The Dark Horse is a bike that
is clad all over, just the way Batman would like it. Even the callipers are
covered. With its unpolished, sexy appearance, the Dark Horse can put to shame
any of those polished brats that roam around our cities on two wheels.
Once you are seated on this
mega Bat Mobile, you cannot ignore the classy instrumentation that includes a
tank mounted electronic speedometer with odometer and electronic fuel gauge
with low fuel led indicator ; dual tripmeters; digital tachometer; ambient air
temperature; fuel range; average fuel economy; battery voltage; gear position
display; real-time clock; low engine oil pressure; and 9 LED telltale.... The
tank has two fuel tank caps for the symmetrical styling. While one is for real,
the other is just a dummy to up the style quotient!
Starting the bike was an
effortless exercise for me. I kept the keys in my pocket and once I was seated
comfortably I simply pushed a button for the machine to come alive. In fact,
there were two buttons, one mounted on the fuel tank above the speedometer.
This one activates the electronics. The second switch on the right handlebar,
when pressed, starts the engine. Now all one does need to do is to take it on a
highway to freedom and activate the cruise control button.
Coming to the performance,
well what do you say when you are riding on a bike powered by the trusted Thunder
Stroke 111 V-Twin engine with an 1811cc capacity? The throttle response is
really good and the bike is quite zippy for its size. Moving on to speeds
beyond 100kmph comes in just a few seconds. Considering the unpredictability of
the Indian roads, I felt confident riding the Dark Horse that comes with ABS
for both front and rear wheels.
Thus, this bike does not only have
the ease of a speedy start, but has enough power and torque to take you
cruising along highways and long roads. The seating position is just about
right for an average sized Indian male. The seats made of vinyl material are
comfortable to say the least. In case you are one of the old fashioned cruiser
riders, then the company has on offer a 16" Ape Hanger Handlebars. These
comfortably raise your riding position without stressing your arms. Apart from
lending style, these also give a customised look to your bike.
As optional accessories the
company offers a lot of add-ons to the bike. One can add cargo carrying space
quickly and easily by installing a One-Up Luggage Rack. The Luggage Rack bolts
directly onto the Indian Motorcycle in place of the passenger seat and provides
a convenient place to securely attach the cargo. This is the ideal feature for
those men who love to ride solo all their lives. Other extra features include blacked
out fender trim, Fishtail Exhaust Tips, etc.
If one were to ask me why someone
should buy a Dark Horse, I have only one answer for them... Boss, It’s
Different, And it’s Not Maggi sauce! Cruiser lovers, this one is really
different...just like the way Batman is!