Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005
Member
Posts: 13836
American by Birth, Southern by the Grace of God.
Beautiful east Tennessee ( GOD'S Country )
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« on: August 21, 2011, 01:36:09 PM » |
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Copy / Paste from a local motorcycle forum I'm a memeber of............ I found this today on Motorcycledaily.com A pretty good article that answers several of the questions everyone is asking. Like myself wondering if they were just going to re badge some victory's.[source: Motorcycedaily.com] Few of motorcycling’s brands are more iconic than 110-year-old Indian motorcycles. And fewer have had a history as rocky—or a more perilous present. Since the original factory was shuttered in 1953, various characters and companies have tried to bring the brand back, with varying success. The latest iteration, re-re-re-revived by Stephen Julius and Steve Heese (who also resurrected Chris-Craft) successfully opened dealerships and started producing a small number of heavily revised Chiefs in a new facility in North Carolina. Yet another chapter opened on April 19th, 2011, when Polaris — the gigantic parent of Victory Motorcycles — purchased Indian. But what will that mean? I had some (but not all) of the questions I asked in April answered by Victory (and Indian) Motorcycles General Manager Steve Menneto. First, you’ll want to know how much Polaris paid Novator Partners for the brand. No luck there — even though I asked Menneto during a late-afternoon drinking session, he absorbs his whiskey better than small moto-journalists and wouldn’t divulge. Seems that Polaris, though publicly traded, doesn’t reveal such data. But Polaris won’t combine the two names and dump the Victory badge. Each brand will have separate marketing, design and sales staff, even though the bikes will all be built in the same facility in Spirit Lake, Iowa (when I asked why not use the newly-constructed plant in North Carolina, Menneto told me the Indian factory wasn’t really much of a factory, just a large warehouse that had been hastily converted from its prior use). Polaris “won’t slap Indian bodywork onto Victory mechanicals.” What that means is the full force of Polaris (a $2.5 billion-dollar company) will work to improve Indian’s dealer network, parts supply and design, with a two-phase plan to get Indian up to speed. First, existing product will be improved. “We’re an engineering company,” Menneto told us at the briefing, “we love to improve product.” And then (likely in the next 2-4 years), a new generation of Indian motorcycles will arrive. A new world-wide dealer network will focus on the major metropolitan areas, component procurement will be streamlined, and manufacturing will become more efficient. A likely outcome of all this will be lower prices. I’d expect a line of Scouts priced in the mid to high teens, and a more luxury-oriented Chief (with a huge variety of custom options available) priced around the low to mid-20s. And, hope against hope, maybe some kind of sport-oriented model? After all, Indian was the biggest name in racing in the early 20th century and Polaris knows it. But even if that doesn’t happen, this is the first time since the ’50s that Indian has had a secure future [article #2] I spoke with Gabe this afternoon, and he just returned from the 2012 Victory motorcycle launch in Park City, Utah. He will be reporting on his riding impressions and changes to the line-up early next week, but he informed me of a conversation with the manager of both Victory and Indian Motorcycles (both owned by parent company Polaris) regarding the future plans for Indian Motorcycles, which was recently acquired by Polaris. Gabe was advised that Polaris intends to position Indian Motorcycles as a premium brand above Victory Motorcycles. Polaris will begin by improving the existing Indian machines (one of which is pictured), followed by the introduction of newly developed premium Indian motorcycles. Manufacturing of the Indian bikes will be transferred to the Spirit Lake facility where Victory motorcycles are currently assembled. one of their bike in testing A couple pics of the previous owners line up in 09   |
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« Last Edit: August 21, 2011, 01:44:21 PM by Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005 »
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 I've seen alot of people that thought they were cool , but then again Lord I've seen alot of fools. |
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old2soon
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« Reply #1 on: August 21, 2011, 02:20:19 PM » |
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Not that i can afford them-but how nice would that be to keep that retro look they already have??  Be some nice looking V-Twins.  Think they can give H/D a run for the money if they handle it correctly??  We shall see i would suspect.  RIDE SAFE. |
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Today is the tommorow you worried about yesterday. If at first you don't succeed screw it-save it for nite check. 1964 1968 U S Navy. Two cruises off Nam.
VRCCDS0240 2012 GL1800 Gold Wing Motor Trike conversion
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sugerbear
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« Reply #2 on: August 21, 2011, 03:40:28 PM » |
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Bobbo
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« Reply #3 on: August 21, 2011, 04:15:07 PM » |
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It would be nice if they could come out with an inline 4, or something else from their history rather than Harley look-a likes...
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The Anvil
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« Reply #4 on: August 21, 2011, 04:16:20 PM » |
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It would be nice if they could come out with an inline 4, or something else from their history rather than Harley look-a likes...
Using Harley based engines... |
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Boxer rebellion, the Holy Child. They all pay their rent.
But none together can testify to the rhythm of a road well bent.
Saddles and zip codes, passports and gates, the Jones' keep.
In August the water is trickling, in April it's furious deep.
1997 Valk Standard, Red and White.
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RoadKill
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« Reply #5 on: August 21, 2011, 04:23:02 PM » |
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It would be nice if they could come out with an inline 4, or something else from their history rather than Harley look-a likes...
Of the few time we have agreed,or even partially agreed ( I may have forgotten to post in those instances ) , But you have nailed this one ! Agree 100%  |
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The Anvil
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« Reply #6 on: August 21, 2011, 04:27:37 PM » |
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I have no problem with them building a V-twin, that's as much a part of Indian's history as the I-4. But it's borderline sacrilege to put an H-D engine in anything with Indian on the tank.
That said, I've got a friend with a Gilroy Indian (Scout, Y2K model I think) and it's a very nice bike.
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Boxer rebellion, the Holy Child. They all pay their rent.
But none together can testify to the rhythm of a road well bent.
Saddles and zip codes, passports and gates, the Jones' keep.
In August the water is trickling, in April it's furious deep.
1997 Valk Standard, Red and White.
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RoadKill
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« Reply #7 on: August 21, 2011, 04:27:43 PM » |
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It would be nice if they could come out with an inline 4, or something else from their history rather than Harley look-a likes...
Using Harley based engines... I would rather see them make an improved inline 4 ...or just use an already proven version. How cool would it be to see a Toyota 22re in an Indian with a side car Towing a 51 panhead on a trailer ?  ??? |
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bigguy
Member
Posts: 2684
VRCC# 30728
Texarkana, TX
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« Reply #8 on: August 21, 2011, 04:48:09 PM » |
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Polaris will begin by improving the existing Indian machines (one of which is pictured), followed by the introduction of newly developed premium Indian motorcycles. Manufacturing of the Indian bikes will be transferred to the Spirit Lake facility where Victory motorcycles are currently assembled. Despite all of the "sales speak" about not putting an Indian Badge on a Victory, the above quote from the article #2 is less than encouraging. They're going to improve (change) the design and build them in the same Spirit Lake facility where Victory is made. Hope I'm wrong, but I see the 2014 Indian line indistinguishable from a Victory anywhere but in a salesperson's mind. |
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Here there be Dragons.  |
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highcountry
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« Reply #9 on: August 21, 2011, 07:40:11 PM » |
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I wish them the best in making a success out of their Indian line. Indians are one of my favorites and it would be great if they would succeed at making a somewhat affordable, unique bike to compete against the Motor Company.
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G-Man
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« Reply #10 on: August 22, 2011, 06:14:18 AM » |
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Saw them at the MC show in NY and checked out all the nooks and cranies. I just looooove them. Unfortunately, the word "premium", used several times in article, means there will never be one in my garage. I would never spend $30,000 + on a motorcycle.
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T.P.
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« Reply #11 on: August 22, 2011, 06:25:56 AM » |
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It would be nice if they could come out with an inline 4, or something else from their history rather than Harley look-a likes...
Using Harley based engines... Indian had the v twin way before Harley. |
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"Well you can call me T, or you can call me P, or you can call me T.P. but you doesn't hasta call me Toilet Paper"
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The Anvil
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« Reply #12 on: August 22, 2011, 06:43:51 AM » |
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It would be nice if they could come out with an inline 4, or something else from their history rather than Harley look-a likes...
Using Harley based engines... Indian had the v twin way before Harley. I know this but the engines in the current Indian line are actually derived from H-D 45 degree v-twins, not just sharing the v-twin format. |
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Boxer rebellion, the Holy Child. They all pay their rent.
But none together can testify to the rhythm of a road well bent.
Saddles and zip codes, passports and gates, the Jones' keep.
In August the water is trickling, in April it's furious deep.
1997 Valk Standard, Red and White.
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Westsider
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« Reply #13 on: August 22, 2011, 06:54:41 AM » |
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The models i,ve seen lately all are s&s powered,the only thing indian looking on them is the fenders , and tank maybee to me,, and -"mid to high teens" - ehh...  that being said, almost heat stroked out here saturday,,,crazy hot,,,hats off to our troops over in that gd desert... |
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we'll be there when we get there - Valkless,, on lookout....
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Bobbo
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« Reply #14 on: August 22, 2011, 07:07:04 AM » |
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It would be nice if they could come out with an inline 4, or something else from their history rather than Harley look-a likes...
Using Harley based engines... Indian had the v twin way before Harley. Ahh, yes, but Glenn Curtiss built one before Indian!  He also made the first V-8 motorcycle!  |
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« Last Edit: August 22, 2011, 07:18:35 AM by Bobbo »
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The Anvil
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« Reply #15 on: August 22, 2011, 07:09:11 AM » |
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The models i,ve seen lately all are s&s powered,the only thing indian looking on them is the fenders , and tank maybee to me,, and -"mid to high teens" - ehh... that being said, almost heat stroked out here saturday,,,crazy hot,,,hats off to our troops over in that gd desert... I think that the fuel tanks are essentially H-D fat bob tanks. I would like to see Polaris build an Indian badged sport bike. H-D has pissed all over it's once glorious racing heritage and only occasionally offers nods to it like the bloated XR1200. Indian could one up H-D in this department firly easily. In fact, there's a guy with the name Buell who builds bitchin bikes who could help them in that department while simultaneously being a thorn in H-D's side. |
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Boxer rebellion, the Holy Child. They all pay their rent.
But none together can testify to the rhythm of a road well bent.
Saddles and zip codes, passports and gates, the Jones' keep.
In August the water is trickling, in April it's furious deep.
1997 Valk Standard, Red and White.
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« Reply #16 on: August 22, 2011, 08:00:22 AM » |
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Friend on his 2010 NC version  Note to Strong Eagle. My post has to do with motorbikes. So far 2 posts in one day and both about motorbikes. Who'da thought it. |
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« Last Edit: August 22, 2011, 08:02:12 AM by Britman »
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Bama Red
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« Reply #17 on: August 22, 2011, 08:49:23 AM » |
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If your heart doesn't beat faster when you look at that first picture, you are simply lacking a soul.
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Never corner anything meaner than yourself.
VRCC Member #32561
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ChromeDome
Member
Posts: 2175
Aurora, IL.
60 miles West of Chicago!
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« Reply #18 on: August 22, 2011, 09:22:18 AM » |
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If your heart doesn't beat faster when you look at that first picture, you are simply lacking a soul.
+1 |
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Willow
Administrator
Member
Posts: 16720
Excessive comfort breeds weakness. PttP
Olathe, KS
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« Reply #19 on: August 22, 2011, 11:12:00 AM » |
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If your heart doesn't beat faster when you look at that first picture, you are simply lacking a soul. -1 |
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Serk
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« Reply #20 on: August 22, 2011, 12:24:57 PM » |
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If your heart doesn't beat faster when you look at that first picture, you are simply lacking a soul.
Guess I'm lacking a soul then (And I'm not even a ginger!)... It's pretty, I'll grant it that, but all I see is another V-Twinkie... Albeit a pretty one, but, well... Just another one... *Shrug* |
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Never ask a geek 'Why?',just nod your head and slowly back away...  IBA# 22107 VRCC# 7976 VRCCDS# 226 1998 Valkyrie Standard 2008 Gold Wing Taxation is theft. μολὼν λαβέ |
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BigAl
Guest
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« Reply #21 on: August 22, 2011, 03:11:10 PM » |
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Indian Had it's day and oh my god were better than Harley's.
Yes I believe that.
They were innovators, had the inline 4 and the new line in the 50's that looked a lot like Hondas and Triumph.
They just did not make the cut financially.
They should have left them dead.
Harley won.
But if they play thier cards right, they could be good again.
But this is the company that brought you the BOZO bike The Vision.
SO don't get your hopes up just yet.
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Wetrudgeon
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« Reply #22 on: August 22, 2011, 03:38:52 PM » |
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We concede that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but for us those are simply the most beautiful motorcycles extant. We would dearly love to ride one. Not sure we would love to own one, as it is said that they are not particularly good or reliable.
We trudge on.
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Tropic traveler
Member
Posts: 3117
Livin' the Valk, er, F6B life in Central Florida.
Silver Springs, Florida
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« Reply #23 on: August 22, 2011, 05:40:15 PM » |
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I hope I'm wrong but I doubt Polaris will be able to resist the temptation to eventually share parts with both "brands". It is was & will be the way things are done in corporate America. The only way I think this will ever be avoided is if the Indian "brand" takes off like a rocket in high profit sales & Polaris will be loathe to spoil that. In this day & age {economy} I highly doubt it. We already have one company selling $15,000 bikes for $25,000+ with $10K worth of prestige. Don't think there is any more room for Indian there. Just my opinion & time will tell if I'm right or wrong. They sure are pretty bikes! |
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'13 F6B black-the real new Valkyrie Tourer
'13 F6B red for Kim
'97 Valkyrie Tourer r&w, OLDFRT's ride now!
'98 Valkyrie Tourer burgundy & cream traded for Kim's F6B
'05 SS 750 traded for Kim's F6B
'99 Valkyrie black & silver Tourer, traded in on my F6B
'05 Triumph R3 gone but not forgotten!
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BF
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« Reply #24 on: August 22, 2011, 05:45:54 PM » |
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I hope I'm wrong but I doubt Polaris will be able to resist the temptation to eventually share parts with both "brands". It is was & will be the way things are done in corporate America.
I'm just glad Honda didn't pick up the Indian brand then. |
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I can't help about the shape I'm in I can't sing, I ain't pretty and my legs are thin But don't ask me what I think of you I might not give the answer that you want me to  |
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