The New Indian Chief Thunder Stroke 111 merged threadfest

[Cheese]

That's exactly like what I've heard from the stand alone dealer in northern NJ.



Yup definite line of BS.

Of the 3 closest dealers to me, 2 are NOT stand alone

50 miles away:

http://www.hernleys.com/   is Polaris, Victory, Indian

231 miles away:

http://www.menneto.com/   is Victory, Polaris, Yamaha, Indian


The only stand alone is:

100 miles away:

http://www.indian-nj.com/

Menneto's is owned by the brother of the VP in charge of Indian Motorcycles so I doubt they will experience problems getting bikes.

[segesta]

I know it's their stock-in-trade aesthetic but I'd be waiting for the aftermarket to allow me to un-ass those fenders, front and rear.

As you note, it's their aesthetic... but un-assing* those fenders would simply make the Indian look like any other V twin on the road. And I'm not sure it has any cool technology or features that distinguish it from, say, a Yamaha Star or Harley Deluxe. That said, I hope Indian has a hit. Lots of room for motorcycles of all kinds out there.

*a verb form I will likely never use again in my life

[Two Checks]

Remember, Indian is Polaris/Victory.

[Rotten Ralph]

IMHO, they shoulda built the bike around an inline 4.

Agreed - that would have been a unique standout from all of the other V twin cruisers.

[Kev m]

October 19-20 @ Victory / Indian of Scottsdale, AZ in the Airpark. 8) 

The Indian demo truck will be here and we will be test riding the new bike! :) I signed up for the Chieftain! :)

If it's run the same way it won't matter what you signed up for - they give a safety briefing before each ride and then it's a "go get on a bike" free-for all.

So listen to about HALF the briefing keeping yourself between the group and the bikes, then make a brake for it to grab one of the few Chieftains.  ;-T

[Kev m]

I'm not sure it has any cool technology or features that distinguish it from, say, a Yamaha Star or Harley Deluxe.

Well the cast Aluminum frame is kinda cool, especially with the integrated cold air intake.

The non-linked ABS is kinda cool.

I couldn't see the brakes because of said fenders (there are bolted panels with access ports though), but I THINK Victory is using Brembos so I would suspect that's what Indian would be using (and I that's somewhat distinguishing it from the Star bikes right?).

And I BELIEVE that Indian is using some of the same strategies that Victory uses to help make their bikes arguably more durable than Harleys. For instance, mounting the stator coil on the finned primary cover, instead of deeper in on the cases where it would be hotter. And I also believe the Indian uses a gear driven primary (no primary chain like the Harleys).

Not to mention the Chieftain has remote locking hard bags and an electrically adjustable windshield, both unique to the market segment.

So I think they are distinguishing themselves.

[LowRyter]

looks like they have a ways to go setting up dealerships,  in my area Arkansas, Nebraska and Houston TX are nearest.

[rocker59]

looks like they have a ways to go setting up dealerships,  in my area Arkansas, Nebraska and Houston TX are nearest.

And that dealer is in Sherwood or Jacksonville.  I'm as close to OKC as I am to that dealer!

I guess the knuckleheads at our local NWA Victory dealer didn't step up.

[hidn45]

The article in the local paper (take that for what it's worth) said the Indian dealer here in Erie, PA (Off-Road Express - Victory, Yamaha, Suzuki, Polaris superstore, + Suzuki cars) was on board before anyone in Pittsburgh, Cleveland, or Buffalo.  We're about equidistant between the 3 of them.

The demo truck will be here Tue/ Wed this week.  I can't decide if it's worth giving up overtime to stop in, or if my departed Father-in-Law (a devoted "old" Indian fan) would approve or disapprove.  (If he were here there would be no doubt.....)

[tarless]

So last weekend my wife and I again went down to TN for me to (again) test drive one of the wonderful V7 models.  Got some seat time on a new Special.  What a delight.  On the floor they still had 3 different old stock V7s that apparently were just not selling despite mark downs.  The dealer (Sloan's) carries lots of bikes including Polaris/Victory/Indian.  They have completely remodeled an entire wing of their dealership in preparation for the arrival of the new Indians.  T-shirts, old Indians, and memorabilia adorn the place.  When I asked the guy said they already have 21 sold and obviously don't even have a single bike in yet.  He said they brought the new bikes by for show and they expected some turn out but nowhere near the 200 folks who showed up to see them.  Said they sold 7 that day.   

The day I went (demo day), they said they had 9 orders by the end of the day from that dealer. Not bad. I think only 60-70 people test rode.  Very nice bike, for a cruiser that is (not a cruiser guy anymore).

[ken farr]

Pulled into a parking lot today, and saw a new Indian pull up and park.  It had Mn. plates.  Talked briefly with the rider, he was less than talkative.  Seems he was working for Motorcyclist magazine, and he was doing a long term test ride. 
I REALLY want to be a fan of Indian, and I really like what I have read, and I liked the pictures of the engine.

In person,   meh.

I didn't have the time to inspect the veh. closely, but the valve covers were obviously die cast or injection cast or some such. Looked like Aluminum.  Really long neck, btwn the tank and steering head. Kinda cheesy decal on the tank.

Maybe I'm being hyper critical because the rider was kind of, well.....

I hope they do well, and I get to look at one closely at my leisure.

After work, rode the B1100 home.  Like the song says I love my bike.


kjf

[Yeahoo Whoyah]

Interesting.  I suppose I want to be a fan too.  Not sure it will happen at this point.  Indian will offer demo rides at the upcoming International Motorcycle Show Oct 25-27 in San Mateo. It's close to two hours to get there for me, I'm planning to go Saturday.  Another chance to demo ride Dec 6-8 at the show in Long Beach.

[sknapp351]

I've been looking forward to seeing one because I want to love them too. There is something about the photos that I haven't liked, but can't quite place it. I was hoping that seeing one in person would let me figure it out.

I have a friend here that ordered one in August and tells me that the customer service in the ordering process so far has been horrible. They keep giving him random conflicting dates for delivery and he still doesn't have it. He tells me this seems to be quite common with early buyers so far. I want them to succeed....

Sam

[Kev m]

I'm the opposite - I liked em better in person...

[JJ]

During the Indian Demo Truck visit to Scottsdale, AZ, I rode the new Vintage and Chieftain recently.  I was really impressed with both of them.  The motor / transmission is smooth.  The handling / brakes are great.  The sitting position / comfort factor is excellent.  The fit / finish is great.  I would have no problem owning and riding one :)

Polaris hit a home run with these bikes (IMHO). :) 8) ;-T ;-T 

[sknapp351]

Now I'm really looking forward to seeing one. Might have to take a ride to NC to the nearest dealer to visit one soon.

Sam

[Andrew Thomas Evans]

Saw one months ago, a Cheiftan I think with the hardbags. Looked great in person, could be a bit louder, and if I did get a new bike I think this would be it for a cruiser.

[rboe]

I decided to ride one the day after JJ. Too short of a ride to get used to the forward controls. My legs did not like being strung out front. Acceleration was sedate. But she tracked very nicely; was smooth, a nice bike. Ergo's were not that great for me (36" inseam, long arms, skinny bum) and while I really wanted to like it after just sitting on one; the test ride proved that the 1400 California may be more my liking; but I suspect I'm just not a cruiser kinda guy.

It sure made my Griso seem small though!

[MotoG5]

During the Indian Demo Truck visit to Scottsdale, AZ, I rode the new Vintage and Chieftain recently.  I was really impressed with both of them.  The motor / transmission is smooth.  The handling / brakes are great.  The sitting position / comfort factor is excellent.  The fit / finish is great.  I would have no problem owning and riding one :)

Polaris hit a home run with these bikes (IMHO). :) 8) ;-T ;-T 

 :+1 My experience on the Chieftain was much the same. No reason to not buy one if this is the style and size machine you are looking for.
My Stelvio felt like a sport bike on the way home. ;D

[Chas H]

With a weight of close to 800, can one person put it back on its wheels if it falls over?

[Kev m]

With a weight of close to 800, can one person put it back on its wheels if it falls over?

Yes, I've picked up a 700 lbs. Harley and I've seen women half my size pick up a 600 lbs. Harley.

It's all in the center of gravity and the technique.

In all cases you're levering it up, not bench pressing it.

[cruzziguzzi]

With a weight of close to 800, can one person put it back on its wheels if it falls over?

I wonder how far it can fall. Some of these designs these days have wonderful limiting built in - as well as stopping them part way most of the time, they offer two stage lifting if it does go all the way.

[Kentktk]

Yes, I've picked up a 700 lbs. Harley and I've seen women half my size pick up a 600 lbs. Harley.

It's all in the center of gravity and the technique.

In all cases you're levering it up, not bench pressing it.

:+1

[Enrico Pallazzo]

Saw a guy riding a new Indian on Saturday. There's a dealership a mile from my house. Pretty bike, but so much garbage on it. Fairing, fifty gauges, stereo, DVD, radar, makeup table, barbecue grill...

I think they really ruined it. Am I the only one who likes a little less junk on a bike?

[Kev m]

Saw a guy riding a new Indian on Saturday. There's a dealership a mile from my house. Pretty bike, but so much garbage on it. Fairing, fifty gauges, stereo, DVD, radar, makeup table, barbecue grill...

I think they really ruined it. Am I the only one who likes a little less junk on a bike?

Ruined what? They didn't exist, and a new company developed what (according to the response I've seen) is exactly what most buyers in that market want.

Personally I thought it rode and handled great, the tech is arguably smarter than Harley, and the similar models (Vintage and Classic) have no more "garbage" on them than a Cali 1400.

Now that said, yeah, they're big and arguably a bit excessive, but again, most here feel that away about the Cali too.

ME? I get them, even if my priorities mean that I tour on a V7 these days (and happily so). But I could own one also...

[Triple Jim]

Somewhere in Cycle World someone suggested that Polaris should offer a new Indian Scout, as a lighter, better handling, sportier bike in the under-$10,000 range.  He might be right.  The Sportster does that for Harley, after all.

[Enrico Pallazzo]

I think the main problem is that people who don't like what I like are just wrong.

My other bike is an FLSTC. I really like it, but it's not a motorcycle. It's a parade float. It's like riding a couch down a water slide greased with lard.

I'll give Harley credit. Everything on it works. The fit and finish are great. It shifts like Rolex made the transmission. With the Jackal, shifting is always a spirited discussion.

I have a lot of respect for Polaris. I would love to have a Victory, but I don't want another barge. I would want to clean it up.

They're a little ugly, but I'm sure that can be overcome.

[Kev m]

Somewhere in Cycle World someone suggested that Polaris should offer a new Indian Scout, as a lighter, better handling, sportier bike in the under-$10,000 range.  He might be right.  The Sportster does that for Harley, after all.

I agree - that said, Sportys make up only about 20% of Harley's sales - though that's a good 50-80k bikes/year.

My other bike is an FLSTC. I really like it, but it's not a motorcycle. It's a parade float. It's like riding a couch down a water slide greased with lard.

I'll give Harley credit. Everything on it works. The fit and finish are great. It shifts like Rolex made the transmission. With the Jackal, shifting is always a spirited discussion.

I have a lot of respect for Polaris. I would love to have a Victory, but I don't want another barge. I would want to clean it up.

They're a little ugly, but I'm sure that can be overcome.

Question for you, what other Harley's have you ridden? How about the Indian or Victories?

I'm asking just in case the FLSTC is your only point of reference.

The current FLH models handle quite well and are much less "ponderous" than FL Softails. Completely different steering geometry and lean angles.

Most Dynas handle quite well too, very close to Cali abilities.

And our XL1200Lr is basically the same weight, with slightly shorter wheelbase, than my old Jackal and handles just as well, with same or more power.

I guess I'm just saying there's more to the story and a lot of people assume it's all one flavor. Perhaps more of a variant on the flavor (like Guzzi) but still more to it.

The Victories and Indian I rode this year all handled pretty well, some better than others, but there's a lot to like there too.

[Enrico Pallazzo]

I'm saying that if I were to GET a Victory, it would not be a big overstuffed model. I realize they make different types.

[oldbike54]

I've heard the BBQ grill option is quite popular in the South  ;D PH , you are an honest HD rider , nothing wrong with the big ones , but they are "parade floats". Yeah , shifting my Jackal can also be an adventure , keeps me alert  :D
Dusty