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[iski]

Vintage looks from the pics are ok.  But from the pics, that fairing bke is a mess.  Might look better in person, but doubtful.  Was a fan of those big honking fenders from looking at them in years past, but not so much anymore.  I find the stock HD fender on the Ultra to be too big these days & that big fender looks weird with that Indian chrome crapped fairing.

Would wait a year or 2 to even consider buying one, to see what the problems and issues are and see if they re-style that fairing.  It looks like a "rush job" from the pics.  Any assumption they will not have problems, with a new motor and new systems to me is .... Interesting.  No dealer anywhere close yet so just a curiosity so far.  Bet the line for test rides at rallies is a long one though.  And bet HD is curious, too, as to how big a whack it may give their sales numbers.

[Fullsac Performance]

Forgot to mention that I did notice quite a bit of vibration in the handlebars than I was expecting. Mainly 70-75 on the highway in either 5th or 6th. Again, wished I had ridden the chief with just the windshield. I did notice that the leaders and the blockers taking the demo folks out were not on a chieftain so that might say a lot. Otherwise, really like the look and feel of the bike and the motor. Glad I rode one now

The Victory Cross Country I spent some time on had a buzz in the bars in the upper RPM range. Nothing terrible at cruise but very
noticeable when winding her up. Got my attention in the dyno room too. I was hopefull the latest Polaris had delt with this issue that ultimately kept me from purchasingthe previous. Good reason for a test ride.

Steve

[Spiderman]

Hey, this is Indian's debut, their real "first" year with a solid financial backing.  They really didn't have much choice but to start with their retro heritage styling this year. It was kinda what everybody was expecting.  Give Polaris backed Indian a few years to get their game in order and I believe that we will see the competition needed to wake up the sleeping giant H-D.  Rome wasn't built in a day.   

Is that financial backing enough to withstand the onslaught of warranty claims. Look at what happened with GM a few years ago. GM could not reimburse dealers for warranty repairs and put a LOT of dealerships out of business. In the past, this has been the main issue with the various Indian rebirths we've seen. Nobody can make a perfect anything. I believe the Japanese strive for 97% which means they accept going in that they will pay warranty claims on 3% of sales. Harley-Davidson has been in business for 110 years and they are still striving to lower their warranty claims. This iteration of Indian with new designs in abundance is going to be what ?  90% - - less ? - - -more ?  In any event when you say solid financial backing that means that the money people are prepared to lose money in the first couple of years. I wish them well. I think the more choices we as motorcyclists have the better for all of us. Competition is a healthy thing. So I hope as someone who loves motorcycles of all stripes that they make it. But you know, the only new American made motorcycle companies that have had the real financial backing to survive have been Victory and the BRP Spider and they've had huge corporations (Polaris and Bombardier{CanAm})to back them up. Time will tell

B B

[LincolnUSA]

Interesting thread and opinions on the new Indians.  IMO, competition in the marketplace is healthy and what drives our free enterprise system.  Nice to see the creation of US jobs in what has been to say the least, a difficult and troubling economy.  I don't think Harley management will see these new bikes as a major threat.  However, in my opinion, HD is behind the times in keeping up with innovation and incorporating new technology into their various models.  Am hopeful that competition will result in HD turning the throttle and being more innovative.  If they remain status quo, they lose nominal market share.  As an aside, their paint colors in non-CVOs are (yawn), boring.

In regard to Indian, a person either loves or likes the look of these bikes.  I like the look but not near enough to buy one.  Frankly, when it comes to the old school look, I still prefer the HD.  Polaris may have made a mistake by relying so heavily on the nostalgic look of these bikes.  It will be interesting to see what other models are coming.  If I had to buy a different brand today, it would be a Victory or BMW.

[hogasm]

Is that financial backing enough to withstand the onslaught of warranty claims. Look at what happened with GM a few years ago. GM could not reimburse dealers for warranty repairs and put a LOT of dealerships out of business. In the past, this has been the main issue with the various Indian rebirths we've seen. Nobody can make a perfect anything. I believe the Japanese strive for 97% which means they accept going in that they will pay warranty claims on 3% of sales. Harley-Davidson has been in business for 110 years and they are still striving to lower their warranty claims. This iteration of Indian with new designs in abundance is going to be what ?  90% - - less ? - - -more ?  In any event when you say solid financial backing that means that the money people are prepared to lose money in the first couple of years. I wish them well. I think the more choices we as motorcyclists have the better for all of us. Competition is a healthy thing. So I hope as someone who loves motorcycles of all stripes that they make it. But you know, the only new American made motorcycle companies that have had the real financial backing to survive have been Victory and the BRP Spider and they've had huge corporations (Polaris and Bombardier{CanAm})to back them up. Time will tell

B B

It is funny that you say 90%.....of what......90% of all bikes will be returned for a warranty claim?

In the outboard motor industry..90% of all outboard motors have a warranty claim and it is built into the initial cost of the motor.

[LabRat]

Saw the new Indians at Sturgis and joined an Indian forum to do some research because I could see on in my garage some day. Anyway, given all the 'abuse' the Chieftain is getting here in terms of the design, I thought I'd share some info. According to the engineers, the design of the fairing comes from the Art Deco Streamliner locomotives that roamed the country back in the 40's. Once you see these, I can see what they were thinking. Still might not be everyone's cup of tea, but for me, it took years to even like the looks of a Batwing. Here's an example.

[Skipper]

LabRat, can you give me web site for Indian forum please.
Br,
Skipper

[LabRat]

LabRat, can you give me web site for Indian forum please.
Br,
Skipper

http://www.indianmotorcyclecommunity.com

I joined last night. Unfortunately you can't see much without joining. When you go to register, it pops up with a paid option, but you can register without being a paying member by clicking at the bottom. I haven't posted, but I'll be LabRat there as well.

[Skipper]

Thanks, I'll go with same name as well.

[dlaws01]

It is funny that you say 90%.....of what......90% of all bikes will be returned for a warranty claim?

In the outboard motor industry..90% of all outboard motors have a warranty claim and it is built into the initial cost of the motor.

X2    Anyway, what would make you think that 90% of these would need any warranty work?  You must be thinking about the Moco and their claims numbers. 

[Dead_Reckoning]

On Friday my Neighbor and I had a chance to test ride the New Indian Chief.

I was able to test ride the Classic and The Vintage Chiefs

A. IMHO India is using the Thunderstroke 111 as a major part of it's Marketing vs Harley Davidson.
IF HD were to offer the 110 in Standard models, pricing would be very close.
Having Test Ridden the CVO RK and CVO RG at Laconia, I didn't notice that the Indian 111 had any more yank than the HD 110.
The 110 is listed at 118 FtLbs and the 111 is listed at 119 FtLbs

B. One would expect Indian to have all of their Test Bikes to be working properly.
They had 13 test Bikes of various models. Four (4) of the Thirteen Cheifs all had problems with the Engine Trouble Light staying on.
No Specific reason was offered as to the cause. Indian took one of those four test bikes out of service.

C. The Vintage TBW was so sensitive that the slightest bump in the road would increase the throttle.
The Classic TBY was fine and felt stiffer.
Make me believe it could/should have been adjusated on the Vintage

The 12 mile route encountered Rough Back road, Normal rural road and Interstate.

I could feel the Cast Aluminum Frame flex as advertised. The Shocks and frame produced a Comfortable Ride, almost too soft. I prefer a slightly more firm/sport suspension
It had no issues with leaning it over on either side.
The Seat, Footboard location and handle bars were all comfortable. I am 6'1.5"

The engine/exhaust was very quiet and smooth, until you grabbed a handful of throttle. Then it seems to vibrate a lot to me.
At Interstate Speeds the Rocker box seemed noisier than i would have expected.

As previously mentioned, 6 gear is tall. Pretty much for Interstates.
5th gear appeared to be fine on country roads, Ups/Downs and twisties.

There is a Single Lube Oil with just one Drain/Fill Plug. The Oil Filter is located in the fron with "Easy Access" Takes 5.5 Qts of Lube Oil.

Indian claims that No Victory parts were used in the Indian Chief.
It seems to have a retro look with modern tech features.

I am generally a "Toe Shifter" so the Lack of a Heel Shifter was not and issue for me.

The Clutch seemed smooth

The front brakes seemed to grab a bit. I use my front brakes a lot, probably would take some getting used to.

So, excluding the larger Indian 111 vs the standard HD 103 Prime Mover

The Vintage MSRP - $20,999 "Single Color" - No Security System iwas mentioned
HD Road King Classic MSRP - $19,899 "Single Color
Both have Cruise, ABS and Windscreens

The Chieftain MSRP - $23,999 "Black Only". Springfield Blue and Indian red are additional $500
HD Street Glide  MSRP - $19,799 "Single Color". Would have to buy the Security Package to get ABS and $295 for Cruise. So around $22,000
The chieftain also has Bluetooth and Tire pressure.

Would I buy a new Indian Chief?
No
I certainly would wait for one or model years to let them shake out some of their issues
NOT so much into the India  retro look. HUGE Headlight
Wait to see what HD offers in the next year or two models.
Just my opinion, if HD offered a 110 in standard models, no reason to look at an Indian

I asked about a Full Tour Pack, "Coming Soon"

Engine Guard = $399.00 "Coming Soon"
Quick Release Mid-Height Windshield = $549.99 "Coming Soon"
Quick Release Tall Windshield = $599.99 "Coming Soon"
Hard Saddle Bags - Not showing as and option yet
Saddle Bag Guards = $299.99 "Coming Soon"

As always, it is all about what puts the biggest smile on your face and how much you are willing to pay for that smile.


DR

[Fired00d]

Anybody guess who I'm thinking of on this bike? ...

 
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 

[LabRat]

Georgous! I think they are even better in person, but I like the retro look.

[BUCKNUT GREG]

Anybody guess who I'm thinking of on this bike? ...

 
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 

Don ... 

[Twolanerider]

Anybody guess who I'm thinking of on this bike? ...

 
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 

Don't know about you but I thought of me when I saw that picture.  Love the tan leathers.  Even more so with the red.  That's a great looking bike.