Late-model Indian News – 1999 to Now
This page is for all the news on Indian motorcycles from 2009 till 2015 & any Gilroy or Kings Mountain models 1999/2008. All other news will be on Stop Press as usual. Please note: The opinions expressed by the webmaster are not necessarily the view of all in IIRA.
Click on the Facebook logo to be redirected to our page.
Joining Has Never Been So Easy
Announcing Indian Motorcycles’ Custom “Black Hills Beast”
Indian Motorcycle revealed the “Black Hills Beast,” built by Doug Siddens and Nick Jaquez of IndianMotorcycles.net in Sturgis to a strong reception. The Black Hills Beast, based on a new 2015 Indian Scout, was customized to emulate the purpose built nature of historic hill climb motorcycles.
Transforming the look of the Scout started relatively easily with the addition of several new Indian Motorcycle accessories including the 1920 Solo Saddle Seat and a set of the accessory laced wheels. Custom details that set the bike apart include an elongated custom swingarm, custom handlebar, custom radiator shroud and front number plate with an LED headlight. The 100+ horsepower of muscle in the Scout powerplant chewed up the earth via a custom tire chain designed for maximum grip when charging up a hill.
“Building a hill climber seemed easy enough, but it posed some unique challenges,” Says Doug Siddens of IndianMotorcycles.net. “Enthusiasts know what a hill climber looks like – so some of the mods were logical – but scaling them to fit the new Scout was the key and took a lot of work and planning. We are very proud of the result and the reception that the bike got at such an important Sturgis milestone, the 75th anniversary. ”
“We settled in on a design quickly,” adds Nick Jaquez of IndianMotorcycles.net “But none of it would have worked without the assistance of our suppliers and partners in this build. We cranked on it for a month andtossed out a few bits along the way – I do feel like we delivered one hell of a machine – and it was a blast getting it dirty too!”
Additional support for the Indian Scout Black Hills Beast came from Aeromach (Floorboards and heel shifter), Dobeck Performance (Engine tuning), Fox Shocks (Suspension), RPW USA (Exhaust), Starr Studios (Paint), Ricochet Customs (Powder coating), BTR Moto (Swingarm and tire chain), Zippers performance (Chain Drive Conversion) and Traxxion Dynamics (Front Suspension).
Indian Motorcycle will continue to play with this gritty work of art through upcoming celebrations of custom Scout motorcycles, as part of the Scout Custom Series launched last year with the Wall of Death Scout, and now including the USO Scout and the Black Bullet Scout inspired by land speed racing. For a new video featuring the Black Hills Beast, visit https://youtu.be/eufOfECTG30.Indian Motorcycle Australia- Scout Black Hills Beast Custom
Zorro’s are pleased to announce their appointment as Ikon Suspension dealer. Of particular note is the availability of a suspension package front and rear to fit the new Indian Scout. This upgrade gives a massive improvement over the standard equipment fitted in terms of performance and durability.
As a special offer both the Ikon front and rear suspension upgrades for the Indian Scout will be available as a package for $799.95 plus $24.95 shipped Australia wide. Until end of Nov 2015 Suggestedretail is $899.95
contact Mark at Zorro’s for further details 0433 106669 or www.zorros.net.au
Zorro’s
PO Box 5118
Mordialloc VIC 3195
F: +61 (0) 3 9012 4139
2016 Indian line-up is close
With Sturgis only weeks away 29th June the 2016 Range is due to be announced, the new Scout series will be one of the first on offer with radical changes due to happen as promised this current model is a platform for the new Scout Custom Series. I get the feeling all the current Scout Owners will be slightly annoyed as Polaris Australia release some of the pre-ordered versions next week, nothing like having a new model for less than a month!
Our supporter & advertiser All American Motorcycles have been just appointed servicing agents for Indian & Victory good on you Rick
Victory and Indian Motorcycle Australia Press Release – All American Motorcycles
Click on the Image above for the news about Indian’s new on-line shop.
IND_150115_ScoutsFirstRun200(click on this link to see whats on offer in USA)
Saddlebag Mounting system for Indian Chief/ Chieftan/Roadmaster 2014 up Scout/ Spirit
A truly removable motorcycle saddlebags system, perfect for installing and removing saddlebags in seconds. They provide safety and security with models for most US and import cruisers. The bracket set is simple to install. Remove the 2 rear fender mounting bolts and replace with the supplied hardware and mounting spools. They do not require the use of saddlebag support brackets. Brackets are all metal construction with black powder coating for strength and durability. All hardware for mounting is provided. Please note, when you purchase a set of our mounting brackets, the kit includes both the left and right side brackets and all required mounting hardware. Any saddlebag can be used by simply bolting to the bracket set with the bolts provided. When the saddlebags are removed all that shows is the mounting spools much like the original Indian system.
We recommend our all American leather saddlebags that have been designed with Indian heritage in mind but modernised for use on later bikes with an aluminium rear panel and a redesign for extra space.
ref 2014 Indian chief please sepcifiy in the notes field on the order is sissy bar is fitted so we can send the correct bolts. $299.95 pr
We can also supply bracket set and saddlebags for the original S and S Gilroy models Chiefs please email sales@zorros.net.au
Tell me no promises and I will give you no lies
The site below shows that there will be disappointment from both customers and dealers
www.motosport.net.au/all-new-indian-scout
So whats a 3 wheel car doing here?
Good question and one that Polaris is starting to realize, this is supposed to be a motorcycle, except its got the passenger beside the driver and its got a steering wheel it is having problems even in its home country and as far as Aussie it wont pass crash tests as a car which is what it really is. Keep working on the Gold Wing killing Indian 4 chaps and dont waste time on stuff that won”t sell, meanwhile who has so much money after spending $28,500 on a new Chief and stuffing it around like this?
Indian Scout the chief of Indian (click on link)
2015 Accessory price list just released 02/12/14
Indian Motorcycle Accessory List Flyer_Australia
A really good article on the Scout from a womens point of view
Attached is the latest review. This one is from Cycle World, (Click on picture)
Knocking Down the Miles Another good review of 2015 Scout
—
The current Lord Mayor of Melbourne Robert Doyle showing his support for the Men’s Prostate Cancer raffle of a new Chief Vintage sponsered by Indian Australia
06/09/14
Scout 2015 production starting
01/09/14
2015 Scout riders Manual
31/08/14
This is from the National Motorcycle Museum, Anamosa, Iowa, USA
Featured Entrepreneur – Wayne Baughman, Creator of the Century Chief
If you were reading motorcycle magazines back in the 1990?s, before the internet was widespread, you may have read of a couple of efforts to “revive” the Indian motorcycle. In that time-frame, Triumph and Henderson came back as well, though like the Indian revival efforts, there was no relationship to the original owners of the Henderson or Triumph brands. These entrepreneurs felt it better to start a motorcycle company using a known brand name and styling cues, rather than starting from scratch as did Hesketh, Britten, Buell and others.
Wayne Baughman was an industrious guy who, about 1994 decided he should make the next great American motorcycle. He wanted it to look like an Indian, but employ current technology. And he skirted getting rights to the Indian trademark, just made his bikes look like classic Chiefs. As his story developed, Baughman also claimed he would be strong competition for Harley-Davidson, the sole surviving American motorcycle brand, promising to manufacture as many as 100,000 Century Chiefs a year. And this was in a time when even the well established Harley-Davidson was selling only a little over 100,000 units, making $1.1 Billion dollars in motorcycle sales alone, and another $1M in licensed apparel, etc. Baughman was making a very optimistic promise to investors, dealers, and motorcycle enthusiasts.
The industrious Baughman gathered the press, showed his running prototype, and got plenty of ink in magazines world-wide. And his timing was pretty good as baby boomers were nearing 50, had disposable income and were maybe jonesing for something more interesting than a Gold Wing or BMW, and looking for an alternative to Harley-Davidsons. But after about 10 years ownership by Vaughn Beals and Willie G along with other “real” motorcycle guys, Harley-Davidsons were back to being very good motorcycles and would be tough competition for Wayne Baughman’s plan to steal or build market share.
Baughman promised a lot to journalists, readers and motorcycle dealers. But in the end he did not get beyond a couple of prototypes and many would say a lot of smoke and mirrors. While borrowing a lot from the classic 1950?s Chief, the new Century Chiefs had a bright and seriously edgy billet look where smoother classic castings would have been more pleasing. And the bikes lacked the Indian moniker on the fuel tank; Baughman avoided the hassle of getting Indian trademark rights.
In the end Baughman failed to deliver. He was very under-capitalized and had not established a dealer network, also failings of the Hanlon brothers and their new and short lived “Henderson” just a few years later. In the end, one Baughman Century Chief prototype disappeared with the dissolving of the California Motorcycle Company and their liquidation around 2003. The other is in perfect condition and is on display in the National Motorcycle Museum. Rarely has one motorcycle had so much to say!
The next chapter in the Indian story began about 1998 in Gilroy California with the newly formed Indian Motorcycle Company of America. This group was awarded the Indian trademark rights by a Colorado court in 1998. Though several thousand motorcycles were manufactured and sold, technical problems, distribution, the use of a typical S&S engine and the lack of true Indian uniqueness conspired to cause production to end in 2003.
But the power of the Indian trademark, its heritage, the motorcycle styling image it brings up in tens of thousands of people world wide, caused the British firm, Stellican to again work for its revival. Of all the attempts since 1953, Stellican’s was the most impressive and first offered motorcycles in 2006. The designers played the classic Chief styling very well, used their own engine, dressed the machines with plenty of tasteful chrome. Though expensive, they sold fairly well, and were technically very good motorcycles.
Someday we may learn just how long Polaris Industries was interested in the Indian trademark. They began selling Victories in 1998 so must have been watching Baughman, the Gilroy Indian concern and Stellican’s efforts, perhaps waiting for the right moment. Clear ownership of the trademark was a concern. It’s also been noted that each successive owner of the Indian trademark might be subject to liability lawsuits and warranty claims related to motorcycles they had no part in manufacturing! There is no doubt Polaris has worked hard for trademark rights and continues to. Much like Harley-Davidson has been judiciously following mandates of the United States Patent and Trademark Office to protect their marque, we now see Polaris doing the same with Indian. Small concerns that have made a wide range of parts, accessories and apparel over the years are now subject to scrutiny. Some will sign up with Polaris as official licensees, some will stop making product displaying the Indian trademark.
Most agree the Indian trademark is finally in the hands of a company that will continue to make new Indians that pay tribute to the original legendary machines. Some suspect they will also show us what Indians would have looked like had there not been a 50+ year design hiatus; Indian sport bikes, adventure touring machines, a new Scout, three-wheelers, sidecars. What does the future hold for Indian and all of us who revere the brand?
A new club for W.Aust 111 Owners (click on image above)
24/08/14
2015 Indian Brochure (click on image)
11/08/14
Indian Scout Of The Future?
Indian remove Brake/Throttle override05/08/14So it’s here at last after 70 years a new Scout
And at $18,000 rideaway for 1133cc and 100 B.H.P its cheaper than the Sportster 1200 and 30 horsepower more powerful and lighter to boot at 553 kgs. I’m starting to feel sorry for H-D, the Indian 4 will come next year, that will kill the Milwaukee Tractor Co
Whats in the box I reckon a 1100cc Scout, good to see the Roadmaster name back after 8 years Review on 2015 Roadmaster2015 Indian Roadmaster TV advert 22/07/14
Indian leather care ( click on link) Shouldn’t the dealers do this at every service at least, it’s a full days work and lasts 6 months, not good enough Indian,my Gilroy bags looked as good as new after 10 years, for $32,500 I would expect new seat, tank panel cover and bags at the very least, can you imagine a leather interior on a BMW or prestige car having this problem no, I own a 2001 Toyota Avalon Grande with leather & its nearly as good as the day it went in. Problems like this should be addressed immediately and new leather should be replaced under warranty, the leather supplier needs to get this problem delivered back by the truck full! 01/07/14
30/06/14 Picture of the new Chieftan off-road model! Power Commander are the only ones at the moment with a aftermarket kit out for the new 2014 Chiefs they seem to have had good reviews in the States and they are not relying on a noisy $1,800 Stage 1 exhaust which as far as I can see beside making the exhaust louder and increasing fuel consumption gives you little else! The beauty of this kit is landed here in Aussie its under $500, thats a saving of $1,200 and the Dyno charts prove it gives more “Bang for your buck” to boot Powercommander 5 Ignition & fuel modulator (click on link) Powercommander 5 install (click on link) Cannonball Memorial 2014 100 years seperates these photo’s Cannonball Baker in 1914 & a 2014 works Chief & rider on the recent memorial run
Polaris President Bennett Morgan Talks About the Cult of Indian Motorcycles
Click on header above Polaris-Indian school now open in U.S.A Wish I could attend one of these schools, hopefully they will start one in Aussie one day
Indian Motorcycles taking a bite out of Harley-Davidson, analyst says
Follow us: @JournalSentinel on Twitter
Did They Ever Stand A Chance?
The ongoing heritage of the Indian, what they havent mentioned is V-Twin engine 1908, Twistgrip & electric start 1915, or aluminium chaincases in 1920, or rear suspension 1915, except for the V-Twin engine and the twistgrip the Milwaukee Tractor Co didn’t get any of this till the mid 1950?s. It’s the same in 2015 new Chief has standard not optional, ABS, cruise control, decent braking system, L.E.D lights, modern unit construction powerplant with balancer shafts, geared primary drive did they ever really think they were competitive, history proves even if the product is good, management is critical this wont be a problem in this phase of Indian history
03/04/14
This recently arrived by email below from Don, my thoughts personally is Triumph did the same in 1992 if you insisted on using the Triumph name you got sued! Polaris has the same right and anybody making old Springfield Indian parts dont have to put the Indian name on the product, if you buy from Starklite,Greers you know anyway that it will fit Springfield models not a Yamaha.Indian owes nothing to old owners there is no money in it for them the name would carry on without old owners eg: Crocker for example, if I paid for the Indian trade mark and found people trading off the name and making money from it trust me I would “sue your tits off” thats life. Indian-Polaris is supporting the heritage Indian Motorcycle Museum is a example (there not selling parts for profit) & hopefully looking after their new Indian customers, in twenty years from now people will be riding Springfield Indians very rarely but I guarantee there will be a ton of twenty year old models Spirit Lake models around as per Hinkley Triumphs. Quiet simply dont use the name, LF Harris does’nt use Triumph name or logos and still provides all parts for Meridan Triumph’s & I am the Victorian,South Australia & Tasmania distributor no problemo. People using the name to promote there buisness such as “Barker INDIAN”, Horny Indian, Munroe Indian, Last Indian shop west of Elizabeth st, or whatever need to drop the name or suffer the consequences unless they are a authorized Indian agent by paying the licence fee for the profit there making off it. Don never was going to support the new company so saying you are not going to buy anything to do with Polaris is stupid, now if he had balls he would have cancelled the order on a new Chief as all others that have deposits paid, then Polaris may take notice, most of these guys are living in 1940-53 so it doesnt matter (webmasters personal views) Hello ……… I don’t know if you are aware of what the new Indian / Polaris company is doing. Through their law firm they are going after long established Indian suppliers that specialize in the vintage Indians built till 1953. After wasting thousands of dollars on lawyers, some suppliers have already paid for “licensing agreements” that also include a percentage of sales going to I / P (Indian Polaris). One long time Indian supplier on the east coast has now closed his business because he couldn’t afford this “licensing agreement”. He had a great product that was made in the USA. The alternate now is an inferior product made in China. On a recent order of vintage Indian parts I noticed prices on some items had increased 10-20%. The supplier mentioned because of the I / P agreement, costs have gone up and the only way to recoup his new added expenses is to pass it on to his customers. The new Indian company have been hyping their new bikes on heritage, using old bikes in ads and even copying the Munro streamliner. And now they want to screw the owners and riders of the original Indians. If it wasn’t for us the name would be worthless. Don’t they realize that we are their best “free” advertising? I am in contact with a lot of people in the Indian motorcycle community – and they are very upset. I tried to get in touch with someone at Indian. Their 800 numbers direct you to Polaris where no one can give you any contact phone or email to anyone at Indian. Very strange. I finally found a phone # for their media relations person (Robert) but it was discontinued. I did email and he did reply. After a long phone call the bottom line was “they own the Indian name and me and everyone else is going to pay”. Not a pleasant person to talk to. On a You Tube video I discovered the person in charge of Indian was a Steve Menneto. I asked to talk with him and he said Steve was a very busy guy. He would not give me Steve’s # or email. Very frustrating – like dealing with the government. I did some checking on Polaris. This is what I found at Bloomberg. They did nearly $4 billion in sales last year with a net profit of $381 million. Their CEO Scott Wine had a salary package of $31 million in 2012. Many other Polaris executives were not far behind. Scott joined Polaris in 2008 as their new CEO. He was brought in to do some cost savings. His main cost saving was closing their Osceola, Wisconsin plant and moving it to Monterrey, Mexico costing 500 people their jobs. They will be opening a new plant in Poland this year and India soon. And this is a company portraying an USA image. While the Fat Cats get richer, Americans lose their jobs to cheap wages in foreign countries. This seems immoral to me. One word describes all this – GREED! Robert at Indian said I’ll have to pay. He is wrong. I will never buy any product produced by Polaris. Also any Indian parts that are affected by I / P I will not buy. This company will not see one penny of my hard earned money again. I hope the thousands of Indian riders all over the world do the same. Don – Please pass this on.
26/03/14
The New Scout is so close I can smell it Some time ago I mentioned about the new Scout being released in August at Sturgis, I reckon the above Chief will be similar to the new Scout although with a smaller new engine putting out 100bhp, using the billet Girder Forks & the “tractor seat” should worry the H-D Sportser brigade, see how far out I am out on this speculation & remember you heard it first on the IIRA website
15/03/14
Franc Trento an old mate of mine from Euro-Brit on his new Chieftan (first time I’ve seen him smile)
I find this un-real! It makes the IIRA look great value
13/03/14 New Indian Club rules in USA
05/11/13
I feel sorry for the sales guys at the Indian Shop
Last time I visited our friends down the Indian shop, you know the last one west of Los Angeles (the real one) in Elizabeth Street I was amazed at the salesman Scotty for being so patient some of the questions he gets asked are ” Where’s the hand shift/foot clutch” this got me thinking about the level of the Neanderthal that asks such a question, do they ask in the Harley-Ferguson shop “when is the new Rigid Pan-Head is coming out”, relevant question since Harley was making tin chaincase, rigid frame, Iron headed, kickstart machines at the time Indian ceased making heavyweight V-Twins I bet they don’t, after riding hand change bikes over 40 years now including H-D’s I find them charming but in modern traffic conditions in the city they are dam-right horrible personally, to ride them with even less brakes & a left throttle positively lethal! Indian is a 21st Century motorcycle which is safe,comfortable,reliable & compliant, the heritage models have a place in the 21st Century with enthusiest’s, but we need the new versions to sell in 2013 and into the future
2014 Indian Motorcycle video review
Club member Guy ‘Guido’ Allen has done the first local video review of the new Indian range, which you can see at this link. The full report is in the current edition of Motorcycle Trader magazine.
Good news!We are excited to announce that our first Indian motorcycles have left the factory on their way to Australia and that we are still on track to start delivering Indians from mid- November.As a 111 Original you will be contacted individually to be given an update as your bike delivery gets closer.In the meantime, we would like to share the link to the latest, detailed review of the new Indian Chiefs by Boris Mihailovic on his new blog/website Bike Me!We would also like to take this time to share with you a link to the Indian Motorcycle Accessories Walk Through Video to assist in deciding what accessories are right for you!In addition, we can now announce that Indian Motorcycle Brisbane will be opening its doors in late November. Their details will be as below: Indian Motorcycle Brisbane632 Wickham StFortitude Valley, QLDP: 1300 00 INDIANCongratulations on becoming one of the first to be riding a new Indian Motorcycle on Australian roads! |
John Burics is the proud owner of my 2002 Gilroy Chief pictured here ready to ride it to his home in Queensland, he got there in a little over 2 days, so I asked him “how is your behind’ the comment was ” A lot better than on the Harley -Ferguson I used to own” good riding mate & I hope it gives you as much pleasure as it gave me when I owned it
09/10/13
Australian Heavy Duty Magazine tests Indian (click link) The HARLEY-Ferguson Boys like our Indians this is a bit of a worry, “Strawberries to Hogs” perhaps
2014 model launch
Club member Guy ‘Guido’ Allen has just attended the national ride launch for the new-generation Indians and has come back making positive noises. See his initial online report here, and look for more in our upcoming club magazine.
24/09/13
Horse Power vs Torque in the real World
A couple of weeks ago wrote a article on Does Horse Power equal Torque in the Real World? (see below) interestingly the horse power figures have been made available on the new 111 Thunderstroke range 119 ft pounds of torque is very impressive but the horsepower figure is 54.5 kw or 71 bhp is’nt! Seeing the Kings Mountain Indian 105 c.u ( the 2009-13 versions made by Polaris) produce 82 bhp, and its a larger engine than the ThunderStroke 111 c.u it makes one speculate on this new model I”m personally itching to ride one of the new versions could Chuck Bauman’s earlier version above be quicker?
23/09/13
Do we really need another Indian Club? This was a question asked by a H.O.G Owner to me when the IIRA was formed over 3 years ago, I answered this easily as there was not another Indian Club around offering the coverage we do “All Indians 1901-2014”. Well it seems Polaris-Indian has decided we need another Indian Club in Australia that will make seven yes, seven in all I will list them all in chronological order below. From the outside it can be compared to a religious group where Christians are divided into many faiths, Harley owners find it amusing as they really only have the HOG (Harley Owners Group) this makes them strong something that Indian’s need Indian Motorcycle Club of Victoria (1901-53), Indian Motorcycle Club of Australia (1901-1953), Iron Indian Riders of Australia(1901-2013), Indian-Harley Club of NSW(1901-1958), Indian Motorcycle Club of W.Aust(1901-53) , 111 Indian Club (2013 only) and now finally I.R.G (2014-) or the Indian Riders Group as they are known in the USA
07/09/13
There is a lot of local press today about the “Rebels” 1% outlaw motorcycle club, which are having their annual ride to West Australia, apparently over 120 going, & needless to say the police are making a presence at every border with Roadworthy checks and breathalizer testing. One thing I read in the “AGE” this morning was quite a number of these “Nike” Bikies are trailering their Harvest Glides, & 1200cc Nightman’s to W.Aust this maybe the reason is that they are getting older, the bikes are not roadworthy or they are not used to riding motorcycles such long distances that are uncomfortable. Polaris-Indian recently produced a advert that captured the moment perfectly I think
How About A Great Race Next Generation?
Thought this shot would break the monotony, I recognise Ian Rhook’s Blackhawk forked 344 on the end, and this was probably over 2 years ago at the Sandhurst Rally I would say. This year at the Great Race 2013 I asked organisers Dave Reedy(Harley City) and Peter Arundle about a next generation version that is Indian vs Harley except unlike the current version that stops at 1953 Indian’s and 1958 H-D’s it could start at these dates and finish at 2013 plus, both gentlemen were flabbergasted, not that they were against it but they did not want to organise it, can’t blame them as the original takes a ton of time. This has got me thinking lately with the new Indian and basically there is only a gap between 1973-99 but there is a ton of Indians between 1953-73 then over 300 Gilroy and Kings Mountain versions been imported into Aussie that’s about 34 years of bike production all up, potentially you could limit the Harley’s on the number of Indians entered. The Triumph Club in Australia( RAT) run a huge rally once a year surely the HOG owners and the new 111 Indian Club could do the same, this needs our friends at Victory-Indian to think about, how about it chaps?
The Iron Indian Riders of Australia have always been one of the more progressive clubs & the most progressiveIndian group in Aussie let me reflect a little, the website around 10,000 hits a week catering for new & heritage Indians, our custom made clothing bags,caps, windcheaters, neck scarves,belts etc our 16 month Calendar, (available next week) option of electronically quarterly magazine “Smoke Signals” or hard cover if you desire professionaly edited, electronically monthly magazine “Smouldering Embers” monthly meetings & monthly ride days with 4 rallies a year including 1 x Midnight Express Run, Association discounts, Breakdown assistance ,newIndian & all Indian Riders & enthusiasts welcome in the Association with provision for non- Indian members as Associate Members, change of executive positions of the committee every two years (no stale committee members). So why am I blowing the horn, Paypal we have now set up a account for your conveince most of you have used Ebay to buy your spares & will embrace this method of payment, we are a 21st Century Association and the world never stopped in 1953 so again we have moved with the times, your membership can now be paid by this method & anything you wish to buy ie: a calendar for example is only a click away.
01/09/13
2009-2013 Kings Mountain Designed Indian Motorcycles
Subject to Rear Rim Safety Recall
Click on the link above & if your machine is in this era please contact your local Indian-Victory dealer
What’s All This About Then?
I recently commented on the fact we were doing a IIRA 16 month calendar, this should “wet your appetite” all professionally photographed from 1908-2013 and all IIRA members machines, on good quality paper for sale I believe for $25.00 + post those members that paid their annual subs before 01/08/13 get one for free. We always give things back many other clubs that I personally am in at the moment don”t, we appreciate our members. You will soon be able to order the calendars next month and pay through our new Paypal facility keep your eyes on the Regalia Area of this site
21/08/13 Guarantees & Warranties
I have recently commented on Warranties & Guarantees on the Stop Press Area, with the new Indian having a 2 year unlimited manufacturers is great. When I was the leading hand at the Triumph Agent F J Mussett & co in Victoria years ago we always had odd problems with new models and those days you had a 3 month 2000 mile warranty, the customer usually had most of the problems if they were going to happen by then, some examples were 1st version Trident 1968-9 breaking primary chains and going through chaincase’s, smoking, & fuel consumption 18 MPG, in 1971 Bonnevilles had frame problems, and fork seal leaks, and gearbox over shifting complaints, 1972-3 5 speed gearbox failures,1974-75 Tridents with loose conrods, in 1976 750 Bonnevilles had main bearing problems (130) with rear wheel spoke breakages, and rear disc caliper plate alignment issues,T160 Tridents smoking frame breakages, footrest vibrations, cracked oil tanks etc, in 1979 Amal Mk 2 issues, and ignition break downs,1983-85 Harris versions with camshaft and rear shocker failures, then 1999 Hinkley Daytona’s with alloy frame failures, then BMW over the years starter issues, rear main bearing leaks, front alloy wheel failures, noisy shifts, bad frames(1971), leaks etc, we won’t mention Yamaha triples, Honda V fours, Kawasaki, handling,or Nortons weaving, with gearbox problems,H-D’s have tons as well with Iron Sportsters, Shovel Heads, Gilroy Indians to name a few. So what’s this got to do with Indians nothing at all just that all these were handled by service shops and those machines are most sought after today, the other thing is nearly all these problems were found quickly and fixed by manufacturers immediately, most were brand new first models others were improvements that never worked on existing production bike. Indian has quoted millions of miles testing to sort out the current version, this is better than 30 miles on the rolling road at Triumph, the best tester is you, the public find issues in short time that the factory won’t. So would I buy a first model, absolutely, these are the ones that everybody will want(1959 Bonneville’s are a example) so a real investment and they will not get any cheaper, remember you have all that warranty, what a deal you can’t loose. 20/08/13 Phillip White has his say!
Phillip White is a member of ours that has written a number of hard hitting articles in the Smoke Signals quarterly magazine, he has today penned a mammoth article on his first impressions of the Polaris-Indian, it is well written and hard hitting with both positives and negatives, interestingly though he also sent the article to head honcho at Polaris-Indian in Australia Peter Harvey. Both Phillip & Peter have had lots of riding experience over the years, Phill probably does more on older Chiefs than Peter but the latter gave a more balanced view from the manufacturers point of view. The article will be produced in the next Smoke Signals magazine next month after this I will reproduce it in the members area as it is about 10 pages, if you would like to read such articles or participate in our Crazy Horse Rally next month then why not consider joining the IIRA members forms are available online and we have PayPal facility as well as credit card payment available 16/08/13 Melbourne launch for Indian
The Melbourne launch for Indian last Friday evening (August 16, 2013) was fully subscribed with many association members on hand: John Gee, Daryl Colt, Guy Allen, Ian Rhook, Peter Kime, Mark Barthelmie, Steve Higginbotham and Chrissy, plus John Munn, to name most of the crew (apologies if we missed you!). Other familiar faces included collector Peter Arundle and his son plus Lindsay Urquhart. We even got to see couple of famous faces. Actor Paul Mercurio was on hand, as was colleague Shane Jacobson – the latter ended up handing out door prizes. The company was smart enough to have a few bikes down at ground level, encouraging people to poke around, sit on them and try them for size. Many were surprised at how manageable they felt, despite being a big motorcycle. Finish looks very good and the engine has a real presence that isn’t quite conveyed by photos . Designers and fame
We have all heard of great designers in the motorcycle industry Phil Irving, Edward Turner, Harold Willis, Bert Hopwood, Tagloni, Franklin, Honda, Oscar Hedstrom, not to mention Bradshaw, Val Page or George Brough, could Indians new designer follow such great men(Gods) in the industry of the past? Time will tell,talk of other engine designs such as Scouts or Fours, will test this guy to show his talent first design looks great though Cyril Huze road test
Blogger Cyril Huze rode examples of the new Indian range – here is the result. New video from Motorcycle.com
Aug 13, 2013: Motorcycle.com has released a very rough and ready video giving a few ride impressions on the new Indians – worth a look. DOES HORSEPOWER EQUAL TORQUE IN THE REAL WORLD?
Always seems to me a good point campaigning about top speed and horsepower figures, Mike Hailwood MBE winner of all those Isle of Man TT’s in the 50?s, 60?s, 70?s and 15 world championships quoted you only needed 75 horsepower to achieve victory! These days manufacturer’s quote torque figures which are irrelevant unless you have something to compare them to, eg: is Indians figure of 119 ft lbs of torque seems impressive but how much is that compared to say a Hybusa or Dodge Viper. Undoubtedly it is miles ahead of my Vindian, and for that matter my 2002 Gilroy, but what about a old fashioned quarter mile figure this gets things into prospective along with fuel consumption figures which are important on a touring bike, weight is a necessary factor these figures are generally always on the spec sheet 835 lbs wet weight with 4.5 gallons of fuel in the new Indian’s case. Capacity figure on the new model at 1811cc is huge so is the “stroker” engine at Bore of 3.96 inch and stroke of a massive 4.449 inch, still in all a top speed figure although generally never quoted or obtained by more mortals like myself certainly help in ascertaining a purchase. In some areas road tests from a nearby dealer are not possible as literally the closest dealer is thousands of miles away.
Indian’s Have Never Been This Cheap!
Indian’s USA Buy-Back Scheme but not in Aussie!
From Our Man In America
Cheers,Phillip White
Apple & Samsung,Harley & Indian
2014 Models – All The Details
Chieftain dash.
It’s Here At Long (60 Years) Last
Indian Pricing Announced
History Begins
But Is It As Fast As Burt’s?
V12 Indian Gilroy & That Man Phillip White
This Has Been A Reality Since 1999
We Are Invited To Breakfast
So what happened the other night when history was in the making for the IIRA? Plenty, the Polaris-Indian guys were very good, releasing the absolute minimum of info on their new product Indian, to be fair they are not allowed to say to much at this point in time so we must be patient, 3 deposits were taken from our members on the night & I believe the deposits are strong for the limited edition 111. I know of at least seven Iron Indian owners that have put their money where there mouth is.At this point in time let us formally thank Peter Alexander, Peter Harvey, Glenn Veal, Adrian Giovyne, Scott McConnel, & Jamie Leonard for attending from Polaris-Indian, Peter A & Peter H, did a good job telling us about the dedication of Polaris to the Indian marque & how Polaris was a guardian of the brand, they also told us of 1000 engineers that are in R&D developing the new range and how even the CEO of Polaris, is a rider, the good thing is the local guys are also riders so they do relate well to us . The only problem the local boys have is they are having a “crash” course in Indian Heritage & 112 years takes a bit of learning but they are getting there. First thing that has happened to effect us is they have a Monthly Breakfast meet at the Victory Showrooms in Elizabeth st the first Saturday of the month & we are all invited they want to see our Indians, lets not disappoint them we had around 40 people at the meeting last Tuesday so it would be good if at least half could attend. At this point in time let me wish everyone a Happy Easter & be careful over the holiday break on the roads from the IIRA
Indian Motorcycles Australia-NZ
The start of Indian History in Australia & N.Zealand is happening a small link to the start of a long history in the Southern Hemisphere, last time Indian was sold commercially here was in 1939, after that except for the batch that General Douglas Macarthur brought in to fight off the Jap’s invading in WW2, all later were privately imported. I am pleased to announce that Mr Peter Harvey of Indian Australia will be at our meeting next Tuesday to answer any questions that you may have about the new models & how you can get on the list for the 111 special first editions to grace these shores next year or place a deposit to be on the waiting list, if anyone else that is’nt in our Association wants to attend please ring our secretary in the Contacts Area Indian Motorcycles Aust (link)
Spirit Of Burt
Thanks to our friends at Indian Motorcycle Australia ( click on highlight) for keeping us abreast with all the current information Munroe tribute Indian (click on link) Thunder Stroke 111 Engine Overview Displacement – 111 c.i. (1811 cc) Engine Torque – More than 115 ft-lbs (160 N*m) Engine Type – 49 degree V-Twin Cooling System – Air Cooled with Integrated Oil Cooler Idle Speed +/-50rpm 800 RPM Max Engine Speed 5500 RPM Valvetrain Valves per cylinder – 2 Actuation – Three-Cam, Pushrod, OHV Lifter – Hydraulic Compression Release – Yes Bore – 3.89 in (101 mm) Stroke – 4.45 in (113 mm) Target Compression Ratio – 9.5: 1 Balancer Type – Helical Gear Primary Balancer Drive Train Primary Drive Gear 55/86 ratio 6-speed Overdrive constant mesh Spur/Helical 1st Spur, 2-6 Helical Gear Ratios (overall) 1st 9.403 2nd 6.411 3rd 4.763 4th 3.796 5th 3.243 6th 2.789 Final Drive – Carbon Fiber Reinforced Belt 30/66 ratio Clutch – Multi-plate, Wet clutch, Integral Damper Fuel Induction Throttle actuation – Electronic Throttle Control Throttle Diameter – 2.13 in. / 54 mm Fuel Delivery – Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection Lubrication system Oil Type 20W-40 Sump type Semi-dry
This Is The Day For The True Believers
Indian Heritage (click on link)
Polaris-Indian have released the last batch of Chiefs before the new version of the engine come on line early next year, personally I love this “old School” type with commemorative Worlds Fair paint work what do you think? The early Indian is a chap that is in India & needs spares I have reprinted his letter below if you can help, a few blogs ago I mentioned 15% of the people viewing our site were from India, I would love to know how many machines were exported from Springfield Dear Phil I got your details from the website ironindian.com.au I am Subodh Nath from India. My son Sankalp Nath lives in Melbourne, will call you as he is leaving after a week to India. I have 1912-1915 Indian Light V-Twin 5 HP Engine No. 52-G-200 , Gear box is 3 speed housing no.5768 with kick start on right side.Rear axle is rigid and front axle is sprung by half leaf spring. has 21 size wheel rim/tyre and carbide lamp. I have restored it fully and I need these few parts. 1. Kick Return Spring 2. Handle bar grips (short) grey or black 3. Indian Logo Decals to be written on the tank 4. Foot grips with Indian embedded 5. Set of clutch springs 6. grease nipples 7. carburettor repair kits 8. 2 spark plugs I would be grateful if you have or help me find these parts. Also help me determine my correct model. and year of manufracture. As Registration book its 1912 and as per engine no its 1915 what i found on net. But i have not come across 1915 bike with rigid rear axle/carbide lamp and kick start? Thanking you, Subodh Nath+91-9825067272 subodh.nath@gmail.com
Dec 8th, 12 / Comments Off /Edit this Entry
THE ROAD AHEAD – WHAT IF?
For the first time since 1953, Indian Motorcycle has what it’s been missing — the strength of a global $3B motorcycle manufacturer who will steward the Indian Brand with their expertise, infrastructure and financial backing to once again design and build motorcycles that will redefine the industry. Our goal isn’t just about building great motorcycles. It’s to create a premium experience at every touch point, reigniting the pride and passion in riders everywhere for the brand. We are as determined as ever to establish Indian Motorcycle as the premier motorcycle in the industry. We will not rest until we succeed.
Indian Press Release
Important News From Polaris-Indian About 2008-2011 Indian’s
Indian Motorcycle Geared Up To Go Head To Head With Harley
Monte Gourley, A Consumer Liaison For Indian Motorcycle Co., Rides A Chief Vintage Model Recently In Osceola. Polaris Industries, Which Bought The Indian Brand In 2011, Hopes To Have New Bikes Ready To Roll In 2013, With Motors Made In Western Wisconsin At Its Plant That Makes Engines For Its Victory Cycles.
Polaris Reviving Brand That Was 1920s Icon
Fans of the legendary Indian Motorcycle Co. – for decades Harley-Davidson Inc.’s biggest rival – have something to hope for as Indian rolls out new bikes with engines made in Osceola.It won’t rekindle the famous “Indian wars” with Harley in the 1920s, but the latest resurrection of the maker of Chief motorcycles has a fighting chance – something not seen in decades.The original Indian went out of business in the 1950s, with its signature Indian-head logos becoming collectors’ items.Numerous attempts to revive the company failed, but Indian has its best chance under Polaris Industries – a $3 billion Medina, Minn., manufacturer that acquired the brand in 2011 and is known for snowmobiles, all-terrain vehicles and Victory motorcycles.Polaris now is redesigning Indian bikes from a clean sheet of paper. The goal is to capture the spirit of the Chief and other Indians from a half-century ago, but to use a modern engine and other components to make the bikes rider-friendly.On that level, Indian will go “head-to-head with Harley-Davidson,” said Indian marketing director Darren Bassel, originally from Brookfield.The bikes will appeal to “open-minded Harley riders,” Bassel added.Polaris says it hopes to have the first newly designed Indian motorcycles ready to roll in late 2013, with the engines manufactured in Osceola and the bikes assembled in Spirit Lake, Iowa.The company considered moving the Osceola work to Minnesota, Iowa or Mexico. But, combined with making engines for Victory motorcycles, it says there’s enough work for the plant, which has 130 employees.Polaris has added about 250 jobs in Spirit Lake over the past 18 months and has plans to add jobs at the Osceola plant.”Between Iowa and Wisconsin, these bikes will be made in the heart of America,” said Polaris Chief Executive Officer Scott Wine. A classic lookPolaris says it won’t change Indians to become copies of its Victory motorcycles, which also are heavyweight bikes. Both brands are different enough to have their own identity, according to Polaris, with Indian appealing to riders who want a classic look to their bike.Polaris visited motorcycle museums and talked with longtime Indian enthusiasts to capture the design cues of bikes popular more than a half-century ago.It has been a monumental task,” Wine said.Persuading motorcyclists to give Indian another chance also could take some doing.The current models compete with Harley-Davidson’s most expensive motorcycles, such as the $37,249 CVO Ultra Classic Electra Glide.The brand languished under previous owners and, even in its prime 90 years ago, Indian’s owners were accused of draining the company’s profits to support money-losing businesses.In recent years, the company was dogged by engine problems and a cutback in the number of dealerships. One dealer in Michigan says it still has a brand-new 2003 model-year Indian Scout for sale – priced at $16,000.There isn’t one piece left of the old company from when it closed in the 1950s. But the brand that’s survived in some iteration since 1901 still tugs at the heartstrings of classic motorcycle enthusiasts.”I don’t think it’s too late,” said Aaron Frank, editor at large of Motorcyclist magazine.”There’s a lot of value in the name and its incredible history,” Frank said.
Motorcycle Newcomer
Polaris Is A Relative Newcomer To Motorcycles, Having Entered The Field With Its Victory Bikes 14 Years Ago. Yet It Has Passed Japanese Competitors Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki And Suzuki To Become The No. 2 Seller Of The Biggest Heavyweight Motorcycles (With Engines 1400 Cubic Centimeters And Up) Behind Harley-Davidson, According To The Company.
“The Global Motorcycle Industry Is Incredibly Large, And There Is Certainly Room For More Than One Very Successful Heavyweight Motorcycle Company,” Wine Said. “Indian Is Going To Be A Global Motorcycle.”
In its recent fiscal quarter, Polaris said Victory and Indian motorcycle sales combined were up about 40% from a year earlier. The company’s total sales, including all-terrain vehicles, increased 25% to a record $673.8 million.Last week, Harley-Davidson said it had $1.27 billion in motorcycle segment sales in the recent fiscal quarter, up 20% from the year-ago period, and including $277.5 million in sales of parts, accessories, general merchandise and other products.In 2011, Harley captured 55% of U.S. heavyweight motorcycle sales. Polaris doesn’t reveal its market share, but even with Victory’s success there’s likely a huge gap between it and Harley-Davidson.Still, analysts say Polaris needs only a slice of the global motorcycle business to be successful.The company has the management skills and balance sheet necessary to revive Indian, an iconic brand with untapped potential, said analyst Craig Kennison with Robert W. Baird & Co.”Polaris builds a high-quality bike,” he said. “The Indian brand has been strong in the motorcycle market for a long time, but it has never had a world-class manufacturing effort behind it.”
Hopes For Staying Power
Former Indian Motorcycle Dealerships Say They’re Cautiously Optimistic About The Brand’s Resurrection, Although Some Had Bad Experiences Before And Aren’t Interested In Giving Indian Another Chance.Among The Hopeful Is Puma’s Custom Cycles, A Former Indian Dealership In Racine.It’s A Whole Different Ball Game This Time Out. Polaris Has The Confidence Of Consumers,” Said Owner Jim Puma.He Still Has Indian Posters And Other Items In His Motorcycle Shop, Although He Hasn’t Sold The Bikes In Years. There Are Indian Riders Who Come To Puma’s Custom Cycles From Hundreds Of Miles Away Because It Services Their Bikes.”I Would Love For Indian To Have Some Staying Power,” Puma Said.
Hard Sell For Harley Owners
Longtime Harley-Davidson enthusiasts say they’re committed to Harley and won’t be switching brands, especially if they belong to Harley Owners Group chapters that are a big part of their social life.”As a H.O.G. member, I don’t even consider buying another brand of bike,” said Mike Miller, director of the Kettle Moraine Harley-Davidson Owners Group.The $36,000 price of a 2012 Indian could be a turnoff for motorcyclists unsure of whether the brand has staying power and how well Polaris will develop the dealership network.”It’s a nice bike, and it looks great, but personally I would not be interested,” said Bill Pagelsdorf, assistant director of the Kettle Moraine H.O.G. chapter.Currently, Polaris has more than 400 motorcycle dealerships in North America – most of them for Victory bikes. As of Dec. 31, Harley-Davidson had 635 full-service U.S. dealerships, 69 in Canada, and 1,347 full-service dealerships worldwide.Polaris is creating an Indian dealership plan that could tap its 1,500 dealers for all-terrain vehicles, snowmobiles, Victory motorcycles and other products – but all of those locations won’t necessarily carry Indian bikes.Polaris wants respect in the market even if it doesn’t match Harley-Davidson’s sales.”We see ourselves as another iconic brand hanging out with Harley,” Bassel said. “I think we are going to be another viable heavyweight-motorcycle brand and will be part of that scene for years to come.” (Article from the Journal Sentinel)
Indian-Polaris News: “75% Of H-D Owners Want A Indian”. Gasp!
Sunday Telegraph article : “Icon puts on warpaint”
Dark Horse’s Future?
Spirit Lake Indian’s Are Being Shipped & Thanks For The Heritage
-
First 2012 Indian Motorcycle Crated And Shipped
Polaris Motorcycles marks another milestone as the first dealer production of 2012 Indian Motorcycle are loaded into trucks destined for customers across the US. “It was only a few weeks ago that we tested the production line that had been transplanted into our Spirit Lake operation.” Says Cory Knudtson, Operations Manager, “Every day we work with this brand, we are aware that we are steward of history, and putting the firstIndian Motorcycle destined for customer ownership gives us a great sense of pride.”Inside the customized crate cover is a 2012 Chief Vintage that will soon be making its own history in the hands of a proud new owner. Production Indian Motorcycles will continue to ship to dealers through the end of the year. For more information, stay tuned to www.indianmotorcycle.comSome Indian history thanks to Polaris-Indian, they are very proud of their heritage & so are we at IIRA of Aust we all hope this is a successful venture for them. I am personally “itching” to see the new models sold here in Australia, my monies just waiting to purchase one of there own versions hopefully later 2012. Bound Indian-News & Pow-Wow official Indian newsletters are now available from Century of Motorcycling advertised in our Links Area
2012 Indian Brochure
100 Cu Indian Hillclimber For Real Men
Who Said Newer Indians Are Not Appealing?
THE STATE OF THE INDIAN NATION IS ABSOLUTELY EXCELLENT!
Indian Wasn’t For Sale
Indians To India!
Indian Dakota 4
What Polaris Actually Bought
Keys And Movies
Why Victory Won’t Build Old Type Indians
Indian’s View On The Polaris Take-Over
|
This is probably the Best News about Indian yet & another unfolding page in Indian History since they last went broke in 1968 (no they did’nt go broke in 1953) Click on the Highlighted below area for the complete factual News. ForIndian this means production will go from small numbers of motorcycles 1,500 a year to the projected figures of initially 25,000 + Polaris (Victory) make some of the best Cruisers in the world but have unfortunately no street credthe Victory for me personally is a bit “in your face” as the styling is a lot radical but they are renowned for their reliability, & handling, braking & finish, this means that when the plant is moved from Kings Mountain to Spirit Lake Iowa there will be a lot of needed development to the Powerplus engine that was developed in 2001 originally. The Powerplus engine has 105 cu but still had no balance shafts & was single cam early 2000 design which when initially designed was very progressive with Harley-Ferguson unfortunately times have moved on, & as a result Indian needs to update, remember this was still a much better power plant than the S&S engines that were fitted 1999-2000.Polaris will obviously look at this seriously in the not to distant future, the worst thing about this is that some if not most of the workforce will be made redundant, these guys were a dedicated bunch that for no lack of enthusiasm will now face a bleak future One thing we can be sure of with Polaris is that copyright infringement will be on the agenda, so a warning to anyone who using the Indian Logo on their website or on printed matter ie: Newsletters etc or such that do not support later Indians & or even our Association without authority could be legally in trouble. Your Association IIRA is looking into this as we speak, even know we support & encourage all Indian’s & wish the new company well in this yet again unfolding chapter in Indian History. Polaris (Victory Motorcycles) buys Indian
.