Why Indian Motorcycle is Winning | Opinion
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 18 ก.ย. 2021
- Indian Motorcycle has an advantage… Family. It’s all for Family. No seriously, I think Community is Indian’s biggest strength but before I talk about that, I’m Brandon Bicasso and this is the Sprocket. I give my opinions on the motorcycle industry and our community, subscribe for more.
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The best thing that happened to the Indian brand since 1954, was being purchased by Polaris!
Agreed!
When the trolls call Indian a "Polaris Indian" remind them of "AMF Harley"
I love the modern "Polaris Indian". The style and tech have breathed new life into the brand.
I've been reading and listening to all the things about HD and Indian. What I've noticed is that HD bikes are a platform to build what you want pricing the novice and average person out of the market. While Indian gives you a bike you don't have to improve you can just get on and ride. Less expensive in the long run and the new technology sets it ahead of the pack now.
Amen !
The rarest bike on the road is a stock Harley Davidson. I don’t know much about Indians honestly but I can say that Harley purposely designs bikes to make you want to immediately change the seat, bars, grips, exhaust, air cleaner, and what ever just to be comfortable. The artist in me likes this but I can see how this would be off putting. At least hd has the aftermarket for customization with limitless options and you can do it fairly cheap. Until Indian can catch up on the aftermarket I wouldn’t consider jumping ship.
Your comment is one of the big reasons I bought an Indian over HD.
Yup spot on.
I'm not so sure that Indian's are all that cheap compared to HD. They are are creeping up from what I've seen. I had a friend fly to FL to get a decent priced Indian Challenger. A true testament will be in the long run on parts, aftermarket, etc. That's been the issue with metric bikes is the long run on custom options and finding parts.
I was a diehard HD boy for almost 20 yrs. That's all I have ridden. Then Indian came along manufactured by Polaris. When my bike got totaled back in November, I decided my next and probably last bike for me would be the , Indian Scout. I was ready for a change. I wanted that 100 hp and 72 ftlbs of torque and being water cooled wasn't a factor. All I wanted is the performance it offered and the price point drove it home. Us, babyboomers, used to drive the market, but no more. It's in the hands of the younger riders. Quality, price point and manufacturing backing their products is what drives the sales. Just my opinion. I love my 2016 Indian Red Scout! Ride and stay safe down there in Alabama!
Rider community in general is super supportive, this in my experience has been especially true for the Indian community.
I also strattle that line between enjoying HD but finding more of "my people" in Indian.
I like that there are two companies competing with each other for the top spot in the American Motorcycle Ranks. I don't think we would have ever seen a Challenger if the Road Glide didn't exist. Don't think that new Sportster would be here without the Scout. They are pushing each other which is awesome. It only benefits the consumers.
I jumped to Indian because of the innovation that they were doing, and and it was something different, new and exciting. It's a conversation starter that I enjoy having. Indian can take a lot more risk because they have a parent company with more diverse streams of income than HD. The ATV/Side by Side game exploded in the last year, and that allowed Indian to spend more money and test out some new stuff.
I just want you to know your video came just in the nick of time my life has been so stressful from a super sick family member and my bike being down your video for a couple of takes my mind off of my problems keep up the good work
Sounds like you're due for some throttle therapy. One day at a time Brothah!
@@road_king_dude right on my friend
Stay strong bro, never give up.
Hey brother Jason. From us all who ride, stay the course. Wishing you a full pelt improvement in your life. Covering you in prayer too for His mighty blessings.
@@GraemeBlore thank you my friend
I’ve had my Scout for the last year and love it. It’s a great bike but I bought it purely on looks. They released the Chief right after and I would have waited if I had known it was coming. Now that I’ve been riding again and understand my needs better, I am staying with Indian and going for the Challenger. I’ve had HD. Never liked the Road King line and gave the Road Glide a hard look last weekend but it just didn’t grab me. I’m glad to have a choice.
Having a choice is key! There are many that feel the same as you. 🤙🏾
I reckon you will LOVE the Challenger Dean. It’s an absolute beast!
As an owner of a 2021 Roadmaster. I completely agree with you. It’s a stunning motorcycle.
Harleys long history is both a blessing and a curse at the same time. This is like an old marriage and Harley customers are more critical of the brand which makes Harley not want to take chances in the past. With the introduction of the Pan America and the New Sportster S this is signaling a new direction for Harley which is a good thing. Don’t be surprised to see a water cooled bagger with a larger Revolution Max engine in it.
Oh, I won’t be at all.
I always thought H-D never utilized the original revolution motor to it’s potential. A touring water cooled bike with the revolution motor would’ve been a killer. I would completely welcome a revolution max touring bike.
@@rickdelphi5358it wouldn’t have worked at that time shit the only reason they made the vrod so long is because it was extremely popular over seas never sold for shit here
The Scout was a game-changer for Indian. I think the new Chief will be also. They are certainly on the up and up but have more work to do. Great community for sure. Thanks for the awesome video and thoughts! PS-I want that sweatshirt! 🙂
I just bought a 2022 road glide limited and I'm happy to hear this. When there's competition, the consumer wins.
Agreed!
For me, I’ve just never been big on Harley-Davidson culture and following the herd. Even though I never owned any of the previous iterations, I have liked the Indian brand long before Polaris purchased it. Polaris made the brand legit again.
I feel like most Indian riders that I’ve come across had always said to me they wanted an American cruiser without the HD image and scene. The thing I like about Indian is that they don’t have a heritage as such. Sure they have history, but they really don’t have a specific tie to their past. This allows you to create motorcycles that can be anything without the hate that comes from nostalgic buyers.
There is no wrong bike just the wrong one for you, ride what makes you happy
Well I traded the Scout for a Chief Vintage and could no be happier.The bike is well balanced and handles really well.even at slow speeds you don't notice the weight.Great bike.I'm 72 now and still going strong!
Indian died of its innovation in an age where it was less effective. Harley could kill the price point because their parts and service was decades in the making at the time.
Now Harley is a victim of its own success. Their R&D budget since 1980 has been pithy next to their marketing.
These days Indian can innovate to greater effect, and they can set themselves apart from the competition by doing so. I would add a category to the list of bikes Indian should look into building though: light dirt bikes. Polaris has the chops to be savvy here, and Harley has been so hopeless along these lines. Why let the Japanese, Chinese, and European builders have an undisputed market?
I am an old mofo,been riding for 50 plus years.I though i was done riding when my Triumph
Trophy was getting too heavy for me.I have owned many bike in my 70 years on the earth.Then I got on a Scout Sixty!It is light enough to flick that thing around like I did when I was young!So as a result I am still riding.
When there is competition, the winner is consumers. Both companies make good motorcycles.
Dam its crazy its like you're taking all these thoughts I've had about Indian and speaking for me. I absolutely agree 100%! I just got my Victory XC bcuz after doing so much research I said I owe it to myself to own this bike just for the experience alone. I love my bike and after owning it I couldn't understand polaris's decision to cut the company until very recently. I see so much of my XC in the chieftan and what could've been in the challenger. RIP Victory but cant wait to see what Indian has for us in the future
Many good points here. Logical. Nice job!
Excellent content brother I really enjoyed this video. Great work brother
another awesome video brother thankyou for such great content!!
Thank you for watching 🙏🏾❤️
Ill tell you what. I own both Harley and Indian. I am currently changing the clutch cable on my 05 Road King. What a ridiculous design. Take off the saddlebags, take the mufflers off, remove the exhaust, drain the transmission, remove the transmission door and then disassemble a bell crank/ ramp deal. So I walk out to my new Challenger. The cable is completely external. Every cable eventually fails. which one can you change on the side of the road? Hmmm. If I'm on a long trip, I'd rather take my chances with my Indian(now the 2nd one) than the laundry list of breakdown issues I've had with my previous Harleys. Don't get me wrong now. I don't hate on Harley. I currently own 2, but if you do your own service, you want it simple, and I don't have to drain the freakin' transmission to change a cable on an Indian.
Didn’t know it was that involved 😬
I had someone comment on my Chief test ride video that the brand is not real because it's part of Polaris. the commenter is probably a Bud or Bud Light drinker despite the fact it's no longer an American company, but whatever.
I personally could care less. it has the Indian branding; it's an Indian. I'm new to motorcycles in general, but I loved the Chief I rode. I've always been one to not necessarily follow the masses, which is why I currently ride a Kawasaki Voyager instead of a Harley. and my DREEEEAM touring cruiser is definitely an Indian, not a Harley.
Smart man ! 👍🏁🙂😂
I am 100% JACKED to get my Challenger Dark Horse this spring....
As you should be!
I absolutely love my Super Chief. I like HD bikes but couldn't care less about the whole HD culture thing. Herd mentality is what I see but to each his own. Long live Indian Motorcycle!!!
Another great vid and I like Indian for their changing style
I don’t know why people throw Polaris as an insult. I bought my Indian because Polaris owns it, Polaris makes good stuff, them and canam share the number one spot for powersports. They don’t get to number one for making crap.
Definitely haters.
They're the same people who hate on those who reminded them that AMF actually kept HD going when they were nearly dust! History is a funny thing hey!
This is true. Polaris has a long history in the Powersports biz. They have deep enough pockets to get it done. AMF did keep HD from sinking. Nobody wants their bike connected to bowling balls and lawn darts.
I’ve taken several road trips out west in the past few years; I’ve observed a reduction of Goldwings on the road; you will see an Indian occasionally; the biggest surprise is the reduction of the Goldwings.. Note; I have noticed an increase in ADV bikes..
I own both an Indian chieftain classic and a GL1800. Two totally different bikes but I love them both. Since I bought my chieftain 2 years ago I thought it was time to sell the GW but just can’t seem to let it go.
I'll be surprised if Indian doesn't make a ADV bike. That's the fastest growing segment in motorcycling.
I am still surprised how many former owners of Victory bikes say they would never buy an Indian.
It’s like going back to a cheating ex, you have to be dumb to do it.
The Sprocket is Growing Brother 👍🏾 Keep up the Reviews 💯
It is! The process is working. Glad people are vibin’ with the content.
I love all motorcycles. All manufacturers, and all genres of bikes. My biggest problem with Indian is dealer support. In my area they are carried by multi-brand dealers who could care less what you buy, or even if you buy. I don't ride batwing bikes coming from a sport bike background so the Road Glide is the Harley for me. I replaced a Vulcan Voyager with 60,000 miles on it with the Road Glide. I find the Challenger to be Fugly. The Springfield with the classic fenders is my favorite Indian. I like the idea of the FTR but find it too expensive for what you get.
Your comments are spot on. I know people who say it's not a Harley if it isn't a 45 degree V twin.
A very well reasoned commentary Brandon. Loved it! I got sick and tired of waiting for HD to get their act together and improve some basic items, like suspension, cooling and modern technology. After 45 years of all sorts of HD's, I made the jump this year to the Indian Challenger. What a beast!
Good for you pal , from a Victory XCT owner...🏁🏁👍👍
Indian motorcycles listens to us owners of Indian motorcycles. They have stepped up the game for all brands. I found that Indian motorcycles as very reliable and great quality. One flaw or maybe a cool thing is you spend more time at stops for gas due to people asking questions and admire the bike. You don't see that so much with HD bikes.
This. Entirely lol. I got my hands on a Springfield Dark Horse earlier this year and, not kidding, I am stopped once in every three fuel stops to have a discussion about the bike.
Great video! Agreed! Would love to see a Powerplus 108 based sportbike.
Yes they are able to take the risks and they pull it off perfectly!! I have never been a harley fan outside of the v-rod. But I love what Indian has come to be and what it is destined to be for the future. I am a huge victory fan. Love those bikes. And now that Indian is integrating victory into their bikes the sky is the limit in my eyes. You have to respect the work polaris has done to build the legend of a company back to the top from where it was. I have major respect for the work they do and though there may not be a company on every corner. Their support for their bikes is great. Any mechanical situation is taken care of professionally though yes you may have to travel a little but it worth it all in my eyes. My friends have Indian bikes and they love them!! And me. I have grown to love and respect it as well and plan on purchasing one soon myself. I really want a victory cross country or magnum. But if I can't get my hands on one of them in great condition a Indian it is for me. Great video. Keep up the good work.
A very big problem that a Local Outstanding independent Bike Mechanic told me is that unlike Harley, Honda, BMW and most Bike makers, just like they did with Victory you cannot get Factory Sponsored Indian training at the Different Motorcycle Repair Schools such as UTI. So you have a very limited pool of qualified high level Technicians/mechanics to do the more intense repairs to our Indians and no where for a Bike Mechanic to get that additional training. I do most of my own maintenance work on my Victory Cross Country, but at over 147k on her now, here in SoCal I have very limited options for the bigger repairs such as a engine/Transmission rebuilds. Sadly they seem to be making the same mistake with the Indian and no, most Indian Dealerships will not work on Victorys because they lack the training for them too. . . .
So Harley, Honda and BMW all push/enforce High Levels of Service Training at the Dealership level and promote training to non-dealership mechanics that creates a strong pool mechanics to draw from for the Dealership Service Departments plus work long term on their products at independents shops. So far Indian has done better with higher standards at the Dealership Service Level then Polaris did with Victory Dealerships, but time well tell.
I just bought an Indian Scout Bobber. I love it. Speaking of Polaris I have a 2003 Victory V92TC and it’s still running great.
That’s awesome! Victory Motorcycles are Gems.
Generally speaking, HD customers don't like change so there is less pressure on the Motor Coy to move from its traditions - until forced to do so by regulators (eg. stricter EPA rules). The only true reason the Sportster will be killed off is that very reason and ABS and traction control was introduced - to meet stricter and stricter EU rules. We saw this also when HD introduced counter-balances in the Softail range years ago in order to eliminate the vibration. So many complained - until they rode the bikes and discovered how much more pleasant they were to ride and how much less damage they are causing to their arthritic bones. Same thing with the latest M8 motor - typical comments, wow! how smooth the M8 is they said. For years and years Harley riders, generally speaking, have stuck to their guns about having the air/oil cooled motor while Triumph and BMW and Indian moved to water cooled, but ironically (again), every committed (love is blind) Harley rider who has now ridden the new Sportster S is raving on about how smooth and fast it is and how great it is and how much power it has straight out of the box. Don't get me wrong, I ride HD but spent years experiencing water cooled motors and it is the way to go.
I have looked at the HD sportster S it reminds me of the scout mixed with the V Rod and that is a good thing competition is what improves the quality of bikes and pushes the others to evolve and grow. I am inlove with my roadmaster. I've tried other brands but Indian motorcycles grabbed my attention and bank.
I picked up a 2021 Chieftain Dark Horse 116 a few months ago and my only regret is not doing it years ago.
I just wish Indian as a brand were more welcoming and inclusive of Victory. It would go a long way.
Good vid B, now a ‘power stroke 116 powered sport bike’, like an Indian MT01, where do I sign 👿
Honestly still all about my Victory! But I’m really excited to see all the new models Indians has released. It’s also making HD actually do something besides the same ol stuff. Great that we are getting better options with our American 🇺🇸 manufacturers 👍👍
Very true!
Take a shot every time you hear “I feel like” Make sure the hospital is at the ready too. 🥴
Shoot dude if I did that I’d be trying to stick the rear wheel on the front and front on the back of one of these bikes I’m putting new “shoes” on🤪
😂
Everything is spot on and well put! I should just always have this link up my sleeve for every Harley Fan boy that talks shizz and take them to school. Another great video Brandon!
Preciate that Brother. ❤️
NAILED IT! 100%
I wish there was a stronger dealer network. I was going to buy an Indian Springfield but ended up staying with Harley because the closest Indian dealer is an hour away, with the next closest 3 hours away. My Harley dealer is 10 minutes away and there are 5 or 6 more within an hour or two. Even the metric dealers have stronger dealer networks. There are at least half a dozen Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki and Suzuki dealers within an hour of me.
I’m sooo close to buying me a chieftain! Just waiting on the spring.
Good take bro 👍🏽
I loved Indian motorcycles since I was a little kid,for my first motorcycle,I went with the 2020 scout bobber.
That’s awesome!
I think you are very right my wife has two of them and is loving both of them thank you brother
Agree, Harley and their riders have a very strong opinion on what is Harley. Indian and their followers are excited about anything and everything Indian is doing!
I know I’m waiting on the power plus with the non fixed fairing! Super excited to see what their putting that engine in!! My fingers are crossed!!
I own both and love both. HD fanboys make me like Indian more. But, I definitely tend to jump on the Indian 80% of the time.
I LOVE the Indian Brand...all of it. Great, kick-ass bikes! Indian forever!
My 2cents - Indian doesn’t care what HD does. Indian is doing it own thing and with the backing of Polaris, they can afford to do what they want. So far I think they have hit hime runs in each new bike they bring out. I am disappointed that there won’t be a Vintage in 2022 - one of the prettiest bikes ever. On my my 2nd Indian and not going back😎. Love your opinion pieces. Keep it up
A large part of Indian's success came at the expense of Victory owners when Polaris pulled the plug without notice. Victory was, at least, an original American brand, still is due to a group of dedicated souls who continue to provide service and parts. Long before Polaris purchased the Indian name, I always said Victory was what Indian would have become if they hadn’t closed their doors in 1953, I guess it ended up that way sorta, Victory became Indian. That said, I still think Polaris has a lot of gall talking about "Heritage," they act like Indian closing in 1953 never happened, in truth, they just bought the name and revived it, using lessons learned from Victory evolution and development. If you’re enjoying your Indian now, you have Victory to thank for it.
Agreed. Victory DNA runs through Indians veins. Had a Victory XC with over 120K on it. That bike was very dependable and rock solid. Indian had a huge head start do to the foundation layed buy Polaris through Victory. I agree they have a lot of latitude do to never being put in a certain segment box. They say high tide raises all boats. No other manufacturer is going to raise HD's boat like Indian. I don't think any metric manufacturers be they European or Asian will move HD off their square like Indian will. Either way to consumer comes out ahead.
Scout bobber was a slam dunk. It’s what got me interested in the brand. Everything about that bike dripped with badassery. I wish the new chief bobber was as bad ass but it isn’t. I still liked it enough to buy one though. Thunderstoke fo lyfe
Very good analysis! When Indian came back they restarted with a blank canvas and I am grateful they introduced today’s technology from the get go. (Such as electronic adjustments and liquid cooling) They are miles ahead HD who only survives on the baby boomer generation which is dying off. Cheers
Polaris is one of the biggest motorsports company’s in the world…..
There definitely experienced in building quality products
A very big problem that a Local Outstanding independent Bike Mechanic told me is that unlike Harley, Honda, BMW and most Bike makers, just like they did with Victory you cannot get Factory Sponsored Indian training at the Different Motorcycle Repair Schools such as UTI. So you have a very limited pool of qualified high level Technicians/mechanics to do the more intense repairs to our Indians and no where for a Bike Mechanic to get that additional training. I do most of my own maintenance work on my Victory Cross Country, but at over 147k on her now, here in SoCal I have very limited options for the bigger repairs such as a engine/Transmission rebuilds. Sadly they seem to be making the same mistake with the Indian and no, most Indian Dealerships will not work on Victorys because they lack the training for them too. . . .
So Harley, Honda and BMW all push/enforce High Levels of Service Training at the Dealership level and promote training to non-dealership mechanics that creates a strong pool mechanics to draw from for the Dealership Service Departments plus work long term on their products at independents shops. So far Indian has done better with higher standards at the Dealership Service Level then Polaris did with Victory Dealerships, but time well tell.
Indian can attract all of the Harley Owners who got screwed by Harley Dealers and HD Break downs..
IF HD had not gotten rid of Eric Buell they would be miles ahead of where they are now. That is what happens when you bring in a guy to run the company who is against racing. i think indian will help keep HD on its toes and that is what HD needs. The big upside of HD is all the upgrade and after market parts they offer, i only know of one guy that has started amking aftemarket parts for the big Indian motorcycles.
Good points. After market for Indian is growing. Will take awhile to get even a fraction to that of HD.
Great commentary no disagreement...
I love my H-D Road King, but I want one of the new Indian FTR's.
That would be a cool garage combo.
Ditto.
I was in the market for a cruiseer last year and i loved the scout bobber, but the price was a little too premium for me at that time. I ended up with a victory octane and i have no regrets. Indian has been doing some cool stuff lately and when im ready to buy a bagger, it'll most likely be an Indian
When the trolls call Indian a "Polaris Indian" remind them of "AMF Harley"
I would love to see them enter the India market with some small displacement maybe partnered with TVS
I agree with you. But is it wrong that I'm still bitter about them pulling the plug on Victory? I can see some of that Victory swagger showing up in the new Indian models but it's still not the same.
Nope. It took me years to get over it. I finally caved.
My only concern is that Indians technology hasn't had enough chance to prove itself and the other thing I don't like currently is that being a American who will only buy American motorcycles I don't want my bike to look, sound,perform like the next guys. They need to let people such as s&s along with other American manufacturers make some really great performance and accessories for the Indian if they are serious about sticking around. This is part of the reason why Harley is so successful and if Indian would drop their price a little more then there'd be alot of people switching from Harley to Indian atleast to give it a chance
Ok first I like the work you do your awesome. I'm team Indian but before I made the change i rode HD for decades. Just for a little info most hardcore hd riders would say you don't own a Harley because a vrod is not a real Harley. Just giving a little different perspective. Keep up the great work, I respected your mechanical guts from the git 😎👍🏽 long live Indian!
I think that what is important is to ride a bike that make you feel good. The motorcycle must do what you need. Everybody are different so that's why there's so many different kind and models. I personnaly have riden many brands and models. I am riding a Triumph Thunderbird Storm, and it is a joy for me, for now. Next....mabe a Indian.
A lot of the same thoughts I've had. HD is a little culty for me and I like being on something else without having to go GoldWing
The Polaris comments are hilarious considering they mostly come from HD Owners who have forgotten the Motor Company was once run by a bowling ball manufacturer.
😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
Lol...yep..and they even made a golf cart !!!!! And had an Italian scooter !!!!
Are you forgetting that Indian was bought sold and passed around more than a chick at a college party it took them from 1953 to now to gain popularity again no one gives a shit about Indian look at the value of a 1940s Indian compared to 1940s harley
Let me just say I rode a crotchrocket for a time then I got a Harley Dyna. That being said, I am now on my third Indian. First the Vintage, then the Chieftain Limited and now my Springfield Darkhorse. Both the Limited with Cams, true duels and headers. Need I say more. Next up to go with my Darkhorse after paid off is the FTR. BUT....I do want another Dyna as well. I love both.
Ride a Challenger and get your wallet ready!
What sold me on Indian was the tech that similarly priced Harley’s didn’t have. A softtail doesn’t come with a digital display. Or whatever the equivalent Chief model is. The chief with its 4inch ride command is what really helped sell me. Mounting your phone to bike is bad for it. Apple released statement saying vibrations damage camera. Regardless having phone in sunlight constantly while you ride is bad for the battery too. I have no need to mount phone because of the ride command. Maybe big harley baggers have better tech but definitely not in their mid size bikes.
Integrating tech is what pulled a “youngster” like me into motorcycles. If scout can get ride command they would sell even more bikes! Anyway so convenient for me to just put an address on my ride command and get there no problem!
I've wondered why Indian hasn't added that tech to its Scout. My guess is to give incentive to upgrade to Chief. The Revolution Max platform is coming with tech now. Sportster S and Pan America have awesome tech packages. More money for that convenience, though.
Love the Polaris design own a victory v92 very dependable motorcycle but owned a sporster but never went back to Harley but have lots of hd parts guess I still own one
I would like to see Dirt Bikes and an Adventure Bike… The adventure bike market is one to pay attention to as many of my friends bought BMW GS motorcycles and love them. Not to mention Polaris engineering could really help to make it more than just an INDIAN brand version, but an innovator of the Adventure genre..
HD has been an American assembled Japanese/ Mexican parts motorcycle for 53 years and if you go back far enough they were having engine blocks made in Japan in the 1920's. That said, most of the motorcycles I've owned have been equally Harleys and Japanese (Honda, Kawie, Suzuki) and in the old days HD was easy to work on. The 2013 Road King will be the LAST HD I'll ever spend a dime on (it's turning into a "Luke" with a hand built S&S engine, haven't decided on what frame yet, but, work in progress cutting out most of the electrical crap). My next bike? Kiwi Indian Chief!
I see them putting the option of the power plus or the thunderstroke.
Definitely
Most people don't realize that Polaris is a very old American company. It's only fitting that they have the Indian name. Victory motorcycles were very well engineered but they didn't have a name like Indian. I actually found a documentary on TH-cam about Polaris history and it blew me away. I own Harleys and love them but they need competition to push them forward and Indian is doing just that
Agreed!
I had 2015 Indian Chieftain for three years and many BMW sport touring bikes. Currently owned a 2021 Harley Road Glide and very happy with it. The throttle by wire with all my previous bikes sucks. Harley is responsive and does not have that delayed throttle due to emissions.
I’d be curious to know what you think about the newer ThunderStrokes with Power Modes. Probably not your thing but there isn’t a delay with Sport Mode.
Closed on the sale of my house and buying a pursuit dark horse this weekend. I can not wait. BTW Harley was bought by AMF in 1969. Tell that to the Harley fan boys that talk about Polaris. If they say "copy cat", remind them where Harley got its start and who they copied lol. As if Harley invented the frame mounted fairing. Main difference between camps is, in Camp Indian you are allowed to love Harleys or any other brands.
Got to agree with you Brandon that Indian is willing to listen and become positive involvement with the community. Indian actually built a bike that would hold up and not cost an astronomical price. Right now they have a several year advantage over Harley Davidson and a price that really much more attractive. Look at the Sportster replacement the 1250cc bike, it is reliable, thank God, in comparison to the old model. But then look at the price, get real I wouldn't pay that much money for a motorcycle that is only equal, at best, to the competition but costs sometimes double the price. Indian has management that are motorcycle types, and Harley has a clothing marketing specialist at the CEO?
As Indian takes more risks, HD will follow Indian's lead i.e. Pan America, Sportster S.
I think Indian is going to push HD into areas they wouldn't have otherwise gone. The Pan America is proof. HD a ADV bike, NO WAY!! I've taken one out. I think it's between a BMW GS and a KTM 1290 super adventure. Nice bike. Hope they continue to push each other.
Harley needs the competition anyway to humble them, i welcome Indian even though I'll nvr own one...
There’s a strong correlation between talk of what bike handles best and has the most enjoyable ride vs. what others would think or what it’s supposed to be between the two big brands. The demographic who bought Victory were less sold in image or culture or heritage and more sold on performance, handling, enjoyment. I think those people are largely the same who buy new Indian bikes today. I personally don’t care if it’s called a Unicorn Princess made by I’mNotAMan… if it handles amazingly I want to own one. If it handles like a brick and is utterly unenjoyable I have between distain and zero interest in owning one. Throw in some reliability and I’m all good.
And let's remember Harley Davidson built Bowling machine and bowling balls
It was AMF that owned Harley at one time and they made all kinds of shit now let’s talk about how Indian has been passed around to different companies more than a chick at a college party
Until there are more Indian dealerships I’m not even considering Indian.
Indian Four......please
I think Indian was smart and doesn’t hold back o development. Indian has no problem moving forward with modern technology in their products. Polaris doesn’t waste time.
The scout & the Challenger is the new way forward for motorcycles with gear drive primaries, fully counter balanced engines, fully liquid cooled engines, ride modes, and no pushrods in the above two models.
Yes Indian has air cooled motorcycles like Harley Davidson but they also have their tech side to. Only now does HD get it and has to get away from 1950’s/1960’s technology and do more with a motorcycle than paint jobs.
It’s not just a internet troll thing. The H-D culture is extremely toxic. I was in a dealership looking at a 2018 fa͏t bob & some random guy walked up to me and told me not to buy it. it’s just a toy I’ll get tired of & I should get a mans bike. he pointed to a road king. I just walked away... That guy knew nothing about me, but assumed I wanted an old man bagger. That type of vibe just turned me off from H-D completely. I’ve seen other situations similar to this & I want no parts of it
I really liked the victory line and still do but it wasn’t really moving the Indian name just means something and it just makes sense. And there’s the bikes my roadmaster is the smoothest riding bike I’ve ever rode hands down.
They’re fantastic bikes.
I was honestly starting to save up for a Victory Vegas (in red) when I heard the brand was getting shut down. I was devastated, that color, the flowing lines. Performance out of the box, low price point and that front rim was beautiful. I didn't like the Indian lineup at the time (save the Scout, which was the only one I had seen without that ugly -IMO- front fender). But I've since changed my mind now that the only ones with those fenders are the classic models, in the middle of saving for a Challenger DH in white right now. Truth be told I didn't like the nose when I first lid eyes on it, but its grown on me. Easy to see the Victory styling bleeding into the lineup, I think it's helping the brand grow faster to be honest.
Let's not forget that HD was AMF once. We're the dubbed AMF HD?
Indian is a great motorcycle alternative. HD RIders choose HD because they want HD, not something new. Indian offers great, "new" & "different" motorcycles that are still linked to, and showing, their American V Twin heritage.
Absolutely love my 2021 Springfield! Coulda had a Harley . . . but don’t trust the M8 power plant. Thunderstroke kicks Milwaukee to the curb.
I feel Indian will have a Adventure bike out soon!
And I HOPE looks better than that ugly HD Pan America!!!!!!!
I keep waiting for either of the "big two" US manufacturers to put out a touring bike that puts 120 hp or more to the rear wheel IN STOCK FORM. It's not unheard of. The BMW K1600 puts 130ish hp to the rear wheel with an essentially flat torque curve from 2000-6000 RPM. I realize the Challenger water cooled engine is an improvement. But it is quite far from 130 hp to the rear wheel. And there is essentially no aftermarket. I also realize that the sky is the limit when building hp with a Harley, but that is costly. However the aftermarket is endless for HD. But, when you pay upwards of 30K for a reasonably appointed HD touring bike (e.g. Road Glide Special) and then have to spend another 5K or more in the aftermarket and maybe void the factory warranty to get 130ish to the rear wheel it is something many can't/won't do. If one of these manufacturers would just take that plunge and charge
They can do it. They won’t because their consumer base enjoys upgrading their motorcycles. That’s why the new Revolution Max doesn’t have much upgrade potential to it.
The Challenger is not far short of 120 bhp at the rear wheel. It’s only because of the massive COVD19 disruptions that we haven’t seen more aftermarket parts and goodies. Watch this space though!
The new powerplus is 122hp
My 2021 challenger puts out 122 hp and 128 torque
Enough said
I understand what you're saying. I think Indian is pushing it in that cruiser touring category. I think the Challenger is a fine bike and is a strong unit. When he says performance and mentioned a K 1600, until you ride one you just ain't get'n it. When you have just as much torque and more HP along with that multicylinder high-speed rush, it's a different animal. I've rode the Challenger many times, love the bike. I own a GTL K 1600. With a fast revving in line 6 stock, it gets on top quickly.
I wish Polaris/Indian would build something like the Ryker or the Can-Am Spyder I would love to see someone else in that market
That would be interesting to see. A slingshot spin off could evolve into that.
Putting money in the piggy bank waiting for the powerplus midsize/big twin cruiser. unless HD drops a liquid cooled midsize/ big twin first
Ooo. The race is on.