thunder Stroke 111

Twin-Cooled Milwaukee-Eight 107

Clutch type

Wet- Multiplate

Wet- Multiplate

Transmission

6-speed

6-speed


RIDE AND HANDLING

Known for cruising comforts, the Springfield gets a well-supported solo saddle which will give you enough cushioning to ride on forever and not break your back. The seat is also positioned lower than many cruisers to accommodate shorter riders and make them feel like stars. Handlebar position is quite upright, and the floorboard will provide you with enough room to rest your feet the way you like to. The low slung stance can call for scraping the underbelly every time though.

The Dark Horse just falls into easy turns, but hairpins and u-turns can be quite tricky for those not used to the bike’s size or weight. 862 lbs of meat this one. The steering geometry of25 degree rake is engineered into a way to deliver responsive handling in any situation. The cast aluminum frame is lightweight yet exceptionally strong and provides the rider with excellent low-speed handling and confidence inspiring stability on the highways.

Suspension leverages are carried out by large 46 mm forks float the front end having 119 mm of travel, and the single rear pneumatic shock can be adjusted for load or preference with 114 mm of travel. To halt this 862 lbs monster, you need heavy performers, and hence dual four-pot calipers bind the front 300mm brake discs, and a twin-pot caliper binds the rear 300mm disc. ABS will come as standard, knowing which you can brake under control in any situation.

19-inch cast wheels running on 130/60B19 61H at the front and 16” 180/60R16 80H at the rear will give you precise feedback or rather no feedback. You will glide on these. Cruise control comes as a standard feature too. New features for 2019 include three ride modes (Tour, Standard or Sport) – selectable on the fly.

Chassis Specifications

Make Model

2019 Indian Springfield Dark Horse

Harley Davidson Road King

Suspension / Front

Telescopic Fork / 4.7″ (119 mm) – Cartridge Type Suspension

49 mm dual bending valve fork technology

Suspension / Rear

Single Shock w/Air adjust / 4.5 in (114 mm)

Emulsion shocks with hand adjustable pre-load

Brakes / Front

Dual / 300mm Floating Rotor / 4 Piston Caliper

Reflex Linked Brembo Dual 320 mm disc. Calliper: 32 mm, 4-piston fixed

Brakes / Rear

Single / 300mm Floating Rotor / 2 Piston Caliper / 1 Piston Calliper

Reflex Linked Brembo Dual 320 mm disc. Calliper: 32 mm, 4-piston fixed

Tyres / Front

Dunlop Elite 3 130/90B16 61H

BW 130/80B17 65H

Tyres / Rear

Dunlop Elite 3 Multi-Compound 180/60R16 80H

BW 180/65B16 81H


PRICE

The 2019 Indian Springfield Dark Horse will be available in a White Smoke option in addition to the original Thunder Black Smoke option. It will be priced at $21,499 for the Thunder Black ($500 ore than the 2018 model) and $21,999 for the all-sexy White Smoke.

Of course, Indian will give you a plethora of accessories to make it your own deal, and the list includes 300 different fitments to your Springfield Dark Horse.

Make Model

2019 Indian Springfield Dark Horse

Harley Davidson Road King

MSRP

$21,499 - $21,999

$ 18,999 - $21,399


COMPETITION

Coming from the same country once habited by the Red Indians is another touring brand, Harley Davidson. Synonymous to the Classic is the Road King. It is the ultimate retro-vintage bagger, turning heads with its classic styling and iconic panache. Whitewalls, spoked wheels, train-ish headlights, and leather bound saddlebag inserts. This is not a new meaning for ‘retro’, but it is very much the retro.

Harley-Davidson Road King

Longtime fans of the brand will recognize the influence of the old Duo-Glide circa 1958 and the FLH models that came after. It's the front end that sets the tone with massive, 49 mm forks made to look even fatter with chrome, “beer can” fork skirt and “Hiawatha” headlamp nacelle. Whisker-bar mounted passing lamps, and turn signals finish the forward lighting, and a large, “Detachable” windshield crowns the whole assembly.

The engine boasts of 94 bhp @ 5000 rpm of peak power and 111.4 pound-feet of torque at 3,250 rpm of torque enough to get you to a 60 mph faster than ever before. High flow airbox with 55mm throttle body lets the engine breathe better for making use of every ounce of power. Redesigned heat management system will improve rider and pillion comfort and keep your inner thighs cooler. The 107 gets retuned ride-by-wire system and more sensitive knock sensors for gaining all the torque on offer.

To get the maximum comfort, the blokes at Harley have given the King a wide set pullback handlebar that gives you a commanding position and making sure your muscles stay relaxed even after hours of riding at a stretch. You also get ergonomically designed hand controls that let your eyes concentrate on the job at hand or at the scenery around, whichever comes first. You will obviously get the two-up Road King seat which boasts of contemporary looks and performance—without sacrificing an ounce of nostalgic style. It is sculpted with a deep bucket and a narrow neck for that ultimate ride comfort which you always want to be seated on.

With the launch of the new Milwaukee Eight, a totally new re-engineered dual bending valve with beefy Showa Dual Bending Valve front forks front and rear suspension with easily-adjustable emulsion shocks. The rear abandons the air-adjustment shocks for the conventional spring loaded which can be adjusted with just a turn of a knob and bigger pins will give improved damping performance. Braking duties are given to Reflex linked brakes with ABS that turns a locked up front wheel or a rear wheel skid into a relic from riding’s history.

VERDICT

In a world where the likes of the Harley brand has domination of the custom bagger arena, this Springfield Dark Horse exudes quality, and as a result, poses the most serious threat and comes out as a winner of a battle. Polaris has once again got a pat on its back with an excellent job on this Indian. If you don’t wish to have a stellar black machine, Indian has made that possible this time around with the White Smoke option. And no one will judge you for that.

This black (or White if you wish) swagger of a machine is for Horsemen who ride solo without any inhibitions. The motorcycle, although designed to be a reminder of a compelling spiritual presence of a vintage era, takes on the vile of hell and gets high on it.

It is an epitome of luxury with everything on the face of the planet packed between two wheels. The decidedly retro looks will seamlessly fit into the lookout of a niche clientele wanting to splurge on something of a personified saga.