2026 Indian Chief Bobber Dark Horse Review

2026 Indian Chief Bobber Dark Horse
OLD SCHOOL BOBBER DESIGN. A welded steel tube frame, large headlight bucket with nacelle, and covered forks and rear shocks give a nod to traditional bobber style and deliver a visually striking experience.
ReviewKey FeaturesFeatures & BenefitsSpecifications

2026 Indian Chief Bobber Dark Horse 2026 Indian Chief Bobber Dark Horse 2026 Indian Chief Bobber Dark Horse 2026 Indian Chief Bobber Dark Horse 2026 Indian Chief Bobber Dark Horse

2026 Indian Chief Bobber Dark Horse: TURN HEADS.

Reviewing 2026 Indian Chief Bobber Dark Horse…

TIMELESS / ATTITUDE / TECHNOLOGY

Combining iconic, American V-twin style with modern performance and tech, the Indian Chief Bobber pays homage to the glory days of American motorcycling.
• Turn heads on every corner with simple, purposeful design showcasing bobbed fenders, exposed rear shocks, and a steel welded tube frame.
• Design detail meets modern function with the industry-leading 4” Display powered by RIDE COMMAND. GPS Navigation. Bluetooth® Connectivity.
• A low seat height, a solo saddle, and f orward foot pegs gives every rider complete control with confidence.
• Blacked-out Bobber Design. Loaded with attitude and blacked-out premium gloss black finishes with bobbed Fenders.

In 1921, Indian Motorcycle introduced the iconic Indian Chief, cementing its place as one of the most historic and influential motorcycles in history. The Indian Chief Bobber Dark Horse seamlessly blends the iconic American V-twin style with modern performance and technology while embracing a simplistic, mechanical aesthetic that pays tribute to the heydays of American motorcycling. Encased within a beautifully straightforward steel-tube frame, the commanding Thunderstroke engine powers the Indian Chief, offering a stripped-down riding experience where power, minimalism, and attitude take the reins. It harkens back to the golden days of American V-twins when embarking on a journey to nowhere with close friends and just the essentials were the stuff of legends.

 

 

 

 

 

2026 Indian Chief Bobber Dark Horse Totalmotorcycle.com Key Features

  • Iconic American Style
  • 3 Ride Modes: Tour / Standard / Sport
  • 4-Inch Round Display
  • Keyless Ignition
  • Cruise Control
  • USB Charging
  • LED Lighting
  • ABS Brakes
  • ENGINE 116 CU-IN
  • SEAT HEIGHT 26 IN
  • TORQUE 120 FT-LBS
  • WEIGHT 694 LBS
  • PEAK TORQUE 2,900 RPM

 

 

INDIAN MOTORCYCLE ROLLS OUT 2026 LINEUP WITH NEW SPORT SCOUT RT, FRESH PAINT & ALL-NEW ACCESSORIES

  • Sport Scout RT Delivers Aggressive Style and Increased Capability With Factory-Fitted Locking Rigid Saddlebags
  • Rich, Premium Paint Options Elevate Aesthetic Across 2026 Lineup, Including Exciting Color Refreshments to Indian Motorcycle’s Newest PowerPlus Family
  • Authentic Indian Motorcycle Accessories Expand with New Storage, Audio, & Comfort Offerings

MINNEAPOLIS, MN – Indian Motorcycle, America’s First Motorcycle Company, today announced its model year 2026 lineup, unveiling the Sport Scout RT, new paint and graphics, and adding new distinctive Indian Motorcycle accessories across its cruiser, bagger and touring lineup.

“Scout is a market-leading, globally recognized icon, and with the debut of the Sport Scout RT, we’re redefining what it means to ride an Indian Scout,” said Aaron Jax, Vice President – Indian Motorcycle. “Through a host of new updates across the lineup, we’re not just holding our ground as the best cruiser on the road — we’re raising the bar by offering riders around the world an unrivaled way to experience the open road.”

 

FRESH PAINT & GRAPHICS
For model year 2026, Indian Motorcycle introduces a range of rich, premium paint options that elevate the visual identity of its iconic lineup. Striking new colorways across its PowerPlus family of baggers and touring models further enhance each bike’s commanding presence on the road.

Headlining the 2026 color palette is the all-new Black Crystal and Super Graphite with Championship Gold accent finish, making a bold statement across multiple models, including the 101 Scout, Chieftain PowerPlus, and Indian Challenger. A new Deep Blue Metallic finish is featured across the Scout Classic, Indian Chief, Chieftain, Chieftain PowerPlus, Indian Challenger, Roadmaster PowerPlus, and Indian Pursuit. Other standout colors include Chalk on the Super Chief, Indian Challenger, Roadmaster PowerPlus, and Indian Pursuit; Indy Red on the Sport Chief; and Cascade Green Metallic with Black Metallic on the Roadmaster PowerPlus and Indian Pursuit. Roadmaster adds a sophisticated Deep Blue Metallic with Silver Quartz Metallic – further enhancing the visual appeal of Indian Motorcycle’s legendary touring model.

Alongside these vibrant new colors, Indian Motorcycle refreshes tank graphics across several Indian Chief models. Updates to the Chief Dark Horse, Sport Chief, Super Chief Limited, and Super Chief Dark Horse add a fresh edge to the legendary lineup while preserving its unmistakable attitude.

 

 

 

2026 Indian Chief Bobber Dark Horse Totalmotorcycle.com Features and Benefits

Chief
Indian Motorcycle reimagined this iconic cruiser for the 100th anniversary of the Chief model, instilling cutting-edge technology with a timeless design.

Classic Styling
These are the motorcycles you see when you close your eyes: perfect proportions and premium finishes. A cruiser can be personalised to be the exact motorcycle you want with various useful and stylish accessories like seats, storage, and lighting.

An Easy Ride
Smooth power combines with a lightweight frame and low seat to make these motorcycles accessible, even to smaller or new riders. Cruisers are defined by powerful engines in a minimal package. They are great options for new riders but still exhilarating for seasoned pros.

Modern tech hidden in plain sight
Design details meet modern function with the industry-leading 4″ Display powered by RIDE COMMAND. Unlock GPS navigation, Bluetooth® connectivity, and more to elevate your riding experience.

A Personal Touch
A cruiser can be personalised to be the exact motorcycle you want with various useful and stylish accessories like seats, storage, and lighting.

 

THUNDERSTROKE ENGINE
Drawing external design inspiration from the rich heritage of Indian Motorcycle’s past, the Thunderstroke engine delivers performance with timeless style. Choose the air-cooled Thunderstroke 111, packing 108 ft-lbs of torque, or step up to the Thunderstroke 116 with a commanding 120 ft-lbs of raw passing power.

OLD SCHOOL BOBBER DESIGN
A welded steel tube frame, large headlight bucket with nacelle, and covered forks and rear shocks give a nod to traditional bobber style and deliver a visually striking experience.

LOW SOLO SEAT
A low solo seat gives you a commanding feel, while the forward pegs and mini ape bars put your feet forward and your fists in the wind, offering you an authoritative riding position.​

RIDER CENTRIC FEATURES
Off the line, every Chief Bobber comes with LED lighting, keyless ignition, cruise control, ABS, and Metzeler CruiseTec® tires that offer supreme traction. These features provide convenience, safety, and performance, ensuring enjoyable rides for every rider. Chief Bobber comes with a 4″ Analog display while Chief Bobber Dark Horse includes the 4″ Display powered by RIDE COMMAND.

RIDE & OWNERSHIP ENHANCEMENTS
Design detail meets modern function with the 4″ Display on Chief Bobber Dark Horse, powered by RIDE COMMAND. Experience effortless cruising with GPS navigation, Bluetooth® connection, and other ride-enhancing features. Go beyond the ride and elevate ownership with RIDE COMMAND+ connected technology, offering Account Sync and more.

RIDE MODES
Customize your riding experience with three ride modes – Tour, Standard, or Sport – for an experience that’s tailored to your riding style.

 

 

The Chief lineup, like all the Thunderstroke and PowerPlus models, features a clutch system that enhances the overall feel and forgiveness. This innovative slipper clutch reduces engine drag, resulting in smoother downshifting and a more comfortable ride, particularly in challenging road conditions. Additionally, the expanded friction zone and reduced lever effort alleviate clutch fatigue, proving beneficial in urban environments and during congested traffic.

The lineup includes a 15.1-litre fuel tank, a bobbed rear fender, dual outboard preload-adjustable rear shocks, dual exhaust, LED lighting, keyless ignition, and Pirelli Night Dragon tires. Chief riders can further tailor their experience by selecting one of three ride modes: sport, standard, or tour, in addition to utilizing cruise control. With a short 1626 mm wheelbase, a low 662 mm seat height, and a wet weight as light as 304 kg, the Indian Chief lineup instils confidence and is welcoming to riders of all levels. Conventional 46mm front forks with 132 mm of travel, a 28.5-degree lean angle, and comfortable ergonomics make it a capable machine even on the most demanding routes.

The Indian Chief Bobber Dark Horse features mini-ape hanger handlebars and forward foot controls, providing a more upright and authoritative riding position. It rolls on 16-inch (40.6 cm) wire wheels, adds fork and shock covers, and showcases a substantial headlight bucket encased in a nacelle. Powering all premium Chief models is the robust Thunderstroke 116 (1890cc) engine, delivering a formidable 156 Nm of torque.

Moreover, each model offers an exceptional experience with the groundbreaking 101 mm round RIDE COMMAND system. Riders can control the RIDE COMMAND system through grip controls or the digital IPS touchscreen display. It provides access to multiple interfaces, including two different gauge configurations, bike and ride information, and turn-by-turn navigation. When using a wireless helmet communicator, riders can manage their music via the RIDE COMMAND system once their phone is paired through Bluetooth or USB. Phone information, including recent calls, contacts, number pad, and text message history, can be accessed, and incoming calls can be accepted or declined directly through the RIDE COMMAND system when connected.

 

 

Indian Chief Accessories

Thoughtfully designed to enhance comfort and improve rider ergonomics for a more refined and personalized riding experience, new Indian Chief accessories include:

  • Two-Up, Two-Tone High Bolster Seat: The Two-Up High Bolster Seat, Two-Tone Black & Brown features plush, foam cushioning that delivers an ideal combination of sophistication and comfort for both rider and passenger. With a 5” back bolster compared to the 3” of bolster on the standard seat, this seat helps riders feel planted and prevents sliding during hard acceleration. Its durable, all-weather vinyl covering is built to withstand rain, humidity, and harsh sunlight. The striking two-tone combination of black and brown vinyl delivers a bold, custom look that sets the motorcycle apart.
  • Syndicate Reduced Reach Seat: Reduced Reach Chief Syndicate Two-Up Seat provides enhanced ergonomics and riding comfort for riders 5’6″ and under. This reduced reach seat moves the rider 1.2″ forward, providing enhanced control and confidence. The seat features cushioning that is both plush and supportive for all-day comfort on longer rides. The integrated styling of the passenger seat complements the motorcycle’s streamlined design.
  • 2” Pullback Handlebars: Designed for riders seeking a more relaxed reach to their controls, the 2″ Pullback Handlebars deliver both comfort and a custom-inspired look. Whether riders are pairing with a 6″ or 10″ riser, this handlebar is the perfect upgrade for model year 2022 and newer Indian Chief models, offering a more comfortable riding position while maintaining an aggressive, sporty aesthetic.

8″ Pullback Moto Handlebar Risers: The 8″ Pullback Moto Handlebar Risers add aggressive details and reduce the rider’s reach to their handlebars for a more relaxed and ergonomic riding posture. These risers fit across all 2025-2026 Chief models and offer Sport Chief and Sport Chief RT a comfortable, reduced reach option.

 

RIDER CENTRIC TECHNOLOGY

ABS, Ride Modes, Keyless Ignition, 12V Charge Port, and Rear Cylinder Deactivation.

Design detail meets modern function with the 4” Display, powered by RIDE COMMAND. Experience effortless cruising with GPS navigation, Bluetooth® connection, and other ride enhancing features. Go beyond the ride and elevate ownership with RIDE COMMAND+ connected technology, offering Account Sync and more.

 

 

 

 

2026 Indian Chief Bobber Dark Horse – Totalmotorcycle.com USA Specifications/Technical Details
US MSRP Price: from $19,999 USD
Canada MSRP Price: from $25,024 CDN
Europe/UK MSRP Price: from £17,995 GBP (On The Road inc 20% Vat)

ENGINE & DRIVETRAIN

Bore x Stroke

4.063 in x 4.449 in (103.2 mm x 113 mm)

Compression Ratio

11.0 : 1

Displacement

116 cu-in (1,890 cc)

Drive/Driven Clutch

Wet, Multi-Plate

Electronic Fuel Injection System

Closed loop fuel injection / 54 mm bore

Engine Type

Air-cooled Thunderstroke 116

Exhaust

Dual Exhaust w/ Crossover

Gear Ratio (1st)

9.403 : 1

Gear Ratio (2nd)

6.411 : 1

Gear Ratio (3rd)

4.763 : 1

Gear Ratio (4th)

3.796 : 1

Gear Ratio (5th)

3.243 : 1

Gear Ratio (6th)

2.789 : 1

Peak Torque

120 ft-lbs

Peak Torque RPM

2,900 rpm

Transmission/Final Drive

2.2 : 1

Transmission/Primary Drive

Gear Drive Wet Clutch

DIMENSIONS

Fuel Capacity

4.0 Gallons (15.1 L)

Ground Clearance

4.9 in (125 mm)

GVWR

1,160 lb (522 kg)

Lean Angle

28.5°

Overall Height

53.1 in (1,349 mm)

Overall Length

90 in (2,286 mm)

Overall Width

36 in (915 mm)

Rake/Trail

29° / 5.2 in (132 mm)

Seat Height

26.0 in (662 mm)

Weight (Dry Weight / Running Order)

670 lbs (304 kg) / 694 lbs (315 kg)

Wheelbase

64.0 in (1,626 mm)

BRAKES

Front Brakes

Single / 300mm Semi-Floating Rotor / 4 Piston Caliper

Rear Brakes

Single / 300mm Floating Rotor / 2 Piston Caliper

TIRES / WHEELS

Front Tires

Metzeler Cruisetec® 130/60 B16 73H

Front Wheel

Wire Wheel 16 in x 3 in

Rear Tires

Metzeler Cruisetec® 180/65 B16 81H

Rear Wheel

Wire Wheel 16 in x 5 in

SUSPENSION

Front Fork Tube Diameter

46 mm

Front Suspension

Telescopic Fork

Front Travel

5.2 in (132 mm)

Rear Suspension

Dual Shocks w/ Adjustable Preload

Rear Travel

3.0 in (75 mm)

FEATURES

Color / Graphics

Black Smoke, Ghost White Metallic Smoke, Moss Green

Factory Warranty

2 Years, Unlimited Miles

Lights

LED Headlight, LED Tail/Brake/Turn Signals

Passenger Accommodations

Solo Seat, 2-Up Accessory Options Available

Standard Equipment

ABS, Ride Modes, Keyless Ignition, USB charge port, 12V Charge Port, Rear Cylinder Deactivation

Storage

N/A, Accessory Storage Options Available

TECHNOLOGY

Audio

N/A, Accessory Bluetooth® Speaker Available

Gauge

Speedometer, Tachometer, Odometer, Fuel Gauge, Compass, Ambient Temperature, Gear Indicator

RIDE COMMAND

4″ Display Factory-Installed with GPS Navigation, Bluetooth® Connectivity, Ride Stats, and More

RIDE COMMAND+

Via Bluetooth® Tethering with Account Sync, Connected Search and More *Requires cellular data.

STYLE

Design

Forward Mount Foot Controls, Mini-Ape Handlebars, Nacelle and Large Headlight Bucket, Fork Covers, Shock Covers, 16 in Wire Spoke Wheels, Bobbed Fenders

 

 

 

 

2026 Indian Chief Bobber Dark Horse – Totalmotorcycle.com Canada Specifications/Technical Details

ENGINE & DRIVETRAIN

Bore x Stroke

4.063 in x 4.449 in (103.2 mm x 113 mm)

Compression Ratio

11.0 : 1

Displacement

116 cu-in (1,890 cc)

Drive/Driven Clutch

Wet, Multi-Plate

Electronic Fuel Injection System

Closed loop fuel injection / 54 mm bore

Engine Type

Air-cooled Thunderstroke 116

Exhaust

Dual Exhaust w/ Crossover

Gear Ratio (1st)

9.403 : 1

Gear Ratio (2nd)

6.411 : 1

Gear Ratio (3rd)

4.763 : 1

Gear Ratio (4th)

3.796 : 1

Gear Ratio (5th)

3.243 : 1

Gear Ratio (6th)

2.789 : 1

Peak Torque

120 ft-lbs

Peak Torque RPM

2,900 rpm

Transmission/Final Drive

2.2 : 1

Transmission/Primary Drive

Gear Drive Wet Clutch

DIMENSIONS

Fuel Capacity

4.0 Gallons (15.1 L)

Ground Clearance

4.9 in (125 mm)

GVWR

1,160 lb (522 kg)

Lean Angle

28.5°

Overall Height

53.1 in (1,349 mm)

Overall Length

90 in (2,286 mm)

Overall Width

36 in (915 mm)

Rake/Trail

29° / 5.2 in (132 mm)

Seat Height (Laden)

26.0 in (662 mm)

Weight (Dry Weight / Running Order)

670 lbs (304 kg) / 694 lbs (315 kg)

Wheelbase

64.0 in (1,626 mm)

BRAKES

Front Brakes

Single / 300mm Semi-Floating Rotor / 4 Piston Caliper

Rear Brakes

Single / 300mm Floating Rotor / 2 Piston Caliper

TIRES / WHEELS

Front Tires

Metzeler Cruisetec® 130/60 B16 73H

Front Wheel

Wire Wheel 16 in x 3 in

Rear Tires

Metzeler Cruisetec® 180/65 B16 81H

Rear Wheel

Wire Wheel 16 in x 5 in

SUSPENSION

Front Fork Tube Diameter

46 mm

Front Suspension

Telescopic Fork

Front Travel

5.2 in (132 mm)

Rear Suspension

Dual Shocks w/ Adjustable Preload

Rear Travel

3.0 in (75 mm)

FEATURES

Color / Graphics

Black Smoke, Ghost White Metallic Smoke, Moss Green

Factory Warranty

2 Years, Unlimited Miles

Lights

LED Headlight, LED Tail/Brake/Turn Signals

Passenger Accommodations

Solo Seat, 2-Up Accessory Options Available

Standard Equipment

ABS, Ride Modes, Keyless Ignition, USB charge port, 12V Charge Port, Rear Cylinder Deactivation

Storage

N/A, Accessory Storage Options Available

TECHNOLOGY

Audio

N/A, Accessory Bluetooth® Speaker Available

Gauge

Speedometer, Tachometer, Odometer, Fuel Gauge, Compass, Ambient Temperature, Gear Indicator

RIDE COMMAND

4″ Display Factory-Installed with GPS Navigation, Bluetooth® Connectivity, Ride Stats, and More

RIDE COMMAND+

Via Bluetooth® Tethering with Account Sync, Connected Search and More *Requires cellular data.

STYLE

Design

Forward Mount Foot Controls, Mini-Ape Handlebars, Nacelle and Large Headlight Bucket, Fork Covers, Shock Covers, 16 in Wire Spoke Wheels, Bobbed Fenders

 

 

 

 

2026 Indian Chief Bobber Dark Horse – Totalmotorcycle.com Europe Specifications/Technical Details

Engine

Engine Type Air-cooled Thunderstroke 116
Displacement 1,890 cc
Bore x Stroke 103.2 mm x 113 mm
Compression Ratio 11.0:1
Electronic Fuel Injection System Closed loop fuel injection / 54 mm bore

Performance

Peak Torque RPM 2024 model: 2,900 rpm

2025 model: 3,300 rpm

Peak Torque 156 Nm

Drivetrain

Primary Drive Gear Drive Wet Clutch
Clutch Wet, Multi-Plate

Gear Ratio (Overall)

1st 9.403 : 1
2nd 6.411 : 1
3rd 4.763 : 1
4th 3.796 : 1
5th 3.243 : 1
6th 2.789 : 1
Final Drive 2.2:1

Suspension

Suspension: Front – Type/Travel Telescopic Fork / 132 mm
Suspension: Rear – Type/Travel Dual Shocks w/ adjustable preload / 75 mm

Chassis

Brakes/Front Single / 300mm Semi-Floating Rotor / 4 Piston Calliper
Brakes/Rear Single / 300mm Floating Rotor / 2 Piston Calliper
Tyres/Front Metzeler® CruiseTec® 130/90 B16 73H
Tyres/Rear Metzeler® CruiseTec® 180/65 B16 81H
Wheels Wire Wheel 16″ x 3.0″ / Wire Wheel 16″ x 5″
Exhaust Dual exhaust w/ Collector at Catalyst

Dimensions

Wheelbase 1,626 mm
Seat Height 662 mm
Ground Clearance 125 mm
Overall Length 2,286 mm
Overall Width 915 mm
Overall Height 1,349 mm
Lean Angle 28.5°
Rake 29°
Trail 132 mm
Fuel Capacity 15.1 L
GVWR 522 kg
Weight (Empty tank / full of fuel) 304 kg / 315 kg

Features

Colour / Graphics Black Smoke, Moss Green
Factory Warranty 2 years

Standard

Standard Equipment ABS, Ride Modes, Keyless Ignition, USB Charge Port, 12V Charge Port, Rear Cylinder Deactivation
Passenger Accommodations Solo Seat, 2-Up Accessory Options
Lights LED Headlight, LED Tail/Brake/Turn Signals

Electrical

Gauges Speedometer, Tachometer, Odometer, Fuel Gauge, Compass, Ambient Temperature, Gear Indicator
audio N/A, Accessory Bluetooth® Speaker Available
Ride Command® 4″ Display Factory-Installed with GPS Navigation, Bluetooth® Connectivity, Ride Stats, and More
Ride Command+® Available via Bluetooth® Tethering with Account Sync and More *May require cellular data.

 

 

 

Manufacturer Specifications and appearance are subject to change without prior notice on Total Motorcycle (TMW).

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