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Indian Dakota 4

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Make Model

Indian Dakota 4

Year

2003 - 07

Engine

Four stroke, in line four cylinder.

Capacity

1845 cc / 112.4 cu-in
Bore x Stroke 85.7mm x 80mm
Cooling System Air cooled
Compression Ratio 7.5:1

Induction

Single Weber via electric pump. Fuel injection with full engine management optional

Ignition

Distributor (standard models). Electronic ignition optional 
Starting Electric

Max Power

74.00 hp / 54 kW @ 3800 rpm

Max Torque

168.1 Nm 124 ft-lb @ 2650 rpm 

Transmission

4 Speed.
Final Drive Cardan shaft.
Gear Ratio 1st : 2.88 2nd: 1.72 3rd: 1.75 4th: 1.00.
Frame Cradle, triple braced. Seamless tubular steel.

Front Suspension

Telescopic

Rear Suspension

Koni Dial-A-Ride. Adjustable air optional.

Front Brakes

Single 320mm disc 2 piston caliper

Rear Brakes

Internal expanding

Tyres

Avon Roadrunner 90-16. Dunlop Touring Elite optional

Dry Weight

325.0 kg / 716.5 lbs

Fuel Capacity 

18 Litres / 4.7 US gal
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The Dakota 4 does more than merely work - it's comfortable, smooth and surprisingly fast

More importantly, the Four felt as if it would happily cruise at 80mph (130kph) for ever, or at least right across both Dakotas if necessary.
The comfort from the blend of Fournales air shocks (an alternative to the standard Koni springs) and the sprung saddle, which is occasionally rather bouncy, is promising.

As for the handling, it's fine as long as you don't get too carried away. I swept through a series of bends at 70mph (110kph) without any hair-raising moments, but the combination of soft suspension, long wheelbase and low-slung chassis meant I didn't have to lean over far before solid parts hit the road.

The forks are tried and tested components that do a good job, and the same can be said of the brakes. That single front disc and old-style Harley caliper with a drum at the back is all very low tech, but the Dakota stopped well given a firm squeeze on the lever and pedal.
Some riders might find the sideways lurch due to the engine's torque reaction off-putting as it happens when you blip the throttle while changing down, but you do get used to it. Finding neutral in the otherwise efficient if slow-shifting four-speed gearbox also takes a bit of practice, but you get there eventually.

Torngren has developed a revised box with a taller top ratio that will be fitted to production Dakotas.