Ups
- Powerful engine
- Sumptuous classic lines
- Cruise control, ABS, and three ride modes
Downs
- Some engine heat at low speeds
- Retro components not easily swapped out
Verdict
Indian’s fully retro, totally voluptuous V-twin comes closest to the company’s first relaunch designs from 2014, with plenty of good old American V-twin power to go along with the good looks. Air-cooled V-twin, whitewall tires under valanced fenders, a leather seat with conchos—this is as old school as it gets.
Overview
The Indian Vintage and Vintage Dark Horse are two sides of the same coin, with really only a color change to distinguish them. Both bring traditional cruiser styling front and center, with spoke wheels, big swoopy fenders, genuine leather saddlebags, floorboards, and miles of chrome (except on the Dark Horse) to take you back in time. Both are powered by the air-cooled Thunderstroke 111 V-twin which Indian claims will churn out 119 pound-feet of torque at 3,000 rpm.
Updates for 2021
Neither the Vintage or Vintage Dark Horse receive any updates for 2021.
Pricing and Variants
The Vintage has an MSRP of $20,499 and comes in two color options: Crimson Metallic or Deep Water/Dirt Track Tan. For the Vintage Dark Horse, you just take the base model, strip off the windshield, driving lights, and saddle skirt, and price it $1,000 less and there you have it. It’s available only in black for an MSRP of $19,499.
Competition
If you’re looking for an apples-to-apples competitor in this year’s cruiser market, good luck; there simply ain’t one. You can maybe come close to the retro vibe with Harley’s Road King or Heritage Classic, but for genuine leather saddlebags with conchos, whitewall tires, and valanced fenders? Not happening.
Powertrain: Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The Vintage and Vintage Dark Horse are both equipped with Indian’s reliable Thunderstroke 111, an 1,811cc powerplant that was good for 74.19 hp at 4,360 rpm and 106.18 pound-feet of torque at 2,410 rpm on our in-house dyno.
Handling
An aluminum frame and a long wheelbase give the Vintage its stability, while the wide handlebar provides good leverage when entering the turns.
Brakes
The 300mm dual-disc front brakes, single 300mm disc rear, and ABS help slow the Vintage and Vintage Dark Horse.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
We haven’t yet compiled data for real-world mpg averages.
Ergonomics: Comfort and Utility
With a low and wide saddle, roomy floorboards, and spread-out handlebars, the Vintage(s) should fit most riders easily.
Electronics
The Vintage and Dark Horse may look like they’re straight from 1940, but their three ride modes, cruise control, and keyless ignition all remind you that modern electronics have their place.
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
The Vintage and Vintage Dark Horse both offer a 24-month warranty with unlimited mileage.
Quality
The level of detail and quality on the Vintage is truly impressive when you factor things like the opulent chrome trim on the fenders, headlamps, and shield, the dished leather saddle complete with skirts and bags with conchos, and those cool whitewall tires.
2021 Indian Vintage Claimed Specifications
| MSRP: | $20,499 (base) / $19,499 (Dark Horse) |
| Engine: | 111ci (1,811cc), air-cooled V-twin |
| Bore x Stroke: | 101.0 x 113.0mm |
| Transmission/Final Drive: | 6-speed/belt |
| Fuel Delivery: | Closed-loop fuel injection w/ 54mm bore |
| Clutch: | Wet, multiplate assist |
| Frame: | Aluminum |
| Front Suspension: | 46mm telescopic fork; 4.7 in. travel |
| Rear Suspension: | Single shock, preload adjustable; 4.5 in. travel |
| Front Brake: | 4-piston caliper, dual 300mm floating discs |
| Rear Brake: | 2-piston caliper, 300mm floating disc |
| Wheels, Front/Rear: | Cast wheels; 16 x 3.50 in. (base) 17 x 3.5 in. (Dark Horse) / 16 x 5.00 in. |
| Tires, Front/Rear: | Dunlop American Elite; 130/90-16 / 180/65-16 (base) / Metzeler Cruisetec; 130/80-17 / 180/60-16 (Dark Horse) |
| Rake/Trail: | 25.0°/5.2 in. |
| Wheelbase: | 67.0 in. |
| Ground Clearance: | 5.6 in. |
| Seat Height: | 26.0 in. |
| Fuel Capacity: | 5.5 gal. |
| Wet Weight: | 836 lb. (base) / 786 lb. (Dark Horse) |
| Contact: | indianmotorcycle.com |
Source: MotorCyclistOnline.com