Indian Motorcycle added the new 2022 Indian Roadmaster Dark Horse Cruisers to its Dark Horse portfolio in 2020 as a result of the popularity of the Chieftain Dark Horse. It offers blackout treatment and the latest technological equipment from India. Ride Command electronics, a 200-watt sound system, and touring amenities are integrated for your riding enjoyment. If you’re into power, the Thunderstroke 116 engine in the Roadmaster Dark Horse from India puts out more than 120 pound-feet of torque.
2022 Indian Roadmaster Dark Horse Cruisers – Features and Specs
Design
India’s historical roots are firm, and it’s not afraid to rely on them for an appealing fusion of contemporary design with a retro edge, as shown on the Roadmaster. The full-length front fender ditches the skirting in favor of cut-back sides, leaving much of the front wheel visible upfront. The battle bonnet fender ornament, which dates back to the early 20th century, is an excellent example of a nostalgic piece. The sturdy front forks sport traditional Bearkin fork skirts finished in chrome that contrast with the powertrain area’s blacked-out styling superiority.
Unlike previous Roadmaster models, the Dark Horse model features a simple, batting-like front fairing without cutouts for the lights to reduce frontal weight and give the bike a streamlined look. Underneath the two fairing vents that do double duty for your comfort, Cyclops LED headlamps to divide the night. To combat heat wash from the engine, it reduces the exhausting effect of the head buffet and delivers fresh air to the rider’s protective pocket. Regarding the windscreen, this push button is adjustable so that you can fine-tune it to the conditions and your preferences. Additionally, heated hand grips are included to keep your digits warm.
A pair of spherical analog gauges are equipped with a small LED screen to display speed, revs, and other essential metrics. The recently upgraded quad-core Ride Command System interface, which combines weather, navigation, music, and communications in one place for quick and easy access, connects them via a seven-inch color TFT display. You can drag, pinch, and tap your way through menus regardless of the weather because the touchscreen is responsive enough to operate with gloved hands.
Regardless of the color option, the console’s chrome and black finish separate the top of the 5.5-gallon teardrop gasoline tank, which contrasts with the traditional Indian head/war bonnet logo on a black background. Pullback handlebars and front footboards help create a pleasant rider triangle, and the seat height is a comfortable 26.5 inches off the ground, making it easy to reach the ground.
For cold weather comfort, both the pad and saddle are heated. There are the usual passenger contact points thanks to fold-up footpegs and a high pillion cushion, and the touring trunk has a full-width backrest with armrests to keep your friend comfortable. The stereo impression is completed by a pair of trunk-mounted speakers that meet the heads of the front bumpers.
The trunk can fit a pair of full-face brain buckets or total parcels of luggage, and the hard saddlebags run with raised edges that provide plenty of dry, secure storage space. A traditional turn signal bar and plate holder are located at the rear, and the wide taillight uses intelligent LED technology to help you see the drivers behind you.
Chassis
The Roadmaster Dark Horse’s double-cradle frame is solid thanks to tubular elements, a strong backbone, and dual downtubes. Its heavy frame protects the lower cases because this configuration supports the engine rather than using it as a stressed part. The steering head, which has a 25-degree rake angle and 5.9 inches of trail in a 65.7-inch wheelbase, is supported by heavy plates. Along with these figures with a lean angle of 31 degrees on both sides, the Roadmaster line exhibits a blend between agility and stability while being hungry for turns.
For 2021, Dunlop Elite tires with 130/60-19 up front and 180/60-16 at the rear will replace the Metzeler Cruisetec boots mounted on 10-spoke contrast cut wheels. The 46mm inner fork tubes that support the front suspension are strong, but the stems have no noticeable and lack flex. With 4.5 inches of travel that can withstand severe urban punishment, the rear air-adjustable monoshock takes care of business with a smooth ride that you can only get with air.
No matter which color package you choose, you can count on factory ABS protection. The front wheel is slowed by dual 300mm discs and four-piston anchors, while a twin-piston caliper grips the rear disc.
Drive Train
The Roadmaster Dark Horse’s engine and gearbox casings and covers are featured in a striking combination of polished aluminum, chrome, and blackout, drawing attention to the unique design of the Thunderstroke 116 engine. The latest Thunderstroke, with displacement increased from 111 to 116 cubic inches (1,890 ccs), is one of the largest production V-twins available in the market. Like the previous generation, it features a quarter section of parallel pushrod tubes, and a pair of rocker box covers with false cooling pins to evoke the appearance of vintage flathead engines from the early to mid-1900s. Traditional air-cooling controls the waste heat. Like its predecessor, the “116” includes Rear Cylinder Deactivation as standard equipment, which turns off the back jug idle to reduce rider discomfort from the heat.
With 126 pound-feet of torque at an astoundingly low 2,900 rpm, the Thunder Stroke illustrates that size counts. As a result, you can expect low-stress interstate driving and a throttle that has room to open up practically anywhere in the range. However, it’s the only ride-quality adjustment you get, so the Roadmaster Dark Horse stays pretty necessary without much fanfare. India’s Ride Command system offers a Ride Mode function that enables you to adjust the power delivery to suit the existing conditions.
A gear-type primary powers the wet clutch, and power is then sent to the rear wheels via a six-speed gearbox and carbon-reinforced belt drive. The engine’s top speed, regulated at 115 mph, is made possible by its power and overall drive ratio. That’s plenty of speed for decent roads.
2022 Indian Roadmaster Dark Horse Cruisers – Price
Indian Motorcycles divides the cost into several colors. The least expensive option is Black Smoke, which, at $30,999 MSRP, combines with a blackout treatment to create a completely monochromatic look. The starting price is $31,749, but if polished bronze or silver quartz smoke is more to your taste, you’ll have to spend that much.
Indian Roadmaster Dark Horse vs. Harley-Davidson Ultra Limited / Ultra Limited Low
Like Indian, MoCo incorporates historical aesthetics into every aspect of its design. The Ultra Limited starts with a comparable front fender and a sparse batwing fairing but adds a giant headlamp and whiskerbar-mounted pimp lights to provide more lumens than the Roadmaster’s single projector.
The Harley windshield is set in place and cannot be adjusted; thus, the Indian wins outright in the custom comfort category. Vents in the fairing serve a similar purpose elsewhere. With its heated handgrips and colorful TFT boom! Boxed inside the fairing is the GTS entertainment system, Harley’s equivalent of the Indian Ride Command system in terms of fanfare. However, once again, the Indian wins as the Ultra Limited lacks standard seats.
For a slightly better ride up front, H-D uses Showa dual-bending valve forks and an adjustable emulsion checkout for the handwheel for quick passenger/cargo weight adjustments for a small gain in the stems. Is. I promise that the Milwaukee-Eight 114’s 122 pounds of grunt, which falls just a hair short of the Thunderstroke 116’s output, is still plenty for a touring bike.
With the Rain Mode and Traction Control function, Harley takes its electronics further. As always, Harley offers a variety of color schemes, each with a different price tag. The range covers the Roadmaster Dark Horse price range from $28,699 to $32,799, as usual.
2022 Indian Roadmaster Dark Horse Cruisers – Technical Specifications
Engine & Drivetrain
Bore x Stroke | 4.063″ x 4.449″ (103.2mm x113mm) |
Compression Ratio | 11:1 |
Displacement | 116 cu in (1,890 ccs) |
Drive/Driven Clutch | Wet, Multi-Plate, Assist |
Electronic Fuel Injection System | Closed loop fuel injection / 54mm bore |
Engine Type | Air-cooled Thunderstroke 116 |
Exhaust | Split Dual Exhaust with Cross-over |
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 | 126ft-lbs |
Peak Torque RPM | 2,900RPM |
Transmission/Final Drive | 2.2:1 |
Transmission/Primary Drive | Gear Drive Wet Clutch |
Dimensions
Fuel Capacity | 5.5 gallons (20.8 Liters) |
Ground Clearance | 5.5 inches (140mm) |
GVWR | 1,385 lb (628 kg) |
Lean Angle | 31-degree |
Overall Height | 55.7 inches / 1415mm |
Overall Length | 102.1 inches / 2593mm |
Overall Width | 40.2 inches (1,022mm) |
Rake/Trail | 25-degree / 5.9 inches (150mm) |
Seat Height | 26.5 inches (673mm) |
Weight | 858 lb |
Wheelbase | 65.7 inches (1668mm) |
Brakes
Front Brakes | Dual, 300mm Floating Rotor & 4-Piston Caliper |
Rear Brakes | Solo, 300mm Floating Rotor & 2-Piston Caliper |
Tires / Wheels
Front Tires | Metzeler Cruisetec 130/60B19 66H |
Front Wheel | 10-Spoke Contrast Cut 19 inches x 3.5 inches |
Rear Tires | Metzeler Cruisetec 180/60R16 80H |
Rear Wheel | 10-Spoke Contrast Cut 16 inches x 5 inches |
Suspension
Front Fork Tube Diameter | 46mm |
Front Suspension | Telescopic Fork |
Front Travel | 4.7-inch (119mm) |
Rear Suspension | Solo Shock with Air adjust |
Rear Travel | 4.5 inches (114mm) |
Features
Color/graphics | Black Smoke, Polished Bronze, Silver Quartz Smoke |
Factory Warranty | Two years and Unlimited-Mile |
Gauges | Fairing-mounted instrument cluster containing analog tachometer and speedometer including fuel gauge, range, odometer, and current gear. Cruise control enabled, 15 LED telltale indicators; cruise control set, neutral, ABS, high beam, turn signal, low tire pressure, check engine, battery, low fuel, security system, low engine oil pressure, and MPH or km/h unit designation. |
Infotainment | Seven inches of touchscreen powered by RIDE COMMAND: The model year 2022 bikes include a complimentary 1-year trial for connected containing from the vehicle sales date (after which fees apply). Seven-in touchscreen display including a real-time clock; ambient air temperature; heading; audio information display; map/navigation including real-time traffic & weather; Bluetooth status for phone and headset; vehicle status; vehicle info; current ride data; trip meters; ride mode selection; screen brightness; vehicle trouble code readout; Apple CarPlay integration. |
Lights | LED Headlamp / Tail / Brake / Turn Signal |
Standard Equipment | 7 in Display powered by RIDE COMMAND® with Navigation and Apple CarPlay integration; Power Windshield; Driving Lights; Highway Bars; Vinyl Rogue Seats; Heated Grips; Adjustable Passenger Floorboards; 36.2-Gallon of Storage; Tire Pressure Monitoring; Remote-locking Hard Saddlebags & Trunk; Selectable Ride Modes; ABS; Rear Cylinder Deactivation; Cruise Control; Keyless Ignition; 200 Watt Audio System including AM/FM, Bluetooth, USB, Smartphone Compatible Input, and Weatherband; 12V Charging Port |