2016 Indian Springfield Review | American Army Knife

2016 Indian Springfield Review

Indian Motorcycle has kept the new 2016 Indian Springfield a secret for the past year and, having seen it early on, we have been anxious to tell you about it.

Presumably, the delay was because their other models were doing so well that Indian simply did not have the needed manufacturing capacity.

Be that as it may, the news embargo is off and readers should see this model in showrooms about the time you read this review.

Indian has been on an incredible roll since its latest revival commenced in 2011, and last year we saw the release of the well-received and acclaimed Scout. Now Indian adds to the touring range with the Springfield, the latest bike to use the muscular Thunder Stroke 111 motor.

When designing this package, Indian engineers lightened the steering effort, and allowed for more flexibility in mission, yet retained a 533-pound load capacity rating so as not to compromise its heavy touring capabilities. Indian has positioned this bike in its lineup as a full-sized, jack- of-all-trades that hovers around several categories and mixes well with the other touring models.

While the unique chassis configuration was optimized for greater loads, it is a nimble ride, especially for its 815-pound claimed dry weight.

Front-end geometry mimics that of the faired Roadmaster and Chieftain tourers, and matches with the lighter style of the windshield-only Chief Vintage (which has four additional degrees of rake). Combined with the quick release windshield and removable, remotely lockable hard panniers, the Springfield has the versatility of the Vintage with the lighter steering and responsive handling of long-distance touring Indians.

I rode the Springfield from San Antonio to Austin on a cold and cloudy day. The mighty Thunder Stroke 111 motor was familiar, and the bike’s handling proved to be just as Indian proclaims— perfect for the twisting roads of the Texas Hill Country. The Springfield exhibits a bit faster and sharper steering without sacrificing the mellow, go-all-day cruiser comfort and feeling.

The ride is supple and inspires confidence at speed, utilizing cartridge-style 46 mm forks and an air-adjustable rear shock that is pressurized with an easy-to-use, small, mountain bike-like hand pump. Travel is generous, as you would want with a touring bike—about 4.5 inches at both ends.

The 130 section front tire helps smooth out the rough stuff and has that big-boy presence. The rear 180/60 has plenty of load-carrying ability with lots of grip and isn’t too ambitious. The profile of the rear also helps the bike transition from side to side quickly and with little effort, even with its almost 66-inch wheelbase.

Handling is crisp and the Springfield eagerly leans to the floorboards with no drama. Dunlop Elite 3 rubber is more than up to the task of fully utilizing the Springfield’s agility and cornering clearance.

Stopping power from the ABS- equipped, twin four-piston calipers and 300mm front rotors, and single 300mm rear rotor is nothing to brag about, though adequate for managing the type of riding most owners will do on the Springfield. The brakes are not linked and the initial bite is good, with linear delivery throughout the lever stroke.

It was kind of quiet in Luckenbach at my first coffee stop. But, even though it was off-season, there were plenty of other tourists at the old post office. Many queued up to see the bike and they asked lots of questions. None recognized it as a new model, fortunately, as it was still tightly held close to the vest by Indian.

Typical of all Indian motorcycles, the Springfield draws lot of attention because of the name, while the flawless fit and finish of the bike is first class, adding to the attraction.