2026 Indian Chieftain Dark Horse Review

2026 Indian Chieftain Dark Horse
2026 Indian Chieftain Dark Horse offers premium black finishes, a sleek fairing, saddlebags, gunfighter style seat and custom-inspired look.
ReviewKey FeaturesFeatures & BenefitsSpecifications

2026 Indian Chieftain Dark Horse 2026 Indian Chieftain Dark Horse 2026 Indian Chieftain Dark Horse 2026 Indian Chieftain Dark Horse 2026 Indian Chieftain Dark Horse

2026 Indian Chieftain Dark Horse: TURN THE DAY DARK.

Reviewing 2026 Indian Chieftain Dark Horse…

COMPACT / AGILE / AGGRESSIVE

Thoroughly modern and entirely capable, the Chieftain is comfortable, compact, and agile – ready to carve turns or take a three-day ride.
• Premium black finishes, a sleek fairing, saddlebags, and gunfighter style seat deliver a commanding presence. Custom-inspired look.
• Low seat height, ergonomically-designed controls and a lightweight cast aluminum frame come together for responsive handling and agile cornering.
• With the push of a handlebar-mounted button, this windshield will raise or lower to your preferred position for optimal airflow.
• Keep your cargo protected from the elements with 18+ gallons o f weatherproof storage in power-locking saddlebags.

 

 

 

2026 Indian Chieftain Dark Horse Totalmotorcycle.com Key Features

  • Blacked-out Style
  • Fork Mounted Fairing
  • Power Adjustable Windshield
  • 3 Ride Modes: Tour / Standard / Sport
  • 7-Inch Touchscreen
  • Remote Locking Saddlebags
  • Cruise Control
  • USB Charging
  • LED Lighting
  • ABS Brakes
  • ENGINE 116 CU-IN
  • WEIGHT 820 LBS
  • TORQUE 126 FT-LBS
  • PEAK TORQUE 2,900 RPM
  • AUDIO 100 WATTS

 

 

INDIAN MOTORCYCLE ROLLS OUT 2026 LINEUP WITH NEW SPORT SCOUT RT, FRESH PAINT & ALL-NEW ACCESSORIES

  • Sport Scout RT Delivers Aggressive Style and Increased Capability With Factory-Fitted Locking Rigid Saddlebags
  • Rich, Premium Paint Options Elevate Aesthetic Across 2026 Lineup, Including Exciting Color Refreshments to Indian Motorcycle’s Newest PowerPlus Family
  • Authentic Indian Motorcycle Accessories Expand with New Storage, Audio, & Comfort Offerings

MINNEAPOLIS, MN – Indian Motorcycle, America’s First Motorcycle Company, today announced its model year 2026 lineup, unveiling the Sport Scout RT, new paint and graphics, and adding new distinctive Indian Motorcycle accessories across its cruiser, bagger and touring lineup.

“Scout is a market-leading, globally recognized icon, and with the debut of the Sport Scout RT, we’re redefining what it means to ride an Indian Scout,” said Aaron Jax, Vice President – Indian Motorcycle. “Through a host of new updates across the lineup, we’re not just holding our ground as the best cruiser on the road — we’re raising the bar by offering riders around the world an unrivaled way to experience the open road.”

 

 

 

2026 Indian Chieftain Dark Horse Totalmotorcycle.com Features and Benefits

STYLED WITH AN EDGE
Premium black or chrome finishes, a sleek fairing, saddlebags, and gunfighter style seat deliver a streamlined, commanding presence. A lowered stance and LED lighting from nose to tail complete the custom-inspired look.

HIGH-OUTPUT SPEAKERS
Hear every note with high-output speakers that deliver up to 400 watts of crystal-clear audio—200 watts of PowerBand Audio integrated into the fairing and another 200 watts from the saddlebags. The dynamic equalizer automatically adjusts for road, wind, and engine noise so you never miss a beat.​

AGILE HANDLING AND CONTROL
Low seat height, ergonomically-designed controls, and a lightweight cast aluminum frame come together for responsive handling and agile cornering – providing a confidence inspiring ride for riders across the board.

RIDE MODES
Choose between three ride modes, Tour, Standard, or Sport, for an experience that’s customized to your riding style. Rear Cylinder Deactivation automatically shuts off the rear cylinder when the bike is stopped for enhanced comfort in slow-moving traffic.

ADJUSTABLE WINDSHIELD
With the push of a handlebar-mounted button, this windshield will raise or lower to your preferred position for optimal airflow whether on highways or backroads.

RIDER CENTRIC FEATURES
The Chieftain models come standard with LED Lighting, keyless ignition, cruise control, power-locking saddlebags, ABS, and tire pressure monitoring. Providing convenience, safety, and performance while ensuring enjoyable rides for every rider.

SECURE STORAGE
Keep your cargo protected from the elements with 18+ gallons of weatherproof storage in power-locking saddlebags.

RIDE & OWNERSHIP ENHANCEMENTS
Integrated into the dash, the 7″ Display, powered by RIDE COMMAND, offers GPS navigation, Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth connection, and other ride-enhancing features for effortless cruising. Go beyond the ride and elevate ownership with RIDE COMMAND+ connected technology with features like Account Sync and more.

THE POWER TO ROAM
Inspired by our trailblazing founders, we continue to innovate what’s next in American Motorcycling. The Chieftain PowerPlus blends distinctive American style, next generation performance, and rider-centric technology in a single package to help riders break free from the grind.

POWERPLUS 112 ENGINE
The PowerPlus 112 cu-in engine makes 126 hp and 133 ft-lbs of torque straight from the factory. That same engine won three MotoAmerica King of the Baggers Championships.

RIDER ASSIST FEATURES
The PowerPlus 112 comes standard with breakthrough advancements on American V-Twin Bagger Bikes including Blind Spot Warning, Tailgate Warning, Rear Collision Warning, Bike Hold Control, an electronically linked braking system, and Smart Lean with lean sensitive ABS braking and traction control. Combined, this advanced set of features improves awareness on every ride.

THUNDERSTROKE V-TWIN
The air-cooled Thunderstroke 116, on Chieftain models, produces 126 ft-lbs of raw torque for passing power in all 6 gears.

POWERBAND AUDIO
The PowerBand system which features four 100-watt speakers for a total of 400 watts with a dynamic equalizer for an immersive experience, so no matter the riding conditions, you can hear your music.

PREMIUM COMPONENTRY
On Chieftain PowerPlus models, inverted front forks and radial Brembo® brakes combined with dual rotors turn power into great handling and confident stopping.

RIDER CENTRIC TECHNOLOGY
The Chieftain models come standard with keyless ignition, locking saddlebags, cruise control, an adjustable windshield, and a USB charging port. Providing convenience, safety, and performance while ensuring enjoyable rides for every rider.

RIDING EXPERIENCE
Cruise control comes standard and choose between three ride modes for an experience that’s customized to your riding style. Rear Cylinder Deactivation automatically shuts off the rear cylinder when the bike is stopped for more comfort in slow-moving traffic.

RIDE & OWNERSHIP ENHANCEMENTS
Integrated into the dash, the 7″ Display, powered by RIDE COMMAND, offers GPS navigation, Apple CarPlay®, Bluetooth® connection, and other ride-enhancing features for effortless cruising. Go beyond the ride and elevate ownership with RIDE COMMAND+ connected technology with features like Account Sync and more.

 

 

RIDER CENTRIC TECHNOLOGY

7” Display powered by RIDE COMMAND with Navigation and Apple CarPlay integration; Power Windshield; Highway Bars; Vinyl Gunfighter Style Seat; Tire Pressure Monitoring; Remote-locking Hard Saddlebags; Selectable Ride Modes; Rear Cylinder Deactivation; ABS; Cruise Control; Keyless Ignition, Bluetooth, USB.

Integrated into the dash, the 7” Display, powered by RIDE COMMAND, offers GPS navigation, Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth connection, and other ride-enhancing features for effortless cruising. Go beyond the ride and elevate ownership with RIDE COMMAND+ connected technology with features like Account Sync and more.

 

 

 

 

2026 Indian Chieftain Dark Horse – Totalmotorcycle.com USA Specifications/Technical Details
US MSRP Price: from $29,999 USD
Canada MSRP Price: from $38,424 CDN
Europe/UK MSRP Price: from £ NA GBP (On The Road inc 20% Vat)

ENGINE & DRIVETRAIN

Bore x Stroke

4.063 in x 4.449 in (103.2 mm x 113 mm)

Compression Ratio

11.0 : 1

Displacement

116 cu-in (1,890 cc)

Drive/Driven Clutch

Wet, Multi-Plate, Assist

Electronic Fuel Injection System

Closed loop fuel injection / 54 mm bore

Engine Type

Air-cooled Thunderstroke 116

Exhaust

Split Dual Exhaust w/ Cross-over

Gear Ratio (1st)

9.403 : 1

Gear Ratio (2nd)

6.411 : 1

Gear Ratio (3rd)

4.763 : 1

Gear Ratio (4th)

3.796 : 1

Gear Ratio (5th)

3.243 : 1

Gear Ratio (6th)

2.789 : 1

Peak Torque

126 ft-lbs

Peak Torque RPM

2,900 rpm

Transmission/Final Drive

2.2 : 1

Transmission/Primary Drive

Gear Drive Wet Clutch

DIMENSIONS

Fuel Capacity

5.5 Gallons (20.8 L)

Ground Clearance

5.1 in (130 mm)

GVWR

1,385 lbs (628 kg)

Lean Angle

31°

Overall Height

48.8 in (1239 mm)

Overall Length

98.2 in (2,506 mm)

Overall Width

42 in (1023 mm)

Rake/Trail

25° / 5.9 in (150 mm)

Seat Height

27 in (686 mm)

Weight (Dry Weight / Running Order)

789 lbs (358 kg) / 820 lbs (372 kg)

Wheelbase

65.7 in (1,668 mm)

BRAKES

Front Brakes

Dual / 300mm floating rotor / with 4-piston calipers

Rear Brakes

Single / 300 mm floating rotor / 2 piston caliper

TIRES / WHEELS

Front Tires

Metzeler Cruisetec® 130/60B19 66H

Front Wheel

10-Spoke Contrast Cut 19 in x 3.5 in

Rear Tires

Metzeler Cruisetec® 180/60R16 80H

Rear Wheel

10-Spoke Contrast Cut 16 in x 5 in

SUSPENSION

Front Fork Tube Diameter

46 mm

Front Suspension

Telescopic Fork

Front Travel

4.7 in (119 mm)

Rear Suspension

Single Shock w/ Air adjust

Rear Travel

4.5 in (114 mm)

FEATURES

Color / Graphics

Black Smoke, Deep Blue Metallic

Factory Warranty

2 Years, Unlimited Miles

Lights

LED Headlamp/Tail/Brake/Turn Signal

Passenger Accommodations

2-Up Gunfighter Style Seat and Passenger Pegs

Standard Equipment

7″ Display powered by RIDE COMMAND with Navigation and Apple CarPlay® integration; Power Windshield; Highway Bars; Vinyl Gunfighter Style Seat; Tire Pressure Monitoring; Remote-locking Hard Saddlebags; Selectable Ride Modes; Rear Cylinder Deactivation; ABS; Cruise Control; Keyless Ignition; 100 Watt Audio System with AM/FM, Bluetooth®, USB, Smartphone Compatible Input, and Weatherband; 12V Charging Port

Storage

Remote Locking Hard Saddle Bags, Dash Compartment – 18 Gallons Total

TECHNOLOGY

Audio

Includes 2 – 50 watt fairing speakers – 100 watts total.

Gauges

Fairing-mounted instrument cluster featuring analog speedometer and tachometer with fuel gauge, range, odometer and current gear. 15 LED telltale indicators; cruise control enabled, cruise control set, neutral, high beam, turn signal, ABS, check engine, low tire pressure, battery, low fuel, security system, low engine oil pressure and MPH or km/h unit designation.

RIDE COMMAND

7″ Display Factory-Installed with GPS Navigation, Apple CarPlay®, Bluetooth® Connectivity, Configurable Gauges, Ride Stats and More

RIDE COMMAND+

Factory-Installed Modem for One-Year Free* with Bike Health, Bike Locator, Account Sync, Connected Search and More *After which an annual fee applies.

STYLE

Design

Blacked-out finishes, streamlined fork-mounted fairing & Remote Locking Saddlebags, LED Lighting

 

 

 

 

 

2026 Indian Chieftain Dark Horse – Totalmotorcycle.com Canada Specifications/Technical Details

ENGINE & DRIVETRAIN

Bore x Stroke

4.063 in x 4.449 in (103.2 mm x 113 mm)

Compression Ratio

11.0 : 1

Displacement

116 cu-in (1,890 cc)

Drive/Driven Clutch

Wet, Multi-Plate, Assist

Electronic Fuel Injection System

Closed loop fuel injection / 54 mm bore

Engine Type

Air-cooled Thunderstroke 116

Exhaust

Split Dual Exhaust w/ Cross-over

Gear Ratio (1st)

9.403 : 1

Gear Ratio (2nd)

6.411 : 1

Gear Ratio (3rd)

4.763 : 1

Gear Ratio (4th)

3.796 : 1

Gear Ratio (5th)

3.243 : 1

Gear Ratio (6th)

2.789 : 1

Peak Torque

126 ft-lbs

Peak Torque RPM

2,900 rpm

Transmission/Final Drive

2.2 : 1

Transmission/Primary Drive

Gear Drive Wet Clutch

DIMENSIONS

Fuel Capacity

5.5 Gallons (20.8 L)

Ground Clearance

5.1 in (130 mm)

GVWR

1,385 lbs (628 kg)

Lean Angle

31°

Overall Height

48.8 in (1239 mm)

Overall Length

98.2 in (2,506 mm)

Overall Width

42 in (1023 mm)

Rake/Trail

25° / 5.9 in (150 mm)

Seat Height (Laden)

27 in (686 mm)

Weight (Dry Weight / Running Order)

789 lbs (358 kg) / 820 lbs (372 kg)

Wheelbase

65.7 in (1,668 mm)

BRAKES

Front Brakes

Dual / 300mm floating rotor / with 4-piston calipers

Rear Brakes

Single / 300 mm floating rotor / 2 piston caliper

TIRES / WHEELS

Front Tires

Metzeler Cruisetec® 130/60B19 66H

Front Wheel

10-Spoke Contrast Cut 19 in x 3.5 in

Rear Tires

Metzeler Cruisetec® 180/60R16 80H

Rear Wheel

10-Spoke Contrast Cut 16 in x 5 in

SUSPENSION

Front Fork Tube Diameter

46 mm

Front Suspension

Telescopic Fork

Front Travel

4.7 in (119 mm)

Rear Suspension

Single Shock w/ Air adjust

Rear Travel

4.5 in (114 mm)

FEATURES

Color / Graphics

Black Smoke, Deep Blue Metallic

Factory Warranty

2 Years, Unlimited Miles

Lights

LED Headlamp/Tail/Brake/Turn Signal

Passenger Accommodations

2-Up Gunfighter Style Seat and Passenger Pegs

Standard Equipment

7″ Display powered by RIDE COMMAND with Navigation and Apple CarPlay® integration; Power Windshield; Highway Bars; Vinyl Gunfighter Style Seat; Tire Pressure Monitoring; Remote-locking Hard Saddlebags; Selectable Ride Modes; Rear Cylinder Deactivation; ABS; Cruise Control; Keyless Ignition; 100 Watt Audio System with AM/FM, Bluetooth®, USB, Smartphone Compatible Input, and Weatherband; 12V Charging Port

Storage

Remote Locking Hard Saddle Bags, Dash Compartment – 18 Gallons Total

TECHNOLOGY

Audio

Includes 2 – 50 watt fairing speakers – 100 watts total.

Gauges

Fairing-mounted instrument cluster featuring analog speedometer and tachometer with fuel gauge, range, odometer and current gear. 15 LED telltale indicators; cruise control enabled, cruise control set, neutral, high beam, turn signal, ABS, check engine, low tire pressure, battery, low fuel, security system, low engine oil pressure and MPH or km/h unit designation.

RIDE COMMAND

7″ Display Factory-Installed with GPS Navigation, Apple CarPlay®, Bluetooth® Connectivity, Configurable Gauges, Ride Stats and More

RIDE COMMAND+

Factory-Installed Modem for One-Year Free* with Bike Health, Bike Locator, Account Sync, Connected Search and More *After which an annual fee applies.

STYLE

Design

Blacked-out finishes, streamlined fork-mounted fairing & Remote Locking Saddlebags, LED Lighting

 

 

 

 

 

2026 Indian Chieftain Dark Horse – Totalmotorcycle.com Europe Specifications/Technical Details

NA

 

 

 

Manufacturer Specifications and appearance are subject to change without prior notice on Total Motorcycle (TMW).

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