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[naitram]

Polaris Industries Inc. (NYSE: PII) today announced the acquisition of Indian Motorcycle. The business was acquired from Indian Motorcycle Limited (“IML”), a company advised by Stellican Limited and Novator Partners LLP, U.K. Private Equity firms. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

“We are excited to be part of the revitalization of a quintessentially American brand,” said Scott Wine, CEO of Polaris Industries Inc. “Indian built America’s first motorcycle. With our technology and vision, we are confident we will deliver the classic Indian motorcycle, enhanced by the quality and performance for which Polaris and Victory are known.”

With this acquisition, Polaris adds one of motorcycling’s legendary brands to its strong stable of Victory cruiser and touring bikes. Indian will operate as an autonomous business unit, building upon the potent combination of Polaris’ engineering acumen and innovative technology with Indian’s premium brand, iconic design and rich American heritage.

“We are delighted to have reached an agreement with Polaris. Polaris will utilize its well-known strengths in engineering, manufacturing, and distribution to complete the mission we undertook upon re-launching the brand in 2006: harness the enormous potential of the Indian brand,” said Stephen Julius, chairman of Indian and managing director of Stellican. “Polaris is the most logical owner of Indian Motorcycle. Indian’s heritage brand will allow Polaris to aggressively compete across an expanded spectrum of the motorcycle market.”

Novator Partners LLP is a London based alternative investment firm founded and led by the investor Mr. Thor Bjorgolfsson. An avid motorcycle enthusiast, Mr. Bjorgolfsson said “After a troubled past, our goal was to bring the legendary Indian bikes back on the roads. The initial phase of that project is done and now our great partners at Polaris will carry on the work to realize the full potential of this classic American brand.”

[SBB]

Interesting.

Wonder if the factory will stay in the same location?
Wonder if there will be a touring bike coming?

SBB

[iski]

Indian water bikes next?

[Twolanerider]

Interesting.

Indeed it is.  That's the most interesting news to come about Indian in a long time.  The name has stumbled through underfunded ownerships and problematic management for several reincarnations.  Now to come up again with a big name behind it with both large manufacturing experience and motorcycle experience is good news.  Personally I'd love to see a full blown American cruiser competitor come along to shake Harley's tree.  Some of the Victory bikes may be a little funny looking by my relative standards of what is funny looking.  But they are at least legitimate bikes.  Get that kind of wherewithal behind something as good looking as a big Indian and it could easily be enough to get even old farts like me pay attention.

[Half_Crazy]

If anyone can make a go of the Indian brand it's Polaris. They have deep enough pockets (2010 sales of $1.991 billion) to endure the start-up. They started making Victory motorcycles 12 years ago and the bikes have gotten better and better every year. The aftermarket is getting better too. Love or hate the styling, you must admit that they innovate not just imitate. If they can make something more than a novelty bike out of Indian and get the costs down some, I might own one some day.








 

[murphy]

Too bad they didn't take over HD!

[2harleys]

Too bad they didn't take over HD!

Could happen if they don't get a clue

[duranh]

Getting the pricing down is going to be a real big requirement, I like the looks and seating position of the indians but I do not think that they are worth the asking price. While they are at it they could move the oil filter away from the exhaust.

[mrmagloo]

Hopefully, this will bring the refinement that the Indians sorely lacked.

[Buy early]

Very interesting! The local Indian shop opened up here about 3 months before the economy collapsed. They are 1 block from St. Paul HD. I always feel sorry for them as I drive by and see the empty parking lot. I do stop in from time to time as Indian always does cool things with brown leather. Hope this keeps them on heir feet!

[Gecko]

I hope by autonomous they mean we aren't going to see that ugly Victory engine in an Indian frame.  Otherwise what's the point? 

[tazmun]

I hope by autonomous they mean we aren't going to see that ugly Victory engine in an Indian frame.  Otherwise what's the point? 

Looks, depend on your eyesight! I see nothing wrong with the look, just different.

[grandpadoc]

I ride with a guy on Wednesdays who has a Victory Cross Country and that bike is has it all for about 18K. After seeing the new Indians at Sturgis last summer I'm not impressed with their product, but am glad to see their future is insured and can't wait to see what happens. Doc

[Half_Crazy]

I ride with a guy on Wednesdays who has a Victory Cross Country and that bike is has it all for about 18K. After seeing the new Indians at Sturgis last summer I'm not impressed with their product, but am glad to see their future is insured and can't wait to see what happens. Doc

So far, Victory hasn't offered an ABS brakes option on their 'Cross-Dressers' (only the Vision) but they do have standard cruise control, a 106"/6-speed drive train with 85/102 for stock HP/TQ to the tire, and the trick sand cast "core" chassis.

This is basically a commercial, but they show the chassis:

Indian water bikes next?

I hope by autonomous they mean we aren't going to see that ugly Victory engine in an Indian frame.  Otherwise what's the point? 

More about that ugly motor (which is not water cooled by the way):

[grandpadoc]

So far, Victory hasn't offered an ABS brakes option on their 'Cross-Dressers' (only the Vision) but they do have standard cruise control, a 106"/6-speed drive train with 85/102 for stock HP/TQ to the tire, and the trick sand cast "core" chassis.

This is basically a commercial, but they show the chassis:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CefevDiTo

...plus rebates and low financing rates. I don't know for sure, but I think the Victory is air and oil cooled. I imagine Harley will go this route soon.  Doc