Lots of mods this week
Been a pretty busy week for the 2025 Chief Dark Horse.
Over the last several days I swapped over to the Saddlemen Step-Up, added the Dean Speed sissy bar and crash bars, got the Ends Cuoio bags on, and installed the Eagle Lights Slimline headlight. It feels like the bike changed more in one week than it had in the previous couple of months.
At this point the overall build is getting pretty close to where I wanted it:
• Saddlemen Step-Up
• Dean Speed sissy bar
• Dean Speed crash bars
• Ends Cuoio Middle Seminole bags
• Indian quick-detach mid windshield
• Fox piggyback performance rear shocks
• Indian Stage 1 intake
• indian Stage 1 slip-ons
• Eagle Lights Slimline LED headlight
• Passenger pegs
I’ve been trying to keep the basic character of the Chief intact rather than turn it into something completely different, mostly improving comfort, usefulness, lighting, protection and performance while keeping that stripped-down Chief look. That’s why I’ve opted for quick removal where I could get it on thinks like the windshield and saddle bags.
There was definitely some trial and error getting here. I went through a couple of seat ideas, changed my mind on the handlebars twice, and learned that something looking good online doesn’t necessarily mean it works once it’s actually on the bike.
But I’m really happy with where it has landed. The bags, Step-Up and sissy bar especially changed the whole personality of the bike without making it feel overbuilt.
I think I’m finally reaching the dangerous stage where I can say, “I’m pretty much done.”
Which obviously means I’ll find something else next week.