 Re: New Indian Chief
|
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,623 Likes: 2
Loquacious
|
Loquacious
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,623 Likes: 2 |
Quote:
My wife did the test ride today also....she said the suspension on the Classic was "like riding on a cloud". .... 
Ernie
Like riding on a cloud, I wish I had thought of that! 
Whatever they did to the suspension, you just don't notice imperfections in the road. Smooth!
I wonder if your wife was on one of the demo rides I did in the morning? I talked to a couple of gals who rode the Chiefs.
Kevin - Luceo Non Uro
|
|
|
Re: New Indian Chief
|
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,623 Likes: 2
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,623 Likes: 2 |
Quote:
...
I’ll be returning tomorrow to do a 2-up ride with my bride. I’ll give you her 2 cents after that.
Today my wife rode pillion on a demo ride with me. Her biggest complaints about the Chief from a passenger's perspective were that it's not a Vision, and there are no passenger floorboards (yet). Otherwise the Chief was a hit.
The demo ride today went through Watchung Mountain Reservation, a park up in the hills. It was a much more plesaant ride which allowed us to test the lean angle of the Chief. I'm still waiting for someone to tell me they dragged a floorboard.
Kevin - Luceo Non Uro
|
|
|
Re: New Indian Chief
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,268 Likes: 15
Saddle Sore
|
|
Saddle Sore
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,268 Likes: 15 |
And the grand prize winner is ?????
I guess I missed the big announcement !
|
|
|
Re: New Indian Chief
|
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,623 Likes: 2
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,623 Likes: 2 |
Quote:
And the grand prize winner is ?????
I guess I missed the big announcement !
Mike, I'm glad you reminded me about this! I'm sure there's been some mix-up as to why I haven't been notified to collect my grand prize Chief. 
All kidding aside,  I'm not even sure if any of the production Indians have been released yet which may account for the delay with the prize announcement. The demo bikes are "pre-production" machines.
The production Indians are expected out in September. Whether it's September 1 or 30 is anyone's guess. Grand prize or not, I'm eagerly awaiting delivery of my Vintage.  
Kevin - Luceo Non Uro
|
|
|
Re: New Indian Chief
|
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,623 Likes: 2
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,623 Likes: 2 |
I just read on another forum - if you read it on the internet it must be true, right? - that the winner was selected but has not claimed the prize Indian, so the announcement is still pending.  So that means we may still have a shot if they go to a secondary winner? FYI FWIW YMMV
Kevin - Luceo Non Uro
|
|
|
Re: New Indian Chief
|
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,465 Likes: 2
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,465 Likes: 2 |
Well, I went through the last 999 emails in my Contest account and it wasn't me. But boy, can I get a deal on toner, Toyotas and hair transplants!
|
|
|
Re: New Indian Chief
|
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,623 Likes: 2
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,623 Likes: 2 |
FWIW, the projected ship date of the Indian Vintage I ordered is now September 26. I'd be happy to have it home by October 2.
Kevin - Luceo Non Uro
|
|
|
Re: New Indian Chief
|
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,689 Likes: 21
Monkey Butt
|
|
Monkey Butt
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,689 Likes: 21 |
Its gonna be way too cold soon in Jersey. You can store that bike in San Antonio just to keep it safe yaknow. 
I try to aggravate one person a day. Today may be your day.
|
|
|
Re: New Indian Chief
|
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,623 Likes: 2
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,623 Likes: 2 |
Ron, thanks for the offer.  I can usually ride to the end of December before it gets too nasty. 
Kevin - Luceo Non Uro
|
|
|
Re: New Indian Chief
|
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,689 Likes: 21
Monkey Butt
|
|
Monkey Butt
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,689 Likes: 21 |
I figure you are gonna love that bike Kevin. I am jealous.
I try to aggravate one person a day. Today may be your day.
|
|
|
Re: New Indian Chief
|
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,623 Likes: 2
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,623 Likes: 2 |
Stop by next time you're up this way Ron, and we can go for a ride.
Kevin - Luceo Non Uro
|
|
|
Re: New Indian Chief
|
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2
Fe Butt
|
|
Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2 |
I too am now very envious of you Kevin...especially after reading the great write-up Motorcyclist magazine did in their latest issue about these new beauties!
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)
|
|
|
Re: New Indian Chief
|
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,623 Likes: 2
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,623 Likes: 2 |
Thanks Dwight! Just came across this video. It's reassuring that they're working on them! HERE
Kevin - Luceo Non Uro
|
|
|
Re: New Indian Chief
|
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,623 Likes: 2
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,623 Likes: 2 |
The winner of the 2014 Indian was announced on Indian's FB page today. It kind of stings that it was someone from NJ, but not me.  Congrats to the winner! "Congratulations goes out to Melissa R. from New Jersey on being the winner of our 2014 Indian Chief giveaway. Melissa told us she went to Indian Motorcycle of Northern New Jersey this summer to take a test ride and they told her she should enter to win. Turns out that was some great advice. Congrats again Melissa and thank you to everyone who entered to win."
Kevin - Luceo Non Uro
|
|
|
Re: New Indian Chief
|
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2
Fe Butt
|
|
Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2 |
Was in the Phoenix area last Saturday, Kevin, and so I figured I'd make a quick stop at the Scottsdale Victory Indian dealership down there to get my first glimpse of the new Chiefs, but unfortunately they still haven't taken delivery of any of 'em yet.
I DID however sign up to take a demo ride when Indian's demo truck stops by that dealership on Oct18-19.
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)
|
|
|
Re: New Indian Chief
|
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,689 Likes: 21
Monkey Butt
|
|
Monkey Butt
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,689 Likes: 21 |
They have some sort of delay going on. They are really good looking bikes!
I try to aggravate one person a day. Today may be your day.
|
|
|
Re: New Indian Chief
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,268 Likes: 15
Saddle Sore
|
|
Saddle Sore
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,268 Likes: 15 |
Quote:
The winner of the 2014 Indian was announced on Indian's FB page today.
It kind of stings that it was someone from NJ, but not me.
Congrats to the winner!
"Congratulations goes out to Melissa R. from New Jersey on being the winner of our 2014 Indian Chief giveaway.
Melissa told us she went to Indian Motorcycle of Northern New Jersey this summer to take a test ride and they told her she should enter to win. Turns out that was some great advice.
Congrats again Melissa and thank you to everyone who entered to win."
Interesting, we have a local radio station that's given an HD away every summer for the last ten years or so. I'm pretty sure the ladies have won 8 of them 
Congrats to Melissa, wonder if she has a mate
|
|
|
Re: New Indian Chief
|
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,623 Likes: 2
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,623 Likes: 2 |
Quote:
...
I DID however sign up to take a demo ride when Indian's demo truck stops by that dealership on Oct18-19.
Cool Dwight! Let us know what you think.
Kevin - Luceo Non Uro
|
|
|
Re: New Indian Chief
|
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,839 Likes: 3
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,839 Likes: 3 |
i think Indian messed up bad when they waited untill after hd released their 14's to release theirs?? if they wanted to really hit the ground running they would have beat hd to the punch?? jmho
ENJOY!!!!! NEWT!!!!!
|
|
|
Re: New Indian Chief
|
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,623 Likes: 2
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,623 Likes: 2 |
Quote:
i think Indian messed up bad when they waited untill after hd released their 14's to release theirs?? if they wanted to really hit the ground running they would have beat hd to the punch?? jmho
Based on everything I've heard and read, they can't build the new Indians fast enough to keep up with demand.
The dealers have not received their floor/demo models yet, and the customer pre-orders won't arrive until around October 1.
It'll be interesting to see how many are sold by year-end.
Kevin - Luceo Non Uro
|
|
|
Re: New Indian Chief
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,518 Likes: 31
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,518 Likes: 31 |
Quote:
Indian Vintage really gets me going. I love that look.
They are gonna sell a lot of bikes.
I think that combo looks pretty cool too. It's the headlght assembly I find is yuck.
Also, although I fully understand Polaris being conservative by replicating a 60 odd year-old design (looks-wise), I was hoping they would depart from this (yet another) reincarnation and come up with a modern design yet still yelling "Indian".
Not much real creativity there (although the engine does look a beaut).
If they did something like the "Spirit" that came out over a decade ago, I would go for one in my stable.
Bedouin.
Blessed are those eyes that have seen more roads than any man! (Homer).
|
|
|
Re: New Indian Chief
|
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2
Fe Butt
|
|
Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2 |
Yep T-Man, I agree. A stripped-down and lighter looking machine with foot pegs in a standard seating position and showcasing that great looking new engine should definitely be what Polaris should be concentrating upon as their next Indian model, and in order to broaden their appeal to those who's tastes don't run solely to the Cruiser category.
(...basically we're talkin' an "Indian Sportster" here)
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)
|
|
|
Re: New Indian Chief
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,518 Likes: 31
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,518 Likes: 31 |
Dwight, here's a somewhat radical game plan I would apply, were I Polaris.
It does however, require that there are no reliability issues with all upcoming Indian models over the next decade.
I would expand the Indian model range over 10 years (similar to what Triumph did) and gradually phase out several models from the Victory range.
Undoubtedly, in 10 years and provided there are no disasters, Indian will have become a mainstream brand directly competing with the likes of HD. We will also have forgotten it as a boutique brand.
We already know Polaris have the funds and engineering capability to achieve this so long as the model introductions are both creative and make sense.
Victory has been around long enough to have a faithful following so it could easily be turned into both a boutique brand with a "cult(ish)" image.
Indian has the heritage and Victory has enough history now to achieve both goals.
Victory owners would see an immediate increase in perceived value of their steeds (Satxron, SM05 you can thank me at any time you find convenient. :-) )
I know, I have a weird imagination.
Bedouin.
Blessed are those eyes that have seen more roads than any man! (Homer).
|
|
|
Re: New Indian Chief
|
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,060 Likes: 6
Worn Saddle
|
|
Worn Saddle
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,060 Likes: 6 |
A decent write-up in Cycle World. I've read a number of magazine/net reviews. None have mentioned excessive engine heat, which worries me, just before I buy one, just before I win the lottery, just before Aliens land and hand me the winning ticket.
Fidelis et Fortis
|
|
|
Re: New Indian Chief
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,518 Likes: 31
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,518 Likes: 31 |
Quote:
... just before I buy one, just before I win the lottery, just before Aliens land and hand me the winning ticket.
That's a lot of "just befores", Rich. What are the chances of there being excessive engine heat?
Bedouin.
Blessed are those eyes that have seen more roads than any man! (Homer).
|
|
|
Re: New Indian Chief
|
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,623 Likes: 2
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,623 Likes: 2 |
Quote:
Quote:
Indian Vintage really gets me going. I love that look.
They are gonna sell a lot of bikes.
I think that combo looks pretty cool too. It's the headlght assembly I find is yuck.
Also, although I fully understand Polaris being conservative by replicating a 60 odd year-old design (looks-wise), I was hoping they would depart from this (yet another) reincarnation and come up with a modern design yet still yelling "Indian".
Not much real creativity there (although the engine does look a beaut).
If they did something like the "Spirit" that came out over a decade ago, I would go for one in my stable.
Hey Bedouin, good to see you. It's been a while.
Word is that Indian is not going to rest on this current design and the future looks bright for different models going forward. Give it a few years.
Word it that at least 1,900 Indians have been ordered since the Sturgis reveal, as they can no longer promise a "numbered" bike between 1-1,901 ordered after September 17.
And I'm still waiting on mine to ship... any day now...
Kevin - Luceo Non Uro
|
|
|
Re: New Indian Chief
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,518 Likes: 31
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,518 Likes: 31 |
Quote:
... and the future looks bright for different models going forward.
Wow! That sounded like right out of a marketing book.
Are you sure you don't work for Polaris?
Just pulling your leg.
Yep, I'm also sure Polaris have a game plan for an extended model range, they would be stupid not to develop the brand.
Enjoy the new love affair ... blessed be the roads you travel.
Bedouin.
Blessed are those eyes that have seen more roads than any man! (Homer).
|
|
|
Re: New Indian Chief
|
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,623 Likes: 2
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,623 Likes: 2 |
Quote:
...
Are you sure you don't work for Polaris?
...
No, but I darn sure should be compensated for all my hard work!
Kevin - Luceo Non Uro
|
|
|
Re: New Indian Chief
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,518 Likes: 31
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,518 Likes: 31 |
Very true!
Bedouin.
Blessed are those eyes that have seen more roads than any man! (Homer).
|
|
|
Re: New Indian Chief
|
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,689 Likes: 21
Monkey Butt
|
|
Monkey Butt
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,689 Likes: 21 |
I talked yesterday to a dealer got a Blue Vintage in. Called just out of curiosity to see if it was for sale. He said its a display. He said it was one of the numbered bikes.
It is really hard not to buy one of these bikes. They are beautiful. Anyhow he said no, he has to have something for them to look so they can order them during Biketoberfest.
I try to aggravate one person a day. Today may be your day.
|
|
|
Re: New Indian Chief
|
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 688
Adjunct
|
|
Adjunct
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 688 |
Quote:
I talked yesterday to a dealer got a Blue Vintage in. Called just out of curiosity to see if it was for sale. He said its a display. He said it was one of the numbered bikes.
It is really hard not to buy one of these bikes. They are beautiful. Anyhow he said no, he has to have something for them to look so they can order them during Biketoberfest.
I saw every new Indian at the launch in Sturgis. I like the powertrain but not the style. Kind of like buying a brand new 1959 Cadillac but with a modern powertrain, which is cool if you're into huge, heavy cars with 50's tail fins and that's what the Indian's style is supposed to be. Now future Indian models might expand (think Bonneville & Sportster size and weight). With a 1000cc or so size version of the Thunder Stroke engine it could get very interesting!
Problem is not enough dealers and Indian knows it since they are offering $250 to fly a customer to the nearest dealer to buy a bike. The nearest dealer to Virginia Beach is 230 miles away, in the same distance there are 11 Triumph dealers and 110 Harley dealers. If you need it Indian is offering 2 years of towing coverage...up to 100 miles which does no good.
Well maybe in a few years Indian, or maybe Polaris will open expand the Victory line to a few "sporty" models.
2011 Triumph America (10/2011 to 07/2014)
2012 Harley Davidson 1200C Sportster
2014 Harley Davidson Dyna Wide Glide
|
|
|
Re: New Indian Chief
|
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,721 Likes: 5
Should be Riding
|
|
Should be Riding
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,721 Likes: 5 |
I'm looking forward to seeing what the Scout reincarnation will look like. I agree with you about the antiquated styling, but I still think it's a great looking bike and I really like the motor. Drop one in a smaller frame with less sheet metal and watch me 
Always remember to be yourself. Unless you suck. Then pretend to be someone else.
|
|
|
Re: New Indian Chief
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,630 Likes: 7
Monkey Butt
|
|
Monkey Butt
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,630 Likes: 7 |
The whole Bonneville series looks like old bikes. That's what attracted most of us to them in the first place. It's no surprise most of us like the old looking Indian too. 
We all like to think of ourselves as rugged individualists. But when push comes to shove most of us are sheep who do what we are told. Worst of all, a lot of us become unpaid agents of whoever is controlling the agenda by enforcing the current dogma on the few rugged individualists who actually exist.
|
|
|
Re: New Indian Chief
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,630 Likes: 7
Monkey Butt
|
|
Monkey Butt
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,630 Likes: 7 |
Quote:
I'm looking forward to seeing what the Scout reincarnation will look like. I agree with you about the antiquated styling, but I still think it's a great looking bike and I really like the motor. Drop one in a smaller frame with less sheet metal and watch me
I wonder if they'll come out with an updated papoose?
http://www.google.com/search?q=indian+mo...604&bih=868
We all like to think of ourselves as rugged individualists. But when push comes to shove most of us are sheep who do what we are told. Worst of all, a lot of us become unpaid agents of whoever is controlling the agenda by enforcing the current dogma on the few rugged individualists who actually exist.
|
|
|
Re: New Indian Chief
|
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,623 Likes: 2
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,623 Likes: 2 |
After a wait of about two months, my Indian Chief Vintage number 933 finally arrived and I took delivery today. I took the long way home strictly on secondary roads and had to cut it short only because the school buses came out. Initial impressions are very good. Throttle response is prompt, and the TQ starts immediately at low RPM. It idles at 800 RPM and has plenty of torque at 2K. It's hard to lug this engine, I really tried. The transmission is smooth, the stock pipes sound great. The front brake stops you on a dime and gives nine cents change. Leg room for a 6 foot 2 rider is pretty darn comfortable. The stock seat is simply as comfortable as you can get, and this is coming from a Vision rider. It fit me like a glove and I had no discomfort whatsoever. It felt like I could have ridden much, much longer. The suspension is excellent and really absorbs the road well. Fit and finish is excellent. I didn't ride it hard since it's in the break-in period, but it handles very well. Tomorrow, I'll try to drag a floorboard but it seems to have a lot of ground clearance. The Chief is a rolling work of art, and at a gas stop the attendant was wowed by it and pulled out his camera to take a pic. Not a bad start. If I don't go to work tomorrow you know what I'll be doing.  
Kevin - Luceo Non Uro
|
|
|
Re: New Indian Chief
|
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2
Fe Butt
|
|
Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2 |
You're sure to be getting a lot more people whippin' out their cellphones and taking pics of your gorgeous new motorcycle, Kevin.
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)
|
|
|
Re: New Indian Chief
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,268 Likes: 15
Saddle Sore
|
|
Saddle Sore
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,268 Likes: 15 |
Sweet, I was just thinking about you the other day and wondered if you had taken delivery and just kept on going down the road. She's a beaut! How is the weight, any issues, can you lift her off the stand without leaving your thingies on the ground?
|
|
|
Re: New Indian Chief
|
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,689 Likes: 21
Monkey Butt
|
|
Monkey Butt
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,689 Likes: 21 |
I still say it should winter in San Antonio just to keep it warm and safe.
Congrats on the new ride!
I try to aggravate one person a day. Today may be your day.
|
|
|
Re: New Indian Chief
|
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,623 Likes: 2
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,623 Likes: 2 |
Quote:
Sweet, I was just thinking about you the other day and wondered if you had taken delivery and just kept on going down the road. She's a beaut!
How is the weight, any issues, can you lift her off the stand without leaving your thingies on the ground?
Thanks for your nice comments all you guys.
Mike, it feels remarkably light for an 800+ pound machine. It's about the same weight as my Vision street but seems much lighter off the stand. I'm guessing the CG is much lower.
As you can see in the pics, the Indian is parked in the grass. There is NO WAY I could have ridden my Visions to the spot in front of that tree. The Indian handled it very well.
Kevin - Luceo Non Uro
|
|
|
Re: New Indian Chief
|
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,721 Likes: 5
Should be Riding
|
|
Should be Riding
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,721 Likes: 5 |
very nice, congrats!
Always remember to be yourself. Unless you suck. Then pretend to be someone else.
|
|
|
|
|
