Cruisers
2017Indian Chief Dark Horse
47 fields on record
The 2017 Indian Chief Dark Horse is a stripped-down cruiser built for riders seeking classic styling with modern reliability. Known for its minimalist aesthetic, low 27.2-inch seat height, and manageable 785-pound weight, it delivers accessible performance and comfortable handling for both newcomers and experienced cruiser enthusiasts.
- Capacity
- 1815.0 ccm
- Engine
- V-Twin, four-stroke
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Dry weight
- 341.0 kg
- Seat height
- 692 mm
- Power
- 92.0 HP (67.7 kW)
What’s new for the 2017 Indian Chief Dark Horse
vs the 2016| Spec | 2016 | 2017 |
|---|---|---|
| Torque | — | 139.0 Nm (14.2 kgf-m or 102.5 ft.lbs) @ 2600 RPM |
| Wet weight | — | 356.0 kg (784.8 pounds) |
| Fuel capacity | — | 20.80 litres (5.49 US gallons) |
| Front suspension | Dia. 41 mm/Travel 4.25 | Telescopic fork |
| Rear suspension | Single shock/Travel 2.90 | Single shock |
| Front brakes | Double disc. Floating discs. | Double disc. ABS. Floating discs. |
| Rear brakes | Single disc. Floating disc. | Single disc. ABS. Floating disc. |
| Compression | 9.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
How it rides
Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested- Best for
- Built for relaxed open-road cruising and boulevard presence rather than outright speed or sharp handling.
- Built for
- A stripped-down, blacked-out muscle cruiser that trades on brawny low-end torque, classic V-twin rumble, and imposing style over agility.
- Not ideal for
- Not the right choice for riders seeking nimble cornering, off-road capability, or lightweight commuter practicality.
Scores are derived from the spec sheet using the same model across every bike, so they compare like for like.
Will it fit you?
Worked out in your browser - nothing is sent to usRange and running costs
Worked out in your browser - nothing is sent to usBased on the published US (EPA-style) fuel economy estimate and tank size. Real-world figures depend on how and where you ride, and the last litres of a tank are reserve. Prices shown greyed are examples - type your own.
Engine
- Capacity
- 1815.0 ccm
- Power
- 92.0 HP (67.7 kW)
- CO2 Emissions
- 146 CO2 g/km
- EPA Est. Fuel Consumption
- 6.22 L/100km (37.8 US mpg)
- EPA CO Emissions
- 1.9 CO g/km
- Torque
- 139.0 Nm (14.2 kgf-m) @ 2600 RPM
- Engine type
- V-Twin, four-stroke
- Power/weight ratio
- 0.2698 HP/kg (dry)
- Bore x stroke
- 101.6 x 113.0 mm
- Compression
- 9.5:1
- Cooling system
- Air
- Fuel system
- Injection
- Starting
- Electric
- Aspiration
- Naturally aspirated
- Valves per cylinder
- 2
Transmission
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Transmission type
- Manual
- Final drive
- Belt
- Clutch
- Wet, multiplate
Dimensions & weight
- Wheelbase
- 1646 mm
- Overall length
- 2553 mm
- Overall width
- 1029 mm
- Overall height
- 1283 mm
- Seat height
- 692 mm
- Dry weight
- 341.0 kg
- Wet weight
- 356.0 kg
- Fuel capacity
- 20.80 litres
- Ground clearance
- 140 mm
Chassis & suspension
- Frame
- Cast Aluminum Frame with Integrated Air-Box
- Front suspension
- Telescopic fork
- Rear suspension
- Single shock
- Front wheel travel
- 119 mm
- Rear wheel travel
- 104 mm
- Rake (fork angle)
- 29.0°
- Trail
- 155 mm
Brakes & wheels
- Front brakes
- Double disc. ABS. Floating discs.
- Front brakes diameter
- 300 mm
- Rear brakes
- Single disc. ABS. Floating disc.
- Rear brakes diameter
- 300 mm
- ABS
- Yes
- Front tyre
- 130/90-B16
- Rear tyre
- 150/80-B16
Other
- Color options
- Thunder Black Smoke
- Warranty
- 24
- Comments
- Keyless starting. Cruise Control.
- Fuel Tank Material
- Metal
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 | 2013 | 2016 | 2017 | 2020 | 2023 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 1721 cc | 1811 cc | 1815 cc | 1819 cc | 1890 cc | 1890 cc |
| Dry weight | 338 kg | 338 kg | 341 kg | 334 kg | 294 kg | 294 kg |
| Seat height | 692 mm | 692 mm | 692 mm | 660 mm | 662 mm | 660 mm |
| Fuel capacity | — | — | 20.8 L | 20.8 L | 15 L | 15.1 L |
Illustrative - generated automatically by diffing the year records already on file, not a manufacturer-published changelog.
Safety Recalls
⚠ 2 recalls may applyELECTRICAL SYSTEMOct 2019 · 19V776000
Indian Motorcycle Company (Indian) is recalling certain 2014-2019 Chief, Chieftain, Roadmaster, and Springfield motorcycles. The gear position switch contacts may oxidize, causing the gear position display to inaccurately show that the motorcycle is in neutral when it is actually in gear.
Risk: If the transmission is not in neutral when the motorcycle is started, the motorcycle may move unexpectedly, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the switch free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 16, 2020. Owners may contact Indian customer service at 1-877-204-3697. Indian's number for this recall is I-19-03.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTSOct 2017 · 17V682000
Indian Motorcycles Company (Indian) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Chief, Chief Classic, Chief Dark Horse, Chief Vintage, Chieftain, Chieftain Classic, Cheiftain Dark Horse, Chieftain Elite, Chieftain Limited, Springfield, and Springfield Dark Horse motorcycles. These motorcycles may be equipped with a European-market, not US-market, halogen headlight assembly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Risk: The light output from the incorrect headlight can affect the motorcycle's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Indian will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the motorcycle and replace any incorrect headlight assembly, free of charge. The recall began on December 6, 2017. Owners may contact Indian customer service at 1-877-204-3697. Indian's number for this recall is I-17-03.
These recalls cover some 2017 bikes of this model. Whether one applies to a specific bike, and whether the repair has already been done, depends on its VIN — check your VIN with NHTSA or ask a dealer.
Source: NHTSA. View all Indian recalls →
Rider Reviews
Common questions
What is the engine size of the Indian Chief Dark Horse?
The 2017 Indian Chief Dark Horse has a Capacity of 1815.0 ccm (110.76 cubic inches).
What engine power does the Indian Chief Dark Horse have?
The 2017 Indian Chief Dark Horse has a Power of 92.0 HP (67.7 kW).
How many gears does the Indian Chief Dark Horse have?
The 2017 Indian Chief Dark Horse has a Gearbox of 6-speed.
What is the torque of the Indian Chief Dark Horse?
The 2017 Indian Chief Dark Horse has a Torque of 139.0 Nm (14.2 kgf-m or 102.5 ft.lbs) @ 2600 RPM.
How much does the Indian Chief Dark Horse weigh?
The 2017 Indian Chief Dark Horse has a Dry weight of 341.0 kg (751.8 pounds).
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