Motorcycle specifications Indian1890 Roadmaster Dark Horse 2021 The soul of a captain

A straight line. Long, so long, so long it makes you dizzy. Not for the Indian 1890 Roadmaster Dark Horse, whose only dream is to seize it. To coax it and then hold it from mile to mile. Like any vessel in this category, it needs space to express itself, a voyage to appreciate its comfort, a cruise to tell its story. And a moment's curiosity to interpret the black glazes that accuse the name it bears.

Yet the dark cover hides nothing of the big engine. One of the finest air-cooled blocks in production, the ThunderStroke is presented here in its 116 ci, 1890 cm3 version. It's big, it's American, it's fervently crafted metal, it's a powerhouse that expresses itself without even starting. But once the fuel arrives and the sparks fly, the show takes on its full dimension. A larger bore (103.2 mm) than on the 111, and cylinder heads that improve gas flow, unleash massive torque, peaking at 17.1 mkg. A value capable of upsetting Harley's M8 twin, whether in 107 or 114 format. It even holds its own against the CVO's preferred size, the 117.

Its black finish, much more so than on the previous model - forks, exhausts, top-case brackets, crash-bars, indicators, Indian headlining and some engine parts have been darkened - is not the only distinctive feature of this Dark Horse compared to the standard Roadmaster. Its face is also very different. It's a complete generation change,

Forgetting the railway shield for a sleeker face, shamelessly taken from the Chieftains. The front end is also lighter, the traditional skirt giving way to a more open mudguard. Underneath, a 19" wheel replaces the 16". The suitcases adopt the shape initiated by the Chieftain in 2019, less rounded. Travelers can rest assured: with a total capacity of 140 liters (top-case + suitcases), this GT has plenty of room on board.

it also loses a few features, such as the rear protection bars. On the other hand, we welcome the return of the footboards (now adjustable), the package holder above the trunk and the Roadmaster emblem on the sides - which had disappeared from the previous edition.

A little shorter, a little lighter, a little less expensive, it's no less richly equipped. The list resembles that of a car: adjustable windshield, heated grips, remote-lockable hard saddlebags, roll bars, tire pressure monitoring, light bar, ABS brakes, cruise control, keyless start, Indian badge on the tank, and Ride Command infotainment with Apple CarPlay. The latter is faster than the previous generation thanks to a beefier processor, new functions, predictive interpretation and new customizable menus. 2021 enhances the ride with the new ClimaCommand seat, heated AND cooled. The rider and passenger seats can be adjusted separately, and benefit from 3 levels of efficiency. A USB socket appears on the right-hand side of the dashboard.

Beyond its darker side, the Dark Horse announces itself as a slightly more accessible, visually lighter Roadmaster, still carrying a pronounced desire for Grand Tourism and generously powered. It's also the new face of the Dark Horse family, with the other models to follow in its footsteps in the near future.

M.B - Manufacturer's photos