Hi,

1. The heat can be a problem for sensitive individuals. When I'm moving, it's not a problem. If I'm at a standstill, I turn off my engine. I did this with my previous water cooled motorcycles.

2. Filtering is easy and fun with the Springfield even with the hard bags. Most people actually make way for me and both drivers and fellow riders actually stop to complement the bike.

3. Assuming the bike is reliable. I've only had mine from new for a short while.

4. Yes, bike is a lot of fun and handles very well. I used to ride a Suzuki VN1800 which was also a heavy bike. I prefer the way the Springfield handles.

Good luck with your choice. Get another, maybe longer test ride if possible.

 

Overcast UK and I've still managed to keep her out of the rain... Won't last long. Expecting a downpour this week. Not so much fun commuting to work on any bike.

 

I haven't had my springfield dark horse for long but I was also worried about going to an air cooled bike from the scout. So far I have no issues. I rode through Virginia and Maryland the other day in the high 90s with the humidity feel like temps at 104. I didn't notice any significant heat other than the sun and the awesome wrist watch tan line now. I dont sit in much traffic in my area though so I'm not sure how it will do with that. The only other thing I can attest to so far is the bike is surprisingly nimble and feels light in the corners. I was impressed how easily the bike moves for its size. Get it, you won't be disappointed!

 

Like the guy above, I live outside DC in Virginia. Humid and hot right now. I had a 2019 Scout Bobber before my 21 Springfield. They are equally hot sitting in traffic, I don't notice a difference. When your bike reads over 100 on the temp it is going to radiate heat.

Haven't had it long enough to comment on reliability, I don't "split lanes" but were it legal I would and fit just fine between cars, Springfield feels light and I ride aggressively as I did with the Bobber.

 

For the heat Captain Itch leather heat shields are popular.

 

So are Captain Stabbin

 

G'day from Australia.

I have been riding my Vulcan for a few years and have clocked 50,xxx kms on the road. I love the bike and the handling but I have outgrown the 650cc parallel twin.

Feel like its time to upgrade but , I do have concerns that I thought I'd ask the forum.

I have test rode Indian Springfield Dark Horse and it is night and day difference to my current bike. I have some questions that I would like some feedback on.

• How does the bike handle the heat? I ride in 40-42 C / 104-107F in heavy traffic. Coming from Liquid cool to air cooled, is there anything I should expect?
• How is it filtering through traffic? Filtering is legal in Australia and I constantly filter on the way to work.
• How is the reliability? My Jap bike never skipped a beat and curious if there is any known issues I should look out for.
• Fun factor on the twisties? I ride pretty aggressively and the Vulcan S loves being thrown about. Is the Springfield fun to throw about in the corners? How does it handle?

Any feedback would be awesome!

G’day mate, another Aussie here.

I moved from a Triumph America (800cc) to the SF nearly 4 years ago. The SF is the best bike I have ever had by a looooong way. Some heat is there, but totally acceptable IMO. I live in Sydney and don’t find the heat much of an issue at all. From your list:

• Filtering is fine - I have done quite a bit of riding into and around the city and she handles that great.
• Reliably - 🥇 (only problem has been a flat battery - which got sorted)
• Twisties - 🥇🥇🥇- might be the best feature, this things handles everything great - loads of fun!!

Just do it - you will not regret it for a moment.

 

I put a oil temp dipstick on my 2016 Springfield. Only 1 time, was stuck in stop and go traffic when the temp was over 90. I simply shut the engine off while stopped. Heat off the engine was my 1 of my reasons. I maybe was around 230-240 on oil temp. No issues. And no oil cooler.

 

I came from a Vulcan Nomad to a Springfield. I thought my Nomad was fun. The Springfield is much better. I know I have more lean on the Springfield, and clearly, it's much more powerful. I bought mine gently used, but no mechanical issues.

Enjoy.

 

I stopped riding bikes back in 2014 after a small accident I had on my Yamaha Raider...

when I decided to mount back up, I bought a 2018 Vulcan S for $4600...

It's the best bang for the buck on the entire market - I won't even lie about that...

If I were you, I'd just keep it and get a Scout Bobber...

 

The Springfield does a pretty good job of hiding its weight. But choose your parking spot wisely. If it were myself, keep your other bike for awhile to see if you still can or like riding it every now and then.