Indian Chieftain Dark Horse Vs. Harley Davidson Street Glide

• Table of Contents
• 1. Indian Chieftain Dark Horse Vs. Harley Davidson Street Glide
• 2. Detailed Specs Comparison: Indian Chieftain Dark Horse Vs. Harley Davidson Street Glide
• 3. Design: Indian Chieftain Dark Horse Vs. Harley Davidson Street Glide
• 3.1 Design: Indian Chieftain Dark Horse
• 3.2 Design: Harley Davidson Street Glide
• 4. Engine and Performance: Indian Chieftain Dark Horse Vs. Harley Davidson Street Glide
• 4.1Engine and Performance: Indian Chieftain Dark Horse
• 4.2 Engine and Performance: Harley Davidson Street Glide
• 5. Comfort and Ergonomics: Indian Chieftain Dark Horse Vs. Harley Davidson Street Glide
• 5.1 Comfort and Ergonomics: Indian Chieftain Dark Horse
• 5.2 Comfort and Ergonomics: Harley Davidson Street Glide
• 6. Technology and Features: Indian Chieftain Dark Horse Vs. Harley Davidson Street Glide
• 7. Pros and Cons: Indian Chieftain Dark Horse Vs. Harley Davidson Street Glide
• 7.1 Pros and Cons: Indian Chieftain Dark Horse
• 7.2 Pros and Cons: Harley Davidson Street Glide
• 8. Colors and Cost: Indian Chieftain Dark Horse Vs. Harley Davidson Street Glide
• 9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
• 9.1 Which is a More Reliable Motorcycle Brand, Harley Davidson or Indian Motorcycles?
• 9.2 What are the Key Differences between the Indian Chieftain Dark Horse and the Harley Davidson Street Glide?
• 10. Which is Better: the Indian Chieftain Dark Horse or the Harley Davidson Street Glide?

1. Indian Chieftain Dark Horse Vs. Harley Davidson Street Glide

“Take a journey, soar like an eagle, there are so many roads to explore, so little time.”

Indian Motorcycles and the Harley Davidson are two iconic American motorcycle manufacturers that have produced top-class motorcycles since the early 1900s. Both motorcycle brands became popular during World War I when the U.S. Government asked them to produce motorcycles for their troops. Indian Motorcycles and Harley Davidson are the biggest competitors in the U.S. market that produce the best cruisers and touring bikes.

The Indian Chieftain Dark Horse and the Harley Davidson Street Glide are well-known touring motorcycles. The Indian Chieftain Dark Horse is one of the most luxurious and expensive bagger-style touring bikes in the Indian lineup, with several modern ride-assist and safety features and an infotainment system for a comfortable and fun touring experience. The rider can ride this motorbike for hours without getting exhausted. The Indian Chieftain Dark Horse comes with Bluetooth connectivity, navigation, USB connection, mobile connectivity, AM/FM, and speakers to keep the rider entertained on long-distance rides. Meanwhile, the Harley Street Glide comes with a few modern features, including cruise control, Reflex Linked Brembo Brakes, and an infotainment system. This article is a detailed comparison between the Indian Chieftain Dark Horse and the Harley Davidson Street Glide.

2. Detailed Specs Comparison: Indian Chieftain Dark Horse Vs. Harley Davidson Street Glide

2023 Indian Chieftain Dark Horse		2022 Harley Davidson Street Glide
Identification
Indian	Maker	Harley Davidson
Chieftain Dark Horse	Model	Street Glide
2023	Year Model	2022
Touring Bike	Motorcycle Type	Touring Bike
N22TCDBBAK	Model Code	FLHX
$28,499	Base Price	$21,430
Engine and Performance
116 cu in (1,890 cc)	Displacement	107 cu in (1,753 cc)
Thunderstroke 116 V-Twin	Engine Design and Type	Milwaukee-Eight® 107 V-Twin
Air-Cooled	Cooling System	Air-Cooled
Two	No. of Cylinders	Two
Two	Valves Per Cylinder	Four
N/A	Horsepower	93 hp at 5,020 rpm
170.83 Nm at 2,900 rpm	Torque	150.5 Nm at 3,250 rpm
4.45 in	Stroke	4.37 in
4.06 in	Bore	3.94 in
Closed Loop Fuel Injection / 54 mm Bore	Fuel Injection System	Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)
11:1	Compression Ratio	10:1
Six-Speed	Transmission	Six-Speed
Belt	Final Drive	Belt
Wet, Multiplate, Assist	Clutch	Mechanically Actuated, Multiplate Wet, Assist & Slipper Clutch
N/A	Fuel Economy	43 mpg
Blacked-Out, Dual Mufflers	Muffler	Dual Tapered Mufflers
Split Dual Exhaust with Cross-Over	Exhaust	Chrome, Two-Into-One-Into-two Exhaust
Lightweight Cast Aluminum	Frame	Mild Steel Tubular Frame; Two-Piece Stamped & Welded Backbone
Electric	Starter	Electric
Front Fork-Mounted	Fairing	Front Fork-Mounted
Batwing Fairing	Fairing Style	Batwing Fairing
Midsize, Adjustable Windshield, Fairing-Mounted	Windshield	Small, Fairing-Mounted
Braking
300 mm Dual Floating Rotors with Four-Piston Calipers	Front	300 mm Dual Front Discs, Four-Piston Caliper
300 mm Single Floating Rotor with Two-Piston Caliper	Rear	300 mm Single Rear Disc, Four-Piston Caliper
Standard	ABS	Optional ($819)
Suspension
46 mm Telescopic Fork	Front	49 mm Dual Bending Valve
Single Shock with Air Adjust	Rear	Premium, Low, Hand-Adjustable Rear Suspension
4.7 in	Front Wheel Travel	4.6 in
4.5 in	Rear Wheel Travel	2.1 in
Tires and Wheels
Metzeler Cruisetec	Tires	Dunlop® Harley Davidson Series
10-Spoke Contrast Cut	Wheels	Enforcer II Cast Aluminum
Dimensions and Weight
5.9 in	Trail	6.7 in
25°	Rake	26°
5.5 gal	Fuel Tank Capacity	6 gal
5.1 in	Ground Clearance	5.3 in
40.3 in	Width	37.8 in
51.6 in	Height	53.1 in
98.7 in	Length	96.5 in
25.6 in	Seat Height	26.1 in
65.7 in	Wheelbase	64 in
823 lbs / 373 kg	Wet Weight	829 lbs / 376 kg
791 lbs / 359 kg	Dry Weight	796 lbs / 361 kg
31°	Lean Angle (Right)	31°
31°	Lean Angle (Left)	29°
2.4+ cu ft	Luggage Capacity	2.3 cu ft

3. Design: Indian Chieftain Dark Horse Vs. Harley Davidson Street Glide

3.1 Design: Indian Chieftain Dark Horse

The Indian Chieftain Dark Horse has a streamlined look with blacked-out finishing. It is available in seven unique color schemes with the Indian Motorcycles logo on both sides of the fuel tank. The Indian Chieftain Dark Horse is fitted with a step-up seat capable of two-up riding offering lumbar support for the rider. It also comes with standard saddlebags and a sleek batwing fairing with an electronically adjustable midsized windscreen. A round headlamp is enclosed inside the fairing with a small vent below the windscreen. The blacked-out, teardrop-shaped side mirrors are attached to the ends of the pulled-back handlebars. The batwing fairing comes with two high-output speakers, two analog gauges, and a seven-inch touchscreen display. The Indian Chieftain Dark Horse is also fitted with stock crash bars and floorboards for a relaxed touring experience. The chopped front fender provides a full view of the stylish 10-spoke contrast-cut front wheel. Overall, it is a modern-day bagger-style touring bike with the latest features.

3.2 Design: Harley Davidson Street Glide

The Harley Davidson Street Glide is a simple yet stylish touring bike that can be easily customized to give it a stripped-down cruiser look. It is available in three single-tone color schemes with a chrome finish. The Harley Street Glide also comes with saddlebags, crash bars, floorboards, and a batwing fairing with a small windscreen, four analog gauges, dual speakers, a display screen, and fairing-mounted side mirrors. The chopped front fender provides a good view of the Enforcer II cast aluminum wheel. The Harley Street Glide also comes with a single-piece step-up seat with a dip in the rider’s seat to provide lower back support for the rider. Overall, the Harley Street Glide is a classic bagger-style touring bike with a minimalist design and a few ride-assistance features.

Also Read: HARLEY DAVIDSON STREET GLIDE VS. HARLEY DAVIDSON ROAD GLIDE

4.Engine and Performance: Indian Chieftain Dark Horse Vs. Harley Davidson Street Glide

4.1 Engine and Performance: Indian Chieftain Dark Horse

The Indian Chieftain Dark Horse is powered by a 1,890 cc air-cooled, Thunderstroke 116 V-Twin engine capable of producing a torque of 170.83 Nm at 2,900 rpm. The Thunderstroke 116 engine ensures powerful, high-speed performance with quick throttle response. Despite being loaded with several modern features and heavier parts, the Indian Chieftain Dark Horse feels light when ridden at high speed. It is quite agile and nimble even while riding at lower speeds, which makes handling and turning tight corners easier. The Thunderstroke 116 V-Twin engine provides smooth power delivery and a soul-satisfying rumble.

The Indian Chieftain Dark Horse has a six-speed transmission, a belt drive, and a multi-plate assist clutch to ensure smooth clutch operation, gear shifts, and riding experience. The closed-loop fuel injection system has a bore size of 54 mm which ensures optimal fuel delivery. For lower fuel consumption and to better maintain the engine’s temperature while riding through traffic, the rear cylinder deactivation system can be switched on. However, for a fast and fun cruising experience on open roads, the rider can toggle on cruise control and sports riding mode. The Indian Chieftain Dark Horse also has touring and standard modes that are easy to switch between. It is fitted with 46 mm telescopic front forks and an air-adjustable single rear shock for a comfortable touring experience on paved and bumpy roads. The front suspension has a wheel travel of 4.7 inches and the rear suspension has a wheel travel of 4.5 inches. The Indian Chieftain Dark Horse has reliable braking with dual front discs, a single rear disc brake, and a standard ABS. Despite being loaded with several ride-assist and safety features, fairing, saddlebags, and an infotainment system, the Indian Chieftain Dark Horse is six lbs lighter than the Harley Street Glide thanks to its lightweight cast aluminum frame.

4.2 Engine and Performance: Harley Davidson Street Glide

The Harley Davidson Street Glide is fitted with a 1,753 cc air-cooled, Milwaukee-Eight® V-Twin engine capable of a torque of 150.5 Nm at 3,250 rpm and a horsepower of 93 hp at 5,020 rpm. It is not a very fast motorbike, but the Milwaukee-Eight 107 ensures smooth power and torque delivery. The Harley Street Glide is a heavyweight motorbike, which makes it difficult for the Milwaukee-Eight 107 engine to provide a quick throttle response. If you are looking for a more powerful touring bike with a bigger engine size, the Harley Street Glide Special version comes with a Milwaukee-Eight 114 engine offering more powerful performance.

The Harley Street Glide is fitted with a fork-mounted batwing fairing, which makes the front end slightly heavier. A beginner rider can find this motorbike a bit tough to handle at low speeds and turning corners. However, it is easier to handle and offers a stable ride at highway speeds. The Harley Street Glide also has a six-speed transmission, belt drive, and assist & slipper clutch for smooth operation.

The Harley Street Glide comes with only a few standard ride-assist features, including cruise control and Reflex-Linked Brembo brakes. However, it is heavier than the Indian Chieftain Dark Horse due to being built with heavier metallic parts. The Harley Street Glide has a high-performance, dual-bending front valve suspension, but the hand-adjustable rear suspension has smaller wheel travel which makes continuous, long-distance rides slightly uncomfortable.

Also Read: HARLEY DAVIDSON ROAD KING VS. HARLEY DAVIDSON STREET GLIDE

5. Comfort and Ergonomics: Indian Chieftain Dark Horse Vs. Harley Davidson Street Glide

5.1 Comfort and Ergonomics: Indian Chieftain Dark Horse

Photo Credit: @ultimatemotorcycling

The Indian Chieftain Dark Horse is a comfortable bagger motorcycle with a low seat height of 25.6 inches and laidback ergonomics. The stock seat is slightly uncomfortable but can be replaced with an aftermarket seat. The Indian Chieftain Dark Horse also comes with stock forward-mounted floorboards so that the rider can comfortably rest their feet. The pulled-back handlebars, low seat height, and forward-mounted foot controls ensure a relaxed riding position and adequate legroom for both shorter and taller riders. Though the Indian Chieftain Dark Horse comes with an electronically adjustable windscreen, the fairing is still inadequate for blocking the incoming wind while cruising on open roads. For an ideal touring experience, the Indian Chieftain Dark Horse can be fitted with a large windscreen and backrest.

5.2 Comfort and Ergonomics: Harley Davidson Street Glide

Photo Credit: @motorcyclenews

The Harley Davidson Street Glide provides a smooth ride quality and a comfortable riding position with its low seat height of 26.1 inches. The forward-mounted floorboards ensure adequate legroom and the swept-back handlebars are within comfortable reach of the rider. Both shorter and taller riders can comfortably ride this motorbike due to its upright back position and adequate legroom. However, the Harley Street Glide has a smaller, less powerful engine, a wet weight of 829 lbs, and a heavier front end which makes it difficult to handle while riding through traffic, making U-turns, and maneuvering at low speeds, especially for beginners. However, once it reaches a good speed, it does not feel heavy and becomes easy to ride. The Harley Street Glide can also be transformed into an ideal touring motorcycle suited for long-distance rides by installing a large windscreen, sissy bars, backrests, and luggage racks.

6. Technology and Features: Indian Chieftain Dark Horse Vs. Harley Davidson Street Glide

2023 Indian Chieftain Dark Horse		2022 Harley Davidson Street Glide
Technology and Features
Fairing-Mounted	Gauges	Fairing-Mounted
Standard	ABS	Optional
X	Electronic Linked Braking (ELB)	✓
✓ (Standard, Sports & Touring)	Selectable Ride Modes	X
✓	Rear Cylinder Deactivation	X
Standard	Cruise Control	Standard
✓	Speedometer	✓
✓	Tachometer	✓
✓	Fuel Gauge	✓
✓	Low Fuel Warning	✓
✓	Low Oil Pressure Indicator	✓
✓	Tripmeter	✓
✓	Clock	✓
✓	Odometer	✓
✓	Gear Display	✓
✓	Passenger seat	✓
Infotainment
Ride Command	System	Boom!™ Box 4.3
Color Display	System Type	Color Display
✓	Navigation	✓
✓	Speakers	✓
✓	Bluetooth	✓
✓	AM / FM	✓
✓	USB Connection	✓

7.Pros and Cons: Indian Chieftain Dark Horse Vs. Harley Davidson Street Glide

7.1 Pros and Cons: Indian Chieftain Dark Horse

Indian Chieftain Dark Horse Pros	Indian Chieftain Dark Horse Cons
Good handling	Smaller windscreen
Comfortable ergonomics	Starter switch failure
Laidback riding position	Faulty clutch cable
Agile	Stalling issues
Good throttle response	Faulty circuit breaker
Powerful engine	Gear indicator failure
Standard ABS and cruise control	Midsize windscreen
Three selectable riding modes (Sport, Touring, and Standard)
Standard rear cylinder deactivation system
Stock batwing fairing, saddlebags, floorboards, and crash bars
Stock infotainment system
Blacked-out finish

7.2 Pros and Cons: Harley Davidson Street Glide

Harley Davidson Street Glide Pros	Harley Davidson Street Glide Cons
Comfortable	ABS is optional
Standard electronically linked braking (ELB)	Heavyweight
Standard cruise control	Shorter rear wheel travel
Stock infotainment system	Difficult to handle at low speeds
Chrome finish	Difficult to ride through traffic
Stock batwing fairing, saddlebags, and floorboards	Small stock windscreen

8. Colors and Cost: Indian Chieftain Dark Horse Vs. Harley Davidson Street Glide

9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

9.1 Which is a More Reliable Motorcycle Brand, Harley Davidson or Indian Motorcycles?

Both Harley Davidson and Indian Motorcycles produce reliable motorcycles, which is why they have remained so successful for more than a century. Harley Davidson has remained a popular motorcycle brand since its introduction; Indian Motorcycles also rose in popularity since Polaris acquired the company in 2011. Reliability is one of the major reasons why both motorcycle companies are popular worldwide.

Harley Davidson has an edge over Indian Motorcycles when it comes to reliability due to being an older motorcycle brand, which has been operating since 1903. Harley Davidson motorcycles also have better resale and holding values than Indian motorbikes.

Older Harley Davidson motorcycles that were manufactured decades ago are still frequently seen on the roads which prove their reliability. Expert says that this is also one of the reasons why Harley Davidson’s recent sales have dropped.

9.2 What are the Key Differences between the Indian Chieftain Dark Horse and the Harley Davidson Street Glide?

Key Differences between the Indian Chieftain Dark Horse and the Harley Davidson Street Glide
Indian Chieftain Dark Horse	Harley Davidson Street Glide
Thunderstroke 116 V-Twin	Milwaukee-Eight® 107 V-Twin
1,890 cc	1,753 cc
More powerful and torquey engine	Less powerful and torquey engine
Lightweight Cast Aluminum frame	Mild Steel Tubular Frame
Blacked-out finish	Chrome finish
ABS is standard	ABS is optional
High-performance rear suspension	Low-performance rear suspension
Longer rear wheel travel	Smaller rear wheel travel
More storage capacity	Less storage capacity
Comes with several modern features	Only cruise control is standard
Fuel tank capacity of 5.5 gal	Fuel tank capacity of 6 gal
Trail size of 5.9 inches	Trail size of 6.7 inches
Low seat height of 25.6 inches	Seat height of 26.1 inches
10-Spoke Contrast Cut	Enforcer II Cast Aluminum

10. Which is Better: the Indian Chieftain Dark Horse or the Harley Davidson Street Glide?

The Indian Chieftain Dark Horse and the Harley Davidson Street Glide are comfortable baggers with unique looks. Both touring bikes have low seat heights, adequate legroom, and comfortable riding position. The Indian Chieftain Dark Horse is an expensive touring bike due to being loaded with many ride-assist and safety features, including ABS, selectable riding modes, cruise control, and rear cylinder deactivation. The Indian Chieftain Dark Horse’s infotainment system is powered by Ride Command and comes with a seven-inch touchscreen, weather updates, live traffic situations, music, and mobile phone connectivity. It also has a more powerful and torquey engine, ideal for two-up riding across long distances. Meanwhile, the Harley Street Glide is a heavyweight motorcycle with a less powerful engine, making it slightly unsuitable for two-up riding across long distances. However, the Harley Street Glide is $7,069 cheaper than the Indian Chieftain Dark Horse.

Photo Credit: @indianmotorcycledaytonabeach ,  @l-aharley