 Indian or Norton: Which would you buy?
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Joined: Feb 2005
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Fe Butt
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OP
Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2 |
Seeing as how there's been a "Indian" thread going on for a while, and now someone has revived an old "Norton" thread again(though that one is about the old Kenny Dreer enterprise and not the newer Stuart Garner enterprise), I thought I'd start a thread and ask the BA.com members around here which of these bikes YOU would purchase if you had $20K sittin' around and burnin' a hole in your pocket?
Now, this question's choices are ONLY between the two marques which I mentioned here, so please don't say that you'd "purchase two Triumphs for the price of one of those" or any other such answer, if you would be so kind.
My choice would be the Norton, however I'm kind of expectin' that many of you here at BA.com might choose the Indian, seein' as how this websites membership consists of a lot of Cruiser fans.
(...btw, there is NO "right" or "wrong" answer to this, of course)
Yep! Just like a good Single Malt Scotch, you might call me "an acquired taste" TOO.(among the many OTHER things you may care to call me, of course)
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Re: Indian or Norton: Which would you buy?
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Joined: Sep 2006
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Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,836 Likes: 5 |
Norton - and it IS the RIGHT answer 
2004 Triumph Speedmaster (J Lo) 2006 Yamaha Stratoliner (Adele)
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Re: Indian or Norton: Which would you buy?
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,518 Likes: 31 |
Norton.
Even though I don't think there's any way it can be worth $20.000 (Ohlins or not).
Bedouin.
Blessed are those eyes that have seen more roads than any man! (Homer).
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Re: Indian or Norton: Which would you buy?
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Joined: May 2010
Posts: 5,720
Check Pants
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Check Pants
Joined: May 2010
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Norton, finer than froghair split three ways
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Re: Indian or Norton: Which would you buy?
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Saddle Sore
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Saddle Sore
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,268 Likes: 15 |
No question here, I've seen the Nortons in person and they are sweet as a honeydew melons 
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Re: Indian or Norton: Which would you buy?
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Joined: Jan 2006
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Monkey Butt
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Monkey Butt
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,689 Likes: 21 |
I try to aggravate one person a day. Today may be your day.
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Re: Indian or Norton: Which would you buy?
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
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"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825 |
My heart says Norton but my ass says Indian.
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Re: Indian or Norton: Which would you buy?
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,689 Likes: 21
Monkey Butt
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Monkey Butt
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,689 Likes: 21 |
So, is that straight from your heart or are you talking out of your ass today? 
I try to aggravate one person a day. Today may be your day.
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Re: Indian or Norton: Which would you buy?
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
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"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825 |
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Re: Indian or Norton: Which would you buy?
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Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 53
Member
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Member
Joined: Nov 2010
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Re: Indian or Norton: Which would you buy?
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Joined: Sep 2010
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Second Wind
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Second Wind
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,393 Likes: 1 |
The problem here is we don't know what victory is going to roll out under the name Indian. However provided that the victory Indians are as beautifully recreated as the norton is. I would go Indian if it looks like another victory bike then the norton.
I have no faith in human perfectability. I think that human exertion will have no appreciable effect upon humanity. Man is now only more active - not more happy - nor more wise, than he was 6000 years ago.
Edgar Allan Poe
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Re: Indian or Norton: Which would you buy?
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Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,393 Likes: 1
Second Wind
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Second Wind
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,393 Likes: 1 |
The problem here is we don't know what victory is going to roll out under the name Indian. However provided that the victory Indians are as beautifully recreated as the norton is. I would go Indian if it looks like another victory bike then the norton.
I have no faith in human perfectability. I think that human exertion will have no appreciable effect upon humanity. Man is now only more active - not more happy - nor more wise, than he was 6000 years ago.
Edgar Allan Poe
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Re: Indian or Norton: Which would you buy?
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Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,483 Likes: 6
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,483 Likes: 6 |
I love Honeydew melons! 
'04' Black America
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Re: Indian or Norton: Which would you buy?
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Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,393 Likes: 1
Second Wind
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Second Wind
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,393 Likes: 1 |
Be careful last time it was cookies and there was nearly a riot over it.
I have no faith in human perfectability. I think that human exertion will have no appreciable effect upon humanity. Man is now only more active - not more happy - nor more wise, than he was 6000 years ago.
Edgar Allan Poe
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Re: Indian or Norton: Which would you buy?
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1
Worn Saddle
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Worn Saddle
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1 |
Quote:
My heart says Norton but my ass says Indian.
Well maybe not so much my bum but my back and knees. I can only dream of the Norton and the open road...
A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. Herm Albright (1876 - 1944)
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Re: Indian or Norton: Which would you buy?
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Joined: Apr 2006
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,623 Likes: 2 |
Kevin - Luceo Non Uro
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Re: Indian or Norton: Which would you buy?
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Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 257
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Jun 2008
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I think Indian bikes are fugly. Even the vintage ones that so many peeps make a big fuss over.
So count another vote for Norton.
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Re: Indian or Norton: Which would you buy?
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
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"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825 |
I dunno, a Victory demo truck is supposed to be here this weekend at the Suzuki dealer who just acquired the victory line. 
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Re: Indian or Norton: Which would you buy?
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Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 237
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 237 |
Norton ..I have/had ridden and maintained a 73 850 interstate for 15-18yrs ..before finding her a new home..
mmmmmmmm fond fond memories ... Only way to go .. NORTON
backwards Notron ... lol
NORTON ALLL THE WAY !
07 SPEEDMASTER ..SLASHCUT BUBS..
NOLOGY COILS/WIRES ..PHANTOM BLACK ..CHROME COVERS...K&N PODS..
BEAUTIFULL WHEN SHE RUNS RIGHT..SHE WAS ..
.. I LIKE HER>> ALOT ~~
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Re: Indian or Norton: Which would you buy?
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
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I love my Trumps....they would need an Indian stablemate....come on lottery numbers
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Re: Indian or Norton: Which would you buy?
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Joined: Feb 2005
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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Posts: 2,839 Likes: 3 |
only because of the lack of dealer network and available parts i would be a little hesitant to get a Norton, and thats really why i would have to go with the Indian. i feel as if Indian being owned by Polaris now, there is new hope for the rebirth of Indian this time. I really like the new Norton, and i am sure its as goodabike as you would expect from the that side of the pond but i am not comfortable on that style bike these days, the body dont like that position for very long anymore hahahahaha MAN!! tough choice but i think i will go with the Indian  i dont really like v-twins, but i do like the look of the bottletop engine Indian is useing
ENJOY!!!!! NEWT!!!!!
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Re: Indian or Norton: Which would you buy?
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2
Fe Butt
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OP
Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2 |
Quote:
only because of the lack of dealer network and available parts i would be a little hesitant to get a Norton, and thats really why i would have to go with the Indian. i feel as if Indian being owned by Polaris now, there is new hope for the rebirth of Indian this time.
That's a great point, newt! 
The very loose network(so small at this point in time, that I almost hesitate to even use the word "network" here) of dealerships/distributors which Norton presently has positioned in the U.S., would and should definitely be of some concern if one would be considering the Norton.
Yep! Just like a good Single Malt Scotch, you might call me "an acquired taste" TOO.(among the many OTHER things you may care to call me, of course)
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Re: Indian or Norton: Which would you buy?
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Joined: Jan 2006
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Monkey Butt
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Monkey Butt
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,689 Likes: 21 |
Victory will not make the new Indian look like a Victory They already make a full line of Victory cruisers. They will look like Indians.
They will also run better, stop better, and cost less IMHO>
I try to aggravate one person a day. Today may be your day.
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Re: Indian or Norton: Which would you buy?
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Joined: Feb 2007
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Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,194 Likes: 56 |
I'm with John so far as my heart says Norton but my ass says Indian. Norton would win out in the end given both companies are stable. In the real world I would probably buy Indian because I figure Polaris is gonna be around for a while where as Norton I'm not so sure about.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: Indian or Norton: Which would you buy?
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Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 738
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 738 |
Norton 'cos I wanted one since I was a wee boy and the new ones are BEAUTIFUL!
HOWEVER I hope the new Indian's live up to expectations and maybe my opinion will change (they would need to be better styled than the Victory line though).
One day as a tiger is worth a thousand as a sheep
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Re: Indian or Norton: Which would you buy?
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2
Fe Butt
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OP
Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2 |
Quote:
...I figure Polaris is gonna be around for a while where as Norton I'm not so sure about.
Another great point there, Ian.
Yep! Just like a good Single Malt Scotch, you might call me "an acquired taste" TOO.(among the many OTHER things you may care to call me, of course)
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Re: Indian or Norton: Which would you buy?
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2
Fe Butt
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OP
Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2 |
Quote:
Victory will not make the new Indian look like a Victory They already make a full line of Victory cruisers. They will look like Indians.
They will also run better, stop better, and cost less IMHO>
Not sure if you were directing that solely to me, Ron. However, I've never said Polaris would make the Indians look less "Indian" or make them look like a Victory. However(again), all the Indians since the Gilroy "experiment" have been in the cruiser vein, ya know..."Retro Cruisers", and in that same vein as H-D's line of Big Twins Cruisers which attempt to mimic their "heritage" of the '36 Knucklehead in many of their present day models, BUT still "Cruisers" just the same.
Yep! Just like a good Single Malt Scotch, you might call me "an acquired taste" TOO.(among the many OTHER things you may care to call me, of course)
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Re: Indian or Norton: Which would you buy?
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Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,393 Likes: 1
Second Wind
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Second Wind
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,393 Likes: 1 |
Quote:
Victory will not make the new Indian look like a Victory They already make a full line of Victory cruisers. They will look like Indians.
They will also run better, stop better, and cost less IMHO>
I'll take nothing for granted. I have watched companies botch some nostalgic names. I guess you don't remember the Dodge Charger of the 80s or the Mustang for that matter. Those miserable flops were botched by the original makers. So I'll hold out any optimism till I see one.
I will concede that they will no doubt perform better.
I have no faith in human perfectability. I think that human exertion will have no appreciable effect upon humanity. Man is now only more active - not more happy - nor more wise, than he was 6000 years ago.
Edgar Allan Poe
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Re: Indian or Norton: Which would you buy?
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2
Fe Butt
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OP
Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2005
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...or maybe even the four-door "Chargers" of TODAY, Chad?!  Yeah, they might be good cars, but c'mon now folks, a "FOUR-door Charger"?! Gimme a break!  (...and now back to our regularly scheduled program: Indians and Nortons, and YOUR pick)
Yep! Just like a good Single Malt Scotch, you might call me "an acquired taste" TOO.(among the many OTHER things you may care to call me, of course)
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Re: Indian or Norton: Which would you buy?
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Joined: Aug 2009
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Aug 2009
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At the moment, definitely Norton
Things might change with whatever models Polaris turn out, but chances are it'll stay Norton
After all, I've already got the best cruiser model out there, so another bike might as well be another style
Too old to die young, too ugly to leave a good looking corpse
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Re: Indian or Norton: Which would you buy?
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Joined: Jan 2006
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Monkey Butt
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Monkey Butt
Joined: Jan 2006
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Dwight, it was a general statement. Lots of folks are afraid Polaris will make a generic bike and slap an Indian tag on it. They won't.
I try to aggravate one person a day. Today may be your day.
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Re: Indian or Norton: Which would you buy?
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Joined: Sep 2010
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Second Wind
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Second Wind
Joined: Sep 2010
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Thats exactly what I am thinking.
I have no faith in human perfectability. I think that human exertion will have no appreciable effect upon humanity. Man is now only more active - not more happy - nor more wise, than he was 6000 years ago.
Edgar Allan Poe
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Re: Indian or Norton: Which would you buy?
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Joined: Apr 2006
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Apr 2006
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Quote:
Dwight, it was a general statement. Lots of folks are afraid Polaris will make a generic bike and slap an Indian tag on it. They won't.
You can bank on that.
Ignore the keyboard captains of industry on motorcycle forums. Polaris will make the Indian line work. 
Kevin - Luceo Non Uro
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Re: Indian or Norton: Which would you buy?
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Joined: Jan 2006
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Monkey Butt
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Monkey Butt
Joined: Jan 2006
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I wonder which two members here own Victory
I try to aggravate one person a day. Today may be your day.
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Re: Indian or Norton: Which would you buy?
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Joined: Jul 2009
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Adjunct
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Adjunct
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Rode a Norton 750 in the late 60's. Nice, but have never owned an indian. Just dreamed of it. Gotta go with the Indian. I'm older and slower and my knees don't bend back any more. But, as a second bike... the Norton would be nice for short spins. And I am not in the crowd that thinks Indians are ugly. Majestic comes to mind. Kind of like the difference between Sophia Loren (in prime) and a Nicole Kidman. Both are hot, but one is classic beauty and the other fast and bumpy. 
Pacific Blue/White 2009 America in the TX Hill Country
Not all that glitters is gold. Tolkien. Hmm Must've seen the chrome on my TA coming down the road.
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Re: Indian or Norton: Which would you buy?
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Joined: Jul 2007
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Worn Saddle
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Worn Saddle
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,060 Likes: 6 |
Indian. Love the old school looks and I'm not in a hurry riding anyway.
Fidelis et Fortis
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Re: Indian or Norton: Which would you buy?
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Joined: Jan 2007
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Adjunct
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Adjunct
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Norton! 
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Re: Indian or Norton: Which would you buy?
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Joined: Jun 2009
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Adjunct
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Adjunct
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I'd go with an Injun. As long as they still look like Injuns.
2005 Speedmaster, Tornado Red, AI removed, Uni Pods, JCW 19" turnouts
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Re: Indian or Norton: Which would you buy?
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,382
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,382 |
Snorton for me..... 
Tony G
'03 America
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Re: Indian or Norton: Which would you buy?
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Jan 2005
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Blowing gravel off rural roads
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