P104
RIDE REVIEW I 2022 INDIAN CHIEF, SUPER CHIEF & CHIEF BOBBER DARK HORSE
Chief
Yavapai County, Arizona, home to
some of the best scenic, twisty roads
in the nation, was the backdrop for
our testing. The base model Chief was
where my testing started. Despite be-
ing the "basic" model, the Chief is also the most
unique. Mid-mount rider footpegs, bare suspen-
sion (bereft of steel tins) and a 19-inch front wheel
combine for a ride (and look) quite unlike the other
versions. Since I was starting at the base, my tes-
ter had the standard 111 cubic-inch Thunderstroke
air-cooled, pushrod V-twin motor and the basic
LCD/analog display. All three models come in a
base version, and a high-spec version (either Dark
Horse or Limited) with upgraded finishes, an LED
touchscreen display, and Indian's bored-out 116
cubic-inch Thunderstroke motor.
The Chief is a light lift off the sidestand, with
high and tight pegs just in front of the rider, but
with low-rise bars a decent stretch for-
ward. The result is an aggressive "attack"
riding position, which should fit a range of
riders, though riders over six-feet may feel
cramped, at six feet with a 33-inch inseam
I was fine. The 19-inch cast front mag
wheel, mated to a 46mm fork at a 29-de-
gree rake projects solidity (if not nimbleness) when
changing directions. The entire chassis is super
stable and forgiving. As on Indians of ages past, the
air cleaner is on the left, where it belongs, and not
intrusive to your knees.
As much as the upgraded digital touchscreen
display on the Dark Horse and Limited versions
deserves to be talked about, the basic LCD has a
large, readable display with all the usual informa-
tion, but also tachometer, ambient air temperature,
fuel economy and range, and gear indicator. Same
goes for the standard 111-inch engine. Mated to a
three-mode engine management system (EMS),
the torquey lump can go from hair-trigger enthusi-
Dark Horse version of
the Bobber means you
get matte paint, that
sweet 116-inch motor,
and a four-inch round
touchscreen with
Ride Command.
