News Flash

[six2go #152]

Polaris is selling off the Indian Brand.

[Pluggy]

Look at Indian motorcycles and you'll see they are really well designed and built.  There are a lot of traditional Harley features that the Indian improves upon.  

I considered a 2022 Super Chief with 3,100 miles.  It was perfect, priced right, and the owner had a hard time selling it.  Because.... only a Harley is a Harley.  Around here, we have "Patriotic" motorcycle clubs that require Harley-Davidson and nothing else.  Many events cater to the Harley fan club.  

I ride a Valkyrie and will continue with it.  I also recognize the power of branding.  Indian is the new motorcycle to have and Harley is the brand to buy.  In the marketplace for new motorcycles, Indian will continue to fight uphill against Harley-Davidson.

[Timbo1]

I've always loved Indian styling with the big sweeping fenders.  I think they're some of the sexiest bikes on the road.  I looked at Indian several years ago and while talking to the saleman he said that some parts were hard to get depending on the year due to the number of times they'd changed hands.  IMO one of the biggest problems with Indian and many other mfg's is the shortage of dealer infrastructure and after market parts.  This is where HD has the biggest advantage with all the OEM and aftermarket components available.  Although many HD dealerships are closing one can pretty much get anything needed for any HD even if it's aftermarket.

[Pluggy]

Tim, as you probably know, the Indian brand was owned by several companies after the original Indian business closed in the 1950s. One version was made here in NC using the S&S engine.  The NC company made one to three bikes per day.  Occasionally, I see one for sale.  Good luck finding parts for those.

The present Indian dealers appear very substantial, but are certainly outnumbered by Harley dealers.  I didn't investigate parts too closely, but it looked like the after-purchase parts and accessories were mostly through Indian dealers.  Most of us that weigh over 120 pounds would buy an aftermarket seat for that 2022 Chief.