2026 Indian Chieftain Powerplus 108 Dark Horse Review

2026 Indian Chieftain Powerplus 108 Dark Horse
The 2026 Indian Chieftain Powerplus 108 Dark Horse wears aggressive and chiseled lines. Its compact stance makes it look smaller, lighter and nimbler.
ReviewKey FeaturesFeatures & BenefitsSpecifications

2026 Indian Chieftain Powerplus 108 Dark Horse 2026 Indian Chieftain Powerplus 108 Dark Horse 2026 Indian Chieftain Powerplus 108 Dark Horse

2026 Indian Chieftain Powerplus 108 Dark Horse: WILL YOU MISS 4 HP LESS?

Reviewing 2026 Indian Chieftain Powerplus 108 Dark Horse…

COMMANDING / DISTINCTIVE / INNOVATIVE

The Chieftain PowerPlus wears aggressive and chiseled lines. Its compact stance makes it look smaller, lighter, nimbler and more athletic.
• Featuring a fork-mounted fairing, blacked out finishes, and the PowerPlus liquid-cooled engine.
• Comes standard with keyless ignition, remote locking saddle bags, adjustable windshield with the push of a button, and a USB charging port.
• Race-spec, radially-mounted Brembo® brakes provide superior stopping power, and Metzeler Cruisetec® tires offer supreme traction.
• Inverted front suspension, lightweight cast aluminum front frame, and adjustable FOX® rear shock deliver curve-hugging handling.

 

 

 

 

2026 Indian Chieftain Powerplus 108 Dark Horse Totalmotorcycle.com Key Features

  • Blacked-out Style
  • Power Adjustable Windshield
  • 3 Ride Modes: Rain / Standard / Sport
  • Inverted Forks
  • Brembo® Dual Disc Brakes
  • 7-Inch Touchscreen
  • Remote Locking Saddlebags
  • Cruise Control
  • USB Charging
  • LED Lighting
  • ABS Brakes
  • ENGINE 108 CU-IN
  • WEIGHT 842 LBS
  • PEAK TORQUE 128 Ft-LBS
  • AUDIO 100 WATTS
  • HORSEPOWER 122 HP

 

 

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 Powerplus 108 Dark Horse Totalmotorcycle.com Features and Benefits

STYLE

The Chieftain PowerPlus wears aggressive and chiseled lines that are a visual representation of their high-performance hearts. Their compact stance makes each model look smaller, lighter, nimbler and more athletic. The new fairing’s design is sleek and aerodynamic, offering improved handling and stability at high speeds to provide superior control when compared to previous Chieftain models.

Adding to each bike’s design is a new LED headlight. Seamless integration of daytime running lights around its center creates a sophisticated signature to the distinctive front end. Chieftain PowerPlus exhibits meticulous attention to design detail, showcasing craftsmanship and precision with iconic brand elements throughout.

PERFORMANCE

Indian Motorcycle’s PowerPlus engine is the only American liquid-cooled V-Twin that delivers the horsepower and torque that motorcycle enthusiasts crave.  The PowerPlus represents the future American V-Twin performance, engineered with an innovative cooling system to deliver consistent power in all conditions.

Handling

Frame geometry and stiffness maximize power while enabling precise, nimble handling. Inverted front forks and radial-mounted Brembo® brakes are more prominently visible to exude modern performance while contributing to the bike’s confident ride experience.

TECHNOLOGY

The PowerPlus lineup will debut a host of new Rider Assist features that are aimed at improving rider awareness and enhancing rider convenience. These new Rider Assist features will be bundled with previously offered SmartLean Technology and come standard with the PowerPlus 112 engine. This continued innovation from Indian Motorcycle delivers technology and features that create a more comfortable, and more confident riding experience. Details of the new Rider Assist features include:

– Bike Hold Control – Activated by the rider, this braking system automatically maintains brake pressure to prevent the bike from rolling while resting at an incline for up to three minutes.

– Electronic Combined Brake System – This new feature optimizes brake pressure across both front and rear circuits based on the rider’s brake input for balanced and efficient braking performance.

– Blind Spot Warning – The system alerts riders when a vehicle is detected in their rear blind spot with warnings across the RIDE COMMAND screen and light indicators on the side mirrors. Riders can customize notification preferences to suit their needs.

– Tailgate Warning – This warning system alerts riders when a vehicle is traveling too close for comfort behind the rider. Riders will be notified via the RIDE COMMAND screen and light indicators on the side mirrors. Riders can adjust notification mode and following distances to suit their preferences.

– Rear Collision Warning – This feature alerts rearward approaching vehicles via rear lighting when a potential collision is detected.

– Smart Lean Technology™ – This technology enhances the Anti-Lock Braking and Traction Control systems by tuning the performance based on the vehicle lean-angle and features dynamic traction control, cornering control and drag torque control.

Adding to each new model’s technology package is Indian Motorcycle’s 178 mm touchscreen display powered by RIDE COMMAND offering system control right from the dash, bike information, customizable gauge screens, and Bluetooth® connectivity. With the factory-installed RIDE COMMAND+ Telecommunications Unit (TCU) featuring connectivity free for one year, the advanced infotainment system offers turn-by-turn GPS navigation, Apple CarPlay®, bike health, bike locator, intuitive destination search, and more**. The vehicle locator feature provides riders with an added sense of security by being able to see the location the bike was powered on via the RIDE COMMAND app or website.

Standard across the expanded PowerPlus family are three ride modes, cylinder deactivation and cruise control – allowing riders to tailor their ride and further increase performance and comfort. Keyless ignition, USB charging and remote-locking saddlebags offer convenience.

Remote-locking saddlebags keep gear safe and dry on the road with over 68 litres of storage.

COMFORT

No matter the distance, Chieftain PowerPlus riders and passengers will sit comfortably in the saddle. Each model’s new fork-mounted fairing design maximizes protection from the elements, while an adjustable windshield offers 100 mm of travel for personalized airflow management. A new rider cockpit design optimized for function with intuitive controls allows riders to keep their eyes on the road and indulge in their surroundings.

Remote-locking saddlebags keep gear safe and dry on the road with over 68 litres of storage.

ACCESSORIES

New 2026 accessories for Thunderstroke and PowerPlus models offer riders convenience when packing for the long haul.

 Spirit Lake Saddlebag Liner Travel Bags & Spirit Lake Trunk Liner Travel Bag: Combining premium craftsmanship with practical convenience, the Spirit Lake Saddlebag Liner Travel Bags fit seamlessly inside Indian Motorcycle’s flat-top saddlebags. The Spirit Lake Trunk Liner Travel Bag stows conveniently within the Indian Motorcycle Touring Trunk. Named after the home of Indian Motorcycle production in Spirit Lake, Iowa, each bag features a two-tone black and grey design and is constructed from high-quality vinyl for all-weather durability and long-lasting performance.

 Spirit Lake Wheeled Touring Bag: The Spirit Lake Wheeled Touring Bag blends premium craftsmanship with everyday convenience. Integrated wheels and a telescoping handle make it easy for riders to transport gear. Spacious, stylish, and road-trip-ready, it’s an ideal companion for extended adventures. Riders can pack at home, wheel the bag to the bike, attach it to a sissy bar or passenger backrest, and hit the road – no repacking required.

The PowerPlus family also has a host of other factory accessories and technology engineered to inspire personalization, add comfort, and even more technology.

Comfort

Personalized ergonomics are key to rider comfort. Indian Motorcycle offers several parts that allow riders to dial-in their fitment to their personal preference. For Indian Challenger, Mitered Mid Ride Handlebars position the hand controls in a comfortable, elevated position, while also adding an aggressive, custom-inspired style. Available across the entire PowerPlus lineup are Rider Backrests, which increases support to the rider’s lower back and keep them in control mile after mile, and a 300 mm Flare® Windshield, which adds even more wind protection with an excellent view of the road ahead.

While standard on Roadmaster PowerPlus and Indian Pursuit, Indian Challenger riders can add even more comfort with the ClimaCommand Heated and Cooled Seat and Heated Grips. The ClimaCommand Seat offers adjustable heating and cooling for both rider and passenger via integrated buttons with haptics or via the RIDE COMMAND screen.

Technology

For riders seeking to elevate their experience further, options like an enhanced audio experience and an innovative Pathfinder Adaptive LED Headlight deliver advanced functionality and style. The Indian Motorcycle PowerBand Audio provides riders with an immersive listening experience that’s been expertly designed to cut through road, wind and throttle noise. The Pathfinder Adaptive LED Headlight utilizes patented, cutting-edge technology that monitors the bike’s lean angle on a real-time basis and delivers optimized illumination of the road ahead.

Personalization

Also available for upgrade are spacious Indian Motorcycle Headdress Floorboards, a Pinnacle Heel Shifter and Quick Release Low Profile Trunk. The spacious Headdress Floorboards add a custom-style touch, while the Pinnacle Heel Shifter offers convenience and comfort for riders who prefer heel-up shifts and toe downshifts. The Indian Motorcycle Quick Release Low Profile Trunk is factory engineered for bagger riders looking to add passenger comfort and more than 45 litres of storage space, while still maintaining a streamlined look. Quick Release technology allows riders to install or remove the trunk quickly and easily without tools.

 

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
Inverted front forks and radial Brembo® brakes combined with dual rotors are designed to turn power into great handling and confident stopping.

Advanced Features
Comes standard with keyless ignition, remote locking saddlebags, adjustable windshield with the push of a button, and a USB charging port. Providing convenience, safety, and performance while ensuring enjoyable rides for every rider.

Riding Experience
With the push of a button, use the electronically adjustable windshield for optimal airflow. Cruise control comes standard and choose between three ride modes, Rain, 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 more comfort in slow-moving traffic.

Ride & Ownership Enhancements
Integrated into the dash, the 7″ Display powered by RIDE COMMAND offers turn-by-turn navigation, Bluetooth® connection and ride enhancing features for effortless cruising. Go beyond the ride and elevate ownership with RIDE COMMAND+, offering Apple CarPlay®, Bike Health, Bike Locator 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.

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®, Remote Locking Hard Saddlebags, Power Adjustable Windshield, 18+ Gallons of Storage, Keyless Ignition, Adjustable Fairing Vents, USB Charger, Tire Pressure Monitoring System.

Integrated into the dash, the 7” Displa y, 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 Powerplus 108 Dark Horse – Totalmotorcycle.com USA Specifications/Technical Details
US MSRP Price: from $28,749 USD
Canada MSRP Price: from $36,474 CDN
Europe/UK MSRP Price: from £ NA GBP (On The Road inc 20% Vat)

ENGINE & DRIVETRAIN

Bore x Stroke

4.251 in x 3.799 in (108 mm x 96.5 mm)

Compression Ratio

11.0:1

Displacement

108 cu-in (1768 cc)

Drive/Driven Clutch

Wet, Multi-Plate, Assist

Electronic Fuel Injection System

Closed Loop Fuel Injection/52 mm Dual Bore

Engine Type

Liquid-Cooled PowerPlus

Exhaust

Split Exhaust with Resonator

Gear Ratio (1st)

10.169:1

Gear Ratio (2nd)

6.933:1

Gear Ratio (3rd)

5.151:1

Gear Ratio (4th)

4.105:1

Gear Ratio (5th)

3.508:1

Gear Ratio (6th)

3.017:1

Horsepower

122 HP

Peak Torque

128 ft-lbs

Peak Torque RPM

3800 rpm

Transmission/Final Drive

2.379:1

Transmission/Primary Drive

Gear Drive Wet Clutch

DIMENSIONS

Fuel Capacity

6.0 Gallons (22.7 L)

Ground Clearance

5.4 in (137 mm)

GVWR

1385 lbs / 628 kg

Lean Angle

31°

Overall Height

48.7 in (1237 mm)

Overall Length

98.5 in (2503 mm)

Overall Width

41.9 in (1063 mm)

Rake/Trail

25° / 5.9 in (150 mm)

Seat Height

26.5 in (686 mm)

Weight (Dry Weight / Running Order)

806 lbs (366 kg) / 842 lbs (382 kg)

Wheelbase

65.7 in (1,668 mm)

BRAKES

Front Brakes

Brembo® Calipers, Dual Semi-Floating Rotors: 320 mm x 5.0 mm

Rear Brakes

Single Floating Rotor: 298 mm x 7.0 mm

TIRES / WHEELS

Front Tires

Metzeler Cruisetec® 130/60B19 66H

Front Wheel

10-Spoke Machined Cast 19 in x 3.5 in

Rear Tires

Metzeler Cruisetec® 180/60R16 80H

Rear Wheel

10-Spoke Machined Cast 16 in x 5 in

SUSPENSION

Front Fork Tube Diameter

43 mm

Front Suspension

Inverted Telescopic Fork

Front Travel

5.1 in (130 mm)

Rear Suspension

Single Shock w/ Hydraulic Preload Adjustment

Rear Travel

4.5 in (114 mm)

FEATURES

Color / Graphics

Black Smoke, Sunset Red 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

Remote Locking Hard Saddlebags, Power Adjustable Windshield, 18+ Gallons of Storage, Keyless Ignition, Adjustable Fairing Vents, USB Charger, Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

Storage

Remote Locking Hard Saddlebags, 18+ Gallons

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+

Via Bluetooth® Tethering with Account Sync, Connected Search and More *Requires cellular data.

Rider Assist Features

ABS Standard

STYLE

Design

Blacked-out finishes with a fork mounted fairing design paired with the PowerPlus Liquid-Cooled engine

 

 

 

 

 

2026 Indian Chieftain Powerplus 108 Dark Horse – Totalmotorcycle.com Canada Specifications/Technical Details

ENGINE & DRIVETRAIN

Bore x Stroke

4.251 in x 3.799 in (108 mm x 96.5 mm)

Compression Ratio

11.0:1

Displacement

108 cu-in (1768 cc)

Drive/Driven Clutch

Wet, Multi-Plate, Assist

Electronic Fuel Injection System

Closed Loop Fuel Injection/52 mm Dual Bore

Engine Type

Liquid-Cooled PowerPlus

Exhaust

Split Exhaust with Resonator

Gear Ratio (1st)

10.169:1

Gear Ratio (2nd)

6.933:1

Gear Ratio (3rd)

5.151:1

Gear Ratio (4th)

4.105:1

Gear Ratio (5th)

3.508:1

Gear Ratio (6th)

3.017:1

Horsepower

122 HP

Peak Torque

128 ft-lbs

Peak Torque RPM

3800 rpm

Transmission/Final Drive

2.379:1

Transmission/Primary Drive

Gear Drive Wet Clutch

DIMENSIONS

Fuel Capacity

6.0 Gallons (22.7 L)

Ground Clearance

5.4 in (137 mm)

GVWR

1385 lbs / 628 kg

Lean Angle

31°

Overall Height

48.7 in (1237 mm)

Overall Length

98.5 in (2503 mm)

Overall Width

41.9 in (1063 mm)

Rake/Trail

25° / 5.9 in (150 mm)

Seat Height (Laden)

26.5 in (686 mm)

Weight (Dry Weight / Running Order)

806 lbs (366 kg) / 842 lbs (382 kg)

Wheelbase

65.7 in (1,668 mm)

BRAKES

Front Brakes

Brembo® Calipers, Dual Semi-Floating Rotors: 320 mm x 5.0 mm

Rear Brakes

Single Floating Rotor: 298 mm x 7.0 mm

TIRES / WHEELS

Front Tires

Metzeler Cruisetec® 130/60B19 66H

Front Wheel

10-Spoke Machined Cast 19 in x 3.5 in

Rear Tires

Metzeler Cruisetec® 180/60R16 80H

Rear Wheel

10-Spoke Machined Cast 16 in x 5 in

SUSPENSION

Front Fork Tube Diameter

43 mm

Front Suspension

Inverted Telescopic Fork

Front Travel

5.1 in (130 mm)

Rear Suspension

Single Shock w/ Hydraulic Preload Adjustment

Rear Travel

4.5 in (114 mm)

FEATURES

Color / Graphics

Black Smoke, Sunset Red 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

Remote Locking Hard Saddlebags, Power Adjustable Windshield, 18+ Gallons of Storage, Keyless Ignition, Adjustable Fairing Vents, USB Charger, Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

Storage

Remote Locking Hard Saddlebags, 18+ Gallons

TECHNOLOGY

Audio

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

Gauges

RIDE COMMAND

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

RIDE COMMAND+

Via Bluetooth® Tethering with Account Sync, Connected Search and More *Requires cellular data.

Rider Assist Features

ABS Standard

STYLE

Design

Blacked-out finishes with a fork mounted fairing design paired with the PowerPlus Liquid-Cooled engine

 

 

 

 

 

2026 Indian Chieftain Powerplus 108 Dark Horse – Totalmotorcycle.com Europe Specifications/Technical Details

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