Honest review of the 2021 Indian Springfield Dark Horse
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- čas přidán 14. 10. 2021
- After 11,000 miles (18,000 km), I think I am qualified to do an analysis of everything that's good and bad with this bike. I also make a lot of comparisons with the Harley Davidson Road King Special, as well as going through all the modifications I've made.
Very cool. When you say "the bike speaks to me" you aren't lying. I had an Indian Chief Bobber that I loved the looks of. It was bad ass. 116 engine in that little bike was insane. But I rode a Chieftain and that was it. I traded my Chief Bobber Dark Horse in on the Chieftain Dark Horse. What an incredible machine, I just mesh with it. It's not as fast as the Chief was (power to weight) but same 116 engine, which I love, and the added comfort for my 1-hour highway drive into work on Tennessee back roads. It's perfect for me. Loved the video, my friend! Ride safe.
I found your review very complete. After riding my 2018 Springfield Dark Horse and I shared the frustrations regarding the fuel gauge, the instrument panel location and the suspension manual adjustment too. But still loving the riding experience. thanks for your review
Awesome review. I have watched so many reviews of this bike as i am considering buying this or the Vintage dark horse. You covered virtually everything including accessories. I also like how you covered the negatives. I am baffled why Indian don't include USB charger, remote suspension adjustment etc. but this wouldn't put me off purchasing one. Thank you for the best Springfield DH review. 👍
Vintage Dark Horse was my first choice too. I still think it looks even better than the Springfield DH with its leather saddlebags.
Owner of a 2020 SDH here. Indian definitely marked up for the “exclusivity” of this bike. Paid thousands for what would be considered basic upgrades. The thing is, at the end of the day, I knew all this. I knew about the value advantages of the competition, and I still bought this bike. I still love it, and I still wouldn’t trade it for another bagger.
100%
What beautiful scenery. And a great review. Thank you ! I agree, I shouldn’t have had to buy a heated seat AND heated grips. The prices were absolutely insane !
Just bought a 2022 SDH and have to agree with a lot of your "negative" comments. The aftermarket pricing is BEYOND ridiculous! I can't imagine they will ever be able to compete with HD if they don't get those prices under control. That is my ONLY draw back! LOVE the bike! Thanks for taking the time to do the honest review on the bike. I hope that Indian is listening (unlike HD)!
randomly stumbled upon your channel while watching reviews of springfield darkhorse....nice job man :)
Small world, thanks :). I should do an update, I've changed a few things since then.
Smart dude, I couldn't have done it without notes, lol. I am considering a SF and did not realize they changed so much.
It’s a toss up between the Springfield in chrome. Or the Dark Horse.
thanks for the review bro especially the comparison between the road king
Agreed brother! I own a 2021 Springfield, absolutely love my ride. Had to get a freedom shield because the Indian OEM shield's are too low for my 6' 2" frame. Price for upgrades is very pricey. My biggest complaint is that I ordered Indian OEM passenger floorboards over a year ago and am STILL WAITING FOR THEM TO COME IN! That is super aggravating! All that said in a sea of HDs my Thunder Black and Flat Track Tan Indian Springfield stands out. LOVE THIS BIKE! Tab Zombie pipe uprade, a larger air intake and she sings . . . loudly which for me is music to my ears! LOL I also sprang for the Heat/Cool seat. Next upgrade is the heated grips!
Great review! Not sure I could tolerate those troublesome issues. Ming hy have to rethink my next purchase.
Can you put links to your upgrades? I love the way you set yours up.
Love those Indian motorcycles!
They just keep getting better and better👍
I have this same bike and year, and I love it. Mine is in sagebrush smoke and everywhere I go I'm getting compliments on it. I'm thinking of adding the stage 2 kit very soon since I already have some 4 inch slip ons installed and the forward intake and flash
I never had it without stage 2, and I have no regrets getting it done before getting it from the dealer.
Spot on 👌
What did you buy to extend the air shock adjustment? 🤔
One of the best reviews I’ve come across, whether it was a motorcycle or anything else. A motorcycle is not a smart investment and that’s why my wife is against me getting another one. But there’s one thing that crunching numbers doesn’t take into consideration is the investment into one’s mental health that motorcycle riding always seems to improve! Take care out on the road.
Nice review thanks.
Excellent spot on review!! Feel
Exactly the same way, wake you every day and look at mine in the garage like a 13 year old! lol what smoked rear lights did you replace with? I have the bag lights and want to swap
Out the hideous orange. Thanks ahead!!
the lights are from customdynamics.com. I replaced the front yellow lights as well. Check them out.
Can't wait for the riding season to start agian.
Hi, great review! I own a 2020 springfield dark horse and I would have made mostly same comments! I wanna know what did you use to ligth the headdress? Indian just put out the option at 150$ CAD.
Hey, it's fairly easy. I got an LED from CustomDynamics (was getting other stuff from them). I wired it to an an accessory power wire that goes to the headlight.
Great video! I would love a mod list and some how to’s on the usb and driving lights.
Hey that's a great idea. Let me do another video of just a walkthrough of mods, the links of where to get them from and my review of them. I can do that this weekend.
@@CaffeineAndGasoline That would be awesome. There doesn't seem to be a lot of content specifically for the Dark Horse. I just got a '21 in Sagebrush and wanted to do some of the same mods, especially the USB port.
Any updates on putting together a mod list and video? I'm also very interested in what specifically you used to guide me
Great review. Would you mind sharing the manufacturer of the driving lights? I've been looking to get rid of the orange turn signals on my Vintage DH and replacing them with something similar. I've seen a few on line but have settled on any yet. Thanks!
Thanks. Check out custom dynamics.
@@CaffeineAndGasoline Will do. Thanks, ride safe.
Great video. I agree with everything but the fuel light. Fuel pumps are cooled by being submerged in fuel so I think the early warning is to keep the pump from sucking up the trash at the bottom of the tank and keeping the pump cool.
Regarding the oil cooler, that feature is an available upgrade at the time of purchase.
Thank you for the review! I'm upgrading from my Speedmaster and want a bagger v-twin, but not something with a massive fairing, etc. I tested a new Springfield Dark Horse and, like you said, it sang to me, though I can't afford a new one. I'm looking for a used bike in my price range, which so far means pre-2019. I've also seen the Chief Dark Horse but have read that it's smaller, more cramped, ditto with the Road King Special; I'm 6' and that was an issue with the Speedmaster.
Fantastic review.
For 2023, I’m finally retiring my 2014 Victory Cross Roads (+200,000km) and getting a Springfield Dark Horse (from Peak Powersports in Oakville).
2 questions:
1. I may have missed it, but do you have the stock pipes?
2. Am I seeing a hard mount for your Garmin GPS and, if so, how did you do that???
You won't regret it. I should do another video showing all the different ways I set up my bike.
I have Indian stage 1 pipes. The mount for the Garmin GPS was a pain to find and wasn't cheap, but I was able to pick up from someone who sold his bike for $80. At that price point it was worth it for me. These days you can honestly get someone to 3D print a mount. Here's their website: www.motogps.com.au/indian-motorcycles-handlebar-fascia-gps-mount/
Update:
My wife and I decided to go with the Chieftain Dark Horse - we take deliver of our matching set as soon as it is warm enough to ride them home.
I’ve never had a fairing, but we are doing massive trips now:
- last year was 30 states and 17,000+ km; and
- this year is up, down and all around Canada into Alaska.
So wind protection was a big factor. We also had the safety concern of having the speedo so low on the Springfield that you have to look down to see it - again, thanks for the review.
We ride frequently in your area, so hopefully we will see you on the road.
What parts did you use to extend the air valve for the rear shock?
But you got a Dark Horse model, which is a stripped down model. Did you not know that when you bought it? Just curious
Great video. Agreed on oil cooler I added one to mine and it dropped the oil temp on average 20 degrees F. Also how did you smoke the turn signals are they replacements or did you do it yourself? Agree also on cruise being on the left and good grief I cant stand getting out that stupid hand air pump and adjusting the shock pretty annoying c/mon Indian make it easier taking off the side panels is always a chore or should I say getting the damn thing back on without scratching it.
The signals are from customdynamics. They act as driving lights too.
I love the Challenger, but the Springfield looks sick🤔
I just bought a 2018 Indian Springfield Dark Horse with really low miles on it. I just purchased the Garmin Nav as well and wondering, where did you get the bracket/mount from in order to place the Garmin Zumo XT right in the center. I've been looking all over the place and I haven't found anything anywhere as of yet that will let me move it to that spot. Any information on this would be absolutely amazing!
I got lucky because someone was selling it used. They're not cheap but they do completely change the experience.
epmperf.com/bikepenr-gps-mounts
Specifically, this is the one for our bikes: epmperf.com/product/ind-1
@@CaffeineAndGasoline Fantastic, thank you for such a quick response! I actually had just found a mount exactly like that. Nothing in black but I can fix that issue easy enough! So pricey though! I can't wait to get this adventure started! Thanks!
@@michaelherman3184 I got it used, so I didn't pay MSRP. But even if I paid MSRP, I wouldn't have any regrets.
Commenting on gas tank capacity and fuel lights: Generally, most motorcycles on the market today go for a compromise between style and function when it comes to gas tanks, leaning more towards style than towards function. The tank is pretty much as big as it can be while maintaining the overall lines of the bike, aerodynamics and so on. Sadly, only very few brands care about fuel consumption, however riding large V-twins, you should know yourself to be on the high consumption side of the spectrum.
Many brands have either a fuel gauge OR a fuel light, which kicks in SUPER early. This is done to ensure nobody is left stranded with no fuel in countries where gas stations are available once every 70-80km. The way to go has always been to know your average fuel consumption by using the odometer to measure your tank's range while getting to know the bike and then always knowing at what reading of the odometer you last filled up, practically making fuel gauges irrelevant. However I still understand if it makes some people nervous. I got a 21L tank on my current V7, which is way too much for the little 850 engine, but has been part of the design for decades. When the light comes on, i can go 50-100km still. Thank You for your honest user review, there should be more like it
The HD Sport Glide is a great bike!
You have the trunk for the bike, I have a Springfield as well and was considering getting one. I live in Canada and was wondering where you got yours.
I am in Canada as well. I got the base from 2x2 cycles and the trunk from Viking bags. There are probably more options since I bought them.
I got them during sale and the trunk's leather was a little damaged, so I got even more off for it. I bought an Indian emblem from etsy and put that on.
The whole thing probably cost me $600sh CAD.
i know this is an older video, but how did you mount your GPS to the bike? I have a 20 springfield DH and thinking of adding the GPS.
Excellent review - all these MFG are playing games on the pricing ( bigger engine - lose standard amenities; smaller engine - get standard amenities. Overall, Indian has a superior engine than Harley - Davidson
I just ordered a 2022 Springfield dark horse and I had to pay over a hundred bucks for that light on the front fender is it not going to light up from watching your video that's what it looks like you had to make it light up yourself???? How do you do that
That should be OK. I didn't want to pay $100, so I did it myself :-).
You'll love the bike. It's amazing.
@@CaffeineAndGasoline I should have done it myself 😅 thanks for the info man
Where did you get the lit war bonnet?
I got the LED lights from CustomDynamics and connected it to an ignition power.
Do you have a link for your usb charger?
Honestly, it's an el-cheapo $12 charger from Amazon that I connected myself (I don't have driving lights, so used that section).
do you have the smart triple play from custom dynamics on the rear lights? turns your turn signals into Brake/Run/Turn and flash when you hit the brakes. Best thing i installed on my bike. Gets people to hit their brakes as soon as i hit mine.
Turn signals and brake lights. They don't flash though.
@@CaffeineAndGasoline look into the smart triple play from custom dynamics. They made the module for Indian as well and it's cheap and really worth the money
Nice video. Where did you get the helmet? Thanks
I actually got it from the Indian dealership but bought the sticker off etsy :).
@@CaffeineAndGasoline Thanks. Do you know what brand the helmet is?
Amen on the cruise control. So tedious, especially in sport mode.
I have the new Indian chief. It has ABS, ride modes, cruise control, traction control, cylinder deactivation
2016 Springfield owner. 55k miles. Great bike. Not perfect but none are.
🏍️💯❤️
Looking at this or the Chieftain. I guess the 5k difference on the chieftain maybe worth it for the “upgrades”
look at the roadmaster then. You get a lot more for a little more money. If you don't want the extras, you can sell them.
I thought about it but I can't imagine the thought of parting with my bike :-).
@@CaffeineAndGasoline how is the windshield on your bike at highway speeds? I plan to do a few multi day rides across the country and don’t want to get beat up along the way
@@williejamehufff3125 I just did a 2000+ mile trip in rain :). It was awesome. I had to add a vent on the windshield and now it's great.
Victory made a great bike but couldn't last past about a decade. Once indian is around a decade+ i'll start paying attention 2 them more?
Theres alot of pros & cons, but imo hd is still the way 2 go. My Friend has a indian and luvs it has 60k and is starting 2 have a few concerns, but a hd likely would 2. Idk...
Different strokes 4 Different folks! I luv 2c more choices 4 ppl. I nvr look down at non harley riders.
If hd went out of business i'd probably go back 2 bmw?
Not enough dealers or aftermarket accessories 4 my taste. They're not bad, just not a good fit 4 me I'll stay hd...
I mean, you didn't buy the trim level that fits your needs, at the end of the day. You could have had pretty much everything you wanted by buying the right model and trim level. Complaining about it is a little wild to me. You could have painted and modified a more fitting model/trim level for less than you spent on accessories, and that's only your fault.
I heard indian seats are brutal...
Scout Bobber ones are, I changed one. Indian touring bikes come with great seats (although I did change mine).
Since you have so many complaints about the bike, I can give you my address so that you can ship it to me and buy a HD. Seems like you want one of those.
I still wave at indian riders, hey just ride and enjoy life, its 2 short anyway...
Why didn't you just buy a Harley?..the things you are griping about are kind of silly. Who buys a Springfield if they want a tour package? You honestly want a road master.
You keep wearing that posole bowl you're not going to have no face if you go face first that's for damn sure
GOPS?- heated grips heated seat?
Dear Lord buy a car
If you are worried about wind, heated seats, heated grips, blue tooth, then go buy a car!!! It’s called riding a motorcycle. Dumb review!!