Jump to content
Indian Motorcycle Community

Should Indian Have Came Back With A In-Line 4 Instead?


Recommended Posts

being how innovative and competitive indian was back in the first half of the 20th century with inline engines, singles, vtwins... i wonder if the new indian would have more of a impact if it started out in the same fashion.

the 45 v twin will never get old or lose its stay power imo, but putting together a wicked inverse inline 4 (or similiar) that could punch out alot more torque and run smoother, and, still keep the retro look... just makes me wonder :Feet-Up[1]:

Edited by darkrider
Link to comment
Share on other sites

being how innovative and competitive indian was back in the first half of the 20th century with inline engines, singles, vtwins... i wonder if the new indian would have more of a impact if it started out in the same fashion.

the 45 v twin will never get old or lose its stay power imo, but putting together a wicked inverse inline 4 (or similiar) that could punch out alot more torque and run smoother, and, still keep the retro look... just makes me wonder :Feet-Up[1]:

 

I believe that Alan Forbes still produces the Indian Dakota 4 in Scotland using an in line Volvo 4 cylinder...

 

Forbes Dakota Giveaway May 2010 LINK Clikkit

Link to comment
Share on other sites

No, too much cost involved in starting something like that outta the gate. One advantage KM had was all the time and money spent on the Gilroy years, where execution was lacking.

 

And remember, Indian did not develop the in-line four, they bought ACE to acquire the technology when Henderson died.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

well.... i'd sure hate to think what the price would'a been on the km bikes if alot of the design and r&d hadn't already been done by gilory, lol!

 

i just think it would have helped gain alot more attention if they'd have made the leap with a non traditional american cruiser/chopper powerplant right off the bat.

and it would've been one more thing to distance themselves from harley :Beer-Chug[1]:

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I-Agree[1].gif

 

I am disappointed with what KM Indian has produced so far, nothing innovative just a warmed over Gilroy Indian,

IMHO

 

I think the bikes are beautiful... I'm only disappointed in the price and target market.....

Edited by stu
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I-Agree[1].gif

 

I am disappointed with what KM Indian has produced so far, nothing innovative just a warmed over Gilroy Indian,

IMHO

i like warmed up leftovers i have them all the time. lol

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I haven't figured why there are manufactures call themselves Indian. What are the laws on using the Indian name?

 

Just out of curiosity, of what exactly is Indian the name that there would or could be legal consequences of using that particular misnomer?

Edited by Vintage62
Link to comment
Share on other sites

being how innovative and competitive indian was back in the first half of the 20th century with inline engines, singles, vtwins... i wonder if the new indian would have more of a impact if it started out in the same fashion.

the 45 v twin will never get old or lose its stay power imo, but putting together a wicked inverse inline 4 (or similiar) that could punch out alot more torque and run smoother, and, still keep the retro look... just makes me wonder :Feet-Up[1]:

 

 

I dont think Indian ever made a 45* V Twin,,, But I could be wrong

Link to comment
Share on other sites

aren't the non-u.s. indians actually legit some how cause of the way some legal things went down with the name after the plant closed shop in 53?

 

I took Trader's post as a different meaning than the trademark rights. I don't believe there is an issue with KM's use of the trademark "Indian".

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Some of the early Indian V engines were 45 degrees, but the 'classic' Indian 74 and 80 cubic inch engines were 42 degrees.

 

Alan Forbes has the rights to use Indian in Great Britain, although it isn't clear if Alan has the actual right as bought from the British company that bought the name from Brockhouse in 1961, or he simply got it from sort of a 'common-law' marriage...he was making parts for Indians before he started making the Dakota Four. It's being sorted out in the UK courts now. Indian, obviously, wants to sell them in GB, and has to come to some sort of accord with Alan or get a legal victory against him. It may be easier to just pay him. I understand Gilroy tried to but the rights but Forbes wanted a rather exhorbitant amount for the rights, and talks broke down...um, right before Gilroy did.

 

And the Dakota Four sounds like either:

 

(a ) A tin can full of bolts and ball bearing being shaken vigorously.

 

or

 

(b ) An Allis -Chalmers tractor.

 

Take your pick.

 

I actually kinda like 'em, weird as they are, and looked into buying one back in 2004 or '05, but it cost too much to get one and get it imported. After EPA, taxes, tariffs and alla that crap, it'd have been cheaper to buy a 1941 Four.

 

 

-Doc

Edited by Dr. Mark
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Link To: http://virtualindian.org/dakota4.htm

 

dak1.jpg

 

dak2.jpg

 

dak3.jpg

 

dak4.jpg

 

dak5.jpg

 

dak6.jpg

 

dak7.jpg

 

Redlines at 4,400 rpm.....lowend torque stumpuller.....tractor. Fugly engine.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

neat! almost has a "boss hoss" look to it.

 

makin quite abit of torque too :buttrock:

 

More UK version History of Indian Motorcycle from 1985 to present: KLIK THIS LINK

 

 

 

ellergreen.JPG

 

ellerleft6.jpg

Edited by Doc Loco
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I think the bikes are beautiful... I'm only disappointed in the price and target market.....

 

I would venture a guess that most KM bikes have not been sold to this so-called "target market". I do not fit into "it, nor does my friend who bought an 09 out of the shoot, nor do many of the other people I have met personally who purchased KM bikes, and, it appears many on here who own KM bikes don't fit that market either. Instead, we, or at least I, sucked it up and took the plunge, opting to forego other material things, savings, limiting vacations, etc.--just sayin.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I would venture a guess that most KM bikes have not been sold to this so-called "target market". I do not fit into "it, nor does my friend who bought an 09 out of the shoot, nor do many of the other people I have met personally who purchased KM bikes, and, it appears many on here who own KM bikes don't fit that market either. Instead, we, or at least I, sucked it up and took the plunge, opting to forego other material things, savings, limiting vacations, etc.--just sayin.

 

But that is why there are still 09's left... their choice of target market isn't really supporting them.... they priced it for them... but the average guy, you and several others, have decided to bite the bullet... good on ya.... still a shame and still a problem that that is their target market....

Link to comment
Share on other sites

But that is why there are still 09's left... their choice of target market isn't really supporting them.... they priced it for them... but the average guy, you and several others, have decided to bite the bullet... good on ya.... still a shame and still a problem that that is their target market....

 

Good point--I didn't think of it in that respect. :Beer-Chug[1]:

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I would venture a guess that most KM bikes have not been sold to this so-called "target market". I do not fit into "it, nor does my friend who bought an 09 out of the shoot, nor do many of the other people I have met personally who purchased KM bikes, and, it appears many on here who own KM bikes don't fit that market either. Instead, we, or at least I, sucked it up and took the plunge, opting to forego other material things, savings, limiting vacations, etc.--just sayin.

 

Exactly what I did and how I ended up with a 2009. I was having a good day and said, what the fuck lets write up the paperwork. Most of the other guys I know in the Twin Cities that bought one are in fact the so called target market - doctors, lawyers, business owners, retired with lots of money, etc.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

What's the current sell price on one of thesse inline 4 bangers that have been redone and minted out or close to mint??????????

 

1940-1942 Indian Inline Four. 78", Skirted, Models 440, 441,442. http://photos.indian...four/index.html

 

for001.jpg

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

i wonder why km doesn't keep their website updated?

these days, no single source for getting their product checked out, is probably as accessable and useful as a companys website.

 

maybe just some news every once in awhile, a small forums section.....

 

and,.... the bomber is still being listed. i thought that was a one year limited run?

isn't the factory well into the 2011 production?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

Loading...
×
×
  • Create New...