 Re: New Indian Chief
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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 |
 Wish you luck with your new addition 
'04' Black America
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 Re: New Indian Chief
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Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,937
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,937 |
VERY NICE choice in leather there as well! I'd HAVE to have that leather on my BLUE one!  Enjoy! 
And you may see me tonight
With an illegal smile
J. Prine
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 Re: New Indian Chief
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Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,623 Likes: 2
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,623 Likes: 2 |
Quote:
VERY NICE choice in leather there as well!
I'd HAVE to have that leather on my BLUE one! 
Enjoy!
Thanks Erle. The Blue and tan leather does look sharp!
My dealer had a board with about 40 ordered Indians, including the 4 that have been delivered. The Vintage in Blue with the tan leather was more popular than the Vintage in Red with tan leather.
But the Chieftain with the fairing was more popular in red than the blue.
The lowest priced Indian Classic only had two orders out of the 40, the bulk were Chieftains, followed by the Vintage.
Kevin - Luceo Non Uro
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 Re: New Indian Chief
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Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 688
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 688 |
Quote:
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.
True. It just depends whether you like classic sports cars or classic Cadillacs.
2011 Triumph America (10/2011 to 07/2014)
2012 Harley Davidson 1200C Sportster
2014 Harley Davidson Dyna Wide Glide
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 Re: New Indian Chief
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Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 688
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 688 |
Congrats on the New Indian! Enjoy every mile and ride safe.
2011 Triumph America (10/2011 to 07/2014)
2012 Harley Davidson 1200C Sportster
2014 Harley Davidson Dyna Wide Glide
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 Re: New Indian Chief
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,518 Likes: 31
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,518 Likes: 31 |
Congrats on the new horse. She's a beaut! 
Bedouin.
Blessed are those eyes that have seen more roads than any man! (Homer).
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 Re: New Indian Chief
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Joined: May 2010
Posts: 5,720
Check Pants
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Check Pants
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 5,720 |
I would be afraid to ride it, I might put a scratch on it or something, Not.
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 Re: New Indian Chief
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Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,937
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,937 |
There's NOTHIN' like watchin' the reaction of an owner to the "First scratch/dent" on his new bike. 
And you may see me tonight
With an illegal smile
J. Prine
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 Re: New Indian Chief
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Joined: May 2013
Posts: 465
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 465 |
You I do not like now. Only cause I am so jealous.
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 Re: New Indian Chief
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2 |
Demo'ed a Vintage and a Classic yesterday down in the Phoenix area. Beautiful machines, and has been mentioned here, everything about them says quality and first-rate fit and finish. The engines are especially beautiful, except for possibly the oversized air-cleaner on the left side of the bike, as they're so large that they cover a little too much of that beauty of an engine on that side. They are EXTREMELY comfortable to ride, with a very solid and stable feel. And yes, surprisingly the lean-angle ground clearance is quite good, as they don't start scraping the floorboards nearly as early as any Big Twin Harleys I've ridden over the years. The motors are very smooth at every rev range and deliver huge amounts of torque right from off-idle. A couple of times I purposely left them in 3rd gear as I rolled to a stop and just to see how it would power off a start in that gear. No problem at all, and I didn't even have to slip the clutch while doing that. The first one I rode was a barely broken-in Vintage which I found to have a fairly "clunky" and somewhat hard to shift transmission(especially between 1st and 2nd gear), however the second bike I rode was a much more broken-in Classic, and its tranny was MUCH smoother to operate. And this second bike was also equipped with a Stage One performance chip, which allowed the engine a slightly higher red-line before hitting the rev-limiter, and it was much more fun to ride, as on the first bike I hit the rev-limiter about 3 or 4 times while riding that one. Overall, if I had about $20,000 to spend on a big retro-styled cruiser, I would place this new Indian on the top of my list. They're very impressive on many levels. (...job well done, Polaris!!!) 
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: New Indian Chief
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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 |
Good report Dwight. I really like that Vintage in blue.
I try to aggravate one person a day. Today may be your day.
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 Re: New Indian Chief
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Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,623 Likes: 2
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,623 Likes: 2 |
Quote:
Demo'ed a Vintage and a Classic yesterday down in the Phoenix area.
... (...job well done, Polaris!!!)
Nice review Dwight. My Vintage has almost 900 miles on it and is getting better. I finally dragged both floorboards a few weeks ago - it ain't that easy to do. That being said, the bike handles very well.
Interesting about starting it in 3rd gear. I have tried 2nd but not 3rd - yet! You would have to be w-a-y in the wrong gear to lug the engine.
If you guys get a chance to demo an Indian by all means do so, even if you don't plan to buy one. 
Kevin - Luceo Non Uro
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 Re: New Indian Chief
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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 |
brrrrr, cold up there now Kevin, you should let that baby winter down here in the sunshine. 
I try to aggravate one person a day. Today may be your day.
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 Re: New Indian Chief
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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 |
Dang all this talk just makes me want one even more. 
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: New Indian Chief
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Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,623 Likes: 2
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,623 Likes: 2 |
Quote:
brrrrr, cold up there now Kevin, you should let that baby winter down here in the sunshine.
Ron, I really forgot how cold it is on a bike with no fairing! The plug for my heated jacket liner will be here in 2 days! lol 
Kevin - Luceo Non Uro
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 Re: New Indian Chief
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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 |
Drat! He has a heater!  hmmm, thinking up plan D. Yep, they take a ton of cold wind. I remember naked bikes in Yankee land.
I try to aggravate one person a day. Today may be your day.
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 Re: New Indian Chief
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,060 Likes: 6
Worn Saddle
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Worn Saddle
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,060 Likes: 6 |
Quote:
Dang all this talk just makes me want one even more.
Yep, I've been thinking about how I would afford one in my idle moments. Jest ain't gonna happen. Darn shame.
Fidelis et Fortis
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 Re: New Indian Chief
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,518 Likes: 31
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,518 Likes: 31 |
Quote:
That red-tan combo looks quite beautiful. Not too sure about the blue-tan though. I'm thinking that the matching contrast of a black-tan combo would be superb. Droool!
Bedouin.
Blessed are those eyes that have seen more roads than any man! (Homer).
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 Re: New Indian Chief
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,821
Bar Shake
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OP
Bar Shake
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,821 |
Quote:
Dang all this talk just makes me want one even more.
Me too. The wife's car will be paid for sometime in '14.
Contra todo mal, mezcal; contra todo bien, también
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 Re: New Indian Chief
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Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,623 Likes: 2
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,623 Likes: 2 |
Quote:
That red-tan combo looks quite beautiful. Not too sure about the blue-tan though. I'm thinking that the matching contrast of a black-tan combo would be superb. Droool!
Thanks, we liked the traditional Indian red color.
I don't have any hard statistics but the Blue Vintage with the tan leather was maybe more popular than the red so far. I haven't seen many Vintages in black yet. I'll look for a pic...
Kevin - Luceo Non Uro
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 Re: New Indian Chief
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2 |
There was a Vintage in black at the demo ride I attended, and yeah, of the Vintage models with the tans bags, I was a little more drawn to that one. My personal favorite was the red Classic(sans bags) with the black seat.
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: New Indian Chief
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Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,623 Likes: 2
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,623 Likes: 2 |
Quote:
There was a Vintage in black at the demo ride I attended, and yeah, of the Vintage models with the tans bags, I was a little more drawn to that one. My personal favorite was the red Classic(sans bags) with the black seat.
Strangely Dwight, the lowest-priced Classic is the worst seller - by a long shot.
Here is a black Vintage photo for Bedouin... 
Kevin - Luceo Non Uro
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 Re: New Indian Chief
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2 |
Well, ya KNOW Kevin, the red Classics are the faster ones! (...especially with the Stage One performance chip installed like the second bike I rode) 
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: New Indian Chief
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,630 Likes: 7
Monkey Butt
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Monkey Butt
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,630 Likes: 7 |
A pearl or cream color would look really good with those bags as well.
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.
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 Re: New Indian Chief
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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 |
I like the blue too though. 
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 Re: New Indian Chief
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,268 Likes: 15
Saddle Sore
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Saddle Sore
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,268 Likes: 15 |
Quote:
Quote:
There was a Vintage in black at the demo ride I attended, and yeah, of the Vintage models with the tans bags, I was a little more drawn to that one. My personal favorite was the red Classic(sans bags) with the black seat.
Strangely Dwight, the lowest-priced Classic is the worst seller - by a long shot.
Here is a black Vintage photo for Bedouin...
Nice, two gems in the same garage 
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 Re: New Indian Chief
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,518 Likes: 31
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,518 Likes: 31 |
Bedouin.
Blessed are those eyes that have seen more roads than any man! (Homer).
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 Re: New Indian Chief
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,518 Likes: 31
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,518 Likes: 31 |
I haven't checked or perhaps don't remember ... do these bikes come with ABS?
Bedouin.
Blessed are those eyes that have seen more roads than any man! (Homer).
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 Re: New Indian Chief
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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 |
Yes, all Indians come with ABS and I believe all have keyless ignition. Now that I look at both by scrolling up and down. Yep, the black one is better looking. But I am also prejudice with a black Victory.
I try to aggravate one person a day. Today may be your day.
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 Re: New Indian Chief
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,518 Likes: 31
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,518 Likes: 31 |
Quote:
Now that I look at both by scrolling up and down. Yep, the black one is better looking.
Hey! Lay off my black Indian! 
Bedouin.
Blessed are those eyes that have seen more roads than any man! (Homer).
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 Re: New Indian Chief
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Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,623 Likes: 2
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,623 Likes: 2 |
I'm not a big fan of the Chieftain model with the fairing, although it is selling like hotcakes. The Chieftain in black, with the war bonnet tank logo is very, very sharp. Last night I took the saddlebags off my Vintage to clean the fenders. Wow... it's a whole different look, in a very good way. 
Kevin - Luceo Non Uro
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 Re: New Indian Chief
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,268 Likes: 15
Saddle Sore
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Saddle Sore
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,268 Likes: 15 |
Just looking at the black vintage, I think it would look very sharp with the tan seats, no fringe and the black hard bags. One mans opinion 
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 Re: New Indian Chief
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Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,623 Likes: 2
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,623 Likes: 2 |
Quote:
Just looking at the black vintage, I think it would look very sharp with the tan seats, no fringe and the black hard bags. One mans opinion
Mike, how's this? This is the Chieftain. Again, I'm not a fan of this fairing but it's very popular. This guy dresed it up with the tan seat.
The fringe is easily removable on the seat - the miracle of Velcro! lol

Last edited by Speedmaster05; 11/21/2013 5:45 PM.
Kevin - Luceo Non Uro
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 Re: New Indian Chief
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,268 Likes: 15
Saddle Sore
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Saddle Sore
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,268 Likes: 15 |
Wow that's a huge pic, but yes I like it  I also see why the tank looks a bit smallish, gotta make room for the fairing. Lot's of frame area showing in front of the tank. Same thing folks are complaining about the Tb Commander and LT. I had a chance to see both of the birds in Atlanta, gotta say the neck frame is gaudy, saw the same look on a big Kawasaki.
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 Re: New Indian Chief
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Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,623 Likes: 2
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,623 Likes: 2 |
Mike, I heard some other guys complaining about the tank and neck area. I don't notice it so much because some of the Victory bikes are/were somewhat like that. When you twist the wick on the Indian, you'll forget all about it. 
Kevin - Luceo Non Uro
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 Re: New Indian Chief
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2 |
Speaking of paint colors...When I first heard these new Indians would be available in blue, instead of the darker blue, I thought the color would be a lighter "Seafoam Blue"(very similar to the 2003 Triumph America "Caspian Blue" color) and which was a reasonably popular alternative color to the classic Indian Red on many postwar Indians Chiefs with their valenced fenders, and which of course Polaris used as their primary inspiration for these new Indians.
(...and personally, I think the tan seats and bags on THAT color of blue would "work" and "compliment" each other MUCH better than the darker blue Polaris ended up using)
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: New Indian Chief
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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 |
Kevin, save this one and upload it. The one you put is a tad big. 
I try to aggravate one person a day. Today may be your day.
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 Re: New Indian Chief
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Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,623 Likes: 2
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,623 Likes: 2 |
Thanks Ron, sometimes less is more better!
The blue used on the 2014 Indians is called Springfield Blue, which was the color of the very first Indians made in 1901.
The Indian Red used this year is close to the traditional red that became Indian's "trademark" color around 1904.
For years, I decided that if/when I got an Indian, it would be the traditional "Indian" red.
Kevin - Luceo Non Uro
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 Re: New Indian Chief
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2 |
Quote:
The blue used on the 2014 Indians is called Springfield Blue, which was the color of the very first Indians made in 1901.
Yep Kevin, I had heard Polaris decided on the darker blue because it best resembled the color on the earliest of Indians.
However, and as I previously stated, because these new Indians are much more an update of the valenced-fendered postwar Chiefs and not those earliest of Indians, that would be why I think it would have been better for these new ones to have come in the lighter color blue just as the postwar Indians did, and besides once again my thought that the light blue compliments the tan seat and bags better than does the darker blue.
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: New Indian Chief
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Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,623 Likes: 2
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,623 Likes: 2 |
Quote:
... However, and as I previously stated, because these new Indians are much more an update of the valenced-fendered postwar Chiefs and not those earliest of Indians, that would be why I think it would have been better for these new ones to have come in the lighter color blue just as the postwar Indians did, and besides once again my thought that the light blue compliments the tan seat and bags better than does the darker blue.
There have been all kinds of objections from Kings Mountain and Gilroy Indian owners (and other folks in general) that no pastel or 2-tone paint options were offered.
All I can offer is the oft-repeated refrain of old Brooklyn Dodgers fans: WAIT TILL NEXT YEAR! 
Kevin - Luceo Non Uro
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