Indian Motorcycle introduced this nameplate as part of the completely reimagined Chief lineup for the 2022 model year, marking the 100th anniversary of the original Chief. It was positioned as the darkest, most minimalist version of the new Chief family, built around the same steel-tube chassis and Thunderstroke V-twin formula that defined the revived range, but with a stripped-down presentation and extensive blacked-out trim. The model was aimed at riders who wanted a classic American cruiser silhouette without the windshield, saddlebags, or touring bulk associated with the more equipped variants.
In the 2022 launch, Indian presented the new Chief family as a three-model family: Chief, Chief Bobber, and Super Chief. The Dark Horse version sat within that family as the stealthier, more modern-looking trim, emphasizing bobbed bodywork, exposed mechanicals, solo-rider stance, and contemporary rider technology. That approach carried forward in later model years, with the nameplate remaining in production and continuing to represent the leanest, most aggressive expression of the Chief platform.
Because this was a new-for-2022 revival of the Chief lineup rather than a continuation of an older Dark Horse nameplate, its history is best understood as a modern chapter in the broader Chief story. The motorcycle blends Indian’s heritage-inspired design language with current amenities and a deliberately pared-back cruiser identity, making it a core model for riders who want a traditional American V-twin look in a contemporary package.