Indian Springfield Dark Horse: Specs, Features, Background, Performance, & More

• Table of Contents
• 1. A BRIEF BACKGROUND OF INDIAN SPRINGFIELD DARK HORSE:
• 1.1 Indian Motorcycle Early History:
• 1.2 Indian Motorcycle famous models:
• 1.3 Indian Motorcycle Dark Horse series:
• 1.4 Indian Springfield Introduction to Market:
• 2. INDIAN SPRINGFIELD DARK HORSE AT FIRST GLANCE:
• 2.1 Indian Springfield Dark Horse - Design and Style:
• 2.2 Indian Springfield Dark Horse - Engine:
• 2.3 Indian Springfield Dark Horse – Fuel mileage and capacity:
• 2.4 Indian Springfield Dark Horse - Brakes:
• 2.5 Indian Springfield Dark Horse - Transmission:
• 2.6 Indian Springfield Dark Horse - Suspension:
• 3. Indian Springfield Dark Horse – A BUYER’S GUIDE:
• 3.1 What are Bagger Motorcycles?
• 3.2 Which Indian Motorcycle is best for a long trip?
• 3.3 How is it like to ride an Indian Motorcycle?
• 3.4 Which is the best Indian bike for middle-aged men?
• 3.5 What do Western people think about Indian motorcycles?
• 4. INDIAN SPRINGFIELD DARK HORSE – A DETAILED SPECIFICATION:
• 4.1 Engine
• 4.2 Fuel Consumption and Mileage
• 4.3 Drivetrain
• 4.4 Dimensions
• 4.5 Transmission
• 4.6 Chassis and Suspension
• 4.7 Braking
• 4.8 Wheel and Tyres
• 4.9 Electricals
• 4.10 Gauges
• 4.11 Others
• 5. AFTERMARKET PARTS & MODIFICATION OPTIONS FOR INDIAN SPRINGFIELD DARK HORSE

1. A BRIEF BACKGROUND OF INDIAN SPRINGFIELD DARK HORSE:

1.1 Indian Motorcycle Early History:

Indian Motorcycle was founded by George M. Hendee and Oscar Hedroom in 1901 and became America’s first motorcycle-making company. Over the years, they have made many remarkable motorcycles that became favorites amongst motorcycle enthusiasts of that time. Even today, people still consider Indian motorcycles as some of the best motorcycles in the world in terms of design, style, engine power, and performance.

1.2 Indian Motorcycle famous models:

MODELS	BRIEF INTRO
Indian Scout	First launched in 1920, the engine displacement was 45 cu.
Indian Powerplus	It was Initially launched in 1920 with a two-cylinder engine, it had a displacement of 61 cu.
Indian Chief	It was launched in 1922, with the same engine as Indian PowerPlus with a displacement of 61 cu.
Indian Scout 101	First launched in 1928 with an engine displacement of both 45 cu and 37 cu; known as one of the best Indian motorcycles ever made.
Indian Scout WWII	These were made in 1942 for military use only. Indian motorcycles made more than 30,000 motorcycles for the military, which were also sold to the British and USSR.
Indian Chief Post-War	The Indian Chief is the only Indian bike that continued to be manufactured after WWII.

1.3 Indian Motorcycle Dark Horse Series:

Indian Motorcycle has launched many models over the years. Since 2014, Indian Motorcycle has started to use the name “Dark Horse” for their bike brands. Aptly named for the color scheme, many people like the black color for their motorcycles. Indian Motorcycle manufactured and launched multiple Dark Horse with their models such as the Indian Chief Dark Horse, Indian Bobber Dark Horse, Indian Springfield Dark Horse, Indian Challenger Dark Horse, and Indian Pursuit Dark Horse.

1.4 Indian Springfield Introduction to Market:

Indian Motorcycle launched the Indian Springfield in 2016. The Indian Springfield was named after the location of the first Indian Motorcycle which was made in 1901. The Indian Springfield shared similar looks with both the Indian Chieftain and Chief Vintage, along with an easily detachable windshield and a rear air-adjusted shock.

2. INDIAN SPRINGFIELD DARK HORSE AT FIRST GLANCE:

Photo Credit: @indianmotorcycle

2.1 Indian Springfield Dark Horse - Design and Style:

The Indian Springfield Dark Horse is a bagger motorcycle . Like other Indian bagger motorcycles, the Indian Springfield Dark Horse can be fitted with luggage bags. The standard Indian Springfield has a traditional look while the Indian Springfield Dark Horse looks much neat and tidy. The Springfield Dark Horse’s handlebars are higher than the standard Indian Springfield but do not have a windshield. Both motorcycles are powered by the same engine but the wheelbase of the Indian Springfield Dark Horse is larger than the Standard Indian Springfield and the Indian Springfield has more ground clearance and slightly more width and length compared to the Indian Springfield Dark Horse. The standard Indian Springfield is also heavier than the Indian Springfield Dark Horse.

2.2 Indian Springfield Dark Horse - Engine:

The Indian Springfield Dark Horse is fitted with the Thunder Stroke 116 cu (1890 cc) engine, much larger than the Indian Chief Vintage’s Thunder Stroke 111 cu (1811 cc) engine. The Springfield Dark Horse has a closed-loop fuel injection system with a bore size of 54 mm while the engine has a bore size of 103.2 mm. It can generate a maximum torque of 171 Nm at 3000 rpm and an approximate horsepower of 97.6 hp .

2.3 Indian Springfield Dark Horse – Fuel Mileage and Capacity:

The Indian Springfield Dark Horse has a fuel capacity of 5.5 gallons (approximately 20.8 L) and a mileage of 32.9 mpg (approximately 14 km/L).

2.4 Indian Springfield Dark Horse - Brakes:

The Indian Springfield Dark Horse has dual disc brakes at the front wheel and a single disc brake at the rear wheel, both with a diameter of approximately 300 mm. The brakes feel comfortable, with the front brake feeling a little tighter when in use. It is better to apply both front and rear brakes for comfortable and reliable stopping power.

2.5 Indian Springfield Dark Horse - Transmission:

The Indian Springfield Dark Horse has the same transmission system as the majority of Indian bagger motorcycles with a six-gear transmission and a Gear Drive Wet Clutch. Its first gear can provide a powerful ratio of 9.403:1 while the ratio of the next gears gets lower and lower to allow for a smooth riding experience.

2.6 Indian Springfield Dark Horse - Suspension:

The Indian Springfield Dark Horse is a very comfortable ride because of its telescopic fork shock absorber at the front wheel with a displacement of 119 mm and a single air adjustable shock absorber at the rear wheel with a displacement of 63 mm while driving and 114 mm when at rest.

3. Indian Springfield Dark Horse – A BUYER’S GUIDE:

3.1 What are Bagger Motorcycles?

Bagger motorcycles are motorcycles that have extra means of storage attached to them called SADDLEBAGS. Bagger motorcycles are a type of touring motorcycle designed to travel over long distances. The main difference between a touring motorcycle is the overall design of the vehicle and the use of LUGGAGE RACKS.

3.2 Which Indian Motorcycle is Best for a Long Trip?

There have been a lot of good motorcycles manufactured by Indian Motorcycle to suit different needs. For longer trips, bagger motorcycles and touring motorcycles are the best choices. The best option to pick is the Indian Springfield, Indian Chief Vintage, Indian Challenger, Indian Chieftain, Indian Roadmaster, and Indian Pursuit.

3.3 How is it Like to Ride an Indian Motorcycle?

Riding experience can vary from person to person, but if you want a bike with good throttle power and a powerful engine, then Indian motorcycles will not disappoint you. Most Indian Motorcycles have good levels of comfort and reliable yet tight brakes.

3.4 Which is the Best Indian Bike for Middle-Aged Men?

If you are fond of long-distance trips, then baggers and touring motorcycles are the best options. If a person rides a motorcycle for daily commutes and travels through the city, then cruiser bikes like the Indian Scout, Indian Bobber, and Indian Chief are the best options.

3.5 What Do Western Bikers Think of Indian Motorcycles?

It depends on the ride whether s/he like Harley-Davidson bikes or Indian models more. In general, most motorcyclists prefer Harley-Davidson motorcycles because of their reliability and aftermarket parts being better than Indian motorcycles. Other riders still prefer Indian motorcycles because of their engine power, riding experience, and looks.

4. INDIAN SPRINGFIELD DARK HORSE – A DETAILED SPECIFICATION:

4.1 Engine

Engine Displacement	115 cu (1890 cc)
Exhaust Type	Crossover Dual Split Exhaust
Engine Type	Thunder Stroke 116 V-Twin
No of Cylinder	Two
Max Power	97.6 bhp
Max Torque	171 Nm @ 3,000 rpm
Valves per cylinder	Four
Fuel System	Closed-Loop Injection/ 54 mm bore
Cooling System	Air-Cooled
Starting Mechanism	Self-Start/Electric

4.2 Fuel Consumption and Mileage

Fuel Tank Capacity	5.5 gal (20.8 L)
Reserve Fuel Capacity	N/A
Mileage	Approx. 32 mpg (13.5 Km/L)

4.3 Drivetrain

Primary Drive	Gear Drive
Clutch	Wet, Multi-Plate

4.4 Dimensions

Kerb Weight	358 kg
Length	2,522 mm (99.3 in)
Width	1,000 mm (39.4 in)
Height	1,261 mm (49.6 in)
Wheelbase	1,701 mm (67.0 in)
Ground Clearance	133 mm (5.2 in)
Seat Height	662 mm (26 in)

4.5 Transmission

No of Gears	Six
Type	Manual

4.6 Chassis and Suspension

Front Suspension	Telescopic Forks with dual springs rate
Front Displacement size	4.7 in (119 mm)
Rear Suspension	Air Adjustable Single Shock
Rear Displacement size	4.5 in (114 mm)

4.7 Braking

Front Brake Type	Dual Disc
Rear Brake Type	Single Disc
Front Drum/Disc Size	300 mm with Four Piston Calipers
Rear Drum/Disc Size	300 mm with Two Piston Calipers

4.8 Wheel and Tyres

Front Wheel Size	19 in x 3.5 in
Rear Wheel Size	16 in x 5 in
Wheel Type	Alloy Wheels
Front Tyre	130/60B19 66H
Rear Tyre	180/60R16 80H

4.9 Electricals

Battery	Maintenance Free AGM
Head Light	Halogen Bulb
Tail Light	LED

4.10 Gauges

Speedometer w/ Odometer	Analogue/ Digital
Tachometer	Digital
Fuel Gauge	Digital
Gear shift indication	Available
Trip Meter	Available
Clock	Available
Distance to empty indication	Available
Cruise Control	Available

4.11 Others

Colors	Black Smoke, Quartz Gray
Body Type	Bagger
Fuel Type	Petrol
No of seats	Two
Default Equipment	Leather Seats, Remote-Locking Leather Saddlebags, Keyless Ignition, ABS, Battery Equipment, Low Engine Oil Pressure Indication, Battery Voltage, and Vehicle Trouble Code Readout.

5. AFTERMARKET PARTS & MODIFICATION OPTIONS FOR INDIAN SPRINGFIELD DARK HORSE

The way some motorcycles are manufactured appeals to certain riders, making them prefer certain motorcycle companies over others. Riders usually do not apply modifications to their motorcycles.

The Indian Springfield Dark Horse has a matte and glossy color scheme which gives it its impressive look.

There are not many Indian Motorcycles parts available on the market, but there are websites like Viking Bags where riders can easily find seats, saddlebags , luggage bags, and backrests for their Indian Springfield Dark Horse.

Riders can also change and upgrade other parts like the luggage rack , handlebars, sissy bars , crash bars , and fairings to customize the look of their bike.