Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/656086
2016 INDIAN SPRINGFIELD FIRST RIDE P80 fairing, and it feels even more maneuverable than the faired Indians. This bagger dives into corners with surprisingly little effort, and clever riders will utilize every foot-pound of torque the Thunder Stroke 111 has to offer to stand the Springfield upright. With plenty of torque for quick acceleration and high-speed passes, the Springfield is strong and confident on the highway; with its well- balanced suspension, responsive brakes, and that fine maneuver- ability, this bagger is just as eager to take on the twisties and head into the hills. By way of comparison, Indian provided a Vintage for us to ride at the press jun- ket, and the difference was, frankly, astonish- ing. Truth be told, the Springfield's chassis performs so much better than the Vintage's that more than a few of the journalists assembled at its reveal were only half- joking when they (okay, we) pondered how long before Indian ditches the longer wheelbase platform altogether. If there's a personal nitpick besides the predetermined seating position, it's the amount of glare all that chrome— on the dash, the triple tree, the colossal head- light bucket, just every- where—throws back up at the rider on a bright day. And by reflect- ing the reflections, the windshield quite literally magnifies the effect. But this effect is noth- ing new to most riders, nor is it exclusive to this bike. Consider yourself forewarned. The Springfield is a touring-ready bagger that can take its rider—and passenger, and all their stuff—pretty much any- where they want to go, comfortably, swiftly, and in style. For day cruises where wind protection and luggage aren't nec- essary, pop off the wind- shield and snap off the saddlebags and you've got a sleek cruiser with ample power and phenomenal handling. An on-sale date has yet to be determined, but Springfields dressed in Indian red and gloss black will hit dealer- ships with a $21,499 price tag; numerous accessories, including taller and shorter wind- screens, performance and exhaust upgrades, comfort and styling op- tions, etc., will be avail- able shortly thereafter. For the bagger rider who longs for perfor- mance and handling but who loathes or is just plain over the whole retro scene, which the Chieftain and Roadmaster put front and center with their polarizing "streamliner" fairing, Indian has solved your quandary with its 2016 Springfield. For Road King fans looking to get a bit more from their American big twin bagger dollar, once again Indian Motor- cycle has given the Motor Company ample reason to look over its shoulder. CN