The new Indian Chief is just the beginning: taking on the mighty Harley-Davidson is definitely on the cards.
MCN, senior reporter Andy Downes was at the launch. These are his first opinions…
From what I’ve heard, these machines handle quite well with the Chieftain probably handling the best. during the test rides at Sturgis, some who’d owned Victorys said these new Indians probably handle better, which I think says volumes.
They need to sell some kind of stripped down board tracker style model . Not everyone is a fan of the over flared heavy fenders . Indian does have some racing heritage so they need a model to cover that.
Even the original Indians were leaps and bounds ahead of Harley. Obviously Harley dumped everything they had into marketing because for us who actually work on these machines. It’s easy to see how Indian was the better bike hands down
Quick research puts the cost at $18,999 for the Chief Classic, $20,999 for the Vintage and $22,999 for the Chieftain. Standard color is black; an additional $400 buys you either red or blue. No two-tones are available at this moment.
My 2 cents … I guess only time will tell whether or not Polaris will be successful in raising and sustaining the Indian Motorcycle brand to the heights of it’s former hey day. As a motorcycle rider/lover of all motorcycles the one thing I look for is support in the form of parts/service availability. I do all the work on my Harley and love that there is a bevy of aftermarket suppliers out there too for me to choose from. I Hope Polaris will have the same fortune with the Indian
Personally I think the Indians look too much like a Victory.
Love those vintage Indian cycle photos!
My 2 cents … I guess only time will tell whether or not Polaris will be successful in raising and sustaining the Indian Motorcycle brand to the heights of it’s former hey day. As a motorcycle rider/lover of all motorcycles the one thing I look for is support in the form of parts/service availability. I do all the work on my Harley and love that there is a bevy of aftermarket suppliers out there too for me to choose from. I Hope Polaris will have the same fortune with the Indian
will be dead and gone in 5 years!
OMG those bikes are ugly as hell.
I’d buy this before I would buy a Harley (most overrated motorcycle of all time).
If I were young enough and healthy enough, I’d trade my Harley for an Indian in a heart beat.
I should have passed on the Goldwing and got this Instead!
I have a Breakout and I see nothing wrong with Indian, Victory, or competition in general.