Another tall boy here (191cm, big bearlike build) and Indian Chief Dark Horse is one of my "dream" bikes together with Harley Fat Boy. I would probably invest in extended forward controls if I were to get one, mids on a lot of bikes are horrible for tall people because the knees are pushed so high and it puts a lotmof pressure on our hips, hamper bloodflow and all that.
First big bike review! Great fun. Thanks to the team at the Indian Brand Experience Store in London for lending me the Indian Chief Dark Horse. What did I miss? What else would you like to know?
Beautiful bike, nice review. Thank you! I can‘t wait for my dark horse to be finally delivered! As for the leg position, I am not really a tall or big rider by any means (at 5ft 10inch) but even I am having the pegs moved forward, that‘s much more comfortable. At my height I did not have any issue manoevering it as it is so low, flatfooting is really easy, so I can push it in the parking lot without any problem when testriding. I just have to change the bars to sit comfortably (I‘d have to lean forward a bit otherwise) - I even have that a little bit on my current bike (Scout Bobber). Apart frommthe height our situation is not too unsimilar: I started biking two years ago. First bike Scout Bobber, now ordered the Chief as I wanted something a little bit bigger. We‘ll see how I get along with it soon. :) Maybe I‘ll do a review myself when I finally get it. But first I have to cut and upload the tour and travel videos I did in the last few weeks. It really is a lot of work this youtube-stuff. 😉😄
I agree! It takes so long and I am in awe of people that manage to get films out twice a week. I am sure there are simpler ways which I am yet to learn. Do you think the Chief would have been a good option to start with? I wish you all the best with the Chief and please let me know how you get on!
Thanks for your review! I found a used Chief Bobber Dark Horse and I'm trying to work out the ergonomics and long-haul comfort. I rode an '05 Sportster with pullback bars and forward controls for about 12 years and an '08 Triumph Speedmaster for the past few years. I found those setups perfect - ergonomically. I don't care for the aesthetics of the Chief mid-rise bars or cruiser bars. I installed the drag bars which you rode with here. I feel I'm leaning forward a bit too much for long-haul comfort so I'm trying 2 inch angled risers along with a Saddlemen seat. Just wanted to share my experience with customizing the ergonomics thus far - it's an absolutely brilliant bike!
Hi Jared! Thanks for watching, very much appreciated. I think for longer haul I would personally opt for the ape bars and a screen but I like the sound of your raised drag bars. I think here are also some good luggage options but haven't looked in to this to much. May go in to this as a second review! Thanks again Jared.
1890 cc is some capacity. Makes your 950 seem small when it isn't. The grey color looks classy. Luggage. Stick a sissy bar on it and strp luggage to it. I don't like keyless. Something else to go wrong. 522 kg! Really?
Great review! I’m 6’4” and interested in buying this bike. I wanted the scout but figured I am too big for it so I started to look at the next size up. I am also a fairly new rider and was kinda hesitant on the power of this bike but your review gave me reassurance.
You’ll be fine with the power. It was extremely friendly. I would enquire about the forward pegs and ape bars 👍🏻👍🏻 thanks so much for tuning in! Hoping to take the bigger bikes out over the coming weeks
I’m same height and own a HD softail which is what this bike is copied from. It’s also forward controls which helps fit us. You will be more ergonomically comfortable if you find a seat that’s sets you up and back a bit further. Nice bike with the 116 and looks great even though I’m not a fan of the gray.
@@vernlochtefeld1626 thanks for the response. I almost bought the street bob but went with the Indian Chief Dark Horse. Probably gonna get forward controls and a raise the handlebars about 3 inches. Absolutely love this bike
Hi there , i am 6.3 and 105 kg and haven't decided what bike to buy a chief or go for a bigger one Springfield. After your review i will definitely buy a chief, but i have one more question for you. I would like to ride this bike wife my wife and she is 5.3 and 60 kg( hope she would not see here weight here or I am dead man😉). Would you be able to make another great video about riding this bike with a passenger if you do not mind. Sorry about my English, but its not my native language. Once again great video, and thank you very much.
I’m not sure this would be good with a pillion to be honest. It felt very much a solo bike. Not sure I’ll get to ride two up on this one but think a bigger Springfield may be better suited?
Looking into doing my test at 32 years young looking for a forever bike i love these im 5ft 5 i dont want to be swapping and changing bikes every two mins but dont want something that will out grow i have ridden bikes before done cbt a few times whats your thoughts one one of these for some one who is not new to the road has all licences bar motorcycle
Hi! I think this bike very approachable and would be very easy for you given your experience. It’s a very heavy bike so worth considering. Don’t think you’d get bored of it 👍🏻 hope this helps.
There's no bike for ever, u will get bored after a few years and a new model will blow your mind, just got my Indian Sport Chief and this is my 9th Bike since 2004
Cracking video Rob, love your channel bud. I'm 6ft 4 and 16 stone and going through getting my full bike licence. I would buy this bike in a heartbeat if i could raise the seat a little and move the pegs. Keep up the good work.
Thank you GL! Much appreciated. A little slow on the channel this month as I am in Singapore but something out soon! I think this bike would be a great first bike for bigger guys. Steady, easy to ride and not at all intimidating. The height may be fine but the foot pegs will def require moving. The mid raise ape bars also worth considering I think...let me know how you get on and what you go for!
Great review! I’m guessing they didn’t have a Dark Horse Bobber available to test drive? That would have the forward controls and longer bars, which might have been more comfortable. As you mentioned, the forward controls can be added to the Dark Horse. Thanks for the review, it was very helpful 👍
For city riding and country lanes at these speeds and at this pace, chapters where the Chief excells, nobody needs more than some 27 cv and a nice rumble from a Royal Enfiel Classic 500. Ok. The indian has a more imposing presence, very good finishings... and a lovely deep rumble too. I love it, but unfortunatly is far from rational in these days.
5:20 looking to get the Indian Chief Dark Horse next year as a retirement gift for myself but 100% concur: CR950 is nearly 33" and Chief Dark Horse is 26" so over half foot lower. I'm 6'4" myself so hopefully that'll do still.
Was in the shop today and a tall chap had forward pegs and mid rise ape bars. That would have been the perfect fit for me. Maybe for you? The team in the store are great to look at options.
@@BikesVansandThings Oh, I'm in Washington state, West coast of US. Just came across your video as suggestion from RU-vid from my recent deep dive into Indian motorcycles. (My dad rode an Indian up and down from Everett to Tacoma before there was an I-5 (interstate/motorway) here on the West coast so just want to carry on the tradition of Indian motorcycles in the family. (Also, back to your video, best one I've seen yet and I've watched 4 or 5 different RU-vidr motorcycle reviewers with thousands of followers... yours easily better. Subscribed. Thank you for the content.)
@@R__K thank you so much! Very kind. That’s great you are continuing the tradition. Bikes have a funny way of doing that to people and families. Please stay in comms and let me know how you get on!
I am about 6.5" and in my opinion only the Indian Chief Dark Horse Bobber would be an option for us tall riders. Only the bobber has the footrests moved forward. Do you have the opportunity to test this version as well? That would be great, because I am also interested in the bike, but I don't have a test opportunity within a radius of 100 km.
