Vagabondjpm Posted April 22, 2011 Share Posted April 22, 2011 Ok, I've read it in a few places and I just have to say a few words. Many of us we VERY happy when CMC resurrected Indian, some were not. Afterward, we all put aside any differences and gave full support, just happy we had our Indians. THEN... IMC folded. Many were devastated and some were down right MAD. Many cussed and had other negative comments and then WE laid in with our comments about the "imperfect" bike we paid good money for. Born was the manta, "We don't need no stinkin' factory." Along come Bill Melvin, our hero. Some were very happy when he bought. Others felt they had a grasp of what he was going to do. Some support was tossed behind him as we waited, and waited, and waited. It became clear very soon what his intentions were. Again, we vilified him for abandoning and using us. In comes the Steves, scoping up Indian and forming IMI. Praise and adoration originally came from most as we were inspired by what was done with Chris Craft. Some began to doubt their motives, and if they'd even produce a bike after years of sitting on it, but the majority continues to sing them praise. Even after it was obvious the price point was high, their market was ultra-high end buyers, and they were not going to support Gilroy owners, most still supported them. Heck, we even were looking past the little flaws in their bikes, some reminiscent of Gilroy days and some lack of features, and we still praised, as a whole. Now, after three model years, we're back to vilifying because KM sold out and praising (some) of Polaris for "bringing it back home." KM did us wrong? KM produced overpriced junk? Polaris is going to do "us" right? Do we see a pattern here? My point to this little observation is this: while we are passionate about the Indian legacy how quickly we FORGET that little part of its history of poor management and greed. Indian airplane engines? Indian scooters? Those ring a bell? If you're going to love Indian, you need to ACCEPT ALL the history. If you just love the looks, then enjoy that, and the ride that come with it. Ride safe, Vagabond 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr. Mark Posted April 23, 2011 Share Posted April 23, 2011 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ama Asgaya Posted April 23, 2011 Share Posted April 23, 2011 Yup, that's about the way I see it too. In 1953, when Indian "folded", they were only putting out the Biggest, most adorned, (with all the bells and whistles, for that time), and Prettiest "Cruiser" out there. Nobody wanted to buy that model at the time. Ironically, all these yrs. later, THAT'S what the Indian riders WANT. Sure, there are those that ride the "Scouts" and "Spirits", but they are in the minority. But they are still riding the Indian brand we all love. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mycorn Posted April 23, 2011 Share Posted April 23, 2011 hey i'm not hispanic, black or asian we wont be a minority till half way to the next census jus sayin'... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ama Asgaya Posted April 23, 2011 Share Posted April 23, 2011 hey i'm not hispanic, black or asian we wont be a minority till half way to the next census jus sayin'... Oops, Sorry, I owe you a drink... Since you posted FIRST, You are the only one this applies to. The REST of you in the minority, Well, You're just gonna have to ask to find out how Good that drink was... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BONMYI Posted April 23, 2011 Share Posted April 23, 2011 Good post there Vagabond !! Dave Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hasbin Posted April 23, 2011 Share Posted April 23, 2011 As a younger man I would have already either taken a brand (RHFI) to a few tat's, Maybe just a laser. I have learned to be a bit more patient with change, The bottom line is that our beloved brand was either going to die another dea th or be purchased by a Co. with more funds. The longer you beat your head on the wall, the longer your head will hurt..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ama Asgaya Posted April 23, 2011 Share Posted April 23, 2011 As a younger man I would have already either taken a brand (RHFI) to a few tat's, Maybe just a laser. I have learned to be a bit more patient with change, The bottom line is that our beloved brand was either going to die another dea th or be purchased by a Co. with more funds. The longer you beat your head on the wall, the longer your head will hurt..... I concur... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SwissIndian Posted April 25, 2011 Share Posted April 25, 2011 ..... just one little quick thing .............. not every one who worked in or for Indian in the early years, Gilroy or even at KM ............ loved or loves the brand or the name ..... many people work just for the money ............ please remember this Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DienCaiDau Posted April 25, 2011 Share Posted April 25, 2011 I concur... When Gilroy's began producing Indians, I was happy as a clam. I had many many problems with my 2001 Scout, but right from the start, I kind of figured I would have problems. I was happy when KM began to resurrect Indian, not that I would ever be able to afford one, but was happy for the fact that Indian hadn't died ....yet. Stuff happens... Am I happy Polaris purchased Indian...sure, who wouldn't be. I ass-u-me if they didn't, either someone else would have, or it could have been another "Gilroy's Happening.". Even though Polaris may produce Indians, which i'm sure they will, the problem, as I see it is this... And I am sure this is the problem most of us have. We don't know if they will change the classic styling, that Indian motorcycle has had. If they keep the classic style, will they be all plastic parts and poorly made. If they change the style, will it be the Ness version of an Indian? Will they keep the Indian motor, or will they go with their own (my opinion, ugly motor) because of reliability? I'm glad that Indian is going to be alive, and I hope for it's history, it will remain alive. It's the not knowing that we fear. However, because of these forums, and the willingness to help one another, I stand by the saying, we don't need no stinking factory. As many have said in the past, I have my Gilroy's Scout, god willing, I will always have my Scout. It's an Indian.... No matter who bolted the parts on. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
seefriedm Posted April 25, 2011 Share Posted April 25, 2011 Ok, I've read it in a few places and I just have to say a few words. Many of us we VERY happy when CMC resurrected Indian, some were not. Afterward, we all put aside any differences and gave full support, just happy we had our Indians. THEN... IMC folded. Many were devastated and some were down right MAD. Many cussed and had other negative comments and then WE laid in with our comments about the "imperfect" bike we paid good money for. Born was the manta, "We don't need no stinkin' factory." Along come Bill Melvin, our hero. Some were very happy when he bought. Others felt they had a grasp of what he was going to do. Some support was tossed behind him as we waited, and waited, and waited. It became clear very soon what his intentions were. Again, we vilified him for abandoning and using us. In comes the Steves, scoping up Indian and forming IMI. Praise and adoration originally came from most as we were inspired by what was done with Chris Craft. Some began to doubt their motives, and if they'd even produce a bike after years of sitting on it, but the majority continues to sing them praise. Even after it was obvious the price point was high, their market was ultra-high end buyers, and they were not going to support Gilroy owners, most still supported them. Heck, we even were looking past the little flaws in their bikes, some reminiscent of Gilroy days and some lack of features, and we still praised, as a whole. Now, after three model years, we're back to vilifying because KM sold out and praising (some) of Polaris for "bringing it back home." KM did us wrong? KM produced overpriced junk? Polaris is going to do "us" right? Do we see a pattern here? My point to this little observation is this: while we are passionate about the Indian legacy how quickly we FORGET that little part of its history of poor management and greed. Indian airplane engines? Indian scooters? Those ring a bell? If you're going to love Indian, you need to ACCEPT ALL the history. If you just love the looks, then enjoy that, and the ride that come with it. Ride safe, Vagabond Very well said. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TRADER Posted April 25, 2011 Share Posted April 25, 2011 On AOL they had a story about indian. Nothing more then we already know. But this is the first time I ever seen them talked about on AOL. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
seefriedm Posted April 26, 2011 Share Posted April 26, 2011 On AOL they had a story about indian. Nothing more then we already know. But this is the first time I ever seen them talked about on AOL. Trader, I went looking over there but didn't see anything. Would you happen to have the link? Mark Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
firebird77clone Posted April 26, 2011 Share Posted April 26, 2011 Something just occured to me... This should have been obvious; as in pre-ordained, from day one. Stellican buys iconic brands in trouble, ressurects them, then SELLS THEM. duh... should have seen it coming, I should... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
judgebob99 Posted April 26, 2011 Share Posted April 26, 2011 Something just occured to me... This should have been obvious; as in pre-ordained, from day one. Stellican buys iconic brands in trouble, ressurects them, then SELLS THEM. duh... should have seen it coming, I should... I kinda thought that something like this would happen all along,, and I am glad that someone as stout as Polairis bought Indian,, and as several of you know, I would like to someday own an Indian touring bike,, but I really don't think that an Victory Indian Vision is what I have in mind,,,lol See ya at Branson Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brock Posted April 26, 2011 Share Posted April 26, 2011 Except SJ stated he sold Riva Boats and regretted it and did not plan on making that mistake twice.....but guess economy and an offer he could not refuse changed his mind after a few years. He has held on to Chris Craft even through the tough times.....and I hear their boats are fine specimens and very well received even though sales have dropped due to economy as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TitanChief Posted April 26, 2011 Share Posted April 26, 2011 Something just occured to me... This should have been obvious; as in pre-ordained, from day one. Stellican buys iconic brands in trouble, ressurects them, then SELLS THEM. duh... should have seen it coming, I should... Exactly...Hell, we've even talked aobut it on this forum...I always thought it was a foregone conclusion that they'd get the company running and sell it...and...bingo. I do wish the economy was better...I want a new one! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Airpirate Posted April 26, 2011 Share Posted April 26, 2011 It was bought by a an American Co with good business sense and a healthy ledger sheet, better then some some chinese or india owner'' BTW them Victories are still fucking ugly Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joehoward Posted April 26, 2011 Share Posted April 26, 2011 In Branson as the Steve's were walking around and looking at our bikes, I asked them about them buying and selling Indian. Steve Heese told me they were looking to sell indian 5 years down the road and Stephen Julius interrupted Heese and said, Um, more like 10 years. regardless, their goal was to buy and sell Indian. Joe Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Last Resort Posted April 26, 2011 Share Posted April 26, 2011 In Branson as the Steve's were walking around and looking at our bikes, I asked them about them buying and selling Indian. Steve Heese told me they were looking to sell indian 5 years down the road and Stephen Julius interrupted Heese and said, Um, more like 10 years. regardless, their goal was to buy and sell Indian. Joe Well that would make sense. In another thread Stu and I were discussing the time-frame and it has been between 5 and 10 years. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stu Posted April 26, 2011 Share Posted April 26, 2011 I remember having a dialog with Dr. Mark not long ago when I said the steve's are wrong for Indian and I'd like to see them gone.. his response was something along the lines of the steve's are the last chance for Indian.. either they get it right or it's over... <enter sarcasm her> Ok.. Dr. Mark... I give.. they must of got it right.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stu Posted April 26, 2011 Share Posted April 26, 2011 Seems funny now... everyone that was arguing with me about the Stellican could have just let me know, like they knew, they were gonna sell... woulda save a lot of grief here.... 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr. Mark Posted April 26, 2011 Share Posted April 26, 2011 (edited) I remember having a dialog with Dr. Mark not long ago when I said the steve's are wrong for Indian and I'd like to see them gone.. his response was something along the lines of the steve's are the last chance for Indian.. either they get it right or it's over... <enter sarcasm her> Ok.. Dr. Mark... I give.. they must of got it right.... They got it back on it's feet, and got it to the point that Polaris was interested. Which was more than anyone else was going to do. Unless you count JW. (Insert eye-rolling here.) Let's face it stu, you are never gonna give 'em their due, and are always gonna hate 'em. You hated their marketing plan, and their price point. Fair enough. They always said if they got it viable, they did plan on having more models, but I think they got to the point where they saw the economic recovery was not moving real fast and they were going to have to sink a lot more cash into it than they planned to. At that point, it made sense to sell...and if the five year plan you said Heese told you was correct...then it was about five years exactly, wasn't it? Look, I don't really know 'em, but I think they did the marque a service by getting it running again. This is one we will just never see eye to eye on. Edited April 26, 2011 by Dr. Mark Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stu Posted April 26, 2011 Share Posted April 26, 2011 (edited) They got it back on it's feet, and got it to the point that Polaris was interested. Which was more than anyone else was going to do. Unless you count JW. (Insert eye-rolling here.) Let's face it stu, you are never gonna give 'em their due, and are always gonna hate 'em. You hated their marketing plan, and their price point. Fair enough. They always said if they got it viable, they did plan on having more models, but I think they got to the point where they saw the economic recovery was not moving real fast and they were going to have to sink a lot more cash into it than they planned to. At that point, it made sense to sell...and if the five year plan you said Heese told you was correct...then it was about five years exactly, wasn't it? Look, I don't really know 'em, but I think they did the marque a service by getting it running again. This is one we will just never see eye to eye on. I didn't say 5 year plan.... I heard they were in it for the long haul.... and look you're never gonna say they screwed the pooch... but I'm not sure viable is really a good description.. sellable... I'm hoping Polaris makes them viable... they planned on a lot of things... didn't hit very many... so I'm guess'n they cut there losses and got out when they could.... but then they never said... hey let's sink a ton money into and unload it if we ain't making money... so that can't be it... Edited April 26, 2011 by stu Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PPScoutrider Posted April 26, 2011 Share Posted April 26, 2011 (edited) Think of it this way, Stu. If "the Steves" had not come along when the did and do what they did, do you think we would be having a conversation about whether it is a good thing for the Indian marque that Poloris now owns the brand? Do you honesty think we would even be here, or anywhere even close to having a major, successful, publicly traded company about to start manufacturing Indian Motorcycles, whether with pushrods or without?? C'mon man, lighten up and enjoy--you were for the most part right, but "the Steve's certainly had their role in what is now Indian Motorcycle as we know it presently. Edited April 26, 2011 by PPScoutrider Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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