Indian Motorcycle Blog SHARING OUR PASSION

Re: Sensory Deprivation On An Indian? Impossible!

Ain't nothing like riding my Chief, I feel like the weight of the world has been lifted from my shoulders!< Pete "Micmac"Cole, Greensboro, North Carolina 2002 Chief Deluxe Previous Indians, 1941 741 Scout, 1947 Chief

Re: Sensory Deprivation On An Indian? Impossible!

This is really well written.

Re: Sensory Deprivation On An Indian? Impossible!

Not only do I experience the entire country side durning my rides, I feel part of the area. When I ride my Indian into a small town and stop at the local tavern or resturant, I usually get compliments or questions about my bike. I am glad to ride it and happy to spread the word of the Indian as I ride. -Mike J.

Re: Sensory Deprivation On An Indian? Impossible!

I lived on a 37 foot sailboat from 1997 to 2000. One day, I met a fellow sailboat owner/live-board and he told me he had met a lot of motorcycle riders through the years that also own sailboats. Told me that they all were talking one day about that coincidence and they all realized that basically both sailboats and motorcycles offer one very important thing. They both give you "The feeling of freedom and the wind in your face". I’ve owned several bikes through the years and now own a 2003 Crimson Red Springfield Chief. Thanks to the current owners of Indian for stepping up to the plate (and bringing their wallets, ha) and allowing the “Legend to ride again”. God bless you both and good luck.

Re: Sensory Deprivation On An Indian? Impossible!

As the saying goes..... If I have to explain it , you wouldn't understand.

Re: Sensory Deprivation On An Indian? Impossible!

While I don't own an Indian, I've ridden for over 35 years (on a variety of makes) and have tried to explain the escence of motorcycling to "cagers" and two wheel mounted "poseurs". Nice job in conveying some of the reasons to ride! Don't listen to the naysayers, just put your heads down and concentrate on building the best machines you can. The "market leader" in this country seems to have forgotten that they build motorcycles, and offer "Official Billiard Tables" (no kidding!) and Trademarked Coffees, etc. to support the "lifestyle" of their owners. There are those of us out there that understand the difference between the price of something and the cost of it -- and the difference between being a biker and being a motorcyclist. I'll let you guess which I am. Make us proud!

The Ride is the Moment

I have a 2001 Indian Scout. It's my 17th motorcycle and first Indian. The way I see it is that the world is full of so many problems and demands that it's a constant mantal strain, just keeping up with life. But when I'm on my Indian, out on the road, riding along the coast or through the backwoods, all the room for worry in my mind simply gets set aside, at least for the moment. All I consider is the growling engine, the sound of the tires gripping the road and an uncanny keen, sometimed fearful sense of my surroundings. I have an old Indian motorcycle article from 1926 and the advertisement states that riding Indian Motorcycles is as "smooth as flying." Indeed it is. Theres nothing like riding on cold and hot steel with a herritage such as Indian Motorcycle. I'ts a dream come true for the moment, and I don't worry because I know life will still be there when I get back from the ride. I'll never have anything but an Indian.

Re: Sensory Deprivation On An Indian? Impossible!

I could not have said it better myself. Just thought I would show signs of life on the Indian Blog.

Re: Sensory Deprivation On An Indian? Impossible!

I was told by a old wise man you drive horses, cattle, and cars you ride a motorcycle.

Re: Sensory Deprivation On An Indian? Impossible!

Let's talk about deprivation..Don't get me wrong, I love my 03 Chief Roadmaster, but there are days I'd love to put a bullet in it where it broke down again...If its not the ignition system, the handle bar switches, the ignition switch itself, or countless other things that have gone wrong with it I'd darn near ride it to hell and back. My saving grace is that it hasn't dropped any parts off like a Harley!!! AND it sure does turn heads when it gets where we're going...Can you feel my deprivation???

Re: Sensory Deprivation On An Indian? Impossible!

When I was a young lad of about 5 years I saw my first Indian,it had to be a Chief, probably around a 1950. From that day on I had my heart set on owning an Indian. Always like the other brand but they would not due, guess I was bitten by the Indian bug for life.Bye the way I am on my second Chief and will own a third and maybe a forth.

Re: Sensory Deprivation On An Indian? Impossible!

Looking forward to the 2009 Chief. I proudly ride a 2003 and love every minute of it! Put the "crotch rocket" in the garage (Yamaha FJ) and ride a real bike.By the way, what's the chance of a "Pow Wow" invitational of Indian-only riders for the debut? COUNT ME IN!

Re: Sensory Deprivation On An Indian? Impossible!

I would like to see what design you have come up with. We all know what the Springfield looks like. I understand that you want to make sure product is going to last, but at least show us somethin

Re: Sensory Deprivation On An Indian? Impossible!

Well said, I love riding my Indian Scout, whether its to the hardware store, work, camp, home or just for fun. I feel the sensation; now this is living life! Looking forward to warmer days in good old (cold) Massachusetts.

Re: Sensory Deprivation On An Indian? Impossible!

lets see the thing. I've been logging onto the Indian site now for over a year, have read all the press releases, seen all the delays, have not put my 1k down but have been close a few times. Lets see it and see some specs already!

Re: Sensory Deprivation On An Indian? Impossible!

Let's just make it simple...... There's something about riding on an Indian. There are seven bikes in my garage. But at no time, not even when I ride the 35K+ custom pro street, do I get the looks and attention as when I ride one of the Indians. The best part is that while riding on a piece of iconic history gives you a special feeling, it gives the same feeling to others that see the bike. Just pull up at a stop light or into any parking lot.... people just gravitate to the bike. The difference is that you see the gleam in their eye, and then they say "ya know, my brother used to take me out on an old Indian and...." With the older folks it's very clear that you have made them feel as if they have seen a photograph of an old girl friend. You have brought them back to a fond memory of a warm and special time in their life. You can see and feel the joy on their face..... So let me ask you, why would you want to ride any other motorcycle, when you could ride an American Legend that can do that..........99 Chief #941 / 2003 Vintage #614

Re: Sensory Deprivation On An Indian? Impossible!

My names Daniel and i'm a Chippewa Indian from the Fon du lac Indian Reservation and theres no better way to feel like a real indian when your riding a 2000 Indian Chief down the road and everyone looks and comments about it. Its it great ride to have fun with.

Re: Sensory Deprivation On An Indian? Impossible!

you need to look close at the picture of the new bike.they changed the front caliper cover to the opposite side of the bike.i dont know about your indian but my caliper is on the left side of the bike.and by looking at the spokes in the picture theirs is also.so thats one change.i dont think its for the better but hey were making progress.

Re: Sensory Deprivation On An Indian? Impossible!

I have a 2003 Spirit Springfield, and love the sound and feel of the open road. The first thing that I did after my return from Iraq, was to roll out the Spirit, and hit the road. I have made several 500+ mile a day trips, and have always drawn grand reviews when stopping for fuel, and even at traffic signals. There is little else on earth that allows humans to feel more free, then riding the roads, and enjoying the beauty of this country.

Re: Sensory Deprivation On An Indian? Impossible!

When you have a connection with your Indian - Your Indian also has a connection to you. I've been riding my '01 Centennial Scout for years without incident. It's never left me stranded in a parking lot or on the side of a road. Always has run like a champ - Until one chilly morning on a three lane road. As I pulled away from a stop light in the middle lane - The Scout roared away only to start sputtering and then died. Just as a Jeep cut across all the lanes from the left - And a GMC pick-up tried to cut to the right. BLAM !! They impacted right where I would've been riding. I put the kickstand down right in the middle of the road and checked to be sure both drivers were okay. After the police were finished with everyone - I walked back over to the Scout and without thinking just turned the key and hit the starter button.The Scout roared to life and still to this day - Has never missed a beat. Somehow it knew...That's Sensory Perception - Not Deprivation. Thanx, D

Re: Sensory Deprivation On An Indian? Impossible!

I have been riding for over 25 years, and I am on my second Indian, The Chief Roadmaster. 98% of the time I always get complements on my bike while traveling, as it is an interesting conversation piece. If you have not experienced the Indian mystic, you are missing out! Ride safe. Mr Melo-D

Talk is Cheap!

Nice writing, but to the point. I have also been logging on and off the websites since the demise in 03-04. My father rode an INDIAN so I have always wanted too own one also. I just recently got my permit and bought a Harley because I got tired of waiting, not getting any younger.
I hope this company does not make the bike so expensive normal guys like myself can never afford one, that is not what the INDIAN brand was about.
I will be watching and hoping to trade in my ROAD KING if this NEW INDIAN is worthy, and I do mean worthy.

Re: Sensory Deprivation On An Indian? Impossible!

Very well written, seeing the sun come up on the mesa of New Mexico, or coming up on the Great Smokie Mountians of TN, In the saddle of my 00 Chief was nearly a religious experience, I don't think I have ever felt closer to my maker. A good deal of the 78k miles on my bike was spent seeing this great country of ours, and I for one look forward to your product so that I may continue doing the same.

Re: Sensory Deprivation On An Indian? Impossible!

When will we be able to buy accessories or the currant Indians? We shouldn't have to wait till the 09 bike is built for us to be able to buy actual Indian parts and primary gaskets for bikes we already own. I'm already sick of doing the harley to Indian conversion

Re: Sensory Deprivation On An Indian? Impossible!

Indian Motorcycle Chief, Spirit, Scout.......there's nothing else to talk about.

Re: Sensory Deprivation On An Indian? Impossible!

I have always been enamored with the Indian Brand. Once the local Indian dealership opened and I test rode an Indian, I was hooked. I love my '01 Spirit and it contiues to draw a lot of attention. This past summer I was stopped by a journalist that writes a motorcycling column for a local paper. Just as we were beginning to talk, an Indian Chief pulled up. Talk about timing! The guy interviewed both of us and snapped a bunch of photos. He printed an article the following weekend with one of the photos. Looking forward to the "new" Indians.

Re: Sensory Deprivation On An Indian? Impossible!

Unique ,Mystique,free within my own world with my knees in the breeze " THE INDIAN CHIEF" " Sensory Deprivation !".not in my lifestyle.

Re: Sensory Deprivation On An Indian? Impossible!

We brothers are respectfully & anxiously awaiting our "Chiefs" [me for the first time on a bike], so....please, please, do not re-invent the wheel....the "Indians" reached their full grandeur & no other bike will ever be as beautiful. Keep the old fashion 'spirit' ALIVE!! = HAPPY RIDING TO ALL.

****Posting Guidelines - from Administrator****

We at Indian Motorcycle Company are very excited about the response to our blog and our new website in general. We greatly appreciate hearing all opinions and anecdotes from Indian Motorcycle riders and enthusiasts. We would like to post every comment submitted, and do not intend to censor anyone. However, comments will not be approved for public viewing if they are offensive in nature to ethnic groups, if they in no way relate to the topic of the blog, if they are intended to provoke hostility or engage in personal attacks, or if they contain false and/or misrepresented information about Indian Motorcycle Company. Thank you for your positive energy.

Re: Sensory Deprivation On An Indian? Impossible!

I too love my Centennial Scout. Wouldn't want to ride any other brand. Its just not the same. Agree with some of the others and would like to see at least artist rendering on the new Chief & future models too if possible before plunking down my grand.

Re: Sensory Deprivation On An Indian? Impossible!

I'm sure that the new owners are reading the feedback here.And many of the questions have already been answered if we read their information that's out.What changes?What's it look like?Cmon read something. For me I can wait till they are ready to show us.Do consumers want another Gilroy Factory job?From my experience , nope.But once I got the problems corrected I don't many complaints.A" learning experience " you might say.After all it was the previous owners product, not this one.By the way I've been on most of the Harleys and I'd rather have my 02 Chief.Hands down.

Re: Sensory Deprivation On An Indian? Impossible!

I bought my Chief new.....with 32 miles on odometer. Each mile has been an adventure...some were sweet and some left a sour knot in my stomach but one thing is for sure...they were experiences I would never have had on a car, truck, or another bike without the soul of Indian Motorcycle playing a part.
My first journey was to Daytona from Charleston.....a blown headgasket impeded my fun but led me to meet life long friends in JoeJoe and his new bride after bonding under a coleman lantern all night to swap the gaskets. My next long trip was from Charleston to Cocoa Beach....no issues just warm wind in my face, the smell of the ocean air, and riding through the CAPE days before a launch and feeling the excitement from the locals at the impeding display. Many many other rides of various distances have embraced my Chief as I straddled her firm frame....and though she has showed her ass a few times...the feeling I get when she is behaving is without words.
Nothing is better than coming up at a light and having cars blow horns and give a thumbs up and noticing the guy is in his 80s.....or group gathering around her at a gas station...and one guy always is in the crowd to say his father or grandfather rode an Indian andyou can almost see the tears welling up as they tell stories of those years. My best is an old fella found me at a local diner I was eating at one weekend. He had an old Brit bike...either a BSA or Trumpet...not sure though...but he had on calvary boots....old brown leather jacket.....aviator goggles....etc. He asks me which year my bike was built as he walked around her smiling....I say 02. He looks at me and then looks at the bike... He asks what modification I have made to frame and engine...I said none other than one rebuild. He looks at me again and walks around in disbelief. He then looks at me and says when did Indian make an engine like that....
I was fully expecting him to call it a clone or think it was a drifter in disguise....but come to find out he did not know Indian was back at the time and thought I was full of shit about the year as next thing he told me was they did not have a Chief in 1902 and I must mean 1952....I started laughing and filled him in on the bike. He asked if he could sit on her and I said yes though kept my hand on the bars on one side....he settled into the seat....and smiled to tell me he met his wife on an Indian Scout and wish they could ride on one again. I told him they could as they were being built and there was a dealership not too far away. He looked and said, his wife died 20 years ago....but he was sure she would be smiling and wanting to ride behind me for a few miles with him following on his own bike just to relive those days.
I about cried that time.....and that is the whole point of my verbose reply here. You have lots of people that ride motorcycles....people that dress the part....talk the talk.....but complain about every little thing whether it is cold weather, high temps, rain, sun, smells on the road, vibration, etc.

They have yet ridden enough miles to understand it is the journey...the experience...the soul of countless decades of Indian riders that beat in the heart of every bike.... I have some friends that have put many many more miles on their bikes than me.....and more than I care to admit that have more years on their bike but still not reached 10,000 miles..... but for myself.....there is a special place you go when you spend 6-10 hours a day in the saddle...through heat and rain....dust and sand.....ending each leg with a sore ass as you fill the tanks and then realizing it is all gone after a 10 minute walk and talk before heading down the road again. You almost form a bond with your bike....a oneness you cant get doing the local charity rides on weekends or going to the burger burn at the local bike boutique.....you get that bond by riding alone....unafraid...embracing the moment and not knowing what the future holds.

So is there sensory deprivation on an Indian....I say not. your senses will never be so alive as they are when alone in the saddle on a long scenic road with only the rumble of your pipes...the heat of the engine...the vibrations of the power she contains...and your senses blasted with the scent of cut grass, wildflowers, ocean spray, pine forest, and even road kill.
You will never be so tired....but also never so ALIVE as when you complete your first long journey overnight on your bike.....knowing you are truly alone but being watched by all those Indian lovers before you....as you fall off to sleep and awaken to a new day.

Ride Safe,

Brock

Re: Sensory Deprivation On An Indian? Impossible!

Ok. I started riding about half a year ago, but it was something that I had wanted to do since I was about 15, and I am now 30. I am wanting to get my bike. The bike that will be mine for years to come. I want a chief, I know that now. I think I have known it all along. The other "company" just seems to have small sheeple bikes, and quite frankly I don't want to buy the attitude with it. The thing is, I am growing concerned because I keep hearing what you guys (Indian) are going to do, and see nothing but photoshop and read emails that are out much later than they should be. I can be patient, but I want to know that I am being patient for something real. I for one would rather see nothing come out, then get my hopes up and get burned. I hope you guys know what you got into. By the way, I don't think you should run any photoshopped pics anymore. It was easy to spot, and it was a huge let down when I finally saw it. How about that bike you built for that event a while back, why not have a picture of that?

Good luck to you, I hope you guys come up with something great.

-Lanceropolis

Re: Sensory Deprivation On An Indian? Impossible!

could'nt have said it better

in the beganning , there were hooves and flesh, then came steel and rubber.

Polly Anna

I am not being negative about the INDIAN brand, just sober. I want made in AMERICA to succeed but not at the loss of quality or someone making a quick buck. The name and idea of Indian has endured since 1901 but the mechanics of Indians existence has not faired as well.
If I spend 25K for a bike it better stand up to its competitor’s period.
I do not want a SS motor I want a INDIAN motor, I want too see the same commitment to quality and the riders who still support the Ideal of what INDIAN was about. I hope this Blog is not a marketing tool for just good vibrations about INDIAN that would be very sad. I hope INDIAN recognizes its future existence depends on people who want a good value for their dollar and not another marketing spin which I believe dilutes the brand and original spirit of what created the INDIAN brand.
Go INDIAN... I want you to succeed

Re: Sensory Deprivation On An Indian? Impossible!

How anyone could possible suffer sensory deprivation when you're cruising down the road astride a page of history is beyond me. All that power surging between your legs not to mention the beautiful sights and smells of the countryside flying by you brilngs a thrill and feelings deep inside you that can be satisfied no other way than on a motorcycle; especially an Indian. I learned to ride and gained my love for riding, on a 1948 Indian Chief - stick shift (right side) suicide clutch, right hand spark advance, kick start et al. It never let me down although I did let it down. I lost me respect for it one day for a few moments thinking I had become its master. Needless to say. the old chief had something to say about that and stomped my ass good; sending me sliding down the road on my head and knees for 130 feet or so. The old chief took flight for about 250 feet. But, he forgave me.
A friend of my came along and while I was dragging my bruised and battered tail out of the ditch I asked him to get the bike to see if it was ok. It had cables and lights hanging from everywhere but would you believe it fired and ran on the first kick and I henceforth road it to the doctor. Now if you can build an Indian to match this toughness I really do want to own another before I get old!! I'm 79 right now and I put over 15000 miles on my bike this last year. Unlike some of these would be motorcycle cowboys who can tell you all about every piece that's on a bike and who made it but only own one for show, I buy a bike to ride because when I'm going down the road with the wind in my face and the throb of twin cylinders between my legs, I'm a young man again riding that old '48 Chief over the hills and through the valleys wherever it wants to take me. Not really caring where I'm going or when I get there. It's the ride that counts! Build them pretty if you want to but build them tough with a spirit all their own and they will faithfully carry all of those who are lucky enough to own and ride one anywhere they wish to go. To be an owner is great , but to be a real "rider" and owner of a piece of history - that's awesome!!!

Re: Sensory Deprivation On An Indian? Impossible!

With all the "can't wait another second" attitudes going around we should see a bunch on the road one day. Just another reason Indian will make a successful come-back. Sometimes I get tired of all the photoshop complaints however when the demand is this high, people want a peek! Long live Indian!

Re: keeping the dream ALIVE!

Absolutely can't wait for the new Indian,I have a 02 Chief now and the feeling when I ride the history is pure elation.By Indian starting up again I get the feeling of belonging to something bigger than all of us and it started when that first bike was conceived its a dream! thank you for keeping the dream alive.

Re: Sensory Deprivation On An Indian? Impossible!

1941 741 Scout & 2003 Scout
I don't like the post 47 Chiefs, and that's no suprise to Indian forum readers, lol. Just wanted to say that the IMC Spirit was a homage to the pre wwII Chiefs. My next Indian hopefully will be a 38/39 Chief because that is what appeals to me, that look is the pinnacle of early motorcycles. What's the point? I hope future model development will include something to capture that look, possibley to even include a springer front end. Good Luck, and of course Scouts are #1 so I am sure that's next off the block : )

Re: Sensory Deprivation On An Indian? Impossible!

I bought a 03 Chief Roadmaster as a answer to a childhood dream of owning a Indian. My father worked on the old ones when I was a child. I fell in love with the looks of the 4's, Chiefs and Scouts. The last bike I was able to help my father with was a 1948 Chief (red of course). Last June my wife surprised me with a red 1948 Chief for a early 50th birthday present. My father was able to see the bike a few days later and he could not believe his eyes. Unfortunately my father has early Alzheimers and has forgotten more about working on the old bikes then i will ever know. I have kept my promise to him and myself and now own a motorcycle shop and do custom fabrication, engine work. Thanks Dad for giving me a dream to work for. I am eager for IRIP 5 and everyone seeing the shop this May on the ride Hunter's Friend is organizing. See you in May!

Re: Sensory Deprivation On An Indian? Impossible!

Bros,I belive im getting to be a old f**k,after becoming 53.however my grand dad rode the old indian with the suicide shift.of course being a boy with those wide open stares,he was the man.I never forgot that or the hipppest look of that big fender bike.For what it"s worth the old cruiser cheif with a smaller frame,was to me the coolest.they should keep the cheif the same great old small size it was.why?lot easier to menuver'but must have a beffy engine.good price fuck those condos they call bikes.I drove across this country before on beffed up 850 motercycles called the kawie drifter 850 vuclan,looked like a indian,you uwould not belive the people who thought all across the country the love for the indian. My point is Indian don't try to keep up withj kustom choppers bor beffed uo harley's...Look how ford explored the rebirth of the Mustang

Re: Sensory Deprivation On An Indian? Impossible!

I love my Indian its a 2003 Indian Vintage Chief! By the way did I mention my name is VINTAGE#144

Re: Sensory Deprivation On An Indian? Impossible!

Despite all the issues I have had with my 2000 Indian Chief, it is still the best way to get to and from work for me. Riding in a cage is not an option. Rain or shine, I ride my bike the 60 miles into work each day and the 60 miles back home each evening. What I find is that the ride in the morning prepares me for the stressful day at work by allowing me to relax and enjoy my commute (unlike the cage drivers) and the ride home in the evening allows the stress to flow out of me until I am at peace when I arrive at home. Can't wait for the next iteration of Indian Chief to come out to see if it is something I want....

Re: Sensory Deprivation On An Indian? Impossible!

Hi

Re: DK in Frankville, NC on 12/2/2007

You ask can Indian "build an Indian to match this toughness"?
Well, I think the Indians built in Gilroy were and are already tough. Late in 2003, I was rear-ended and knocked off the road while riding my new 2003 Chief. My Chief took on a fire hydrant, tearing it completely out of the ground, but didn't stop until it took a large chunk out of a telephone pole and we went belly down back in the street. Hows that for tuff? As for being a real "rider" - after a stay in the Hospital, more permanent injuries than I care to mention, and a couple Insurance settlements, I purchased another new 2003 Indian Chief. But, because Indian MC in Gilroy closed and my recovery with Insurance settlements took a while, it was a tough time to find and get another brand new never titled Indian Chief. But, that didn't stop this Indian rider. For years now, I've been proud to ride my beautiful new 2003 Vintage Chief and know that it sure is more than just another pretty face amoung shiney motorcycles. While it's great to be a real rider and own a piece of history, like you & your 48 Indian, my dreams look to the future for a truely awesome new Indian Chief motorcycle. Whether your 79 or 55 like I am, we share the faith and spirit of Indian Motorcycle deep within us. Hopefully, we will both feel like adopting one of the new 2009 Indians.

Re: Sensory Deprivation On An Indian? Impossible!

Took a little ride along the coast yesterday in the honor and glory of the USA.
ndnjoe is EZ1 in santa barbara

Re: Sensory Deprivation On An Indian? Impossible!

Wow! it's almost here; 2009! i hear what you guys and gals are saying. i haven't riden in a few but i have the beta 9 prototype bike from the Gilroy era, the prototype for the chiefs you all ride and are bragging about and i just finished putting it together with help from friends. if riding it brings about anymore passion that just owning it it's gonna be awesome. When sombody ask me what kind of bike i have; i just swell up with pride and say i have an Indian Chief. so i guess i kinda got the sensory thing before i even hit the road! hope to get to meet some of you someday.

Re: Sensory Deprivation On An Indian? Impossible!

Thought I would share a post I made on another board this past summer.
To me this is what Indian Motorcycles are all about.

I had the pleasure of being able to make a part of that ride with those folks.
Too much fun--too many friends.

I did miss mentioning 2 other riders who met up with us and led us through their part of the country.
Smitty--aka Spirit Rider--and mochief--he rides the famous FLAMED CHIEF.
Good to meet you guys, and looking forward to riding together again next summer.

Here's the post I'd like to share with you all.

ROUTE 66.
The Mother Road.

I'm going to make a little post on this, and have Deb
put up the pictures later this morning.
I laid in bed last night, and thought about what I've
seen in the last week.
I get to hoping this ride has been well documented on
all the Gilroy Indian boards.
As far as I can see Greg--GW and Linda--and Joe
Howard are making some Indian History with this ride.


Here are the figures I'm coming up with--I got to
adding them up last night, and they are pretty damn
amazing.

You got Greg the AZMAN heading this up--he and
Colorado GW spent a lot of time and effort to get this
ride on the road-it belongs in the history books of
Gilroy Indians.

Greg the AZMAN will have a little over 6000 miles on
this ride by the time he gets home ---Yep 6000
MILES!!!!!!!!
Doing it on a "Little Chief" the Gilroy 88--not a bad
ride for the "KIT BIKE" that came out of
California--this ride should shut up anyone who would
ever think about critisizing the '99 to '01 Chiefs.
I watched that 88 lead PP Chiefs--Spirits--Scouts and
Harley Davidsons across half of the USA--Gregs bike
never missed a beat in all the miles I rode with this
crew.
Greg rode almost 2000 miles just to get to the
starting point of the ride he's taking the Indians
on--hell some folks will set and wanna do it all
summer long and not get that many miles in.

COLORADO GW--well there's a man that can ride a
motorcycle--he's quiet--underspoken--and pure
gentleman.
He logged in 1150 miles just to get to the starting
point.
Pretty damn amazing!!!!!
By the time GW and Linda get home he'll have better
than 5000 miles logged in on his Chief.

LINDA--as far as I'm concerned there's the tuff one
on this ride.
She could show a lot of the manly men out there on
motorcycles what it is really all about.
Let's see---Car accident that could have easily
killed her--hip replacement within the last year, and
there she is on the back of a motorcycle putting in
miles most folks wouldn't even consider.
She's riding rain--90 to 100 degree temps--and some
damn hot wind--never saw her with anything but a smile
on her face!!!

JOE HOWARD.
I figure Joe will have over 3000 miles logged by the
time he finishes and rides his into Reno to get a
going over by Joe Malfa.
Joe told me this is his first long ride.
DAMN JOE!!!
You picked a legendary ride to start out your career
with--and you chose some of the finest riding partners
in the USA!!!!!!

Here's what I've seen so far.
I've seen Indian riders who were complete strangers
welcomed into one anothers homes.
Fed--bedded down, and made part of the family.
I've seen IIRA Members riding with Good Old Boys
riding with Lone Wolves riding with Harleys riding
with folks who have never heard of any of the
associations.
Never saw a cross word, or any posturing--all I've
seen is miles and smiles.

I've seen folks ride out for 1 day or one afternoon
to lead the pack through their part of the country.
I've seen folks wave and smile as they were passed on
the road by a pack of Indian motorcycles.
I got to see a WAR PARTY of 6 Indian Chiefs rip ass by
a group of 50+ Harley Davidsons in parade formation
out on the highway--kind of upheld the old stories of
the Indian Boys being RUFFIANS!!
That my friends was a thing of beauty--hasn't been
seen in the last 50 years, and will probably never be
seen again!!!!
I've seen folks gather around these machines and
admire and tell their stories of Uncle Bob--or
Grandpa-or a friend who owned an old one.

All you folks who made the effort to ride out for an
hour--or an afternoon--or a day or so?
Well--you made some Indian History there.

All you folks who are following along and wishing
them well?
Get those Indians ready, and join up with that crew
for a ride into history.

All you folks who were gonna and didn't make it?
Well--too bad for you--you missed it, and it will
probably never happen again.

Hey Greg--GW--Linda--Joe--and all the others you'll
met up with--and all the others you have met up and
ridden with -- RIDE SAFE, and keep on having a blast.
You got something going here that should be done a
lot more than it is.

TOO COOL FOR SCHOOL!!!

Route 66?
"Cookie -- lend me your comb."
Never mind -- most of you are too young to
remember!!!!!

Indian isn't just a motorcycle. It's a legend, a relationship, an emotional investment.

The guys from the other forums have heard this story, and heard me hold forth about this before, but bear with me.
You guys know how I feel about Indians, and I think it's important for the new owners and management to hear this. They need to understand what it is they hold in their hands, and how important it is that they get this right.
I also want to convey to the uninitiated who are reading this blog what they will be purchasing, should they buy an Indian.

I saw my first Indian over 30 years ago. I was in the service, and my best friend and I were riding our Harley Sporsters on a beautiful Sunday afternoon, and had stopped in to a biker bar to have a beer and talk bikes with the other riders. We hadn't been there too long when someone stuck their head in the place and announced that "Two Indian Chiefs just pulled up!" The tavern emptied out. Even the bartender came out to look.
Out in the parking lot were two red Chiefs, from the late 40's, early 50's. The two guys riding were the coolest riders there, and they knew it. Leather jackets, with the Indian script on the back. One was smoking a cigar, and the other actually wore a silk scarf. The bikes were immaculate, deep red paint, spotless chrome, weathered, but totally uncracked leather seats.
I had never seen an Indian before, had never even heard of them, but I thought those were the most gorgeous machines I had ever seen. I asked one of the riders how much one cost, and I was stunned when he told me. They were NOT cheap. I wanted one so bad I could taste it.
A few weeks later, my friend and I found the rusted frame of a 1930's Indian behind a shop and took it home. We put it in the living room. On the long winter nights, we would have a few too many beers, and we would sit on that thing and proclaim that one day, we too would belong to that most elite fraternity of bikers...the Indian riders! Someday, I swore, I would own a Chief.
Time passed. I owned different bikes, from Japanese superbikes to Harleys, but the dream never died. I read every book about Indian I culd get my hands on. For a while, there was a magazine called 'Indian Illustrated' and I collected every issue.
I followed the twists and turns of the once-proud marque.
I read about the con men, and the dreamers.
I read about the mini-bikes, and the dirt bikes, and the mopeds, and even the go-carts.
The years passed.
College, med school and residency came, and went. But the dream never died. At night, in crummy on-call rooms, or in the corners of smoe small-town ER, I'd pull out my books, and read about my dream bike.
More years passed.
I was standing in a bookstore flipping through a bike magazine, and there it was. The new Indian. They were making Indians again! I went directly to the checkout and asked the clerk for a phone book. There it was. An Indian dealer, and it was less than two miles from where I was standing. I drove directly to the dealership, and put down my deposit on a Chief.
I had to wait two months for the exact bike I wanted, and it was worse than waiting for any Christmas I had ever waited on as a kid. The day it arrived was better than just about any other day in my life.
My heart was in my throat when we drove to pick it up. I walked into the showroom, and there it was, a black and cream Chief Roadmaster.
Something inside of me went 'aah', like it had been under water for nearly 30 years, and had just come up for air.
I've owned my '02 Chief for 5 years now, and I still get that same feeling every time I walk out into my garage, and see it sitting there.

Every time I sling my leg over that saddle, every time I feel the wind in my face, every time I hear the thump of that big 100 cubic inch V-twin, every time I lay my bike over into a sweeper, every time I pull into a gathering of bikers and hear them say to each other "Wow! Nice bike!"...
I'm 18 again.
Only, this time, the Chief is mine.

Good luck. Please don't drop the ball. A legend is in your care.

INDIAN ISN'T JUST A - - - - - - - - by Dr. Mark on12/6/2007

" I still get that same feeling " - happens to most Indian Chief owners & riders. Everytime I see my Chief in my garage brings back memories of "Wow!" from a gathering of bikers, family, & friends at my brother in laws birthday party. It was one day in 2004, at the birthday party, when I pulled into the drive, on my Century Red 2003 Vintage Indian Chief. I parked beside the brand new Harley Scream'n Eagle that his wife bought him for his birthday. The Harley sure was a beauty, but evidently it could only play second fiddle to my year old Chief. Within ten minutes of my arrival on the Chief, and throughout the day & evening Party, a croud surrounded my chief as on lookers Wow'd in delight gazing at my Indian Chief. The new Scream'n Eagle Harley sat all alone to the side, with next to no on lookers. I felt bad, for the party boy with the new latest top of the line Harley. But, to this day, I not only feel my appreciation for my Chief, but I will never forget how good it felt making everyone else feel real good that day (it's contagious) when they saw my Chief. The legend lives now and will rise to new hights in 2008 - 2009 when the new Chiefs hit the road, we can count on it!

Re: Sensory Deprivation On An Indian? Impossible!

Took the words right out of our mouths. Nothing can take the place of your Chief. Well, another cheif might!

Re: Sensory Deprivation On An Indian? Impossible!

2 years ago I went to the HOG ralley at the Santa Maria Harley Davidson dealer to meet with friends, wow to my amazemenr there was thousnads of bikes parked all along the road and parking area's ,my wiife was riiding my 2002 Indian Spirit and I was driving my 2003 Indian Chief Vintage , well we decided to ride right up front to see what all was going on , sure enough the very front ,right in front of the walkway to the dealer and it had been cordoned off so everyone attending had to walk in front of this parking spot ,lol! I parked the Chief right there and the Spirit next to the Chief, the owner of the shop came out , he looked like he was gonna ask us to move the bikes , then he noticed all the attention those 2 Indians were getting , he stopped in his tracks , you know like your about to say something and then forget what you were gonna say? But he knew ! Hell they are Indians ! Every fricken Harley rider had to walk past our Indians to get inside the shop or the where the band was , it was awesome , of course every Indian rider I know does this on purpose when they stop by a Harley shop! Indians rule! I think you'll find (politically we are different) set aside our differences we love Indians and thats all that counts! I probably wont ever buy another Indian ,but I aint ever giving this one up!

Re: Sensory Deprivation On An Indian? Impossible!

Simply put, I ride an Indian, because I am an Indian. First American people, First American Motorcycle. What better way to honor my ancesters, brothers and sister, than to have a beautiful rolling monument. Everywhere I go on my 03 Spirit he get's noticed big time. I find myself answering questions and giving history lessons on my bikes makers. It's amazing to me how many "Grandfathers and Grandmother" have stories about owning or knowing someone in thier young life that had an Indian Chief or Scout. That was one popular bike. I love hearing "nice bike" especially from harley riders. Though I have heard, " that bike looks like a harley" my response is "No, harley looks like an Indian". Then the history lesson is ON. I would like to see IMC make it through this time and be on top once again. I hope I not to old to finally have a red Indian Chief, that has always been an eye catcher for me. The Springfield with all the roadmaster gear. If it's not to be, maybe the time will come that I can swop out the s&s engine I got and put an Indian engine insted. anyway, sensory deprivation? I don't think so, only those who ride know better. Ride ON! see you soon!

Re: Sensory Deprivation On An Indian? Impossible!

I own a 2001 Centennial Chief that draws a crowd wherever I ride. I will be thrilled to see Indian back in business making accesories and parts for our Gilroy bikes.

Re: Sensory Deprivation On An Indian? Impossible!

Does anyone have an idea, on the price of the 2009?

Re: Sensory Deprivation On An Indian? Impossible!

in the last 20 years i have owned 13 new harleys....i bought a 2000 indian chief millennium...just like apples and oranges...no two indians look alike.. all harleys look alike.. just anyone ride a big chief...you will see and feel the difference...nothing like it anywhere.

Re: Sensory Deprivation On An Indian? Impossible!

I own a 2002 Spirit and a 2000 Chief Millenium. I love both of the bikes, but I do not love all the breakdowns and cheap parts on them. I sincerely hope the '09's are not built in such shoddy fashion. If current trends continue, in another year I'll have spent as much in repairs as the value of the Spirit alone. Lame. They both leak oil like a '59 panhead and I get nervous anytime I hit the ignition button. But once they do fire up, they definately turn heads.

Re: Sensory Deprivation On An Indian? Impossible!

I have 2003 chief. The valves on the front cylinder makes a rapping sound. It has been doing it for about 5000 miles. Need help

Re: Sensory Deprivation On An Indian? Impossible!

I just purchased a 2000 drifter converted to an indian and I love it. I will be 61 this january. The bike is beautyfull and has less than 10k. I have had older guys like my self tell me when than saw or sat on an indian. we have gone 300 miles together and I am looking forward to the long trip. not one person in the family thought getting a motor cycle at my age was a wise disision. my comment was it was MY life, thank you....have a nice ride.

Re: Sensory Deprivation On An Indian? Impossible!

I've been riding since '73 and have never owned an American made bike. I've been watching this web-site for a few years now, drooling over the pictures of the Chief and the Scout, and hoping that the promise of their resurrection would be fulfilled. I was giving up hope and pricing Harleys when I saw the updated web-site with a production target of fall, '08. I think I can wait.
As for sensory deprivation, I did an 8,000 mile road-trip in 2 1/2 months on a '73 Honda 500/4 and the only sense I was deprived of was the sense of having my insides