Indian Motorcycle Blog SHARING OUR PASSION

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Congrats! Can't wait for the dealership to open up in Los Angeles!

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It would be much more exciting if not for the ridiculous pricing of the new Indian. The pricing has killed a lot of my interest in Indian.

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Very cool!
I can not wait until I have the opprotunity to ride with an '09 on my '02 Chief.
More pictures please!

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Sweeet.
Cant wait to see it---- ummm-- will that be TODAY ??????

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so who is the lucky first pp105 owner??????????when is it getting to its new home ????????

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Super Sweet......Look's a lot like my '99...but far superior I'm sure...congrats to everyone involved.

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Congratulations...looks good on you steven..
ok...that one is going into a crate...now where is my torquoise n white vintage?

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Bravo!!,,,,cant wait so see one in person,,,Gods Speed Indian!!!

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Congrats to everyone at KM - And looking forward to your success in the future.

I guess Brad will have to settle for an HD.............

Thanx, D

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WHERE IS ALL OF THE INFORMATION, ABOUT DEALERS, LOCATION TIMES AND OPENINGS? WHAT KIND OF PRODUCT SUPPORT WILL INDIAN BE OFFERING FOR 2000 THOUGH 2004 INDIAN OWNERS ? WHERE IS ALL OF THE INDIAN MERCHANDISING? THE NEW PRICES....WOW....I WANTED A SECOND INDIAN, BUT THAT PRICE,AND THE LACK OF ANY SORT OF CHOICES IN THE STANDARD CHIEF WERE A HUGE LET DOWN..........

Fantastic

Looks beautiful! Now get busy building mine!

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My momma told me that if'n I didn't have anything nice to say then not to say it.

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Kudos to the team! Getting the first one built must have been akin to giving birth (or so I've heard). Now the real work begins: ramping up production to satisfy the pre-orders. No doubt there'll be some lessons learned there! I'm curious to know how many have plunked down a deposit so far. Sorry I can't make it to Sturgis so I guess I'll have to wait to see one when your dealer opens here in L.A. But having owned over 20 bikes and plenty of expensive toys it will really have to knock my socks off to warrant the $35 grand. Keep the faith and keep us informed!

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Well Stephen,looks like you got number one,you are a stylin. Good work team ! You got it done before I could finish my indian tribute street rod, but then you know good things take time to develop!

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Congratulations...looks good on you steven..
ok...that one is going into a crate...now where is my torquoise n white vintage?

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Looks nice. Please provide more specifications. Chroming specs? I live in a marine environment and rust is an issue. If done right the chrome will hold up well, if not rust will be there fast. Fasteners? I'm assuming that bolts susceptible to fatigue stress aren't being used like on the Gilroy Cheifs. ASTM/ANSI standards used? At the price of the bike, and the presentation of it as a premium product I expect some information as to what makes it a premium product. Please tell us what the materials, coatings, sources, tolerances, etc. are. What definition of craftsmen are you using? Please be specific. I need more information to spend over $30k. (Just doing my due diligence.) Thanks, and good luck.

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Let's all be positive - Modern manufacturing processes, and meeting emission laws take a great deal of investment. What we have here is a superb start, I can't wait until the bikes hit the UK.

HD do well over this side of the pond, so do Victory, I want Indian to slay em'

Well done everyone at Indian, superb effort.

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Stay patient everyone. Their business model is obviously to build small quantities as a premium product and establish the Indian brand with quality with the idea that more people will want one than are available making them generally a desired item...more entry level bikes won't make the scene until they've established the brand again as something someone wants to have...in the same way HD sells sportsters...a way for people to get into an HD even though it is what it is...don't expect an Indian entry level or mid-level bike until it is widely known that the new Indians are as they say "works of art"...and let's hope they are.

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The right color to start offf the line, and you all look pleased with what you have created so far. If you need me to come to KM and ride it back to Las Vegas via the 105th HD party in Milwaukee, just drop me a line and I will be there. I am sure Indian will be the focus of attention, with thousands of HD's all looking like sisters.

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Nice....wish i didnt need a morgage to afford it.

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Great!!!! Get the Wagons in a circle, the Indian is back! I´m hardly waiting for the first dealer in Austria/Europe.

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Those of you who are griping about the price...just WAIT until you see them up close. I saw several of the new bikes this week, during a tour of the factory, and they are, quite simply, spectacular. The team has definitely succeeded in bringing Indian back as it used to be: the "Bentley of Motorcycles". The chrome looks about an inch thick, the engine is incredibly solid appearing, and is much larger than the one in my 2002 Chief. The frame is also far beefier, and the monoshock suspension is also larger and more ruggedly built. The attention to detail on EVERY SINGLE PART is just awesome. I put my deposit down! I can't wait! WAY TO GO, INDIAN! (Now, get to work on my bike!!!)

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come on we need themup here in new jersey

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Need a dealer next to the Crazy Horse monument going up!! I am sure a lot of us Gilroy Indian owners are hoping there will be parts-service and support for our bikes as well.This should be a top priority in the works as well. I see alot of people are shying away with the price.Lets not be judgmental just yet untill we all see this baby first!! But lets face it Kemosabies, this is not a slam down the assembly line HD with what 10-20 seperate models. This is a one of a kind,hand built work of American craftsmanship with pride bled into it. If you ever seen a Chris Craft now ..... You know what i mean!! Just superb.

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The price appears to be significant, while I can't afford one yet, I appreciate what the leadership team is trying to do. I have appreciated Indians for 30 years - the last thing I want is another half-assed effort. Do it, do it right. Look at the press releases; premium, upper eschelon, quality, long-term presence, profitability. Looking for a $8K bike, 5 other makers crank them out every minute...looking for (what I hope to be) the next page in America's rich motorcycle history..invest in this piece of art/engineering/passion. That said, if these guys screw up the Indian again....it will be a shame.

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It is awesome to see this in production. There has been a little bit of information in the press, but I would still like to see more. I hope this first year of 750 Chiefs will establish Indian enough to bring a Scout or Warrior model out for those of us that support the brand, but just are not able to dump 40K in bike. If the big buzz from this bike carries through to next model year, and there is a more modestly priced bike (around 12-15k) introduced, I bet there will be a lot of people who will buy one. Hope this all goes well!

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Congratulations, looks great when ya coming to N.Y.C.

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I own 3 Harleys now and was hoping to get an Indian but at 30 grand for a small fendered chief, I think Il will pass. I can get a fully loaded CVO ultra classic electra glide for 35,000 and it has every bell and whistle you can hang on it. Glad to see Indian back but get real on the price.

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OK......Where is the Indian head on the fender? Just asking LOL...... Bike looks good! Congrats!

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JD,
If you added another 10 grand on top of the 35,000 to the ulta classic it and you would still not be COOL! Oh there is another HD that is "kind of cool" is the most you will have. I will walk 10 more feet at any local bike night and there will be another "kind of cool" one just like it.

Indian on the other hand is just plain COOL and they have included it in the price at no extra charge to you!!! You get the best American motorcycle ever built with a better power plant then anything HD has to offer I might add. You get to have a bike that has a sole a history a trend setter a record braker. You get all that and more!
Plus don't forget the COOL part is included for FREE!!!

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I bet Stephen is the only one out of that crowd who can afford it...
And that is not what Indian was about, you guys want art by a painting.
I hope SOMEONE tells the emperor about his new clothes.
Moondog TX

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Never again! I was unfortunate to have a 2003 Chief that would break down at least once per month, I was on a first name basis with tow truck drivers. Lost my warranty that fall and the engine blew the following spring. Good luck you are going to need it. Long live Harley Davidson!!

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I have been an Indian fan all my 55 motorcycleing years, I intend to have a new one next year they are an American work of art and I cant wait until you open a dealership in Canada. We are lucky enough to be a friend of the great USA so I can always slip across the border and buy my Indian if you dont have a dealership in Canada when I buy.Keep up the good work.

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Moondog, I for one am kinda tired of you bashing anything and everything on the new bikes, Gilroy bikes, old bikes,what they used to stand for , bla bla bla bla bla . We all know you can't afford one by now . Or your too tight to buy one.
Why don't you drop it. Quit talking about price wasn't what Indian was all about. Tell us what top of the line Indian cost in the 40's and 50's and top of the line Harleys during the same time period. If Indian was better then, they should have commanded a higher price than Harley ect.Just tell me what better is ? Cheaper ? Every time I go to a Harley dealer and look I see cheap , mass produced,generic,
ugly styling, cost cutting bikes. Does anyone else think so? You must live a negative life Moondog. Peace to ya.
Fred Dean , mine had problems too, I saw them coming before it blew and had the sence to fix it or get it fixed.
Yea man, ride it till she blows . GUARENTEE you my 02 Chief will smoke most Harleys on the street and in the show.
I can send you dudes some cheese for your whine, it's getting old.

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I just hope they know what they are doing. I always loved Indian Chiefs, but come on. Remember there was another Motorcycle Company in 1999 that promised a hand build bike and it lasted only two production runs. I don't want a scout or anything else because it is cheaper, I want a Chief that the everyday Joe can afford, if you think about it, this would hurt the sales of the HD and metric bikes if the price was lower. ND, more power to you, one day I hope to own an Indian, but it will never be a new one.

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I think the new bikes rock! My 03 Roadmaster is truly the Road Master. I have never had a problem - have added some custom pipes, chrome etc. but the engine has always been great! We ride with all Harley riders and everyone of them drools over our bike. It will always be much classier than any other bike on the road. IT outshines, outruns outclasses them all. When we go to rallys - it is the Indians that everyone is drawn to. They are the original cool and will continue to be. I can't wait to see the new bikes. We live in Indiana and are going to N.C. just to see the flagship store. I am sure my husband is calculating ways to obtain another Indian. We originally had the Scout in 2000, then in 2003 advanced to the Roadmaster and have never looked back. Everything in our house comes to a halt when it is time to ride. It doesn't get any better

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Love it! I have always been a big fan of Indian Motorcycle----The price is a bit too restrictive for me, but I'm happy to see that they are putting forth so much effort to get it done right.........Until I can afford my Indian I will keep riding my Suzuki. I can afford a Harley, but will not buy one because I don't want to be a part of that "I'm better than thou" crowd who for some reason think it's either Harley or nothing----the heck with those jokers! Who wants to ride with a pack of Harley snobs anyway?
For my part, maybe if/when they bring the scout back it will be my time......

Man, I can't wait to see Indians prowling the road making the Harleys look bad!!

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i cant wait to see the new ones they look awesome on the websight the new chrome is the bomb however my 03 roadmaster with all the custom accerories i have painstakenly aquired still shines very bright especially around all those harleys with the same chrome parts over&over my bike is the center of attention where ever i go plus i always get there before my harley riding friends due to my pp100 power plant i hope the new indian remembers that there is alot of us with california bikes that still need attention after all we believed in you 1st that being said look for at the flagship dealership soon and i hope you wont embaress your selves with a low trade in offer!!!!!!

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I heard about the re-up of Indian motorcycle. I looked on the site and saw that the first bike came off of the assembly line. I then noticed the comments link.

First of all, congrats to Indian for building up their first bike in the Kings Mountain, NC plant...that is no small accomplishment. And after reading some of these posts, it has the potential of being the best bike Indian ever produced. I also read about the early 2000 models having their problems just like the "AMF" era HDs. Spitting oil and blowing up. Didn't experience it...but I've heard about the oil pools people have walked back out to after having dinner on the road. I ride a '93 HD FLHS Electraglide Classic with an 80" EVO motor. Probably the only bike I'll ever own...and when it comes down to a full tins-off rebuild I'll do it. I've always admired the Indian...but at $35K its just out of my pocket book's range. If they're looking for the "exclusive" market...they're well on their way. If I could afford a Chief I would definitely consider buying one.

The thing that is killing me about some of these posts...HD vs Indian...it all boils down to riding. You ride what your pocket book can afford. I ride with HDs, Boulevards, Road Stars, Victorys, Gold Wings, BMWs, etc. All we need is two wheels and a full tank of gas.

I'm going to Sturgis next week and I'll be looking for the Indian display. Perhaps they woud take a survey of the people looking at the display...what is their annual income and what they would be willing to pay for an Indian Chief Classic...or Standard for that matter. That one starts out at $30K. If you want to find out what people will pay...that's the time to do it! Personally, I think the Standard should be priced at about $20K just $2K above the Heritqge Classic. The Chief Vintage should be priced at around $25K just a few thousad past the Ultra Classic.

Just to emphasize...its all about the ride. Where you go, what you see, and the friendships built on the road.

In some strange or odd way, I'm proud that Indian chose Kings Mountain, NC. I live only 19 miles from the plant.

I just have a couple of questions/comments:
N D UN - Why do you go to HD shops if it is such a negative experience?
JCD_Rider - You sound like you'll be an Indian "snob" to me...?
RJ - Right on brother!!!
Deb - You're right on! You and your husband love your bike just like I love mine. You said just what I said...it all comes down to the ride!

Like I said before...all it takes is two wheels and a tank of gas...get out there and ride!

Be safe!

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I was just getting ready to purchase one on E-Bay.. One of my friends told me "I think Indian is starting to make motorcycles again".. I found your website and I am so excited.. When is LA opening, I will drive from Phoenix to purchase a bike... I want a Deluxe... In closing God Bless the USA and God Bless Indian Motorcycles..

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Wishing you all the best ! Looking forward to seeing Indian in Europe. I am ready for a Roadmaster when you are ready, as I have mentioned to you by e-mail several times. Sincerely, John Kalathas, Greece.

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I went over to the new Indian dealership that they are building at the Lowell-McAdenville exit in the Charlotte NC area. Very swanky! They will open in a few weeks. Totally different from the Gilroy Indian dealerships. I hate the price but Indian seems to have a sound strategy. I think the timing is bad with the economy. HD sales (as have other brands US sales) have slipped from last year. I know that has to make Indian nervous. Being an NC boy I certainly hope Indian succeeds. Kings Mountain could use the industry there. I am very excited and look forward to them opening soon so I can see the bikes live. I don't like the styling on the Chief Deluxe, especially in black. It looks like it received styling cues from an old "Bentley" (around the seat and rear wheel cover). The bikes oooz with quality though. By the way "Click" Baldwin (owner of Carolina Harley-Davidson) died from injuries he received from a motorcycle wreck en route to Sturgis on July 30. He was a very nice and generous person and his dealership was in constantly in the top 25 worldwide. The motorcycle community will dearly miss him.

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I'm curious, is the reason that so many "craftsmen" are needed is because the parts don't fit togehter well? $
37.000?, sorry, my Dad would be ashamed of me.

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I have a 2000 Indian Chief with a 88ci SS. I do not like the SS carb. Way too much work to get it ajusted for each season. The low ride of 3 1/2 inches is great. The 8 ft 6 inch fender tip to fender tip is fantastic. I want to have a new chief next to my current bike but I don't think I can come up with that kind of money right now. So I must focus on keeping my current bike running well. A challenge in itself, since there are no "dealers" to be seen. Overall, I'm excited to see that there will be more Indian bikes on the road, and although I do like the 105PP, I noticed that the front brake caliper is located high on the back of the wheel, where my bike, has the caliper on the bottom left thus not interfereing with the fender at all ..... which I like much better. So, keep up the good work and let me know when there will be dealerships in the Chicagoland area.......I'm stoked!!!!!

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Hey Deb.
How many miles on your Roadmaster?
If you have over 15k and haven't rebuilt it you are one lucky lady.
Can't argue any of your other points.
Nothing looks like an Indian Chief.
Nothing gathers a crowd like an Indian Chief.

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im tired of making excuses to my buddies on why my injun stays at the teepee. have your "craftsmen" produce us some parts for "all gilroy produced" injuns so we can enjoy riding and promoting these beautiful bikes insted of spending countless hours hunting for 'essential" parts. i dont want a t- shirt or chrome fender tips, i want to ride my horse. if you can prove you are loyal to all indian riders, then price DOESNT matter when it comes to selling style. good luck

saddened there is no way i can buy an indian in india

it has been my dream since i saw my grandfather's indian motorcycle to buy one for myself,i'm much saddened that today it is so difficult to access or buy an indian way back here in india.

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We Love it !!! Any Plans For Australian Dealership (s) ??? Definitely a great market here.

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Sorry folks , Don't mean to get into negatives on the blog. Guess I don't really see positives
from negatives. Sorry Moondog.
93 HD EG - Nothin bad about going to the Harley dealer, that's where I get my oil.

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Hey cryin injun,

What parts can't be found? You are online since you did post here.
Have you been to www.indianmotorcyclecommunity.com
Anything you needed can be found through the people on that site

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Cryin' Injun,
All the parts and service you need for your Gilroy era Indian is out there, all you need to do is look.
Many former dealers sell their original stock on ebay. Many dealers still offer service. Many independents will be happy to service your Indian.
Many parts can be purchased from your local auto parts store, and dare I say it your local H-D dealership.
Except for the unique Indian items, your Indian is straight ahead american motorcycle technology, you just need to educate yourself.
I purchased my Chief well after the demise of IMC and made a point of finding all the help I could get. As a result I have a solid, well sorted Powerplus Chief that I can ride anywhere anytime.
I am a professional mechanic who recieved H-D certification from MMI many many years ago, so performing my own work is not an issue for me. That being said, if you do not have the skills, find someone who does.

A good starting point would be the Indian motorcycle community public forum, also check the links to the IRG and IIRA available on this site under the community tab.

We Indian riders are a tight knit community and there is more info and help out there than I believe you are aware of.
There is simply no excuse to have a constantly broken, ill running or ill handling Indian, NO EXCUSE!

As I stated earlier, I can not wait to ride with an '09 or any other future Indians

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Hey ND UN,
It's cool ! Is this a great country or WHAT!
No secret police came and took either of us away...
I have never looked at the glass half full or half empty, but hear are some points that make me smile
Another American company is making a go at it! YES
Another choice other than the current players YES
Money coming into America not leaving. BIG YES
American workers building something thats ALL AMERICAN in it genesis ( did I say that right?) YES
Harley better take notice of the competition. YES
I hope some of these color palattes seep into the other manufactures offerings YES
The more Indians on the road the more I am reminded of my DAD. BIG YES!
Moondog TX
Now lets ride (whatever bike it may be)

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My main ride is a black 346 bobber. (1946 Chief) The other day a neighbor guy came over to take a look. I have seen him around- he has 2 late model big inch customs and they are extremely nice. Even used they are probably worth around $50,000 between the 2 of them. He attends dozens of runs a year all over AZ and NM. He has seen literally thousands of bikes. He looked at my old 346 for a minute and said (and I quote) "That is the coolest bike I have ever seen." How much would you be willing to pay for a compliment like that?

black346

very cool!

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Congratulations. It is every thing that we expect an Indian should be. I have to agree however with most of the comments on the price. Indians always did and should demand a higher price, but come on! I have a 2001 Centennial Chief. I was willing to give up for a new model, however, I gone to have to think long and hard before I put out that kind of money. I too am anxious to get a dealer in Louisiana, or at least the Gulf coast. Need parts for my chief badly. By the way, has anyone else had trouble with the exhaust valves dropping into the cylinders on their S&S motors? If so let me know at dstoll4@cox.net. Thanks.

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I'm not 100% sure what to think at this point...while the release of the new Chiefs will certainly increase the resale value of my 2003 Chief Springfield, I have to say that I am a bit disturbed by the price/value relationship of the new bikes. Is the new company trying to compete with custom bike builders, or with H-D and Victory? I know that the Chief is the top-of-the-line entry in what will be a full complement of new bikes (ultimately), but the messages it sends are (to me, of course)
1) Not only do you have to be rich/very dedicated to buy one, you also must be willing to fork over $60 for a t-shirt and over $100 for a sweater (not to mention $950 for a jacket) if you want to "wear the colors";
2) The needs (parts, service) of those of us who bought an Indian-branded product in the past - for all the same reasons that new folks will buy one of the new ones - are still not being addressed, so we're out of luck at this point (?)
I suppose I'll need to be patient to see how this plays out, but I really do think that some effort should be made by the new Indian crew to address the concerns of existing owners (who've been touting the brand, even when it was in a coma) and to let prospective buyers know that this product offering is going to be something more significant than, say, the bikes the Teutels build in upstate NY...Looking forward to your updates...Mike G

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WOW!!! What happened to the front fender skirt?? I guess room was needed to fit that second caliper..sorta takes away from the "look"..Anyway..I was in KM a few weeks ago and pulled up to the front gate at 5pm and it was still opened!!! If I was younger and more daring I would have driven through and got lost in there somewhere but I opted for a picture and drove over to Lowell. The dealership looks great but it wasn't completed yet. On the web site you give the impression that its done and I'm wondering are there other dealerships under construction? I can't imagine driving to Lowell NC to have my bike serviced...Whats the word on other dealerships???

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Why did you cut away the right side of the front finder the left side look bad enouf, the only breaking problem I have with my 2003 chief vanige is the rear break. it up under the rear finder so for it get all heat and on cool air. I have 52.620 miles and i have never had to replace my front break pad yet and I used the front break all the time.what happen to the tear drop roders in front and rear. I hope you all put the right rear drive sparket on it to match the drive belt.It will sure get sharp and cut up a 175.00 belt in under 10.000 miles And the fog light the ground in them are always trouble. until you correct the ground wire at light housing. and that startet. Thunderhart maid the duel point ing system and had it program Where the timing was to hi and make the starter drag and couse the motor to kick back and couseing interal damage to crank pins. The inginson switch on the 2003 was not heavy Duty and burn out. and also the starter relay. and that oil pump by pass spraing that was a joke just like the fuel tank air vent that hung down clost to the road and when it rain, well water would blow up in thire from the front tire and vaper lock the hole fuel system. And it wil stop running until the water draine out. I like never figer that one out. And that outer cam bushion I just that was becouse of that oil presser return spraing.I hope you shorten the rack some it take 2 and 1/2 lanes to turn it around and they are so heavy and hard to back up. But after all that I do all my work and I try to drive it every day. I have it compleat. with all bells and I havent had any trouble in over 25.000 miles. it been out west to yellowstone,sturgy. across the Royal gorge and the top of pike peak.4795 miles in13 1/2 days. Hope this help some Indian lover like my self. and I know You all will build a great scotter for all Indian lovers.

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Any plans on helping former indian owners and giving a really good trade in price for their indians? I sure would love to have a 105 incher with fuel injection...... wowie........

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Congrats guys...your bike looks gorgeous and I hope you sell all you can make. While I make a good income, and have a very serviceable FLH, at best I will keep my eyes open for a nice used Indian at some point (as it will be more in-line with my budget constraints). One thing for certain, I am gonna get me a nice Indian cap!

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I'm not sure this is the moment you've all been waiting for. Granted, I don't know any of you bloggers but for the sake of argument, you're average Joe or Josephine Motorcycler. You love bikes, appreciate the heritage and history of Indian and are excited and intrigued by what comes out of NC. If thats the case, Indian isn't making motorcycles for you. They are making them for the guy who owns a plane or a really big RV. You see them at Sturgis. They are wealthy and an Indian would be just the right kind of status symbol to separate them from the masses. If you think the bikes are expensive, have you checked out the accessories? Wow.

Having said that, I hope they are a huge success. I'm just not sure I agree with some of comparisons between Harley and Indian. It is natural to do so from an historical point of view. They were competitors. But someone said Indian is back as the "Bentley of Motorcycling". I never heard that before but the observation is correct. I haven't read any details on the technical specs so I assume they have nothing to really brag about from a technology angle. Its all about image. If you are trying to get the most for your money, it would be hard to make a rational argument for an Indian. If you're taken in by more emotional considerations and can afford the price, this brand is for you. And a $1000 for a jacket, just another accessory. Nice, but unfortunately, not within my budget.

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I agree with H. Wood. I recently saw the bikes in Sturgis and they are very nice. The fit and finish on the bike is very nice, however they do not justify the price. There are a few technological advances on the new bikes (I like the new dash board/speedo and would be interested in how it runs with EFO) and there are a few aspects of my 2003 Roadmaster that appear to be of higher quality, the hand controls for example.

This bike is surely not aimed at me as buyer. I am situated in the upper middle class and they are looking at a tick above my station in life. I am a Ford/Jeep kind of guy not a Mecedes/Porche guy. I understand the marketing approach and maybe someday I will be in the demographic they are courting but until then I will continue to tinker with my Gilroy Chief. Indian is very different from Harley and that is why I bought mine. It has a few issues, but nothing that can not be addressed and I think that is all part of the character of the bike, it gives me something to obsess over. I am very excited that they re-launched the brand and I wish them the best. I think that motorcycling is much better off with Indian in production than with out them. I hope they run as well as they look.

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Hmmmm... Where to start. I had high hopes for this new launch. Sound planning and sales projections. But the bikes! They look as if the designers were completely clueless. How long do you expect the bags to keep that tan color? I'll give 'em 75 miles. I believe H-D needs some serious competition to keep them on their toes. We would all benefit. But these are driveway bikes. Wash 'em and park 'em. Come on. Bloody some noses! Victory and Indian need to step to it. I own three Harleys. Give me a viable option I can count on. Dealer and service support. Aftermarket choices. If you build it, we will come.

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Just spoke with a couple from British Columbia both ridiing HD's. They just came thru from Sturgis. Loved the new Indian. Both said they would own one next year. They said by the time you took an HD and put all the bells & whistles on it that come stock on the new Chief you would be paying about the same. They said nothing was left to do. No expense was spared to make the Chief the ultimate bike that it is. I understand that each Chief is assembled by 2 people only from start to finish & when you get your bike you get signed statements from who built your bike. Nice touch. Not sure when I'll be able to afford one but I'll start saving my lunch money. Ride safe all.

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Your motorcycle looks good but I was looking for more Indian styling like right side drive and my be a one unit engine/trans. After learning that you are using a baker trans why did you not go with a right side drive. Was it that much more to handle. Also I know you want to have the best bikes out ther but do you have to charge so much for your bikes. I cannot afford one but would love to have one. Twentry thousand would be a lot better for most people. Good luck and I hope ypu guys do well.

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I second your pricing issues on the accessories H. Wood. I really wanted to get an Indian, and had it been price pointed at about 20 - 25k I probably would have bit, but 34k? I am not a rich man, and I don't have that kind of money. They are beautiful bikes, and I am very dissapointed that I won't be able to have my own, but the price is just way to steep. And a 1k dollar jacket???? Am I missing something here, did we have a turnaround in our economy or something? I must have missed it.

I do wish that Indian does well, and I would like to support them, but alas, not this round... Just don't have enough cash.

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Hi Erin,
Please show some Sturgis pics as soon as possible. Can't wait to see more of the bikes! Hope the event was great for all you guys!

scindian

Thanks, Sturgis was great! You will be reading details very soon, complete with pics.

Re: And Now For The Moment We've All Been Waiting For...

...seems like lots of people are complaining about the prices. Just a few observations. Riding an American motorcycle because it was cheaper than a car went out before the great depression- cheaper than a foreign motorcycle went out in about 1950. When my 346 was new I can almost guarantee that the proud new owner paid more for it than a '46ULH or a '46FL and I know parts were alot harder to get for the Indian. If a grand for a jacket seems like too much, buy the best Indian patch you can get and put it on your favorite jacket- that's what I did. I'm going to sit back and watch- what Indian is doing reminds me alot of Triumph in the mid 90's. They took their time and did things right, they made a superior product- nothing like the last Triumphs built, they seemed overpriced, they only had a few models... sound familiar? Lots of people bought them anyway and in 2000 they came out with a new line of AWESOME decent priced entry level bikes and guess what? Me and about a million other people bought them- and loved them- and they ran great. THE END

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The bikes are beautiful except for the chunk missing from the full valanced, what used to be, the war bonnett. It appears to be for break breathing/cooling but sorry guys, that was one of the focal points of what made the Indian so cool. Also the sticker point is pretty high. I'm not bashing Indians, I've been waiting years and years to get one, now that I can get one, I'm going to get a vintage or 2000-2003 series bike. The new '09s just don't have the cool of the originals.

So maybe, if they fix the fender i'll consider a new one because the Indian is still the most beautiful cycle on the road. Its just sad to see the designers missed the tradition on this version.

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For that kind of money, I can't believe that you would put that cheap little horn on it instead of a nice, old fashoned, chrome steel air horn. In the wind. Pops

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Pictures from Sturgis, - Please !!!

from the other side of the pond, a visit to Sturgis is a VERY expensive holiday, so I'm sitting here waiting for :-

1) - People's opinions of the bikes in the flesh.
2) - Indian's view on how things went and people's reactions at Sturgis.

3) - Oh Yeah, PICTURES FROM STURGIS !!!!

B cool,

Lau

Re: And Now For The Moment We've All Been Waiting For...

Alright,

I saw the new bikes at Cooks Corner in California this week. First of all, the entire Indian team that was there were great people, and very friendly. Kudos to the HR department for hiring capable people.

When it came to the bikes I was overall very impressed. The only thing I noticed was a bolt, or screw or something below the speedometer, where the paint was cracked and chipping around on all but a couple of the bikes. Other than that, the bikes were beautiful. They were extremely comfortable, and the clutch made me want to throw up it was such a great pull. I think that overall these bikes are well made (and in my opinion from sitting on one and getting a feeling for them, such as throttle pull, clutch lever, front brake, and feeling the sittingl balance) and that they easily surpass any of the new Harley's I have sat on (rk, nite train, fat boy, fat bob). I am a bigger guy, at 6'2, 285... Ok not a bigger guy, I am a fat ass, and these bikes were so comfortable to me that I didn't feel like I was dwarfing the bike with my large butt. Conversely I saw skinny women that were around 5'4 or so (in my estimation) that sat on the bikes and they looked great, and not dwarfed by the mighty beasts. The only thing I was left wanting, was to hear the bikes startup and rev a little. They probably did this, but if they did I missed it.

Now I talked to one of the guys from Corona Indian, and he explained some of the reasoning of the pricing, and when I actually got a chance to look at these bikes, and touch them I can honestly say that I understand the pricing, and I entirely agree with it (much to the dismay of any popularity votes I may get here). Although I would like to bitch about it since I can't afford it, I do understand the quality (2 guys per bike start to finish) and the logic behind it. So you will hear no more complaining about the price of a new Indian from me (although the apparel is another story.... Come on guys, 1000 dollar jackets??? I still don't see it. I want one, but I don't see it... lol)

Well that is about as detailed as this regular guy wants to get on the bikes I saw, the colors were all great (you can see the colors online) and the seats were comfortable as hell (if hell was comfortable). I stand behind this as a completely unbiassed report from a regular (albeit fat) joe schmoe.

Peace all,

Lanceropolis

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As I viewed the "New Chief" after the initial WOW, I could see all of the detail, the fit, the finish,the pride in the brand.
The price is fine for the quality of the motorcycle. This one NICE Indian, and has some of all of the bikes of the past.
Hat's off to the "TEAM" as they have done a wonderful job.As I look at the pictures posted here,and what the bike looks like in person is differnt. The bikes are much beter in person, as pictures don't due them justice. For a start up operation this is over the top, now time will tell, management,dealers, will be put to the test to see IF they can stand up to this new Indian.
Long live the brand, a true americien icon, Indian Motorcycle. Great Job!
harleyorindian:

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Yes we have been waiting.....I keep saying to people, yes there are new Indian Bikes comming, really. Now I have proof!! This is a very fine looking Bike. I'm extremely excited the time has come. I have one of the last bikes to come off the line at Gilmore factory. a 2004 model. Was going to be the future model for the Vintage Chief. I happen to have what may be one of the very few Chiefs Painted by the American Art Design Group Who painted the 50 terminator special models in that fantastic "Flame Airbrush paint job. Mine is not one of those 50 bikes but Just a Chief Vintage model. people take pictures of it all the time. But more important, New Indians are comming and people will be able to enjoy the special ride an Indian Motorcycle gives.They are truley the best of the best of American Motorcycles! Looking forward to seeing the new bikes. My Dad Had Indians back in the fortys and fiftys and and so do I. Thanks Indian motors........ Dave

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How American are the new Indians? I know a few people who brag about owning nothing but a Harley because it is so AMERICAN. Come to find out the brakes, carburetor, and electronics are Japanese. How AMERICAN are the new Indians? I enjoy my '97 Honda Shadow A.C.E. 1100 which simple states "made in America".

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Nice bikes, pricing is high for these economic times, i'll just have to wait for the Spirit....Hopefully; same engine but with a lighter gross weight.

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Lets see.......... I pulled up at Cook's Corner around 8:30 a.m. while the Indian crew was still unloading the new bikes. First thing I noticed even before I got off my 2001 Chief were the front fender brake caliper cut outs. Damn, looks like someone screwed up on the stamping. These new cut outs really messes up the free flowing look of the original classic fender, and remember, I noticed them before I got off my bike. I walked up to the new bikes and was impressed at the paint jobs. The new hand controls are nice but the handle bars are kinda FEM. I cant see a big boy with thick mustach tattooed holding on to these sissy handle bars. They are similar to the Honda goldwing. The other thing that really stands out is the big piece of flat metal right at the serial # area. It looks like something is missing besides a big hunk of steel. Another thing I noticed about the bikes, they were dirty full of dust. After having my Huevos Ranchers and pancakes with a cold Corona "one hour later" I went back to the bikes and still very dirty. They stayed like that untill I left three hours later. As everybody knows by now, this bike is for the high roller or mid class rider. Even the price on the apperal is ridiculos. Dont get me wrong, the bike is a work of art but they will need to work on the 2010 model. Maybe if Indian didnt put Baker tranny's and Primo/Rivera primary drives, they'll be able to drop the price a few Ks. Look up my videos on Youtube.com under Indian 2009 unveiling. Stay tuned for Ricky and Ronnie unvailing.

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A comment on the aesthetics.

If I'm right, most, if not all the 'design' work has been accomplished by engineers. Nothing against engineers, I've worked with them all my career and they're great.