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.

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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 vibrated into a thick paste.
I ask the Chief owners out there how their Indians compare to the HD Road King in comfort, power, maintenance, etc.
I ask the Indian designers if there are any plans to bring back the Dakota 4.
I ask those who have also submitted their deposit if they've received any response from Indian.
Here's to the fall of 2008.

*****From Administrator*****

If you would like Indian Motorcycle to reply to your comment posted here, please include your email address when posting. Alternatively, you can send an email to info@indianmotorcycle.com or fill out our "Contact Us" form. Thanks.

to GR in Chi-town of 12/11/2007

my brother & I are in waiting for our two 2008s Chiefs. We already received a very appealing 'welcome gift' from Indian. The bigger & better 'gift' is to follow next year.

Re: Sensory Deprivation On An Indian? Impossible!

I own a 2002 Indian Scout which I ride to work every chance I get. I also have a 1975 Norton Commando and have owned it since 1975. I'm working on my third bike and I would like it to be the new Chief. Sensory deprivation? I think sensory overload is more like it. Can't get enough though!

fritzydkat@aol.com

Re: Sensory Deprivation On An Indian? Impossible!

Once Indian's are rolling off the line, rolling down the street, and once again a mark on the bike horizon, there is one thing you can do that will turn heads and truly make a statement..... Please, give us something Indian once provided to its customers. Bring back the Indian 4. It's about time the an American icon produces an American made 4 cylinder that is the crowning glory of the motorcycle world. How could anyone suffer from deprivation just seeing let alone riding such a machine. I'm tired of the 4's from Japan and Germany. Yes, they are some amazing machines, but man it's time an American company puts out such a product that the world can marvel over...... I know you have to walk before you can run Indian, but just think of what it could be...... Thanks!

Re: Dominic & Joe and Craig of 12-12-2007

To Dominic & Joe:
Thanks a million for your reply. Now I really can't wait and, believe me, when you hit your 50's you don't often wish a year will pass quickly.
To Craig:
Amen, brother. I don't understand why 4's and even 6's (the amazing Valkyrie Rune) fell out of favor and never caught on at all with American manufacturers.
I know guys who chopped old Honda 750-4's and Kaw 900-4's. Not only do they look and sound awesome with that wide block and four shorty pipes but, as a softtail, you've got a lot of the best of both worlds.
You've fired up a lot of imaginations, Indian. Keep asking "what if?"

Re: By GR in Chi-town on 12/11/2007

You ask "how their Indians compare to HD Road King in comfort, power - - - ". I own & ride a Power Plus 100, 2003 Vintage Chief. The last time I road a HD Road King was in Hawaii, because I could not rent an Indian motorcycle on the Island of Maui. After riding the HD Road King on the ROAD TO HANA that is 52 miles of undeveloped road with 56 one-lane bridges and 617 curves, I can tell you that it can't compare to my Indian Chief. The HD Road King felt like somekind of light-weight dirt bike and I noticed that the women passengers (rear seat) walked funny for days after that ride! At times the HD Road King bounced all over the road and scraped pegs around some of the turns. Serfice it to say, my Indian Chief feels like a Cadillac - smooth as a dream - with power to spare. I wouldn't trade my 2003 Chief for a HD Road King, even if they offered me a new 2008 Hd Road King with $10,000 in extras. I have rode my Chief on runs ten times as far as the ROAD TO HANA and felt relaxed and fulfilled everytime. I can't say the same for my ride in Hawaii on what felt like a jerky dirt bike. My advice - - - "put your money where the Chief is!"

Re: Sensory Deprivation On An Indian? Impossible!

My 02 Roadmaster Chief is my third Indian. In the late 60's I bought my first. A 1958 Enfield Indian. Plunked down my $595 and rode off thinking I was top of the heap. Sure was disappointed when I found out it was a rebadge.
In 1970 I found a 41, 80" Chief chopper. Loved it. I too hang out at a local Harley shop and always park out front and watch the LOOKY-LOO's. I love and free coffee too. Bosn Duff Marysville, WA.

Harley & Indians

I do not think we gain anything by beating up HD vs. Indian or Indian vs. Harley.
Here is how I see it, when America lost Indian we had HD during this absence, while the whole time import product was making it hard for any American company to survive; well Harley did and thank GOD.
I own a Harley and I am proud of it, I hope Indian survives this effort and it looks very good finally which makes me happy.
But Harley’s success in many ways has opened up the market for the current parties to revive an American Icon “Indian".
Victory/Star/Honda pay respect to the American Cruiser which Indian & Harley have guarded so well.
Let’s show respect to both of these Icons and stop the HD vs. Indian BS.
It won’t stop a sell or make a sell for either product that will be left up to taste/engineering/personal choice and American freedom of choice.
Buy American Indian or Harley, its nice to see them both back in the saddle!
Put your money on american!!!

Re: Sensory Deprivation On An Indian? Impossible!

Hello.
What I think is that harley, is one of the motorbikes that improves on the market, so I think that I am still in love with the Indian, not by the quality of Mechanical not know who, if not for their beauty. Uuufff God.

Re: I'M STILL RUNNING THE BACK ROADS

I'VE GOT AN '03' VINTAGE # 131 AND SHE'S STILL RUNNING GREAT.
I HAD TO BECOME REAL CLOSE TO HER HEART AND SHE HASN'T LEFT
ANYWHERE BUT WE'VE HAD OUR PROBLEMS. WITHOUT A GOOD SHOP
MANUEL I WOULD HAVE BEEN LOST BUT YOU CAN SEE ME AND 131
ON ANY DAY ANYWHERE IN FLORIDA AND ON ANY ROAD, JUST LOOK
FOR THE OLD GUY SMILLING OFF IN THE DISTANCE. THAT'LL BE OLD COWBOY AND INDIAN . YA'LL KEEP ROLLEN ALONG.

Re: Sensory Deprivation On An Indian? Impossible!

Sensory Deprivation is being stuck in a cubicle 8 hours a day. Sensory Appreciation is riding my '02 Spirit Deluxe through the amazing towns and on the fantastic road that California's Gold Country has to offer.

Re: Harley & Indians by Moondog on 12/13/2007

Readers, please don't take offense, but I own an American made Indian Chief and I am proud of it, as are many others. My job of 37 years is coming to an end due to a plant closing, were I work. An Asian Company that just bought our 100 year old American Company, has shut it down. I know, first hand, what happens (no job, tuff times, life changing events) when we don't BUY AMERICAN! Look around and you'll see that not much of anything is MADE IN AMERICA anymore. How sad. Please, always buy American when possible. While I can appreciate and respect all American made motorcycles, I choose to promote Indian motorcycle as my freedom of choice. It has been said " stop the HD vs. Indian BS", and that is also someone's personal viewpoint. However, let me make this crystal clear - THERE HAS NEVER BEEN AND WILL NEVER BE ANY "BS" in the statements that I make about my American made Indian Chief. On the other hand, constructive criticism and healthy competition are part of what built our great Nation. As you can see, whether it won't stop a sell or make a sell for either product, there is much more to product appeal than taste/engineering/personal choice. It's great to see the number of American motorcycle manufacturers finally growing from the HD motorcycle monopoly in this Country, of the past. The more motorcycles made in America (including HD), the better for our workers and their families. HD motorcycle, sorry to wake you up from a long sleep with no American competition, but you may as well get used to HEALTHY AMERICAN COMPETITION and perhaps some CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM, and that's nothing to BS about ! Oh, and please try not to feel too beat up. Since the New Chief will be made in Kings Mountian, NC - I still prefer to say, "put your money where the Chief is". American - and proud of it !

Monopoly?

Here is the BS(hyperbole) that I am speaking too.
I ride Dirt bikes and the 08 classic can not honestly be put in that box period.
A poor serviced bike can but the design is not the reason.

HD has no monopoly and never did when you read what a monopoly is
See below

1
Exclusive control by one group of the means of producing or selling a commodity or service: "Monopoly frequently ... arises from government support or from collusive agreements among individuals" (Milton Friedman).
2
Law a right granted by a government giving exclusive control over a specified commercial activity to a single party.
3
a. A company or group having exclusive control over a commercial activity.
B. a commodity or service so controlled.

4
a. Exclusive possession or control: arrogantly claims to have a monopoly on the truth.
b. Something that is exclusively possessed or controlled: showed that scientific achievement is not a male monopoly.

I have ridden a 03 chief and it was great
I do own a 08 HD classic and I also think it rides great.
I plan to and will at some point own both.
My father owned an Indian & a HD and loved both.
I will say this, HD has weathered the storm against all odds and proven it deserves respect, it’s not perfect but then again nothing is including Indian.
I nor my father ever bought into the slogan that the only difference between Indian riders & Harley riders was Indian riders could read!
I think we should direct any contempt to the import wanna bees, not at the real deal American ICONS with all thier warts & Scars , Indian & Harley.
Consider this constructive criticism
Moondog

Re: Sensory Deprivation On An Indian? Impossible!

I have read all the comments, and find them all very intresting. I am 52 and I never owned a American made bike. Mainly because of what HD was producing in the 70s, really made me think twice about buying one. So I have been riding other makes most of my life. I now am at a ponit where I can afford to buy a American made bike. In 2000 I test drove a Indian Chief. I was very impressed, with the bike, and the feeling I got knowing I was on a American made bike. All I can hope for is that Indian can give us a bike that is, a bike that we all can be proud of, at a price we all can afford, and ride of years to come. I wish Indian All the luck in the world. And plan on buying a Chief in 2009. See you all on the road soon!!

An Indian Dream

I had this dream, incredibly vivid and realistic, a couple of times, and I thought I'd share it with the Tribe, and the Wigwam... I dreamed I was part of what was joking called 'The Lazarus Team', a group of engineers, artists, technicians, business men and dreamers. Our mission was to resurrect an genuine American hero, who had been left for dead....the Indian motorcycle legend. Over the years, it's body had been used and abused, tarnished and dented, even ridiculed and laughed at. The victim of many deaths, and many failed attempts at rebirth. It had been the tool of con men and fools, dreamers and the well-intentioned alike. Once the icon of the American road, indeed, of the roads of the entire world, Indian had fallen on very hard times. With every failure, with every broken promise and shattered dream, a legend slowly morphed into a shell of it's former self. It was called a 'husk' by one of the prominent motorcyle periodicals of our time. Our goal was nothing short of Olympian: Restoration of a true American Hero to it's rightful place, the pinnacle of motorcycling. We agonize over every detail, both huge and insignificant. Our engine is gorgeous, but seriously flawed. The castings, the flywheels, the oiling system, so much to revise, improve, massage. The frame is good, the monoshock swingarm a staple of racing bikes, hopefully, only minor tweaks there. The brakes are a bit of a problem. We'd like more stopping power, but adding an addtional disc up front...will it compromise the bike's classic lines and aesthetic? The drive train...do we keep it on the left, or move it to the classic position on the right? Lots of sleepless nights and pots of coffee there. We opt for a six speed transmission. It'll give our riders better fuel economy, and lower revs at high speed, meaning less stress on the bike, and increased reliability. Quality is everything. We want our motorcycle to be 'bulletproof' mechanically. Every inch of the wiring harness is reviewed. There were starter problems. Do we start from scratch, or utilize a version of the replacement starter most of the riders now are using? So many details. Pressure from outside the Wigwam is mounting. (We have decided to use that name for the factory. It's steeped in history, and to us, symbolizes our commitment to the task, and our emotional connection with our work. We truly want to be Springfield's spiritual successors...something we feel was somehow overlooked in the past...) The skeptics and critics and media are howling at the door like wolves: "Where are the bikes? What's taking so long? The OTHER Guys didn't do it this way...The OTHER Guys had a bike on the ground in months...Why do THESE Guys think they are something special?....Maybe we need some NEW Guys, instead of THESE Guys! NEW guys could probably do it better! OFF WITH THEIR HEADS!!! OFF WITH THEIR HEADS!!!" It can get annoying, frustrating and angering: don't they KNOW how difficult this is? We are most emphatically NOT just building a motorcycle. We have to clean the rust, and tarnish, and muck off this poor, abused legend. Hammer the dents out, and polish the chrome. It's not just a matter of slapping together parts, and rolling a motorcycle out the door. That's been done, and not successfully. A valiant attempt, perhaps, but a failed one. We have to repair everything, not just the bike. If the new Indian rolls out of the factory with the slightest of flaws, the media wolves will rip us apart, and our proud flight will go down in flames. We cannot, we WILL not allow that to happen. Our bike will not only be able to stand toe to toe with any other motorcycle in the world in quality and reliability, it should stand head and shoulders above the rest. Once, our marque was the ruler of the highways, not just in America, but across the globe. We will have it there again. We will. Our greatest dream is this: Some day, ten, fifteen, twenty years down the road, in some gas station, somewhere on Earth, this scene plays out: From one direction comes a beautiful, posh Bentley sedan. From the other direction, an Indian Chief. They both pull into the station at the same time. Jaws drop. The attendant turns to the customers and loungers-around, and excitedly exclaims, in english, or spanish, or german, or italiian, or chinese, or japanese, or arabic: "Holy #$%&*@! Would you look at that! It's an INDIAN!" And the dream, the ride, the legend lives on.......

Everybody always surrounds the INDIAN

We once had a fairly large INDIAN riding group, around 25 or so Scouts Spirits and Chiefs. They all got fed up with the issues surrounding the 98 to 03 models. Two of us have kept our 99 and 00 Chiefs. We are the lone survivors and you know what, in a crowd of Harley's everybody always ends up at the INDIANS. Never fails somebody's grandfather of father owed or ridden a early INDIAN. Yes I am a proud owner and refuse to ride anything else. Hooray for AMERICAN MADE IRON

Re: Sensory Deprivation On An Indian? Impossible!

Er, well, I hate to burst everyone's bubbles, but about 50% of a Harley is made in Asia, and a lot of the Gilroy Indians were from Asia, so let's not get TOO proud of our "American" motorcycle manufacturers. Oh, Victory is not 100% "American" either. Let's hope the new Indian guys understand something important in this discussion, eh? However, what is ABSOLUTELY true is, there is SOMETHING about riding an Indian. Little kids see it, and old men weep about it, and whenever you're riding one, you stand out from the crowd. Big, fast, in-your-face, a true American icon.

Press Releases Since Sept 06.

I am interested in knowing what has been done to let us know what the spec will be on the 2008 Chief. Also any new pictures or news about the new bike. Although I feel the relaunch of the Indian is great for the country and the brand, I am suspect about the R&D that is going to be required to have a sustainable future. Got anything else outside of the "feel good" stories on the blog??

Re: Sensory Deprivation On An Indian? Impossible!

I own #79 spirit of America. last one in the series. It has 35k miles on it and i have nothing but good to say about it. I have rode it allmost every day since I bought it. It rides nice and stable and draws looks every where I go. My first Indian was a 1949 warrior when I was 15 back in 1968. Looking forward to the new breed. Keep the quality and style. Anxiously awaiting the new Chief. A 4 would be great. Hail to the Chief!!

Re: Sensory Deprivation On An Indian? Impossible!

Can't wait to see a new INDIAN SPIRIT from the new company with an "reall" Indian engine in her (please no S. & S.).
If money allows, and distribution is in Canada, It'll be mine !!

Re: Sensory Deprivation On An Indian? Impossible!

Sensory deprivation....are you kidding!!!! The only tme I truely feel alive is when I'm on my '03 Spirit Deluxe. The wind in your face, the temperature change from the top of the mountain to the valley below (I live in Colorado), the "G" forces as you round the bend in the road, feeling the heat and the power that's between your legs, knowing that you're the one that's in control. I've been from coast to coast twice, and live for the next time. I ride with the veterans that go from Ca. to DC on the "Run For The Wall" in May. I've only seen a couple of other Indians, mostly it's the HD's, Hondas, and various others. All the way accross this great country of ours, my Spirit is constantly geting the comments, looks and stares. When we stop at the various V.A. Hospitals, the old timers head out to the parking lot in their wheel chairs and walkers, and go straight for my Indian, because they either used to have one, their brother gave them their first ride on one, or their Dad or Uncle used to have one. Then come the stories. It really makes me feel good, (down deep inside) when I see a smile on someones face, and a twinkle in their eye as they reminisce about some happier times in their life. I'm proud to have served the country in the USN, I'm proud of the fact that I'm an American, and I'm proud that I'm riding America's first motorcycle! One of these days I WILL have a Cheif (my wife is even looking forward to it)!!!

Re: Sensory Deprivation On An Indian? Impossible!

Look I can appreciat the article about SD on an Indan, because I ride a 2002 Chief Roadmaster which until lately has been trouble free. I would like to see some kind of factory support for guys like me who after their local dealer closed, have no where to go for help getting things fixed. The old dealer told me that my model was made with bad fitting parts and thats what my problem is. I have replaced the roller lifters with new ones but the bike still wants to break down and knock out. I'm not whinning just want someone to give me a hand and help me get back on the road again. I really love my Chief and don't want to ride anything else again. But just like the economy here in California my hope is fading into the distance. Some one throw me a line at bosschief@comcast.net and help me stay in the wind. To all you tru bloods out there, keep a rollin all night long, Nuff said, out.

To Moondog & other HD owners

Moondog-You're absolutely right &, believe me, it wasn't my intention to create friction between HD & Indian owners. I've been checking out both HD's and Victorys and had decided on the HD Road King Classic (Now I've probably PO'd Victory owners) when I saw that Indian was going back into production. I saw my first Indian Chief when I was a little kid and I'll never forget that deep, rich, red paint and those fringed leather saddlebags and thinking that there was the closest you could come to being a cowboy without owning a horse.
I think DH in Ohio said it best; it's not criticism when you compare products, especially when you're putting your life on that product's back.
I'm buying American for the first time in my life and I'm proud of it but I
don't want to buy based on nostalgia or looks. I want to know that I'm riding the best made motorcycle that my money can buy.

Re: Monopoly? by Moondog in TEXAS 12/17/2007

Moondog, rather than searching dictionaries (for a monopoly), try to think of, or find, any American made motorcycle brand for the entire decade of the 1980's. When doing so, perhaps you'll realize what I was referring to without the "contempt". I also have been on numerous dirt bikes, but I would suggest that you take your HD on the ROAD TO HANA, on the Island of Maui, and then tell me what it feels like (there's no need to exaggerate). Finally, I would agree with you that the new 6 speed tranny and bigger motor in the 08 HD "rides great". But, I think Dr. Mark said it best in his "An Indian Dream" - - - Jaws drop, and the dream, the ride, the legend lives on - - - INDIAN MOTORCYCLE ! ! !

Re: Sensory Deprivation On An Indian? Impossible!

I was 43yrs. young, in 20003, I heard the calling ,and I knew if I didn,t purchase one now before the kids go too college it would never happen. An 03 spirit feels GREAT , but as soon as I got it on the road , I felt it should have been the CHIEF! WELL the kids are almost out of school, and I can see the CHIEF in sight.

Mixed marketing message

Indian says:
“The quintessential motorcycle for riders who neither lead nor follow packs, but stand above and apart from them, comfortable in their individualism, secure in their identity”
Indian also says:
“to build a 10,000 sq. ft Indian branded showroom specific to Indian's interior/exterior design requirements.”
Does indian want individuals or corporate clones?

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Could you re email me I didn't save your email.
Thanks.

Indian 09 - Can't wait!

I've been riding for many years mainly Japanese cruisers. I am definitely a fan of the Indian cruiser. I've had a 71 CB 550 4cyl for nostalgia until I got my 97 6vyl Valk Big Red Machine. She is as close to an Indian as I could afford. My Dream Bike has always been a 1948-49 Chief or the 2002 Chief. I see all those restored ones or the newer ones and just drool. A sad day in our house was the day the Gilroy plant closed and Indian faded away. Now that the legend is back and so is the dream. I will saving my coin and once again drooling at the new models. Maybe Santa will be kind in 08 and bring a new chief under my tree.... This may be the year! Can't wait!. Ride Hard, Ride Safe, Ride ON!

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When is the open house? We got to make plans.

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Have liked Motorcycles since I was a kid, (for 55+ yrs.} but exposure was mostly HD BSA and Triumph back then (Western Canada)
I remember pics. in magazine ads and they were my favourite.
I saw the last of the series at the Vancouver MC show, and was planning to take the leap but missed the calling.
In my travels I came across a fellow who is Mr. Indian and has only owned Indians, and has a collection of early bikes (1900} old frames. tons of spare parts, 11 of these were are restored/running, and lots of stories of how he came to have all these treasures.{sorry- confidentiallity is paramount here}
That day just emphasized my love of these bikes.
Like others here, can hardly wait to see them on the road once again.
{Kawaaki made a feeble attempt to mock the Chief style but - - -)

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Can't wait to see the 2009 Chief. Exciting to be part of American Iron history!!! I have a 2002 black Indian Chief that is a beast of a BIKE to ride.Had her built by the best,Joe Malfa in Reno,NV. But I may get a NEW one too. WOW this is something...
Ed

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I own a 2002 Spirit And I love the bike.Cant wait for the new dealer to open in my area.I just want to let you guys know I think it a great thing you are doing, by bringing back the greatest american motorcycle.

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I wrote a blog a few days ago. I mentioned I own a 2002 Indian scout and a norton. by the way I work for Harley Davidson. Whenever I strike up a conversation with customers I mention that I own an Indian. The majority of the time they are in awe.
fritzydkat@aol

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I remember thew first time I saw the add in the mag that Indian was coming out. I knew then that I had to have one. Now I own two chiefs which I really enjoy when there is time to ride. I will be looking at the new 2009 when they come out.

HELP ME SAVE THE CHROME

Hey guys. Merry Christmas to all !! I am restoring a 1947 chief m code, yea bonneville equipted. Was wandering if anybody knows exactly how to remove the front springs (girder 4 link set-up)?? Would like to do this without damaging any of the already rechromed front end. THANK YOU

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I wish you a happy new year. From Spain

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Any chance of keeping us updated on the progress of the new showroom?
Maybe a continuing photo essay showing us how the new building is progressing.
Maybe an update on what we can expect to be able to buy when we visit the first INDIAN MOTORCYCLE SHOWROOM and dealership.
Can't wait--KM is only 1000 miles from my home, and springtime will see me visiting the factory.
I NEED T-SHIRTS--and it would be cool as hell to get to see a MOTORCYCLE setting in the middle of the showroom floor.
Maybe a gathering of all the famous Indian names from the forums that have supported the Gilroy bikes-a factory tour and show and tell would be REALLY COOL!!!!!
Last Resort--Maldev--FaggotyLiar--Hunter--Brock--Homer--and the list goes on and on.
Indian would benefit from showng us the goodies and letting us promote them.

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I own an '02 Scout and I'm having the most fun I've ever had on a motorcycle! I rode "the other brand" for more than twenty years and there is no comparison. It's faster, more nimble and just a blast to ride. Everywhere I go this bike draws a crowd. I can't even stop for gas without someone coming up and admiring my bike. Everytime I look down and see that Indian logo on the speedo when I'm riding, a smile creeps across my face.

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ericrobinson wrote that 50% of H-D is produced in Asia, that is a false statement. It is less than 10% eric.
I would love to see this brand prevail and give us what H-D has lost.
There are many H-D owners with a sour taste,and believe me there are many Indian owns with a more sour taste, hopefully the current owners will manufacture a superior product and give the public what they really want.

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I own a 2003 indian chief roadmaster and love the bike. I will always ride an indian and look forward to the new generation of indians. my buddies all have new harleys but when we ride together and stop people comment on my red chief. I had to work out some early problems with it but i think we have resolved those early issues.

Mystical Path of the Indian

About 45 years ago , on a country road in Alabama, my father perched me on the gas tank of an Indian, told me to grab hold of the handlebars, and took me for the ride of my life down a gravel road. I've been been riding down that road ever since. I have owned many motorcycles and ridden many miles. I took a 3500 mile road trip last year and had the time of my life riding around Lake Superior. You meet some of the best people on a motorcyle. These Indian bikes are gorgeous. Absolutely gorgeous. I sold these bikes in a friend's dealership in Virginia last time they resurrected the brand. I am happy to see the company start producing them again. I live just outside DC and ride my motorcycle to downtown DC year round. Can't wait to see the new Chiefs. Sounds like you guys are doing it right. By the way, if you ever need a talented professional with a passion for motorcyles...

Why Indian?

I ride with a number of guys who ride "other bikes" all of them well dressed with chrome of their own, and well taken care of. One day, after a group of guys during a ride spent ten minutes kneeling and staring at my 2000 Chief, at a gas station, one of my buddies said, you know how when we stop everybody always stares at your bike and tells you how neat it is, to which I said yes, and he then said, "That never happens to any of us".
Hate to be crass, but that is not the worst part of riding an Indian, and we all know it.

Indian Character Legends

Here's some stuff that I dont think is too controversial (unlike some of my recent Forums' issues), eh. Yet, I feel interesting and I'd like to share, eh.
As many of us know, Indian mc history is filled with not only Racers and Wrenches but, Jokesters, Clowns, and Good Old Boys (TM). A particular fellow whom I thought interesting was a certain "Hap Alzada" as mentioned in one of the Kantor/Girdler IM history books. I'm working from memory here cause I'm too lazy to go get my books. Anyway, as the story goes, Hap Alzada was a rather energetic and very wealthy Indian mc enthusiast. Think, Hap lived in New England area somewhere during the first half of the 1900s. History books and perhaps the internet ( again I'm too lazy ) have photos and a story or two of this wonderful Indian Motorcycle Legendary "Jokester" Hap Alzada. Well'p I'm outta time cause i gotta go prep the Chief for cleaning, eh. O yeh..... Happy New Years Eve 2008.
ndnjoe is EZ1 in santa barbara
BSEE CAL POLY 1977

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I own a 2002 indian chief deluxe with the power plus 100. I am the olny owner and have just over 6000 miles. I have heard there are some engine problem, from a factory defect. Does anyone have any info?

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I would really like to buy an Indian motorcycle but Ive read so many horror stories abount the ones made in gilroy before it closed. What kind of engines are they putting in them. S&S, Rev Tech or what? when they went to making there own the bike and company went straight down the tubes. Please give us more specs on what you are producing

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I check every day, to see how many more comments there are on this BLOG. The more I read the more excited I get, about owning a new Chief, in 09. Please build us a rock solid bike, that I can ride till I die!

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Hap Alzina IS a legend among the old riders. If I'm not mistaken, and the stories can be believed Hap played a hell of an important roll in the final days of the WigWam in Springfield--to the point of helping the factory make the final payrolls. He was one of the largest Indian Dealers--ran a shop and dealership out of California.
With the demise of the WigWam Hap was forced into becoming a dealer of British Iron QUITE successful at it from the following he generated and the legend he left behind.

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This is for Ben concerning Engine problems with the 100 power plus. Ben there have been problems to some but not all, I have a 2003 Chief with 16,000 miles and haven't had a problem. My suggestion is brousing www.blackhawkmotorworks.com which they will inform you of warning signs, issues with the motor and methods of corrections. Good Luck.

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I got to looking at some pics I took this past summer on a ride I made with a group of cast off Indian Riders.
I was struck by the fact that in 4000 miles of riding I witnessed nothing but miles and smiles.
Kind of struck me as odd the differences between some of the folks that ride Indian motorcycles.
A lot of people like to portray that dark side of motorcycles--black leather--pony tails--skull face masks, and a look that goes for intimidation.
I prefer to ride with the boys who invite folks over to look at--set on--and touch their machines.
These Chiefs are just made to share.
The Route 66 ride I made this summer was a learning experience for me -- and a lot of other folks.
Pull into a gas stop or hotel, and invite the people you meet with a story of Grandpa--Uncle Bob--or a brother that owned an Indian onto your machine for a photo op--you'd be amazed at how quick they hop on for a trip back into the good times Indian left in their lives.
I got a few more pics sent into the photo section of this board for you all to take a look at.
Enjoy.

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Thanks KC for the clairification regarding Mr. Hap Alzina. I enjoyed the story, and photos on Hap in the Girdler and Kanter IM books.
ndnjoe is EZ1 in santa barbara
Cheers

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Yes the Route 66 Ride was amazing. Wonder how many family albums photos of our bikes are sitting in?
One of the coolest moments was in MO when we passed a caravan of about 60 Harleys. Notice they all stared as we rolled by? Gotta love GW...
Here's to a new year, a new Indian, and new riding!

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It has been fun reading this blog. I've ALWAYS loved Indian motorcycles and finally ran out of patience and purchased another American made bike (nope not those guys). As someone else has stated...riding is truly a spritual experience for me and it always will. When the new chief comes out I hope to trade my Victory in for one but it will have to pretty a pretty special bike.

Good luck in your design efforts and everyone ride safe!

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Someone once said innovation is nothing more than the resurrection of past ideas...

Only the Indian Motorcycle and the new Indian Chief icons could honor this true American phrase. Built it with today's technology and carry on with the pride of over 100 years of Indian motorcycle innovation and ideas. History can be made. and Indian and the new Chief can make history.

I'll be pulling for you....Were all in this together!

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Hey Greg Azman.
Like I said on the other board.
6 Indian Chiefs ripping by 60 Harleys on parade might be the first time in history that's EVER happened.
Kind of upheld the old stories of the Indian Boys being the Ruffians.
One thing I do know is the look on their faces as we went by was FABULOUS!!!!
Funny as heck -- when GW spied those guys our speed immediately went up about 15 MPH.
Route 66--Greg you got a lot of folks together on that trip that would never have met up otherwise.
A lot of preconception and prejudice was destroyed on that ride.
Funny how getting out and meeting folks leads to some pretty solid friendships.
Here's to the New Year seeing a lot more folks getting on Indian Motorcycles and RIDING them.
You still up for the Summer of '09.
Folks -- The Azman is looking at a ride that would be a REAL blast!!!
Indian Motorcycles from Coast to Coast!!!!

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Nitroglide.
email me at soyokona@yahoo.com and I'll send you some info you can use.

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Sensory Extasy would be a modern reincarnation of an Indian4 - (130+hp!)...no Harley could touch..not an impossible dream....(look at the Triumph Rocket III)

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I owned a 2003 Chief and had alot of mechanical problems with it. If the New Indian Motorcycle Co. can make a bike that runs as reliable as a jap bike, they stand poised to put a huge dent in HD sales. After all, they're America's FIRST motorcycle and have a long and colorful history of beating HD at the track. The Chief has THE classic look. Hey, how about bringing back the Sport Scout?

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Indian 1901-1953 end of story. Nothing that has had the Indian name on it after 1953, has been collectable or even close to a real Indian. The rights to the name does not make it an Indian. They still look like the S&S(Harley motors) bikes that were so much trouble, out of Gilroy. C'mon.

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I own a 1952 Warrior, I'm the second owner. Love the bike, it gets the looks, the stories all that stuff. Would not trade it for anything, it was ahead of its time. Bring back the Indian and show the world what a great classic is all about. I'll keep watching.

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T.Murray- Wondering if you ever rode a Gilroy Chief and compared the
ride and handling to Harley .Hows about the difference in frames?How about when Harley was AMC ?
Yes problems with them,They had S&S.Have you compaired a stock PP100 to stock Evo ? Hows about a built and corrected PP100 ? Those jugs and left side carb don't look much different? Look a little closer.The goody's that come standard on a Chief you spend a fortune on aftermarket Harley parts to match up.Not to mention they are Indians, you just might not want to admit it. Every bit American made as you know who. Cmon? they can get better and better.And besides it's pure class.Try it , you'll like it....

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I own a 2001 scout cent about 6700 miles low mileage my fault drive truck for living, bike came out of gilroy ca nu 70 off line so going to hang on to her have some troubles with but that why I got it to grove with it but gilroy closed up to but need to get some good shop manuals for 88 cubis inch ss motor an on electral sys. an carberaration setting , an dealer ships in pa warhorse two long to wait to get in an shop has hard time with parts need help info and planning on buying a another one later on

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What a pleasure to read.
I own a 2002 Spirit. Weather is harsh here in the North West, but if it is not raining and/or snowing, whats to stop me from riding? Riding for me is therapy.The mental energy involved in riding a motorcycle has a way of lifting you or should I say your soul to a place where all the problems of the world do not exist. Anyone who rides knows exactly what I mean. If I ride say 150-200 miles and finally stop for a well deserved break, sure my 55year old butt might be a little numb,but mentally I am still 16. It is as simple as that.
The simple things in life are the ones that are most profound. Stop,look around,take a few moments to smell the roses, I'm positive you'll be glad you did.

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Lol! I kove these "collector" types , I bet you have tons of trophies as well , ever ridden a bike ? or are you just trailering it? ever wrenched it? or do you buy it as a collectable? Sorry chum the 2002-2003 Chiefs were all Indian , I have a '46 Chief as well and I got to tell you its a mini bike, they were way tooo small for me 6'8" 275lb , whining about about HD as well I bet , but never owned a new one, what for you dont ride them anyway , they look great all polished and sitting ibehind all your trophies , Indian was made to ride , the 1901-1953 models and 1999-2003 models as well , I suppose anything before AMF were the only "real" Harleys as well? But then you never rode one anyway , Quit yer whining and go back in your climate controlled garage and sit on one of your pristine collectables , this blog is for riders and people who ride motorcycles!

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Hey N D Un; I too own a 2001 Scout. You can go on Ebay and get shop, parts & service manuals on disc for any of the Indians. They have step by step instructions that anyone can follow. Mine have been invaluable and well worth the $45. Any decent motorcycle mechanic can work on these bikes. I put about 8000 miles a year on mine & ride whenever I can with no problems. Love it. Good luck.

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Vintage,
Hey Vintage, first this blog is for everyone I thought. By the way the collectors of the Indian brand is one of the reasons I believe these venture capitalists smell a nice vertical market & profit. ( nothing wrong with either) They worked thier magic on Criscraft boats, I hope they succed here.
If that cluster F%#$@ in 99-03 was real Indian then by the same rule you really can't attack the AMF days with any credibility, Harley did not go under... Indian DID...
I have read Indian sites that both love and hate the 99-03 experince, some loved the attempt and others called it a after market (S&S) parts bike.
If the hard core riders/Collectors/Vintage guys were not out there then Indian would not be back and that is a fact...
So cut the BS about who or who is not a real rider, calm down and lets celebrate our common interest.
Indian is back and she needs all of our support,(even the harley designers which have come over to create history)
Moondog

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removed at poster's request

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My Father rode the originals, his brother owned one till the day he died, and I would love to own one. Almost bought an '02, but the dealer network was falling apart and I couldn't get an honest answer to my questions about warranty, service, etc. My only plea is, don't make the new Indian unobtainable to the normal working man. If you price the bike above and beyond HD, you better hope there are a lot of folks out here that like to gamble. I know that Victory Motorcycles has a big company behind them, but they came into the market the right way. They made their bikes beautiful, reliable and most important, affordable. I wish you well and can't wait to see the new bike up close and personal!

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just got my baby, 2001 scout 7000 mi. silver lots of chrome, 1st bike, am so psyched can't wait for hot days, sun & fun.
found mine at n a warhorse, pa. very clean. have always been a harley girl, was love at 1st site, bought it on the spot.
hope to have it for a long time. i am 52 yrs. old, love the freedom now i get to experience what you all already know going
solo. wish me luck! same to all, love, peace, see you in the wind!

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To NorthCoaster
Ditto
Moondog

Saw my first Indian

I currently am riding my third motorcycle in as many decades, a Yamaha 1100 model. I have been watching and waiting for the Indian. Today, at the convenience store where I gas up, a 2003 Indian motored to a pump. I struck a conversation with the rider and I complimented him on his Indian.

He just completed overhauling this gorgeous 2003 motorcycle, claiming he had chronic issues with the flywheel and was so excited to be getting it back on the road. The bike is a beauty. We finally completed fueling our motorcycles, he riding a dream, and me still dreaming. Oh, don't get me wrong, I enjoy what I ride, but it isn't The Legend.... Is this envy? Well, probably, but what I saw today really allowed me to see something special.

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My first recollection of what an Indian Motorcycle was all about occurred around the mid 1950's. My Dad, Uncle and my brothers were eating lunch on a haywagon in the field next to the State Road when two Indians went by. My Dad and Uncle began telling different stories of their Indians from the 30's and 40's. I never forgot the look and the sound from that moment on.

I bought my first Indian a 2000 Yellow and Cream new from a local dealer. I still can see in my mind the first time I walked up to it. When I throw my leg over it and start it up my mind and body goes into a feeling of what heaven may be like. It is not uncommon to have a car pull up along side and give me a thumbs up with a smile. When stopped for gas or at a diner, someone almost always comes over male or female and any age and they generally began with a compliment and a story from the past of the Indian that their Dad, Uncle, or neighbor owned and how memorable it was.

I consider myself blessed of having the opportunity of owning one. One of my Harley friends complains regularly that people hardly give his bike a second glance when it's parked next to mine.

You have to own one to really appreciate what I am trying to say and feel. The old ones from the past to the new ones of 1999-2003 the link is the same. Looking forward to the new start-up in Kings Mountain and am assured that the legend truly does continue.

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I will reserve my judgement until I see feel and ride the Kingsmountain offering into the Indian DNA, and a decal on the tank will not carry much weight with me.
I pray these guys get it right, sick of the hype lets see the ride!
Moondog

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I was not going to do this but I will. Im 60 years old and have been riding for several years.
The reason why I would not buy a HD touring bike is the price. The same reason applys to
Victory motorcyles. I share the opinion of alot of other people. No motorcyle should cost more
than a car. Price of a American made touring bike should not be more than $16,000 at the most.
The reason why they are so high is simple people will will pay it no matter how high just for the bragging
rights of that bike. I would love to buy a new Chief but there is no doubt in my mind that it will be priced
like the above bikes. I ride a Yamaha 01 VStar classic 650 which I bought new and it just turned 64,000 miles
and I have not had one problem with it. It also is a very low maintinace compared to the above bikes. Keep
the Indian bikes at a reasonable price and I will buy one.
Thanks for listening Lynard

Scout bargain

Hi,
I rescently got back into riding, and wanted to go the road king / fatboy route but.... I found a 2002 Indian scout on ebay for 7K. That's cheaper than a new 883 sportster, and comperable to a wide glide. Personally I'm glad I could take advantage of the current lull in Indian values, otherwise I'd probably be riding a used sportster 1200, or a Honda VTX 1800. It might not be a "real" Indian because of the s&s motor but I see that as an advantage because parts and high performance customization are so easy to get ahold of. I see the Indian's of that era like a Shelby cobra that used a ford 427 or 289 motor. If it's a good reliable powerplant in a nice package - what's wrong with that.
Personally I'd like to put a springer fron end on my 02 Scout, does anyone know if there are aftermarker or HD stock fork parts that are compatible?
Thanks,
Dave

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First the the collectors arent what brought Indian back , secondly I love Harley as well, and never said anything about how HD sucked after AMF took over, what Im saying is this guy bragged about his trophies and his spit polish bikes and trashed the Gilroy bikes, I seriously doubt one of his originals could beat my Chief is a race! Listen be a collector if you want to be, but quit whining about us Gilroy owners not having a real Indian , because if thats true, get out of this blog, because Stellican aint buliding a real Indian either! You like the real bikes good for you , I do too , I happen to have a '46 chief with a left hand sidecar, seen many of them MR COLLECTOR? Only three were made! I cant fit on it , mY vintage Chief fits me just fine!

I hope Stellican does make a run for it , the market isnt really there for it, but we can hope! I aint into the IIRA,IIRGIIRRIIRRGG or any other Indian riders group,association or whatever, I just like Indians, old 1901-1953, 1999-2003 and whatever stellican makes ,I aint whining either I have no trophies either, but then I am a rider!

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Vintage,
I think we agree more than we disagree. I am ready to ride the new Indian.
I hope they put a dealer in Texas (Houston).
I would love a pic of that sidecar cheif
Bubblepuppy@sbcglobal.net.
I am not into the IIRA either, just wanna ride.
Moondog TX

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I hope you guys make the Indians resonably priced. I agree with Lynard. It looks like a recession my set in here soon. Indian does not have the overhead that Harley has to support so hopefully this will be a boost for Indian. Just like Jet Blue was agains Delta Airlines in that Delta had sooo much infrastructure to support and Jet Blue was lean and mean. Stay lean Indian sell your top of the line bike for maximum $16,000 and you will do well. People will be glad to sign up and wait for one just be sure the dealerships have enough on the showroom floor to allow everyone to do test drives.

CPT. K.E.McCook

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I ahve an indian scout and a spirit roadmaster. No matter how much fun it is riding any bike. I always come back to the indian which is like the cadillac versus and chevrolet on any other bike.

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I"ve allways enjoyed rideing motorcycles,and hope to allways do so,with gas getting so expensive it just makes sense .I travel about 80 miles a day five days a week and my weekly gas bill is about 40 or so dollars now to me that is just good economy.My bike is a 2004 harley 883 sportster it has 25.000 miles on it with nothing but tires and brakes replaced .The up keep of a motorcycle is nowhere as expensive as a car for instance I buy my tires from jc whitney on line for about 60 bucks a piece.I buy my oil and filther at advance auto parts for about 20 bucks phram filter.and valvoline motorcycle oil 20w-50.So for those who might say a motorcycle is a waste of money i say not. just ride as ssafe as you can and dont dare day dream.SENSORY DEPRIVATION ON ANY MOTORCYCLE IS IMPOSSIBLE. good luck indian i know you all will do fine.just do us working stiffs a favor and offer us a good bike similar in price to a harley super glide.as well as super nice ones for the rich folk thanks MOTOHEAD

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Things are very quiet, so whats up with the new Indian?

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It is very nice to see the new bike coming out; the vintage style is a must. I should hope that IMC will look to the future and have a cruiser sport bike v twin like Yamaha and Harley. I should also hope that they are in the average price line in the market for the average buyer. Remember, HD is in the top for market share and what they ask for their bikes. Indian has come and gone twice, I feel they should shun away from the old and blaze a new road. A good looking performing bike that is US made should sway others to buy over metrics and HD’s if the price is not too high; best of luck! Rough economic road ahead caution!!

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I remember when I bought my 02 Deluxe Chief. The sticker price was around 24k. But I paid 19 for it . Not a large jump from Harley.Alot of the components were a step up from factory standard on other bikes.And I stated before to upgrade would probably be at least in the same ballpark price as an Indian.Price one of those Harley's that are bobbed out with a generic pin stripe job on it. Why do they sell for? From what I see what Indian is doing with the improvements and read on web sites, the new Chief isn't out of line starting in the low 30"s, and maybee after a year of production , dealers are more willing to talk turkey. Look at what Big Dog, Iron Horse,ect have been getting for a chopper.Or any bike for that matter, so called custom made with S & S engines, etc..etc...ect...tag on another 10 grand on top of the 30.The Harley sheet metal even looks cheaper if you ask me.
Problems w/ power plus engine? Let Frank and Mike rebuild it at Blackhawk, juice it a little bit, and you will have a grin on your face.I think the new stock power plus will put a" grinnin like a possum crossing the road " look on your face look too.
And if you want, and people who can afford it , and even those who can't, work on it.Just like scores of any brand motorcyclists do to their ride.It's usually not the bucks, it's the Yeah..... I wanna do this to my bike desire to improve it.
I'm glad the new owners at Indian are taking their time to get a lot of testing done.You don't want one ? Get what you like,
And be enthused about it, what ever you ride.Indian attracted me with the style the bike has, and the unique history it has . Just because someone has resurrected a company, with very unique reasons why they couldn't have come back many years ago doesn't really mean they aren't what the original company was and meant . Who knows . They may be even better in the long run. It is a different market and world today. But we are all Americans, and are free to choose.So let us choose. Amen brother Ben

Re: Sensory Deprivation On An Indian? Impossible!

My 2000 Indian Chief was my 3rd motorcycle, but my only dream machine. The handlebars are as wide as they come, you really feel like you own the road on one of these things. In 12,000 miles of riding (my kids keep me off it a lot) I've never broke down or had a bad ride. I'm changing my tire for the 1st time. I rode my friend's 1995 Fatboy from the shop for him the other day. It was my first ride ever on a HD. My first bike out of high school was a Suzuki GS650E. A nice solid ride for a young kid with only a little to spend. My second bike was a Kawasaki Ninja 600R. A fast ride for a young serviceman who had a bit more to spend and wanted the thrill. Back to my friend's HD.....it's a nice ride with a bit of power, but it's not my Indian. The bike felt cramped and compact. Sure it sounds nice, but it's a dime a dozen in these parts. My toe actually was touching his highway bars as it sat under the front gear shift. It was a horrible 5 mile ride.

In 2002 I purchased my Indian Chief and discovered I new reason to ride. It's not the speed or the thrill, it's now the feeling of ownership of the road and feel of being one with the people and places you ride. I'm questioned constantly about the bike from interested children, attractive woman, and the seniors who live their memories right in front of you. I can't put gas in my Indian without several people stopping to talk to me.

i hope the future of Indian Motorcycles is a solid one.

Re: Sensory Deprivation On An Indian? Impossible!

I bought an Indian Chief it was the best looking bike around. I would ride it to a bar and people would walk all over every bike in the lot to get to my Chief just to take a look. But after being stranded on the side of the road three times and months of being in the shop with warrenty work i sold her. Do I miss her? You bet. It was like a love affair. She was so attractive, so powerful, so nasty to be around, so wicked. But unreliable. I went to a Harley and ride her like I stole it. never broke down. Will I buy a new Indian? Sure, not at 30K. The price will have to be about 18 for a loaded Chief or I will buy one of the older ones again and do a fixer up job. Not wild about the PP motor anyway. Should have stuck with the SS.

Re: Sensory Deprivation On An Indian? Impossible!

That's what I'm talkin about. Nice,1st. class,more changes than I expected.There gonna sell. And my Gilroy ( that I improved
myself ) will be worth more.What do you boy's think, other than the price.Quality has a price tag.Give em time and we'll see the Scout ,ect.ect.in the line up.Give it some time.I think the cats who wine about price are miffed because they really want one, under their terms.Whens the last time you went to a Porshe or Vette dealer and got anything under what you thought was a deal? But look at all of them on the road,people want them.2 year warrenty to boot.Give the Indian owners and workers some credit ...and time. peace N D UN

Re: Sensory Deprivation On An Indian? Impossible!

Hey N D UN
you really have drunk the Kool Aid, 30K is absurd.
period!!!!
I would not pay that much even if Burt Munro took a leak in the gas tank!
I think he might be rolling over in his grave god rest his soul!
He might say "Hey yank all I wanted was to buy an Indian, not spend my life savings"
Moondog

Re: Sensory Deprivation On An Indian? Impossible!

So sad to see the prices on the new Indians...good luck but I'm afraid you won't make it with those prices you can build'
and get custom bikes for that kind of money. I own a 47 and a 2000 Chief was excited about getting a new one but you
have priced them right out of the market. (look around)

Re: Sensory Deprivation On An Indian? Impossible!

It appears to me Stellican could be making the same mistake Apple made years back, margin over market share.
This allmost killed apple computers until they saw the light!.
If you look at the guys that supported Indian all these years they are the salt of the earth, not six fiqure income yuppies.
Even the video on the blog main page shows the Indian bloodline, common people doing uncommon things.
I think Indian (Stellican) might take a lesson from this, offer the Indian and its history to everyone at a resonable price.
Play the long game not the short game, if Stellican is in this for real then match or beat HD and the like on price and options.
Stop using the Indian heritage to make a quick buck but use your commitment to that same heritage and offer a bike to the Burt Munro's that put you guys in the game to begin with.
I want Indian to be successful but you wont make it with this price point because you are targeting posers not riders!

You guys are breaking my heart!!!

Re: Sensory Deprivation On An Indian? Impossible!

I have been looking forward to owning a new Indian motorcycle but the outrageous prices have halted that dream. I hope the marketing team wakes up before we loose the Indian brand again.

Re: Sensory Deprivation On An Indian? Impossible!

Just wanted to add my two cents worth on the prices...I, as many others drooled over some of the Gilroy era bikes. I really liked the Scout, S and S engine and all. I lived in the Fresno area at the time, not too far from Gilroy. But I wasn't in financial shape to buy one and we all know Indain went under in 2003. Well since then I've moved to Texas and been through two Harley's. Had an 06 Sportster, not enough bike for the wife to ride very far. Now we have an 05 SuperGlide, which we're really happy with. My old man is probably rolling in his grave, he rode Trumpets and Indians, and he had a saying. "The only people who ride Harley's are cops and other undesirables" Anyway, I'm with the folks who say give Harley some respect. Indian might not be able to come back now, if Harley hadn't been as sucessful as they have been. There's room for both. Indian will only make Harley better by giving them real competition. My SuperGlide will be paid off in a year or so. We had an idea of keeping it and maybe getting a new Chief. But at 30K plus I have to say no way. You can get a new Road King for under 20K. I guess I just can't see that many folks want to pony up that kinda cash for a motorcycle. Don't get me wrong, I hope they make it this time. But with those prices, I won't be in line to buy one anytime soon.

Re: Sensory Deprivation On An Indian? Impossible!

Live to ride
Live to ride the Legend
Live the Legend

Kemosabi Indianrider02

Re: Sensory Deprivation On An Indian? Impossible!

Kemosabi
At $30K plus thats a pretty expensive legend, thats all.
I just hope Indian rethinks the price structure!
Moondog
Texas

Re: Sensory Deprivation On An Indian? Impossible!

I've been reading these posts for some years now it seems, waiting to see what would happen, if anything would happen. I own an 03 Chief Roadmaster, she's my pain and joy..I was at a Harley event a few months back and they asked me to enter my road warrior into the bike show. I laughed thinking what a setup..the only Indian at a HD event...the bike got more looks then the custom HD's...my bike was dirty, white walls nasty..but the crowd loved it...we came down to a 3 way tie, and they asked us to start the bikes...I'm praying that she doesn't pick now to let me down. I hit the starter switch and she jumped to life like she's never done before..Now way back when I got the bike we pulled the cam and made an upgrade and I run the bike with the Tom Toms...LOUD??? ear splitting..the crowd went crazy..needless to say my dirty little chief stole the show. I look at the new Chiefs and my first impressions are good, they stayed true to the Indian style, my concern with the pricing is a little deeper..I think about the value and the reputation that Indian has. I got left in the dark with a lot of issues on this bike, do I see myself dropping 35K on another unknown? I probably will, I wouldn't ride another bike, it's Indian or nothing...

Re: Sensory Deprivation On An Indian? Impossible!

No se si esto alguna vez lo podran leer Indian algun responsable no lo se , pero mi admiración por su moto es indudablemente un cambio en mi concepto de la moto que siempre he sido un admirador de harley pero al descubrir Indian ese concepto me ha hecho cambiar totalmente , somos un club pequeño de Granada España y estamos haciendo un debate Historico de las dos marcas , les puedo decir que ha ganado Indian con todos lo honores , quisieramos hacer posible tener catalogos y precios ya que seria para nosotros una satifación recivir un saludo por parte de ustedes . ( Patos Salvajes) radicalstile@hotmail.com

gracias .

Paco Radical.

Indian memorabilia

My father and his brother did trick riding on Indian motorcycles in the early 1930'sj, travelling to various army forts in Kansas. Recently, among things my Mother still has of his, I found a driver's license holder, red leather, with Indian logo on the front.
gustafson.jh@comcast.net

American made motorcycles

I used to work at an all Japanese motorcycle shop in the 70's and we said we would never own one of them leaky old Harleys. I bought one in 2003 after they remade their engines and such. I checked out the Indians at that time but didn't trust the fact that they couldn't stay in business. When I saw the T3 for $35,000 in 03, I was flabergasted. I couldn't believe that someone would try to market something for that kind of money without the product being out long enough to see if it is worth it. I've read alot of these blogs and can understand the feelings for the Indians. I feel the same way about my Harley. I kind of feel the same way about Victory. I hope that all of our American companies survive the big move to China. Considering they are killing themselves with their bimetal pieces of lead and trying to kill the world by shipping it worldwide. I can't hardley believe that Indian is asking what they are asking for their motorcycles. If you are trying to bring more motorcyclists into our world, you need to restructure your pricing. I have a book on the history of Harley-Davidson and Arthur Davidson said at the beginning of his book that he didn't care what people rode as long as they rode. He produced motorcycles to put people on them, not to segregate them from each other. I would consider buying an Indian because I love the fenders of the Chiefs and wished my Heritage Springer had them. I could probably invest alot more money in customization but would never get that back, not that I plan on selling. I rode my nephews GSR-750 for the 1st time and absolutely loved it also. If you love motorcyles, ride. Hopefully our manufacturers will make it possible for all of us to afford their products. I think that with the CVO's and the Ness's the pricing might be in the area of what they are worth, but with Indian standards, how do you justify the prices?

Re: Sensory Deprivation On An Indian? Impossible!

Ive always loved indians.I have a 1947 black full dressed chief now.Riding it is like no other experiance on earth.After a few miles the engine just purrs & glides down the highway.I feel like i own the road & no one has a better ride than me.I owned a 1959 indian trailbrazer & a 2000 chief.they all had that special logo on the tank & thats what made the difference in the ride from a motorcycle to "the motorcycle". Ill be coming down to galveston in oct. on my 47 chief to see the new indians.thanks,bernard ber7@earthlink.net

Re: Sensory Deprivation On An Indian? Impossible!

August of 2000 I had just purchased my Millennium Chief in May One of the best memories I have was driving the canyon between Sturgis and Lead S.D. There was a full moon that night and the sounds of the bikes the crisp air and the wind in your face all my senses were at a maximum it was....Spiritual!!!!

Re: Sensory Deprivation On An Indian? Impossible!

August of 2000 I had just purchased my Millennium Chief in May One of the best memories I have was driving the canyon between Sturgis and Lead S.D. There was a full moon that night and the sounds of the bikes the crisp air and the wind in your face all my senses were at a maximum it was....Spiritual!!!!