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Indian Dakota 4

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

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.