Indian Motorcycle: New Heart. Same Soul. - Page 5

Netnorske · 11-20-2013, 09:16 PM

My local Victory/Kawi dealership is also now an Indian dealership (Lynnwood Motoplex). I have checked out the new Indians, sat on a couple, but not the Chieftain...it was out on a test ride last I was there. The Chief has some ergonomic challenges for me....bars too far forward, etc....but the Cheiftain has a shorter rake, so I'm anxious to check it out. The motor sounds incredible (I heard several while there) and chock full of steroids. I can't even imagine rolling on it down a long desolate highway...

!

http://www.motoplex.net/

waterman · 11-21-2013, 12:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Netnorske

The Chief has some ergonomic challenges for me....bars too far forward, etc....

Kris you have ergonomic challenges on every bike.

cactusjack · 11-21-2013, 02:34 PM

I chuckle every time I read the subject of this thread - "same soul". I call shenanigans. The "soul" of Indian died in 1953. You can't make a new bike with retro styling and say it has "soul". That is a distinction that is earned over time. If the brand hangs on, then maybe someday it will have "soul", but in my opinion "soul" can't be manufactured.

There's probably millions of people who can play Jimi Hendrix songs on the guitar, but only a few can play with the "soul" that Jimi did. See my point?

ponch · 11-21-2013, 03:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cactusjack

I chuckle every time I read the subject of this thread - "same soul". I call shenanigans. The "soul" of Indian died in 1953. You can't make a new bike with retro styling and say it has "soul". That is a distinction that is earned over time. If the brand hangs on, then maybe someday it will have "soul", but in my opinion "soul" can't be manufactured.

There's probably millions of people who can play Jimi Hendrix songs on the guitar, but only a few can play with the "soul" that Jimi did. See my point?

Sounds like you are talking about venerability and to some extent, seniority. That said, even HD went through the AMF years and could have ended up in the same place. In a sense they did. The company reinvented itself after AMF. At least it isn't a HD clone anymore. That has to count for something.

Silent Sam · 11-22-2013, 03:09 PM

New INDIAN...OLD/NEW Harley's..BigKawks....and Round-Engine, Aircraft !

..As long as I can be around ANY OF THEM..I'll Never Need "the little blue pills" to enhance my pleasurable-activities !!

**Cajunrider** · 11-22-2013, 04:23 PM

Took a demo ride on a dark blue Chieftan today. An 18 wheeler carrying about 19 that I saw was at Performance Motorsports in Houma, LA. A very nice couple from Minnesota were the folks who owned the truck and provided the demo rides with several of each model. The extent of the ride was about 18 miles. We left the dealership in warm overcast weather but dry streets. Caught some rain about 8 miles into the ride. I got drenched in a downpour on the last 7 miles back to the dealer. Even though the weather wasn't the greatest I did get some enjoyable miles of highway riding.

My thoughts on the Polaris Indian are:

Very soft and smooth ride with plenty of low end torque. The seat was very comfortable for the distance I rode. Shifting was fairly quiet and smooth and the throttle is very responsive with the big 111. Enough to make the wife hang on tight not having a security backrest. Got up to 75 mph at one point and didn't notice any buffeting with the adjustable windscreen nearly all the way up. It felt just as good at the higher speeds. Antilock brakes gave me peace of mind on the wet highway on the way back. I give the radio a B+ with the available speakers. The Chieftan feels like it sits a couple of inches lower than my EG. Pricing is pretty reasonable and the 1 year manufacture's and 4 year extended warranty at no extra cost is great.
Negatives:
No heel shifter. I would have to address that with an aftermarket part.
Lots of heat coming up on both of my thighs. The wife felt more on her right leg than the left. She was getting exhaust heat while I was getting the engine heat. That could likely be corrected by opening the intake and re-mapping the fuel mixture. No lower fairings. Would have to fit the highway bars with chaps. My legs were getting soaked even when the rain was less than moderate.
I can't offer much more information with the rainy ride. Didn't open the bags to check for room and quality. I like the bike but wouldn't trade for one.

Loafer · 11-23-2013, 10:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cactusjack

I chuckle every time I read the subject of this thread - "same soul". I call shenanigans. The "soul" of Indian died in 1953. You can't make a new bike with retro styling and say it has "soul". That is a distinction that is earned over time. If the brand hangs on, then maybe someday it will have "soul", but in my opinion "soul" can't be manufactured.

There's probably millions of people who can play Jimi Hendrix songs on the guitar, but only a few can play with the "soul" that Jimi did. See my point?

Quote:

Originally Posted by ponch

Sounds like you are talking about venerability and to some extent, seniority. That said, even HD went through the AMF years and could have ended up in the same place. In a sense they did. The company reinvented itself after AMF. At least it isn't a HD clone anymore. That has to count for something.

What would have happened to Indian if the company had been helped by the Feds?

Reagan helped the HD marque with the Tariffs.
What would have happened to HD without that?

**glwilson** · 11-23-2013, 12:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Loafer

What would have happened to Indian if the company had been helped by the Feds?

Reagan helped the HD marque with the Tariffs.
What would have happened to HD without that?

It is not whether anyone helped HD or not; but rather that they survived (in my opinion).

I have a long book on my table about the entire history of HD. Great book by one of the granddaughters.

There are at least a dozen times when the company just about bit-the-bullet; but somehow either with pure luck or help they survived and have remained in continuous operation. Something Indian cannot boast.

While I think Polaris is a great company run by a very smart CEO, they only own the name Indian... not the heritage. That, unfortunately died many, many years ago. Just my opinion...

I wish them luck in selling bikes... competition is good for everyone.

ponch · 11-23-2013, 12:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by glwilson

It is not whether anyone helped HD or not; but rather that they survived (in my opinion).

I have a long book on my table about the entire history of HD. Great book by one of the granddaughters.

There are at least a dozen times when the company just about bit-the-bullet; but somehow either with pure luck or help they survived and have remained in continuous operation. Something Indian cannot boast.

While I think Polaris is a great company run by a very smart CEO, they only own the name Indian... not the heritage. That, unfortunately died many, many years ago. Just my opinion...

I wish them luck in selling bikes... competition is good for everyone.

I am still waiting for Daimler Benz to bring back their motorcycle line. It's been only 128 years.

Silent Sam · 11-23-2013, 07:42 PM

Thanks Cajunrider, for the comments on riding the New Indian..
I'd like to have one, but I will be keeping my Big Assed Kawk, til I hit the lottery !

cactusjack · 11-23-2013, 11:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Loafer

What would have happened to Indian if the company had been helped by the Feds?

Reagan helped the HD marque with the Tariffs.
What would have happened to HD without that?

My post wasn't about Harley-Davidson??????

Loafer · 11-27-2013, 05:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by glwilson

It is not whether anyone helped HD or not; but rather that they survived (in my opinion).

Difference of opinion.

I have a long book on my table about the entire history of HD. Great book by one of the granddaughters.

You should send the book to me, I would love to read it.

While I think Polaris is a great company run by a very smart CEO, they only own the name Indian... not the heritage. That, unfortunately died many, many years ago. Just my opinion...

They have or are getting a new CEO. We'll see if he can improve the company.

I wish them luck in selling bikes... competition is good for everyone.

Quote:

Originally Posted by cactusjack

My post wasn't about Harley-Davidson??????

I read your comment and obviously interpreted what you said, differently than you intended.

11-20-2013, 09:16 PM	#61
Netnorske Top Contributor Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Everett, Washington Posts: 5,709	My local Victory/Kawi dealership is also now an Indian dealership (Lynnwood Motoplex). I have checked out the new Indians, sat on a couple, but not the Chieftain...it was out on a test ride last I was there. The Chief has some ergonomic challenges for me....bars too far forward, etc....but the Cheiftain has a shorter rake, so I'm anxious to check it out. The motor sounds incredible (I heard several while there) and chock full of steroids. I can't even imagine rolling on it down a long desolate highway...! http://www.motoplex.net/ __________________ *Kris Olsen* VBA #0691 2017 HD Ultra Limited Low 2013 Victory Cross Country Tour 2012 1700 Vulcan Voyager 2008 1600 Vulcan Nomad 1997 Vulcan 800 Classic *"Growing old is mandatory,* *but growing up is optional"* Custer 2009\|Kalispell 2010\|Cortez 2010\|Crescent City 2011\|Kanab 2012\|Canmore 2012\|Estes Park 2013\|Orofino 2014\|Lake Tahoe 2015\|Red Lodge 2016 Login or Register to Remove Ads Last edited by Netnorske; 11-20-2013 at 09:20 PM.
	0

11-21-2013, 02:34 PM	#63
cactusjack Mega-Contributor Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Where it doesn't snow...ever! Posts: 21,926	I chuckle every time I read the subject of this thread - "same soul". I call shenanigans. The "soul" of Indian died in 1953. You can't make a new bike with retro styling and say it has "soul". That is a distinction that is earned over time. If the brand hangs on, then maybe someday it will have "soul", but in my opinion "soul" can't be manufactured. There's probably millions of people who can play Jimi Hendrix songs on the guitar, but only a few can play with the "soul" that Jimi did. See my point? __________________ Scott "Cactusjack" Hanks VBA #00105 H.O.G. #4250060 2011 H-D Ultra Limited 103ci :: 2011 HD Electra Glide Ultra Limited w/Stage 1 :: Rallies: Mesquite '08\|Custer '09\|Cortez '10\|Crescent City '11\|Kanab '12\|Antlers '12\|Estes Park '13\|Antlers '13\|Orofino '14\|The Dalles '17
	0

11-22-2013, 03:09 PM	#65
Silent Sam Sr. Member Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: On The Shakey Side Posts: 2,501	New INDIAN...OLD/NEW Harley's..BigKawks....and Round-Engine, Aircraft ! ..As long as I can be around ANY OF THEM..I'll Never Need "the little blue pills" to enhance my pleasurable-activities !! Login or Register to Remove Ads
	0

11-22-2013, 04:23 PM	#66
Cajunrider Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: (SE Louisiana) Posts: 8,340	Took a demo ride on a dark blue Chieftan today. An 18 wheeler carrying about 19 that I saw was at Performance Motorsports in Houma, LA. A very nice couple from Minnesota were the folks who owned the truck and provided the demo rides with several of each model. The extent of the ride was about 18 miles. We left the dealership in warm overcast weather but dry streets. Caught some rain about 8 miles into the ride. I got drenched in a downpour on the last 7 miles back to the dealer. Even though the weather wasn't the greatest I did get some enjoyable miles of highway riding. My thoughts on the Polaris Indian are: Very soft and smooth ride with plenty of low end torque. The seat was very comfortable for the distance I rode. Shifting was fairly quiet and smooth and the throttle is very responsive with the big 111. Enough to make the wife hang on tight not having a security backrest. Got up to 75 mph at one point and didn't notice any buffeting with the adjustable windscreen nearly all the way up. It felt just as good at the higher speeds. Antilock brakes gave me peace of mind on the wet highway on the way back. I give the radio a B+ with the available speakers. The Chieftan feels like it sits a couple of inches lower than my EG. Pricing is pretty reasonable and the 1 year manufacture's and 4 year extended warranty at no extra cost is great. Negatives: No heel shifter. I would have to address that with an aftermarket part. Lots of heat coming up on both of my thighs. The wife felt more on her right leg than the left. She was getting exhaust heat while I was getting the engine heat. That could likely be corrected by opening the intake and re-mapping the fuel mixture. No lower fairings. Would have to fit the highway bars with chaps. My legs were getting soaked even when the rain was less than moderate. I can't offer much more information with the rainy ride. Didn't open the bags to check for room and quality. I like the bike but wouldn't trade for one. __________________ 2016 Electra Glide Ultra Limited CVO Palladium Silver / Phantom Blue 110 cu in SE 2012 Electra Glide Ultra Limited (Traded 6/22/16) Tequila Sunrise / HD Orange Vance & Hines true dual headers Rinehart 4" slip ons Screamin Eagle Super Tuner Screamin Eagle Stage 1 intake Dyno tuned H.O.G.# 4514015 2007 Nomad 1600 (Traded 6/23/12) VBA #482
	0

11-23-2013, 07:42 PM	#70
Silent Sam Sr. Member Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: On The Shakey Side Posts: 2,501	Thanks Cajunrider, for the comments on riding the New Indian.. I'd like to have one, but I will be keeping my Big Assed Kawk, til I hit the lottery !
	0