The New 2009 Indians

Anybody seen the new Indian motorcycles yet? I think the Chief Vintage in Indian red with the brown seat and bags is drop dead gorgeous, but not to the tune of 39,000. If they come down to 20,000 in a few years, well yeah I could see myself on one.
The Motorcycles
Al

Well, I do think they are fine rides - but all +$30K? There is a lot to like about 'em - their unique engines (always thought the S&S - while a good engine - just wasn't Indian-special), respect for original style while using modern technology- I just can't even begin to think of shopping for one at that price. I sure hope they don't fold (AGAIN). Just seems like the wrong time to unveil another high-priced bike.......but I could be wrong. I even hope I am.

I agree 100%.

With their recent history, they would have been much better served by releasing their bikes at half that price in order to build consumer confidence.
You combine their recent failures and the state of the economy with a price tag of $39k -- that can only equal disaster.

I'd love to see Indian become a staple among American Iron, but you've got to have a product and market it right. There's got to be an entry bike that sells and builds a base. Something to build on. Don't clone a one-off high-priced custom type and expect it to sell..not in today's market and economic climate. Ain't gonna work.

Theres always somebody thats gonna buy em even at that price to add to a collection somewhere.....there just usually isnt enough of those types to run a successful company on.....A buddy at work here just bought a 2003 anniversary edition 1200 custom sporty with 1000 miles on it... I never could figure that logic out....

If they don't sell, the price will come down eventually, just like Harleys when demand was no longer greater then supply. I understand the company is bank rolled by the Criss Craft boat co. and if that is true they have deep pockets. Besides something new like that it is always best to sit back and watch for recalls and bugs to show up for awhile. Harley can get away with ignoring a problem and claiming it doesn't exist (i.e. cam chain tensioners) but a new company can't get away with that bs. Al

I just read a really good article on the new Indian in July Iron Works mag. Sounds like they have totally refined the whole bike but retained the classic looks. Examples: Redesigned the bottle cap engine to a 105" closed loop efi, Baker 6 speed, redesigned the suspention and made better frame welds, Brembo brakes and a reworked electrical system, plus only a small percentage of foreign parts, predominantly US made. They want to start selling in 2009, now if they would just come down in price a little, at least to the price of an HD Screaming Eagle touring model. Al

Still fugly to me. I haven't ever liked anything about the Indian Chief. And with those prices I am glad I don't :roflmao: . Maybe they will come out with the Scout again and make it an entry level ride (price as well) but not likely. Staying with American Iron I would go to Victory should I get fool enough to leave HD (unless I can build my own, we all have dreams I guess LOL).

I certainly agree. From looking @ the website, it appears they're targeting a niche market that ain't very big - certainly not big enough to support 50 dealerships. Sure, some folks who have the $$$ would get one just to have one, ride to the "biker bar" on Saturdays & talk about it, but that's not going to resurrect the brand.

The site says the prices haven't been set yet - I'd like to see the company succeed, but I believe they'd have to price the bikes in the range of a Road King, Heritage Softail Classic, etc. to do it.

Exactly, and these days you can add quite alot for 30k and have stealer back up in almost all of North America with roadside asst. Even with 50 dealershops thats 1 per state(unless your OBAMA )

You can't start/restart a brand as a custom bike. You just aren't gonna sell enough to make it viable. If Indian is gonna make a real go of it, they have to look at what Victory has done. You need an entry bike affordable to get the message out, along with a couple of other models reasonably affordable. If everything is $25k-$30k or more..it's doomed before it starts..especially in todays market. Get real! It's gotta sell and bring in a cash flow and fan base.

I think the Chief standard looks pretty good but I really don't like the Deluxe with the goofy looking rear fender. I've never been a big fan of those teardrop headlights either. And the color of the Vintage on the web site is just plain awful. At $30+ they are going to be hard pressed to make a go of it. There are too many other good choices out there for less money. Especially in today's economy.