2020 Indian Chieftain Dark Horse/Limited/Elite

If you are looking for ample features with the Indian Chieftain base, there are the 116ci variants that offer selections for the feature seekers or the classic rider (valanced fenders, anyone?). With the Chieftain Dark Horse you will see it is powered by a blacked-out Thunder Stroke 116 cradled by a black cast aluminum frame. Features include a 100-watt audio system, push-button power windshield, Indian’s Ride Command system, LED lighting throughout, keyless ignition, cruise control, ABS, and a tire pressure monitor system. The Limited shines up the Thunder Stroke engine with chrome and dons the same tech features as seen on the Dark Horse. On the higher end of the spectrum with the Elite you see additions like hand-painted bodywork, premium 400-watt audio, LED headlight, premium mirrors, floorboards, tinted windshield, and remote-locking hard saddlebags.

We rode the redesigned 2019 Indian Chieftain Limited: “So while the Chieftain’s chassis and engine still remain unchanged, we’re still fine with that. It has everything that we love about an American V-twin: the sound, the vibe, the look, and still sits comfortably at the top of that category in terms of handling and rideability.”

Take the Chieftain on a tour through the desert as contributor Andy Cherney did. He found that his test unit, the 2018 Indian Chieftain Limited, was “an able touring companion and an absolute comfort to ride.”

You might compare these models to the likes of Harley’s Street Glide Special, BMW’s K 1600 B, or Kawasaki’s Vulcan 1700 Vaquero.

Weather and traffic overlays on its Ride Command system are a major difference.

The Chieftain’s up-spec variants include: the Chieftain Dark Horse ($27,999), Chieftain Limited ($27,999), and Chieftain Elite ($34,999)—this last model, like the Dark Horse and Limited, is powered by the Thunder Stroke 116 engine.