Cruisers

2021Indian Chieftain Dark Horse

40 fields on record

The 2021 Indian Chieftain Dark Horse is a heavyweight cruiser built for riders seeking classic styling with modern performance. Powered by a 1890cc Thunder Stroke V-twin engine producing 168 Nm of torque, it delivers smooth, predictable power suited to long-distance cruising and highway riding. Best known for its blacked-out aesthetic, comfortable ergonomics, and reliable engineering, this custom cruiser appeals to experienced riders who value tradition and touring capability.

Capacity: 1890.0 ccm
Engine: V -Twin twin, four-stroke
Gearbox: 6-speed
Dry weight: 362.0 kg
Seat height: 650 mm
Power: 92.0 HP

⇄ Compare with another bike All model years ⚠ Recalls listed (2)

What’s new for the 2021 Indian Chieftain Dark Horse

vs the 2020

Spec	2020	2021
Engine capacity	1811.0 ccm (110.51 cubic inches)	1890.0 ccm (115.33 cubic inches)
Torque	150.0 Nm (15.3 kgf-m or 110.6 ft.lbs) @ 3000 RPM	168.0 Nm (17.1 kgf-m or 123.9 ft.lbs) @ 2900 RPM
Fuel capacity	20.80 litres (5.50 US gallons)	20.80 litres (5.49 US gallons)
Front suspension	Telescopic forks with air adjustment	Telescopic fork
Rear suspension	Single shock	Single Shock with Air adjust
Compression	9.5:1	11.0:1

Other years 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested

Off-road & trail5%

Cornering35%

City riding40%

Daily riding55%

Touring92%

Two-up85%

Track10%

Best for: Built for open-road cruising and long-distance touring rather than quick acceleration or sport riding.
Built for: A bold, blacked-out American cruiser with a big-inch V-twin rumble that rewards relaxed, torque-driven riding over aggressive throttle inputs.
Not ideal for: Not a good fit for new riders, off-road enthusiasts, or anyone seeking a light, nimble bike for tight city streets.

Scores are derived from the spec sheet using the same model across every bike, so they compare like for like.

Will it fit you?

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Your height

Inseam (optional)

Units

At 650mm, a rider of 175cm with a 79cm (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 2021 Indian Chieftain Dark Horse, with a cramped knee angle of around 70 degrees and an upright riding position.

Assumes about 30mm of suspension sag once seated. This is an approximation from category-typical geometry, not a measurement of this bike or of you - sit on one before you buy.

More bikes at 750 mm or under — Short Kings →

Find bikes that fit your height →

Full specifications

Engine

Capacity: 1890.0 ccm
Power: 92.0 HP
Torque: 168.0 Nm (17.1 kgf-m) @ 2900 RPM
Engine type: V -Twin twin, four-stroke
Power/weight ratio: 0.2541 HP/kg
Bore x stroke: 103.2 x 113.0 mm
Compression: 11.0:1
Cooling system: Air
Fuel system: Injection
Starting: Electric

Transmission

Gearbox: 6-speed
Transmission type: Manual
Final drive: Belt
Clutch: Wet, Multi-Plate. Gear Drive Wet Clutch.

Dimensions & weight

Wheelbase: 1668 mm
Overall length: 2506 mm
Overall width: 1000 mm
Overall height: 1385 mm
Seat height: 650 mm
Dry weight: 362.0 kg
Wet weight: 376.0 kg
Fuel capacity: 20.80 litres
Ground clearance: 130 mm
Carrying capacity: Remote-locking Hard Saddlebags.

Chassis & suspension

Frame: Cast aluminium
Front suspension: Telescopic fork
Rear suspension: Single Shock with Air adjust
Front wheel travel: 119 mm
Rear wheel travel: 114 mm
Rake (fork angle): 25.0°
Trail: 150 mm

Brakes & wheels

Front brakes: Double disc. ABS. Floating discs. 4 piston caliper.
Front brakes diameter: 300 mm
Rear brakes: Single disc. ABS. Floating disc. 2-piston caliper.
Front tyre: 130/60-B19
Rear tyre: 180/60-R16

Other

Color options: Thunder Black Smoke, Ruby Smoke, Titanium Smoke, Stealth Gray, Burnt Orange Metallic Smoke, Crimson Metallic
Warranty: 24
Comments: 7Â´ Ride Command® Touchscreen Display with Navigation and Apple CarPlay® integration; Power Windshield. Keyless Ignition, 100 Watt Audio System with AM/FM, Bluetooth, USB, Smartphone Compatible Input, and Weatherband, 12V Charging Port.

Compiled from manufacturer documentation and user contributions, corrected on an ongoing basis. Spotted something wrong? Tell us.

What changed, year to year

Differences highlighted

Specification	2017	2019	2021	2022	2024	2026
Capacity	1890.0 ccm (115.33 cubic inches)	1811.0 ccm (110.51 cubic inches)	1890.0 ccm (115.33 cubic inches)	1890.0 ccm (115.33 cubic inches)	1890.0 ccm (115.33 cubic inches)	—
Dry weight	362.0 kg (798.2 pounds)	361.0 kg (795.9 pounds)	362.0 kg (798.1 pounds)	359.0 kg (791.5 pounds)	359.0 kg (791.5 pounds)	—
Seat height	660 mm (26.0 inches)	650 mm (25.6 inches)	650 mm (25.6 inches)	650 mm (25.6 inches)	650 mm (25.6 inches)	—
Fuel capacity	20.80 litres (5.50 gallons)	20.80 litres (5.50 US gallons)	20.80 litres (5.50 US gallons)	20.80 litres (5.50 US gallons)	20.80 litres (5.50 US gallons)	5.5 Gallons (20.8 L)
Color options	Thunder Black Smoke	Thunder Black Smoke, White Smoke, Bronze Smoke	Thunder Black Smoke, Ruby Smoke, Titanium Smoke, Stealth Gray, Burnt Orange Metallic Smoke, Crimson Metallic	Black Smoke, Quartz Gray, Ruby Smoke Icon, Dirt Track Smoke, Stealth Gray Azure w/gfx, Blue Slate Metallic	Black Smoke, Quartz Gray, Ruby Smoke, Sagebrush Smoke, Spirit Blue Smoke, Stealth Gray with Graphics, Copper Smok	—

Illustrative - generated automatically by diffing the year records already on file, not a manufacturer-published changelog.

Safety Recalls

⚠ 2 open recalls

SUSPENSION:REARJul 2024 · 24V550000

Indian Motorcycle Company (Indian) is recalling certain 2024 Chieftain, Challenger, Pursuit, Roadmaster, and Springfield motorcycles. Please refer to the recall report for a complete list of model names. The rear suspension pushrod may buckle under load.

Risk: A rear suspension pushrod that buckles may pinch the main chassis harness, damage the coolant reservoir, damage the rear tire, or cause the motorcycle to bottom out under load. Any of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash or injury.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the rear suspension pushrod, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 22, 2024. Owners may contact Indian customer service at 1-877-204-3697. Indian's number for this recall is I-24-07.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:CRANK/CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSORDec 2023 · 23V829000

Indian Motorcycle Company (Indian) is recalling certain 2023 Chieftain Elite, 2023-2024 Chieftain Dark Horse, Chieftain Dark Horse Icon, Chieftain Limited, Chieftain, Roadmaster Limited, Roadmaster Dark Horse, Roadmaster, Springfield, Springfield Dark Horse, and 2024 Roadmaster Elite motorcycles. The crankshaft position sensor may have been routed improperly, which can result in an engine stall.

Risk: An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash or injury.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and reroute, or replace the crankshaft position sensor as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 22, 2023. Owners may contact Indian customer service at 1-877-204-3697. Indian's number for this recall is I-23-07.

Source: NHTSA. View all Indian recalls →

Rider Reviews

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MotorcycleDB Review

The 2021 Indian Chieftain Dark Horse motorcycle is a powerful and stylish bike that delivers a smooth and comfortable ride. The sleek, blacked-out design of this model gives it a modern and aggressive look that turns heads wherever you go. With a powerful Thunderstroke 116 engine and premium amenities such as a 7-inch touchscreen display, cruise control, and ample storage space, the Chieftain Dark Horse offers both performance and convenience for riders.

Overall, the 2021 Indian Chieftain Dark Horse motorcycle is a standout choice for riders seeking a striking and capable touring bike. Its impressive engine and advanced features make it a top contender in the luxury cruiser motorcycle market. Whether you're cruising on the open road or navigating through city streets, the Chieftain Dark Horse delivers a premium riding experience that is sure to please motorcycle enthusiasts.