The New Indian

I've been snooping the Indian forum looking for past complaints. If they continue to support the end users like I'm seeing, Harley may have a battle in front of them. But I don't see how they could if they selling them in any kind of numbers. Time will tell.

Just reading American Iron where the Chiefs are introduced. I have to admit, the basic Chief looks good. and for 18 grand not too shabby.

They ride pretty nice too. Low centre of gravity, pretty nimble and the engine pulls pretty hard. They don't have a trunk or passenger floorboards yet..when they do I could be in trouble. The Ultra felt heavy and slow compared to the Chieftan. The adjustable windshield worked well. The stereo was ok. A lot of folks didn't like the art deco locomotive look to the fairing. I thought it looked ok. The Chief Vintage is the best looking but the Chieftan would be the one I'd buy. Indian had a lot of bikes in their demo fleet at Sturgis, they had rides going out every 15-20 minutes. Harley ran their demo rides out of the dealer at Rapid. I didn't get any pictures, camera had dead batteries. There are a number of things I prefer about the Harleys but if I were in the market for something like a street glide I'd give the Chieftan a long look.

Well I guess my short trial ride wasn't long enough. The steering was a b_____h. If the day comes certainly I would go for a longer test.

I've seen that "thing" in action. So have considered it myself. Even went so far as to find a dealer near me. I'm also considering making my bike a four wheeler with the detachable trike conversion. Both options are some bucks. The outriggers not so ugly and leaves the bike lean-able. That part I really like. The dealer near me doesn't have the greatest repetition though. Can't have everything as it looks like it installs in the same spot my EZ-up Wheeldock center stand goes.

Like someone said earlier where is the dealer network? No dealers here.

My thoughts exactly. I've heard that Polaris dealers will fill the void for a while. Don't know if that's fact or even good if it is. That's one area Harley has nailed. You don't have to go 400 miles out of your way if something happens. They are just about everywhere.

I just wouldn't feel to confident taking my scooter to a jet ski or tab dealer.

Here are some better pictures of the Indians. I got this link from a guy on HTT. Enjoy!

http://www.pbase.com/flatlandphoto/indianchief

Yeah, the Honda dealer here also sells Vics. I think it's a mistake fro Vic. This dealer pushes Honda over Vic. I bet that would be the same if they had Indian. I think Harley has it right there with their Harley only dealerships.

Are you kidding? I didn't think they allowed that. Never seen a multi-brand Harley dealership. What would keep them from having Indian as well? Just seems wrong. I can see it with the Rice bikes somehow.

I stopped in at a HD dealer in western NJ and they sold Hondas as well as Harley's. I thought I had taken LSD when I saw Goldwings on the floor next to Ultras.

Lotsa rain here, too. It's been a very wet summer. Been keeping my eye peeled out for a new Indian - no sightings yet . . . are they even out on the road yet?