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Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | http://www.motorcyclecruiser.com/features/0810_crup_2009_indian_motorcyles/index.html I was actually wanting one of these when I came across talk of the Vision. One of these days I'm going to ride me an Indian, a real one.... I started watching the World's Fastest Indian, but I want to watch it with the wifey. This seems to be a really, really great movie and I've only seen maybe 10 minutes so far. The line, "going at that speed for 5 minutes you do more than most people do in a life time." That's the way I see it every morning on my way to work, I just came off the greatest adventure while most folks just drove to work.
Edited by varyder 2009-02-20 8:22 PM
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Visionary
Posts: 1324
So Cal | I question the timing on their release? They are great bikes. Built from aftermarket HD parts, fairly easy to service. If you were an Indian dealer and got burned, would you do it again? If you are a new dealer and know the history, would you take a chance in these economic times? The factory will have to do some serious butt kassing. |
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Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | You know CJ, I'm not really wanting a newer one unless they prove themselves a little. I figure if I could afford a New Indian, as I understand they are a little pricey, I'd hunt down one of the older ones and see if I couldn't swing a deal. I really like the looks twenty times better than a Harley. I was buzzing through one of the back towns, Louisa I think, when at a shop I caught a glimpse of an Indian in the corner of my eye. I immediately pulled in the next drive and went in the shop and asked about the Indian. A guy says that's a Kawaski that looks like an Indian. I said, no that's not what I'm talking about, I saw an Indian. The guy that rode it wasn't in the shop and he asked one of the other guys if he rode in today. Yes. It was the last rendition of the Indian before this one, 2003 I think, but it was an Indian none the less. It is an Old School look that I would never grow tired up and since they are few and far between would turn heads just like it did me. But I really would like to ride one just to say I rode one at the very least, I mean an old Indian. though I do like the looks of the new ones, clean.
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Visionary
Posts: 1324
So Cal | I agree. Even back in the 50's it wasnt the product that killed Indian, it was these hotshots that thought that they could make the company more $$$. You cant mix greed with passion. Greed will lose everytime. Profit is nice, but if you cant spend it on you passion, whats the point. I often wonder what the world would be like if Indian would have survived the 50's? THEY were the inovators HD was always playing catch up. |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 623
| pretty bike....but the 30k price makes it ugly real quick |
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Visionary
Posts: 1324
So Cal | Not sure what the new prices will be? Like they say"I invented a one million dollar mouse trap. How many have you sold? None, but it only takes one!"
P.S. If you got $1 from every on in China, you'd be a billionaire!
Edited by cjnoho 2009-02-20 11:47 PM
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Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | prices start at 30K to 35K for the base models. It will be interesting to see if they can make a come back. I think if folks with the dollars are getting sick of HD, they might migrate to Indian if they'll back them up without going under. Victory in my mind is a threat to both as you have a great running machine for a reasonable price and American made to boot. |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 1117
Northeast Ohio | My boss has a 1999 Indian Chief and it is a very cool looking bike. Like the Vision, you don't see many around. He is looking forward to seeing other Indians when we go to Daytona next week. |
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Visionary
Posts: 1324
So Cal | Dont believe everything you read in the papers. There is money out there. My wife went to a property tax auction and she said people were bidding $300k on dumps! The question is, will those people be buying Indians? |
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Cruiser
Posts: 260
| I hope they make a run at it. Bad timing IMO. If I were to spend 30k, don't think it would be on an Indian. 20k... I think I would look at it real close. |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 1158
Richmond, Virginia | Another take on this. My "dear sister" ( add the word dear in front of anything instead of using the REAL word you want to use),
well she married an "American Indian" moved out to S.Dakota to live on the reservation with him, his 3 previous wives, all their children blah blah blah.... He was/is their spiritual leader (another word for their chief i suppose) For 4 years all our family heard about was "the plight of the Am indians" how poor, how abused by Americans blah blah blah. Basically when they came to visit every conversation HAD to be about Indians or nothing at all. Over those 4 years, we heard about "their people" literally going to companies protesting the using of Indian culture, Indian names, Indian themes etc in order to market their products or brands. They even went down and met with Disney to protest the "inaccuracy" of the animated movie "Pocahantos"...
Land of Lakes butter they didnt like,,, So here Im reading these posts about the new Indian bike, built in S. Dakota and hearing all of the buzz and im thinking "wow, what a double standard, apparently THEY can use the name, the brand, the marketing,
but no one else can....." Kind of a double standard bordering on racism if you ask me. Now add to this pot that they are "using
pieces parts from ...some other AMERICAN brand of motorcycle............. To me, you either stand for something or you stand for nothing.. My poor poor indian chief brother in law
lives on the reservation on the river in a 7 bedroom house with 2 boats, 3-4 HD's, several 4 wheel ATV's, on land they pay no taxes for, receive government subsidies, yet those poor poor people on the reservation ........ you all get my point. Would I buy one of these bikes
even if it were better then my Vision? NO
Edited by VaParadox 2009-02-21 8:49 AM
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Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | So what's your beef Mr. NoBVDs? |
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Cruiser
Posts: 166
Bullhead City, AZ | My uncle had an old Indian that he bought for cheap in the late 50's. Tipped it over twice when it was standing still and needed the neighbors to help him get it back on the wheels. Third time he dumped on a gravel road going home, thought that this was enough and traded it even up for an accordion. When his boys bought their Victory Kingpins, I asked him if he wished he would have kept the bike. He said the accordion would be worth more today and he wished that he had either one. |
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 19
5 miles from nowhere | I saw some in St Petes Fl last weekend. Very nice fit and finish! |
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Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | I don't know about anyone else, but I do find the Indian as one to have. Sure, at the moment the price is a little strong for me, I really would rather have an older one. There is plenty of arguements to be had, but when you want, you just want it. I really like my Vision and I wouldn't give it up until a better riding bike comes along, but I think that will be a long ways down the road. Victory and the Vision has a true following IMHO opinion. What I mean by that, not many people get up in the mornng and say, I think I'll go by a Victory, unless their heart is really set on it. Harley has that kind of following mixed in there with all the other folk. Harley is the "Coke" or "Xerox" of motorcycles and they are many who are truly of a cloned following. I chuckled today at the HD dealership when I went up there for the chili cookoff. There were about 30 bikes at best in the parking lot and the rest was full of cagers. Pickup, cars, etc. But once you stepped inside, you have no clue who rode and who didn't. Just about everyone one had their riding gear on, or black and orange. I looked out of place as I wear no patch or colors on my jacket. I stopped by the Vic dealer later and their were a few who rode and they dressed for it. Those who came in a cage, well, you knew they were caging by the way they were dressed, no wannabe look. I've been checking out the Indian site and other related sites and all I see is some folk who really have made a life with a love for the Indian, something I can appreciate. All the ups and downs with Indians and these folk would die before they give it up, it seems to be across the board. Vic seems to be the same way, and unfortunetly Harley let the image rule over the love of your ride. I'm not one to love things, but riding, and riding my Vic blows me away, but I also keep it in check as my number one will always be my number one. I just had to share this as I find myself bashing others unnecessarily though I do like to do it in fun. Like this dude at work who constantly rags me on the Vision looking like a Vespa, and he rides a V-Rod. Like I ask him all the time, is that really a Harley? Anyway, the Harley Dealership sells VESPA's and they are peppered throughout the store with the Harley's. I just laughed at that because I'm going to bust on him with this. Harley? Vespa? I couldn't tell the difference.  But anyway, for those who are passonate about riding, and your ride, Ride On! |
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Cruiser
Posts: 249
Montreal, QC Canada | We went to the new dealer in Mesa, Az with Chandler Tom last week, right next to one of the biggest Harley dealers I've ever seen. They had just received their license to sell 3 days earlier. Pretty bikes, expensive, 28-35K. Can't see us on one. With this economy, is it the right time? Only time will tell. |
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Visionary
Posts: 3773
Pittsburgh, PA | if they make it i will be completely shocked. Not only do they have a horrible track record of success, but look at their price for what you get, then factor in the economy! Its a loose, loose situation... This is probably one of the worst times in history to try and bring back a high priced motorcycle. especially while estiablished motorcycle companies are loosing money like crazy! |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 619
Southeast Iowa | While it's true it will be a tough year for the motorcycle market, I'm not sure Indian will have it as bad as some. First of all people that have money (not just credit) still have money. At 35K they will attract higher end buyers. Since they are new there will be some demand from those that are looking to collect the first model year. Since Indian is just starting up all sales will be growth for them, and they should be able to hold their labor and overhead in check with sales. HD, Honda, Yamaha and other large bike companies are all looking at declining sales which makes OH tough to manage. Many of these companies also have large inventories on the floor which will make their situation worse. To me the real question is "Does Indian have deep enough pockets to survive the start-up cost and are they willing to loose money for 3-5 years?" I read that the last Indian start-up lost right at $100,000,000 before they hit the break even point. Time will tell. |
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Tourer
Posts: 377
O'Neill, Nebraska | Big Vic - 2009-02-22 12:40 PM
While it's true it will be a tough year for the motorcycle market, I'm not sure Indian will have it as bad as some. First of all people that have money (not just credit) still have money. At 35K they will attract higher end buyers. Since they are new there will be some demand from those that are looking to collect the first model year. Since Indian is just starting up all sales will be growth for them, and they should be able to hold their labor and overhead in check with sales. HD, Honda, Yamaha and other large bike companies are all looking at declining sales which makes OH tough to manage. Many of these companies also have large inventories on the floor which will make their situation worse. To me the real question is "Does Indian have deep enough pockets to survive the start-up cost and are they willing to loose money for 3-5 years?" I read that the last Indian start-up lost right at $100,000,000 before they hit the break even point. Time will tell.
The difference here is that the new owners are from England and purchased and revived the Chris Craft boat company.
Here's the link to the website.
http://www.indianmotorcycle.com/History/HistoryTimeline/20042007/ta...
If I had the $35k (which I don't) I'd buy a Chief Vintage in a heartbeat. Yeah I love my Vic; however an Indian is truly an American Classic. Even the HD owners admit it. |
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Visionary
Posts: 1350
| An original Indian would be sweet in the garage. I remember back in the 60-70s reading an article about an old timer taking Indians and replacing all the gasket and fasteners with up to date stuff. He would sell them for $28K. Good pile of cash back then.
I have always been in love with the 4 cylinder and even have a plastic model of one here at my desk.
The newer ones don't really do much for me. They are too much of a clone. Went to the Indian museum in Springfield, MA a few years back. I am not sure it's still open. If it is, sounds like a road trip. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 74
MN. | A new dealer here in the twin cities has their grand opening this coming Saturday. I'll probably go, but there is no way I'll ever be able to afford one of these. (maybe if they lowered the cost by 1/3) I think at the cost, Indian is going to have a rough time selling bikes, that's a hell of a lot of $$$ for one. Wonder how many they need to sell per year to stay in business. |
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Another Beautiful Bike
