insaneindian Posted February 10, 2008 Share Posted February 10, 2008 Dateline – Kings Mountain, NC A rare Indian Motorcycle factory tour was granted yesterday, Friday 2-8-08 to three Indian Motorcycle enthusiasts. Eddie Brimmer, Ron Herman, and Mike Sarrail were chosen to be the invited guests of Indian Motorcycle to view the factory, meet the staff, and evaluate the 2009 Indian Chief Motorcycle as work in progress. Indian Motorcycle carefully selected the guests for a sneak peak behind the scenes to gather thoughts and suggestions of final designs, features, and options as testing is nearing completion. Eddie, Ron and Mike also toured the site of the flagship Indian Dealership currently under construction near Charlotte, NC. No additional tours are planned before production begins later this year. Indian Motorcycle was grateful for the opportunity for suggestions and roundtable discussions from recognized Indian Motorcycle experts and aficionados. //// Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
badndn Posted February 10, 2008 Share Posted February 10, 2008 First let me say thank you to Mark, Chris and all of the rest of the folks at Indian for the invitation and for the hospitality. I feel fortunate to have had the privilege to have been one of the first "outsiders" allowed in the plant since meaningful work was began and I had a rare opportunity to witness history in the making. I now have a better feel for the "vision" that Indian has for the brand and the direction they are taking. Also thanks for inviting us "regular guys" first. I think that says volumes of how the factory really looks at us and where there head is at. They could have invited countless other people from magazines to public figures, but they invited US. Again, I think it really shows how much they respect us. That said, let me make one thing perfectly clear. Indian has not influenced anything I am about to say in any way. I saw what I saw and I formed my own opinions. Most people that know me, know that I am an opinionated person and I freely give my honest opinion...good or bad. I don't pull punches and I say what I think. More about the actual visit....Indian opened the plant to us without any ground rules other than we couldn't divulge specific details about the bike itself. This was discussed in advance and agreed to by all. That is their thunder and I fully understand their position. We were asked to keep certain things confidential until release and I will respect their wishes. I would have done that even had they not asked. So, I will speak in general terms and more from a standpoint of validation rather than a description. We were given full access to all areas of the facility and any question we asked was fully answered. They lifted their skirts (pun intended) for us, as somebody at the facility said. We were able to see EVERYTHING there was to see. These people are on the verge of launching this brand the way it should be launched. They are doing it right. All this time spent in engineering has not been in vain. Let me tell you what I saw....I saw a group of people that are dedicated to deliver a bike that will do the Indian name proud. I saw a commitment to quality that I have seldom seen. Knowing my background, that is saying something. I saw a group of people that is intent on bringing ALL Indian enthusiasts together as one. This includes the vintage guys, Gilroy owners, Kings Mountain owners and all in between. I saw a facility that is not taking shortcuts. I saw chassis dynos, engine dynos and a killer R&D department. They truly have assembled a world class group of engineers to develop this bike. These people have been BUSY. They are also motorcycle people. I was surprised at how CLOSE they are to starting actual production of bikes. I was impressed at the quality of fit and the attention that was being given to even the smallest of details. I saw an EFI engine that made me drool. I saw options, colors, and designs that are going to blow you away. What I saw was a totally re-engineered motorcycle, without losing the beauty of the Gilroy bikes. I saw plans for future developments that are sure to make this brand one to recon with. This incarnation of Indian is FOR REAL. I would not say that if I didn't believe it 100%. The bikes are for real. I touched them, sat on them, started them, and saw them on the dyno. BTW, I saw the prototype that was in the Youtube video. It's the real deal. It is an ugly test mule, but it IS a 2009 Indian Chief. As I said, I will leave the details for Indian to reveal as they feel fit, but I CAN say that we will be seeing some killer Indian motorcycles rolling out of that factory in Kings Mountain sooner, rather than later. For you lucky guys that have sent your 1000.00 in to become a "Chief's Club" member and reserve your bike....your wait will be worth it. You are also going to have some tough decisions to make when it comes time to choose how you want your Chief. I don't think you will be disappointed. Hang on people...this is going to be a great ride! There seems to be some here (and elsewhere) that have questioned the motives, progress and standing of Indian since they bought the rights to the brand and especially since they bought the facility in Kings Mountain NC. a couple of years ago. You have heard people say that "they aren't ever going to build a bike", "the building is empty", "they are just going to sell the brand",etc., etc.. Let me tell you from my first hand experience...... NOTHING COULD BE FURTHER FROM THE TRUTH. Oh yea.....for all you naysayers out there.......shut the fuck up. Quit making fools out of yourselves. But, surely as the sun will rise tomorrow, there will be somebody that will find something negative to say. Something to question. I would expect no less. But I give my word...what I am saying is 100% absolute truth. For the naysayers, this must be terribly frustrating, but for the people that are true Indian enthusiasts, the fun is just starting. Keep up the good work guys (and gals). Ya'll are kickin' some serious ass! Eddie PS...it was great to meet Mike (last resort) for the first time. Mike is a great guy. Also good to see Brock again. He is another great person. Good to have you guys here. I enjoyed the time together . Enjoyed the fellowship. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eraserhead Posted February 10, 2008 Share Posted February 10, 2008 Dateline – Kings Mountain, NC A rare Indian Motorcycle factory tour was granted yesterday, Friday 2-8-08 to three Indian Motorcycle enthusiasts. Eddie Brimmer, Ron Herman, and Mike Sarrail were chosen to be the invited guests of Indian Motorcycle to view the factory, meet the staff, and evaluate the 2009 Indian Chief Motorcycle as work in progress. Indian Motorcycle carefully selected the guests for a sneak peak behind the scenes to gather thoughts and suggestions of final designs, features, and options as testing is nearing completion. Eddie, Ron and Mike also toured the site of the flagship Indian Dealership currently under construction near Charlotte, NC. No additional tours are planned before production begins later this year. Indian Motorcycle was grateful for the opportunity for suggestions and roundtable discussions from recognized Indian Motorcycle experts and aficionados. //// and who represented the woman's point of view....... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
badndn Posted February 10, 2008 Share Posted February 10, 2008 and who represented the woman's point of view....... brock Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brock Posted February 10, 2008 Share Posted February 10, 2008 (edited) Indian is BACK! First I want to thank Chris and Mark for calling and inviting me to Kings Mountain. I am not sure what made me worthy of this exceptional opportunity but I cherish it as a chance of a lifetime. Someone that is an expert….I shy away from that label though will accept that I am deeply passionate about Indian motorcycle and have been since my youth. Only to have it grow once I first sat on my RedHotBitch in 2003. To see history unfolding and to be part of history even if in some small way as one of three regular guys that saw every thing they have without restraint…but more of that to come. LOL So…here goes. I drove up to Kings Mountain NC on Thursday afternoon to meet with a couple other guys you all know and discuss the new Indian Chief all of us are awaiting for 2009. That night I enjoyed a nice thick steak off a grill with a potato and cold beer to discuss Indian past, present, and future. Friday morning was an early rise…not because of time of day but because of how late I got to bed the night previous. Drive to factory was quiet and cool as we pulled into the parking lot and seeing every parking space was full as well as a few on side where receiving trucks park. We get out and walk through the front door and asked by a pleasant receptionist if she can help me. I say I am there to meet someone, give his name, and she asks us to sign the visitors log and have a seat. Soon we are greeted by our host and walk behind the door of Indian Motorcycle at Kings Mountain. Immediately we are greeted with smiles and handshakes and introductions of those in immediate area and then directed to a conference room. Once in the conference room we are joined by two other gentlemen and so starts our day at Indian motorcycle. Non-Disclosures are signed first as we discuss the ground rules and find there are no ground rules on what we can see and ask. PERIOD! The only rules are what we are allowed to discuss with persons not present that day and in public. We spend an hour or more discussing Indian of all years….and what kinds of things we might see and are introduced to persons involved in the production. We learn through this discussion that virtually every single person on the Indian Motorcycle staff is a hard core motorcycle rider whether it is rice, vintage, British, American, German, dirt, street, track, etc. Every single person has a motorcycling connection through family and like I said 99% of the person in factory are themselves, riders. First we walk in and see the expansive warehouse/production setup inside after putting on our safety glasses. Trying to take it all in at once for fear I would wake up from my dream made it all quite surreal. Smell of grinding or welding in air….buzz of activity as we hear today is a special day. We walk past a table full of freshly painted tanks and fenders in various colors and immediately get a tour and brief of the production layout…how the production will occur…their goals and their processes. Then we saw the bench stock area with all the parts not yet ready to put on a bike but waiting patiently behind the caged shelves. Lots of parts and chrome and things for bikes. We go into the engineering department and see the work being done in there and meet all the guys feverishly working on our dreams. We talk with the gentleman in charge of the Powerplus motor…we see it fully assembled…we see it in a bike…we see it in a few bikes….we see it in a bike running in dyno. We also get to hold and see all the parts…..from upper and lower cylinders, pistons, lifters, rocker covers, etc. We ask questions and get answers from everyone without question. They lifted their skirts to us and showed us EVERYTHING they had under there! Without exception… We saw seats being configured and tested and measured for Human Factors…we saw wiring and programming….we saw chrome parts and painted parts. We went in the dyno room and saw a bike strapped in and engine running and froze our asses off with the fans and cold air being pumped in there. We came out and we saw the prototype bikes that were Kings Mountain from the ground up and I was asked if I wanted to sit on it. So I threw a leg over and settle my ass into the seat….noticing the reach and width of the bars…the location of footcontrols, footboards, air cleaner, the feel of suspension when I lifted up and down….the feel of the front end when I turned the tire from left to right…the look over the bars and at the dash and speedo setup they developed. I noticed things new and different on hand controls and just the whole damn bike was new. I saw more stuff on tables next to us to be tested or that had already been tested or that could have been for future projects. Moved over to another work area and talked to the electrical engineers and guys wiring and programming various aspects. Looked closely at components and accessories on a bike being assembled…all dressed out in shiny chrome and things not seen before on an Indian Motorcycle in recent years. I pick up a speedo and check out the size and shape and colors used…I ask questions about lighting and functions and durability…especially durability in weather. As always I get frank and forthright answers. I move from there and check out the braking systems and such…the throttle controls…the clutch controls…the lights, turn signals, the mirrors, the headlight, the spot lights, the tail lights…the flow of the parts all working together…the fit and finish of the parts together in the final product. It is a song to be sung for sure….. Then we go to a couple tables with a bunch of tanks and fenders all with different colors and color combinations. Fenders in colors we have seen before and colors I have never seen in various combinations. We see seats and leather work…we see the designs and pin striping…we see the gas caps and notice details both inside and outside the tanks….the fenders….the dash panels…..the wheels…the tires being used as OEM…the shock manufacturer….the electronics….the chrome …the painted….the connectors and lines being run. It was all fantastic. After a couple hours walking around freely and talking to everyone and asking what they were doing or how they were doing it…and being able to touch and hold and feel what they were putting into our beloved bikes….we were led into the conference room again after walking through another section and meeting more people hard at work. I notice helmets and leathers and screensavers and background pics and calendars…all of motorcycles and even of people there on motorcycles. Parts on desk being checked and reviewed…magazines…artist concepts for present and future bikes. Magazines and pictures from other areas that some thought a good idea or unique. We give our initial thoughts both good and bad to those in the room. Then we head off to visit the dealership location down the street. We walk the facilty and see the plans for the main building. We see what they have done and hear of changes in the area surrounding facility and some of their vision for the land and its use. And we take a picture after a sticker finds its way to the sign…ooops. We go to lunch and talk more….and the enthusiasm of locals of Indian is evident by the guys walking up and saying they cant wait…they are so grateful for someone doing it right…and that they feel special because Indian chose North Carolina instead of leaving it in Gilroy. We return to the factory to be greeted by a large group of employees for pictures in front of the sign and more hand shakes as some recognize me from the 1st Annual Ride to the Barn. Craig, I think that is his name, is the guy with the INDIAN tattoo on his forearm I saw in June. Rest assured it is a real tattoo and did not wash off from my last visit…LOL We go in the room and talk more about Indian…about its image…about some of the things they are planning for bike rallies and shows. We discuss the riders groups whether IRG, IIRA or the Vintage groups of pre-1953 riders. We are asked our thoughts on various subjects from a marketing as well as a customer relation view. The key is they were ASKING us our opinions; our likes and dislikes with the bikes, our desires for things we may not have seen, or things we saw that were totally unexpected. We discussed the near future and the long term goals of Indian Motorcycle and the desire to be a brand that is in it for the very long run indeed. We left there re-energized and excited about what we saw. We were all overwhelmed with the quality and attention to detail being given the Indian Chief from Kings Mountain the then complete commitment to building the highest quality and most reliable bike possible. So what are the big general take aways that I am allowed to say …. They are building bikes…the bikes are real…the bikes are being tested…the bikes are being built….they have painted tins….and they are by no means anything closely related to a warmed over GILROY motorcycle. The only thing they really have in common is the general look we have come to love. Get close though and the hundreds and hundreds of changes will become evident immediately to the rider and enthusiast alike. So many it is daunting…but also very, very, very comforting. INDIAN is definitely BACK and better than ever. NO SHIT! Brock PS. Enough time on this….we have to plan and setup the 2nd Annual Ride to the Barn. I know you all want to come to this event after missing it last year. I wonder if it is too late to get my name on the list for one of the beauties I saw yesterday? I said it would take something devastating to make me get rid of my RedHotBitch as I love her dearly. Something did happen. All my preconceived ideas of quality and improvement to our beloved Gilroy bikes was totally blown out of the water. What I saw was leaps and bounds above anything I could have ever imagined. So while I may indeed be selling the RHB to a suitable and worthy suitor…she will never be forgotten and will only share my heart with her new sister. An equally sultry bitch I am sure from what I have seen. I have made my choice though and fully intend on having a new Indian Chief. Edited February 10, 2008 by Brock Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eraserhead Posted February 10, 2008 Share Posted February 10, 2008 brock not who did the women.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brock Posted February 10, 2008 Share Posted February 10, 2008 brock yes I did...i was called a pussy more than a few times. LOL Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MOE Posted February 10, 2008 Share Posted February 10, 2008 sounds like charger screwed up when he got his money back Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eraserhead Posted February 10, 2008 Share Posted February 10, 2008 (edited) I hope the marketers don't miss the women who are riders and buyers of bikes, not just clothes... Edited February 10, 2008 by Eraserhead Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
POWER STROKE Posted February 10, 2008 Share Posted February 10, 2008 Thanks Mark. As I have said to Erin when sending photos for the family album, this is a truly exciting and great time to be an Indian motorcycle owner. While I may not purchase a new one right away, I surely look foward to it's release and how cool it will be to have a new Chief for the first time in 5 years. I wish all of you Indian employees the best of luck in your endevour to bring us great new motorcycles. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hunters Friend Posted February 10, 2008 Share Posted February 10, 2008 brock LOL!!! Great one. Absolutely classic. Probably the funniest shit I have read this year Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hunters Friend Posted February 10, 2008 Share Posted February 10, 2008 Good for you guys. I think Blackdog was also on the list for the visit, but IMI backed out at the last second as they were concerned he wouldn't be able to write something verbose enough to satisfy them. Glad you got to meet Erin, Melissa and Chris. All of them will be here at IRIP this year. No word yet on the Steve's Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brock Posted February 10, 2008 Share Posted February 10, 2008 (edited) I can only speak for myself....but wanted to tell you EVERYTHING that I am allowed to tell. There is much more but that is for Indian to reveal according to their own needs and agenda. So I posted everything and ask that nobody start asking leading questions or try to pimp us for more information than what was revealed in this thread already. We told you bikes are real, they were touched, felt, sat on, heard, observed on dyno, and in multiple levels of assembly. They are not warmed over in any interpretation of the word. The posts, speak volumes, that we shared. Enjoy them....feel confident that we gave an honest representation of the desire and quality of their work. I just ask respectfully you understand our confidentiality with the factory and not ask us anything more than what was stated already. Thanks. Edited February 10, 2008 by Brock Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eraserhead Posted February 10, 2008 Share Posted February 10, 2008 I can only speak for myself....but wanted to tell you EVERYTHING that I am allowed to tell. There is much more but that is for Indian to reveal according to their own needs and agenda. So I posted everything and ask that nobody start asking leading questions or try to pimp us for more information than what was revealed in this thread already. We told you bikes are real, they were touched, felt, sat on, heard, observed on dyno, and in multiple levels of assembly. They are not warmed over in any interpretation of the word. The posts speak volumes we shared. Enjoy them....feel confident that we gave an honest representation of the desire and quality of their works. I just ask respectfully you understand our confidentiality with the factory and not ask us anything more than what was stated already. Thanks. so that means I can't ask you if they are making them in NY Giant Blue colors? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hunters Friend Posted February 10, 2008 Share Posted February 10, 2008 I can only speak for myself....but wanted to tell you EVERYTHING that I am allowed to tell. There is much more but that is for Indian to reveal according to their own needs and agenda. So I posted everything and ask that nobody start asking leading questions or try to pimp us for more information than what was revealed in this thread already. We told you bikes are real, they were touched, felt, sat on, heard, observed on dyno, and in multiple levels of assembly. They are not warmed over in any interpretation of the word. The posts speak volumes we shared. Enjoy them....feel confident that we gave an honest representation of the desire and quality of their works. I just ask respectfully you understand our confidentiality with the factory and not ask us anything more than what was stated already. Thanks. Oh I understand completely. In the talks I have had with them since Nov. last year they have asked me to keep everything confidential they were saying about you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Satdiver Posted February 10, 2008 Share Posted February 10, 2008 Out-fucking-standing. You lucky bastards. I too am looking forward to the rebirth of Indian Motorcycles, let the Nay-sayers beware. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
It is Baloon Posted February 10, 2008 Share Posted February 10, 2008 This news is very good for all of us to hear. I am humble when I say thank you to everyone and I am hopeful for the future of IM Technology. ndnjoe is EZ1 BSEE CAL POLY 1977 http://user.aol.com/sadelcord1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
indian T Posted February 10, 2008 Share Posted February 10, 2008 Cool...very cool! You guys are some lucky mofo's to get to do that. Good description, Brock. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vagabondjpm Posted February 10, 2008 Share Posted February 10, 2008 Outstanding. It means a lot to me when people I've met, have shook hands with, and talked to that tell me what they can about what is going on at KM. Bravo Zulu to KM for inviting them and allowing them to bring back a sliver of what they saw. This has made me genuinely optimistic about seeing a new Chief than I have been in a 'coon's age. Thank you all. Ride safe, Vagabond Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slvrcld00 Posted February 10, 2008 Share Posted February 10, 2008 wow, great story cant wait. thank you for sharing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rosie Posted February 10, 2008 Share Posted February 10, 2008 Wait just a damn minute here. The title of this thread is Three WISE men. Really. I'm jealous.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Last Resort Posted February 10, 2008 Share Posted February 10, 2008 Sitting in AZ waiting for my next flight Battery almost dead In short, it's fucking cool! Ain't no fucking warmed over Gilroy 'cept to ... nevermind Talk about attention to detail and inovation. Ron and Ed shock their heads over what had me excited. It is minor but THAT was the point. For them to spend so much time and thought on such a minor item .... FUCKING WOW MAN!!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brock Posted February 10, 2008 Share Posted February 10, 2008 Oh I understand completely. In the talks I have had with them since Nov. last year they have asked me to keep everything confidential they were saying about you. that is fine...i was accused of many less than manly endeavors last night :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hasbin Posted February 10, 2008 Share Posted February 10, 2008 Sitting in AZ waiting for my next flightBattery almost dead In short, it's fucking cool! Ain't no fucking warmed over Gilroy 'cept to ... nevermind Talk about attention to detail and inovation. Ron and Ed shock their heads over what had me excited. It is minor but THAT was the point. For them to spend so much time and thought on such a minor item .... FUCKING WOW MAN!!!!! Must have been the choke knob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Last Resort Posted February 10, 2008 Share Posted February 10, 2008 Must have been the choke knob You know better ... But really, swear to God, get your deposit in if you are even THINKING about a new bike. A new Chief. That ain't no warmed over anything Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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