 Re: New Indian Chief
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Joined: Feb 2005
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Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2005
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Quote:
All I can offer is the oft-repeated refrain of old Brooklyn Dodgers fans: WAIT TILL NEXT YEAR!  
Well Kevin, as an old Los Angeles Dodger fan myself, and after what Dave's Cardinals did to 'em in the NLCS this year, I don't think you needed to qualify that statement of yours here by specifying the city of "Brooklyn"!!!) 
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
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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FYI, for those of you keeping score, here is a very limited sample size unscientific analysis of model and color:
Stats:
Totals by Model
Chieftain 55 55.56%
Vintage 32 32.32%
Classic 12 12.12%
Totals by Color
Red 35 35.35%
Black 32 32.32%
Blue 27 27.27%
Chieftain Stats:
Red 18 32.73%
Black 18 32.73%
Blue 15 27.27%
Vintage Stats:
Red 13 40.63%
Black 10 31.25%
Blue 9 28.13%
Classic Stats:
Red 4 33.33%
Black 4 33.33%
Blue 3 25.00%
Last edited by Speedmaster05; 11/22/2013 8:01 AM.
Kevin - Luceo Non Uro
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Re: New Indian Chief
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Joined: Feb 2005
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Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
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Btw, one more thing I forgot to mention in my little demo test review was that I noticed for a large Cruiser of over 800lb they felt very well balanced and surprising easy to lift off their side-stands after I threw my leg over 'em, as their weight seems to be nicely distributed down low.
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
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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Quote:
Btw, one more thing I forgot to mention in my little demo test review was that I noticed for a large Cruiser of over 800lb they felt very well balanced and surprising easy to lift off their side-stands after I threw my leg over 'em, as their weight seems to be nicely distributed down low.
Dwight, the Indian weighs about the same as my Vision street but feels much lighter.
I agree, the COG must be very low.
Kevin - Luceo Non Uro
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Re: New Indian Chief
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Joined: Aug 2007
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Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Aug 2007
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Quote:
Quote:
All I can offer is the oft-repeated refrain of old Brooklyn Dodgers fans: WAIT TILL NEXT YEAR!
Well Kevin, as an old Los Angeles Dodger fan myself, and after what Dave's Cardinals did to 'em in the NLCS this year, I don't think you needed to qualify that statement of yours here by specifying the city of "Brooklyn"!!!)
"wait til next year" is already the official motto of the Chicago Cubs
Always remember to be yourself. Unless you suck. Then pretend to be someone else.
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Re: New Indian Chief
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Joined: Apr 2006
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
All I can offer is the oft-repeated refrain of old Brooklyn Dodgers fans: WAIT TILL NEXT YEAR!
Well Kevin, as an old Los Angeles Dodger fan myself, and after what Dave's Cardinals did to 'em in the NLCS this year, I don't think you needed to qualify that statement of yours here by specifying the city of "Brooklyn"!!!)
"wait til next year" is already the official motto of the Chicago Cubs
...and has been for over a century!
No matter, Wrigley Field is such a GREAT place to see a baseball game. 
Kevin - Luceo Non Uro
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Re: New Indian Chief
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Joined: Aug 2007
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Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
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I agree, finally made it there this summer and loved it! Baseball the way it's supposed to be right there!
Always remember to be yourself. Unless you suck. Then pretend to be someone else.
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Re: New Indian Chief
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Joined: Apr 2006
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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Kevin - Luceo Non Uro
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Re: New Indian Chief
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Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 59
Member
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Member
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My amazing wife just got me a brand new Chief while I was away on deployment, and made Chief in the Navy. I love the bike, it is well balanced and powerful, plus it is one of the numbered bikes and the first one sold in Hawaii. My speedmaster was sold to a close friend and is his nice bike now that he has learned to ride. I will make sure he knows to come here for the wealth of info and kindhearted advice.
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Re: New Indian Chief
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Joined: Feb 2005
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Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
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Wow, Leonard! Congrats all around here! On not ONLY having a great wife who's generous and thoughtful and knows good machinery(you might have seen my positive review of the new Indians in this thread), but also on your promotion. (...and, thank you for your service)
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 2007
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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Triple Play;
1. Amazing wife,
2. New Chief,
3. New Chief.
WINNING!
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Re: New Indian Chief
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Joined: Apr 2006
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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Quote:
My amazing wife just got me a brand new Chief while I was away on deployment, and made Chief in the Navy. I love the bike, it is well balanced and powerful, plus it is one of the numbered bikes and the first one sold in Hawaii. My speedmaster was sold to a close friend and is his nice bike now that he has learned to ride. I will make sure he knows to come here for the wealth of info and kindhearted advice.
Congratulations ALL AROUND. And thank you for your service!
Kevin - Luceo Non Uro
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Re: New Indian Chief
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Bar Shake
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Bar Shake
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I guess the Indians are selling like hotcakes here. The dealer has sold around 38 and it's the middle of winter with a high of 19 this week. 
"Catching a yellow jacket in your shirt at seventy miles per hour can double your vocabulary" Author unknown
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Re: New Indian Chief
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Saddle Sore
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Saddle Sore
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Quote:
I guess the Indians are selling like hotcakes here. The dealer has sold around 38 and it's the middle of winter with a high of 19 this week.
Wowzer, that's impressive
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Re: New Indian Chief
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Bar Shake
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Bar Shake
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Yeah there's a guy I know looking really hard at them. I won't mention any names but he rides a Black Dyna Glide sport and he purportedly hangs with Triumph guys. 
"Catching a yellow jacket in your shirt at seventy miles per hour can double your vocabulary" Author unknown
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Re: New Indian Chief
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Joined: Apr 2006
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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Quote:
I guess the Indians are selling like hotcakes here. The dealer has sold around 38 and it's the middle of winter with a high of 19 this week.
My dealer has sold somewhere between 50-75, it's hard to keep up. Since we're in the dead of a very miserable winter things have slowed down quite a bit. 
Kevin - Luceo Non Uro
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Re: New Indian Chief
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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I recently watched a video on youtube which very convincingly demonstrated the superiority on several levels of the Victory engines over the Harley ones.
Other than obvious cosmetic differences, would the Indian engines be based on the same design?
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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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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Quote:
Thanassis I'm no motor head ...
Ahaha! That kind of makes two of us.
The immediate difference I see from the second video you posted is that the Indian has pushrods whereas the Victory overhead cams.
I was impressed by the Victory video I saw where their engines overshadow Harley by far.
I am sure that they have applied the same smart concepts and quality in the Indian engines, albeit a different design philosophy.
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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Monkey Butt
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Monkey Butt
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That is correct, there are no pushrods in the Victory. The Thunderstroke is more like a Harley with the pushrods and two valve per cylinder motor.
If I could just figure a way to break my unbreakable Victory I would buy the Chief Vintage. I think they are beautiful.
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
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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Quote:
That is correct, there are no pushrods in the Victory. The Thunderstroke is more like a Harley with the pushrods and two valve per cylinder motor.
If I could just figure a way to break my unbreakable Victory I would buy the Chief Vintage. I think they are beautiful.
The real-world performance of the Victory and Indian engines is slightly different.
The Victory engine has great torque and HP numbers for a cruiser, very similar specs to the Triumph Thunderbird.
The Indian engine is a torque monster. It delivers a lot of torque, especially at low RPMs. HP isn't as high as the Victory, but you don't seem to miss it. 
Kevin - Luceo Non Uro
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Re: New Indian Chief
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Bar Shake
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Bar Shake
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I'm going to test ride one next month when the dealer is going to offer some kind of demonstration day. My riding buddy said he sat on one and got to start it up and the engine was smooth, unlike a Harley. He said the quality of the chrome and paint is excellent with very little plastic.
"Catching a yellow jacket in your shirt at seventy miles per hour can double your vocabulary" Author unknown
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Re: New Indian Chief
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Joined: Feb 2008
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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When Polaris (err, Indian) makes a Scout version, I'll be much more motivated to test one.
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Re: New Indian Chief
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Joined: Apr 2006
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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Quote:
When Polaris (err, Indian) makes a Scout version, I'll be much more motivated to test one.
The word is that the Scout is coming. When is another question.
Kevin - Luceo Non Uro
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Re: New Indian Chief
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Saddle Sore
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Saddle Sore
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Well dang that didn't take long. 2014 Indian Trike 
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Re: New Indian Chief
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Joined: Aug 2007
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Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Aug 2007
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well that looks like poop 
Always remember to be yourself. Unless you suck. Then pretend to be someone else.
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Re: New Indian Chief
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Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
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I don't know, I am not a trike fan but I don't think that's bad looking for a trike. I like the old naked flathead servicars.
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: New Indian Chief
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Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 2,212
Oil Expert
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Oil Expert
Joined: Jul 2011
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Quote:
I don't know, I am not a trike fan but I don't think that's bad looking for a trike. I like the old naked flathead servicars.
ditto! i know why they make them but, its still not a bike to me.
2007 Speedmaster and miss it!
2013 T-Bird Storm and Luvin it!
Catching a yellow jacket in your shirt at 70 mph can double your vocabulary
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Re: New Indian Chief
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Joined: Apr 2006
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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Quote:
Well dang that didn't take long. 2014 Indian Trike
I've seen a few new Spirit Lake Indian trikes, and this is the best one so far - which may not say much. I was surprised they didn't put a trunk on this one.
I've also seen some sidecar rigs for the new Indians that have piqued my interest. Maybe someday...
Kevin - Luceo Non Uro
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Re: New Indian Chief
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Oil Expert
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Oil Expert
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I rode the new Classic yesterday. Less than 20 miles, group demo ride, I'm guessing 12-16 bikes in the group.
It got a great review in the current Cycle World comparison with the M-G California (also a good review, but for plastic fenders), and the H-D Softail (who in their right mind?), so with the demo truck in town, and me being a sucker for a free ride on anything on two wheels, I went for it.
Hard to make use of a sixth gear, even at 70 mph, in Houston traffic. Honestly, I never could tell one gear from another unless I was in first. I don't know how they engineered that to where you can't realize any real engine braking (unless that's just what happens when you ask a motor to slow an 800 lb. motorcycle!). My right thumb & index finger went numb 1/2 way into the ride, at road speed. Vibration, even though I do admit the engine felt pretty smooth. The bars felt a little high for my taste, and I appreciate more my drag bar and lower hand height riding position of my SM. Not clips ons by any means, but at least I'm forward leaning, not so upright.
I got it out of my system. I wish Indian well, and do believe that motor is going to keep them around this time. As long as you like Red, Blue, or Black. I think side by side, or riding them back to back, the new T-Bird Commander is going to blow it away, though, in looks and performance.
Keyless start is nice, though. Just push a button.
Keith
Houston
Ridin'Texas
'04 Speedmaster
AI removed, Pingle, UNI Filter, 1 shim, straight-through slash-cut TORs, Stage 1 DynaJet, 140 mains, 3 turns, 16/42 final drive, 115K
2020 T120 Black
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Re: New Indian Chief
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Joined: Feb 2008
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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Quote:
...I don't know how they engineered that to where you can't realize any real engine braking (unless that's just what happens when you ask a motor to slow an 800 lb. motorcycle!)...
Could be a big-arse, heavy flywheel more so than vehicle weight.
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Re: New Indian Chief
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Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,026
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,026 |
The T Bird Commander is no where as nice as any of the Indians. The Storm(especially if it has the Commander's back fender) is stylistically nice, but Indian is flat out better than all the big displacement Triumphs.
Our Liberties We Prize and Our Rights We Will Maintain
If a nation expects to be ignorant and free, in a state of civilization, it expects what never was and will never be.----Thomas Jefferson
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Re: New Indian Chief
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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I have no issues using engine braking on my Indian to slow the bike.
To me, first gear is of more use when downshifting than starting out. You can easily leave from a dead stop in second gear.
That being said, the brakes on the Indian are excellent.
Kevin - Luceo Non Uro
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Re: New Indian Chief
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,240
Oil Expert
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Oil Expert
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Quote:
The T Bird Commander is no where as nice as any of the Indians. The Storm(especially if it has the Commander's back fender) is stylistically nice, but Indian is flat out better than all the big displacement Triumphs.
Of course I haven't actually seen a new Commander yet, but to make a broad flat-out statement like that offends my intelligence.
That sounds like something a knuckle-headed bar-hopping Sportster rider might say about any other brand than H-D.
I'm sure the new Indians, and Victory's are fine machines. But to say the new Triumph is "no where near as nice"? That's pretty subjective....
Show a few pics around, of the new Commander (or the new LT), and the new Indians...not everyone is living in the past...see who likes what.
Keith
Houston
Ridin'Texas
'04 Speedmaster
AI removed, Pingle, UNI Filter, 1 shim, straight-through slash-cut TORs, Stage 1 DynaJet, 140 mains, 3 turns, 16/42 final drive, 115K
2020 T120 Black
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Re: New Indian Chief
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Bar Shake
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Bar Shake
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I went to the Indian demo day yesterday. I have to say the new Indians are pretty cool. Rode a Vintage Chief and a Chieftan. I liked the Chieftan the best. It was nice not having to look down at the gauges. The radio and adjustable windshield were fun to mess with. The engine is so much smoother than the old ones and very powerful. More grunt than my T-bird 1600. The transmission was a little clunky but overall a nice bike. The gas tank is about 5.5 gallons but does not look as fat as the one on my bird. It is a big bike and there is no way I could pick it up if dropped. The price on the Chieftan I rode was $23,400. Polaris did a good job.
"Catching a yellow jacket in your shirt at seventy miles per hour can double your vocabulary" Author unknown
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Re: New Indian Chief
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Joined: Apr 2006
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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Nice review Paul. I still don't "get" the Chieftain, but it is a huge seller. Most everyone seems to like them. My NJ dealer has told us they have sold 169 new Indians since October. That's crazy!
Kevin - Luceo Non Uro
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Re: New Indian Chief
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Monkey Butt
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Monkey Butt
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The Vintage is simply beautiful. I really like them.
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
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3/4 Throttle
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3/4 Throttle
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Yeah I really enjoyed the Chieftain as well,its one hell of a ride.The Classic and Vintage are nice rides as well.I ended up riding them about 5 times over and could not get enough.The black chieftain with the stage 1 pipes and speakers in the hard bags was my favorite.
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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:
Nice review Paul.
I still don't "get" the Chieftain, but it is a huge seller. Most everyone seems to like them.
My NJ dealer has told us they have sold 169 new Indians since October. That's crazy!
With so few dealers each one should (better be) be moving a few bikes. There are no Indian dealers in Virginia the closest to my house is 160 miles away.
But the brand has launched well, from Polaris Q4 report:
Quote:
Motorcycle division sales, which include both Victory and Indian motorcycles, increased 94 percent in the 2013 fourth quarter to $68.8 million due to the initial shipments of the new model year 2014 Indian motorcycles. Consumer retail demand for the Polaris motorcycle division was up over 100 percent with strong initial retail sales for the three all-new 2014 Indian Chief models and continued strong demand for Victory motorcycles with retail sales up in the mid-single digits percent range in North America. Fourth quarter North American industry heavyweight cruiser and touring motorcycle retail sales were up low-teens percent over 2012, driven by an unprecedented number of new product introductions in 2013, which includes three new Indian Motorcycle models. The Indian Motorcycle re-launch plan continued during the 2013 fourth quarter as an increasing number of dealers began retailing the brand new motorcycles, production volume accelerated at the Spirit Lake, Iowa manufacturing facility and aggressive marketing generated exceptional exposure and attention for the brand. Indian Motorcycle is building momentum in its quest to re-establish the brand’s legacy in the motorcycle industry. Sales of Polaris motorcycles outside of North America increased 52 percent in the fourth quarter of 2013 as compared to a year ago. For the full year 2013, Polaris motorcycle sales increased 12 percent compared to the prior year.
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
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Quote:
Quote:
The T Bird Commander is no where as nice as any of the Indians. The Storm(especially if it has the Commander's back fender) is stylistically nice, but Indian is flat out better than all the big displacement Triumphs.
Of course I haven't actually seen a new Commander yet, but to make a broad flat-out statement like that offends my intelligence.
That sounds like something a knuckle-headed bar-hopping Sportster rider might say about any other brand than H-D.
I'm sure the new Indians, and Victory's are fine machines. But to say the new Triumph is "no where near as nice"? That's pretty subjective....
Show a few pics around, of the new Commander (or the new LT), and the new Indians...not everyone is living in the past...see who likes what.
It's been my experience Harley owners like Triumphs better than Indian riders.
2011 Triumph America (10/2011 to 07/2014)
2012 Harley Davidson 1200C Sportster
2014 Harley Davidson Dyna Wide Glide
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