Indian Chieftain Dark Horse - 2017 Specifications and Reviews
The 2017 Indian Chieftain Dark Horse is a cruiser built for riders seeking classic styling with modern conveniences. Known for its blacked-out aesthetic, low seat height, and tech-forward features like Bluetooth audio and tire pressure monitoring, it appeals to cruiser enthusiasts who value both retro appeal and contemporary comfort on long rides.
General information | |
| Category | Custom / cruiser |
| Year | 2017 |
| Model | Indian Chieftain Dark Horse |
Engine and Transmission Specifications | |
| Exhaust system | Split dual exhaust with cross-over |
| Transmission type,final drive | Belt |
| Gearbox | 6-speed |
| Cooling system | Air |
| Fuel system | Injection. Closed Loop Sequential Port Fuel Injection |
| Bore x Stroke | 101.0 x 113.0 mm (4.0 x 4.4 inches) |
| Compression | 9.5:1 |
| Torque | 161.60 Nm (16.5 kgf-m or 119.2 ft.lbs) @ 3000 RPM |
| Engine details | Thunder Stroke® 111 engine |
| Engine type | V2, four-stroke |
| | |
Brakes, suspension, Frame and wheels | |
| Seat | Dual leather seat |
| Wheels | Cast aluminium wheels |
| Rear brakes diameter | 300 mm (11.8 inches) |
| Rear brakes | Single disc. ABS. Floating disc. 2-piston caliper. |
| Front brakes diameter | 300 mm (11.8 inches) |
| Front brakes | Double disc. ABS. Floating discs. 4 piston caliper. |
| Rear tyre | 180/60-16 |
| Front tyre | 130/90-16 |
| Rear wheel travel | 114 mm (4.5 inches) |
| Rear Suspension | Single shock |
| Front wheel travel | 119 mm (4.7 inches) |
| Front Suspension | Telescopic forks with air adjust |
| Trail | 150 mm (5.9 inches) |
| Rake (fork angle) | 25.0° |
| Frame type | Cast Aluminum Frame with Integrated Air-Box |
Physical measures and capacities | |
| Fuel capacity | 20.80 litres (5.50 gallons) |
| Wheelbase | 1,668 mm (65.7 inches) |
| Overall width | 1,000 mm (39.4 inches) |
| Overall length | 2,571 mm (101.2 inches) |
| Overall height | 1,388 mm (54.6 inches) |
| Seat height | 660 mm (26.0 inches) If adjustable, lowest setting. |
| Weight incl. oil, gas, etc | 377.0 kg (831.1 pounds) |
| Dry weight | 3,620.0 kg (7,980.7 pounds) |
| | |
Other specs | |
| Maintenance | Find parts, fluids, filters, maintenance tools and service items on eBay |
| Comments | Small windscreen. Crise Control. Tire Pressure Monitoring. 100 Watt Stereo with AM/FM Bluetooth and Smartphone Compatible Input. |
| Factory warranty | 2 years |
| Carrying capacity | Hard saddle bags. |
| Light | Tear drop head lamp, spot lights, fender light |
| Instruments | Fairing mounted instrument cluster featuring electronic speedometer, tachometer, and fuel gauge with odometer, dual tripmeters with distance and time, instantaneous and average fuel economy. |
| Starter | Electric |
| Color options | Thunder Black Smoke |
Performance Profile & Rider Fit
Best For
Rider Profile
| Best For | Best suited to experienced riders who are comfortable managing a long, heavy machine at low speeds and in traffic. |
| Purpose | Built for open-road cruising and long-distance touring rather than quick acceleration or sport riding. |
| Rider Fit | Riders should be reasonably tall and strong, as the low seat height is offset by substantial weight that demands confident handling at stops and in parking maneuvers. |
| Character | A bold, blacked-out American cruiser with a big-inch V-twin rumble that rewards relaxed, torque-driven riding over aggressive throttle inputs. |
| Not Ideal For | Not a good fit for new riders, off-road enthusiasts, or anyone seeking a light, nimble bike for tight city streets. |
Character map is an editorial estimate based on this bike's specifications, not a lab-tested measurement.
⚠ Safety Recalls (3)
Indian Motorcycle Company (Indian) is recalling certain 2014 Chief, 2015 Chief Classic, 2014-2018 Chieftain, 2015-2020 Chief Vintage, 2016-2018 Chieftain Darkhorse, 2016-2020 Springfield, 2017-2018 Chieftain Limited, and 2018-2019 Chieftain Classic motorcycles. The electrical connection for the Vehicle Control Module (VCM) may fail, causing a loss of the front lights, including the headlight.
Risk: The loss of lighting can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the electrical connection and VCM, as necessary. Dealers will update the VCM software, as necessary. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 27, 2022. Owners may contact Indian customer service at 1-877-204-3697. Indian's number for this recall is I-19-02. This recall replaces NHTSA recall number 19V-339.
Indian Motorcycle Company (Indian) is recalling certain 2014-2019 Chief, Chieftain, Roadmaster, and Springfield motorcycles. The gear position switch contacts may oxidize, causing the gear position display to inaccurately show that the motorcycle is in neutral when it is actually in gear.
Risk: If the transmission is not in neutral when the motorcycle is started, the motorcycle may move unexpectedly, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the switch free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 16, 2020. Owners may contact Indian customer service at 1-877-204-3697. Indian's number for this recall is I-19-03.
Indian Motorcycles Company (Indian) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Chief, Chief Classic, Chief Dark Horse, Chief Vintage, Chieftain, Chieftain Classic, Cheiftain Dark Horse, Chieftain Elite, Chieftain Limited, Springfield, and Springfield Dark Horse motorcycles. These motorcycles may be equipped with a European-market, not US-market, halogen headlight assembly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Risk: The light output from the incorrect headlight can affect the motorcycle's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Indian will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the motorcycle and replace any incorrect headlight assembly, free of charge. The recall began on December 6, 2017. Owners may contact Indian customer service at 1-877-204-3697. Indian's number for this recall is I-17-03.
Source: NHTSA. View all Indian recalls →
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