Custom
Gradually, the dark spirit took hold of the Indian range. The night was first abandoned on the Chief, then spread over the Chieftain. This time, it’s Springfield that merges into the Dark Horse correlation. And it pleases: barely presented that 2019 has brought many improvements. Several colors, engine improvements and styling changes. Already, we welcome the return of the Sioux head on the front fender. Then, the highway bar and the removable windshield are removed. Finally, we discover shiny black tips on parts of the engine, exhausts and saddlebags.
The twin 1811 had recently won a nice ladle of horses. It puts even more in the sauce with this version 116. Showing its muscles with 1890 cm3 now, it distributes more than 17 mkg once reached 3,000 rpm. An organ in the image of the ricans, gargled with metal and imposition. But nowadays, the results of a foundry are only expressed through the crude. It is a question of letting it pulsate like triple cheese. The technology of piloting assistance has caught up with the manufacturer, who is proud to offer a Thunderstroke ‘à la carte’. The pilot can choose between 3 injection maps to let himself be taken on the road. The ‘Tour’ mode for the ride, the ‘Standard’ for the everyday, and the ‘Sport’ mode when it comes to getting a little nervous. More details at the bottom of the sheet.
And that’s not all. Under certain conditions, the rear cylinder can be disabled, in order to release less heat during stops. A light sleep – when accelerating, everything starts up smoothly. A first in the motorcycle industry.
Imposing bagger, this variant is subtly dipped in black. But with a certain conception of the obscure, far from being taciturn. The Dark Horse is an alternation of black in matt paint and shiny elements. This nocturnal whirlwind takes with it the 12-inch ape-hanger handlebars, the fork, the mirrors, the headlight cowl, the on-board console, the toe clips, the mudguards, the crash bars, the indicators… almost all. But the engine has the meaning of rebellion; and style effects. Its cylinder head covers and crankcases also succumbed to black. But the cooling fins as well as the exhaust line claim faith in the light.
A dark one that would suit Darth Vader perfectly. Not just for him now: another very stormtrooper white and black dress completed the offer. The mood is the same, as white bursts into the night. A military and discreet khaki is sure to attract attention following a few looks and their arrangements.
An invitation to travel more ethereal than with the big Tourers of the range, in a more pleasant rhythm. It is not so much the engine but the spirit of this bagger / cruiser that will make the difference. Heavy, the Springfield exceeds 350 kilos with a full tank, but is clearly more refined than the manufacturer’s large liners. Roadmaster at the head, the most statuary production with Indian head, which exceeds 400 kilos and seems as wide as the road. We will then let ourselves be intoxicated by the big couple of the Thunderstroke 116, with the delicate or fierce caresses of the air.
If the “Bagger” instinct of existence reminds us of an almost stripped-down Tourer, focused on the essentials, the Springfield subtly reminds us that technology is widely present under the night dress. There is its cast aluminum frame, injection, ABS, cruise control, tire pressure control, and the keyless start and lock system. Thus adorned, this member of the Dark Horse family (a parallel with Dark Customs?!?) Sets off on purpose towards a long destiny.
MB – Manufacturer pictures
Engine maps:
– The “Tour” mode offers gradual acceleration for optimum driving smoothness.
– The “Standard” mode is characterized by a still reactive throttle control and a power delivered in a balanced and progressive manner.
– Finally, the “Sport” mode offers instantaneous throttle response and aggressive power distribution for even more pronounced acceleration.
