Indian motorcycles, the revival of an American original

[ray_ray]

Kind of a cool video here about these bikes.

https://autos.yahoo.com/blogs/motor...evival-of-an-american-original-141529909.html

 

[john01]

I hope it works out for them and it's cool an American company owns them.

 

[Motosportz]

Good review and info.

 

[Huskynoobee]

My honey has been drooling over Street Glides. Maybe I can get her to go for a Chieftain. That's just sexy. Would look just fine next to the Ultra Classic.

 

[ray_ray]

My honey has been drooling over Street Glides. Maybe I can get her to go for a Chieftain. That's just sexy. Would look just fine next to the Ultra Classic.

2015 Chieftain

Here's some more info I stumbled across ... Has some numbers in there also on pricing

http://www.forbes.com/sites/joannmu...ycles-revival-isnt-done-yet/?partner=yahootix

The original Roadmaster touring bike, built from 1947 to 1953, dominated its class in the post-World War II era. Indian’s new owner kept many of those classic design cues but added modern motorcycle technology — just as it did with the first three bikes in the lineup, the 2014 Chieftain, Chief Vintage and Chief Classic.

The Roadmaster uses the same 111 cubic inch Thunderstroke engine in those bikes, and is loaded with extra features, like anti-lock brakes, keyless ignition, electronic cruise control, a tire pressure monitoring system, and a state of the art “infotainment” system for music, navigation and phone. It’s equipped with two hard side bags and a large trunk bag — enough for 38 gallons of weatherproof storage — plus heated seats, and heated grips. The Roadmaster goes on sale in September for $26,999 — about $12,000 less than a comparable Harley CVO Limited, according to Polaris’ vice president of motorcycles, Steve Menneto.
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Took a quick look at the Polaris company ... Lots more to this place than a few snowmobiles ..
http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=108235&p=irol-stockinfo

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Indian has ~some name-brand value, but unlike Husqvarna, not many of us have ridden or even seen an Indian bike ...

Unless it has rusted away, there was one Indian bike in AR when I left ~25 yrs ago ... I actually saw it ridden a couple times ...It looked and sounded like a tractor ...Probably a late 50s(?) model. I just did some more math and I saw that bike ~40 yrs ago ... I'm confirmed old now.

 

[Motosportz]

First Look: 2015 Indian Scout - http://www.cyclenews.com/407/24868/Racing-Article/First-Look--2015-Indian-Scout.aspx

People already customizing these newer Indians...

 

[Bigbill]

I'm in love with the vintage 4 cylinder inline engine. Every time I look at them on you tube I just drool. I love the history and easy and simple designs. I wish they would offer a new 4 cylinder inline Indian motorcycle.
The older leather belt driven Harley is another one I like.

I feel so out of place, I was born 100 years too late. That older history of the motorcycle development is where I'm at.

The big vee twin cruisers do nothing for me unless they strip them down to basics.

 

[troy deck]

dang that scout is a good lookin bike i learned to drive in a scout [62 IH half cab ] what a truck

 

[Huskynoobee]

They do ask a pretty penny for them. I guess they figure that unique is worth an extra few grand over a Harley.

 

[robertaccio]

Im a fan.

 

[Jersey Woods]

Just great looking bikes.. And they have the financial means to make them main stream bikes again. The fact they are American made is such a cool deal. I wonder if they will be seen in places like Daytona during bike week anytime soon ?

Last week when I was in Milwaukee I visited the Harley museum and I was in awe at the bikes they have on display. I will have to post some pictures.

 

[Bigbill]

I already purchased an Indian jersey hmmmm.

 

[mnb]

I test rode a Chieftain. It handles like a slug. There's more power than a stock Harley, but you REALLY have to want to use it (heavy throttle hand). They look nice, have some nice features, but my Road King is a much better bike.

If they can adjust the power Nd make them more than a lead sled (Ie: make them handle well), I'd definitely consider one. perhaps with time.

 

[Bigbill]

The big vee twin has always been a lead sled. It took Suzuki with there TL 1000 to teach HD how to make the big vee run and make it reliable. Remember these are cruisers. They cruise from coffee shop to coffee shop.

The scout looks interesting if it had more cc's.

When I first started riding my 77 Suzuki TS-185 could beat the Harley for the first four gears. I never got to race one with my '98 husqvarna 250wr but I did beat a GSXR 600 off a light till he got embarrassed and let off.

 

[troy deck]

The big vee twin has always been a lead sled. It took Suzuki with there TL 1000 to teach HD how to make the big vee run and make it reliable. Remember these are cruisers. They cruise from coffee shop to coffee shop.

The scout looks interesting if it had more cc's.

When I first started riding my 77 Suzuki TS-185 could beat the Harley for the first four gears. I never got to race one with my '98 husqvarna 250wr but I did beat a GSXR 600 off a light till he got embarrassed and let off.

a buddy of mine once smoked an 83 GS750E [ hopped up & on the street] with my uncles [stock] 83 430WR he was a Harley rider said it was the fastest thing he ever rode you should see what you can do to one with a Yamaha XS1100SF

 

[Bigbill]

My son with his girlfriend on the back of my '86 400 wxe smoked my buddies on his kx 250. I mean like 120mph smoked him. They clocked the kx topped out at 85mph.

 

[LandofMotards]

When I first started riding my 77 Suzuki TS-185 could beat the Harley for the first four gears. I never got to race one with my '98 husqvarna 250wr but I did beat a GSXR 600 off a light till he got embarrassed and let off.

You beat the gixxer with the wr250? You're really good AND he really sucked .