badndn Posted August 7, 2013 Share Posted August 7, 2013 I was in Harbor Freight in Gastonia NC last night and an employee there came up and said "nice shirt". it was an Indian Motorcycle of Charlotte shirt. I said thanks and he asked if i rode an Indian. I said yes of course. He said look to see if it has my name on it. WTH...your name? He said yeah, I was a bike builder at Kings Mountain. Said he was there from day one till they shut the doors. We got in a conversation about Indian and of course the new bikes. He said he liked the new bikes but they are different. He said "Indian will never be the same. Gone is the small niche market and the bikes look "cheaper". Indian will be mass produced and will not have a soul". I agree to an extent on the cheaper part and agree 100% on the niche market. Tend to agree about the "no soul" too, but will hold judgement for a bit on that. Same thing I have said from day one since the Polaris purchase. i still have mixed emotions about the whole thing. Like your sister going out with a rich playboy. You know she will have a better life in some ways, but the rich playboy may not respect her. I fear that the brotherhood many of us have enjoyed will take effort to sustain. Just because of the "new" factor with Polaris and sheer volume. Anyway, he said they put their heart and soul into building those bikes and were proud to sign every single one of them. I know what he is saying is true. I was there. I witnessed it. I am going back up and see if he can come to The Ride to the Barn and maybe he can tell some stories. Should be interesting. Just wondered what others think will happen to this "culture and brotherhood" we have enjoyed with Gilroy and Kings Mountain owners and bikes. Do you think Indian riders will become fragmented and distant? I have seen signs of it already on this forum. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stu Posted August 7, 2013 Share Posted August 7, 2013 I don't think the bikes look cheaper.... I think it looks pretty damn good... I bet when I sit on it will have soul.... Now as far as the hand built luxury bikes... I think a bike put together with heart and soul that has issues is still a bike with issues.... I agree it may affect the family... families grow.... people get older... life changes things.... more people will buy the bikes... not sure that will be bad but it could be.... I know I met one of the most obnoxious guys ever through KM Indians... not even sure he still has it... but he showed up at a Blue Ridge Ride and was politely asked to leave... right after I saved him from a very serious ass kicking.... there will probably be more.... not sure I'll step between em anymore.. see things change... but I think we'll survive... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tostein Posted August 7, 2013 Share Posted August 7, 2013 You just made me feel good about buying a KM, although I haven't rode it yet. Wish I would have stayed in Sturgis to ride one of the demo's. A lot of the guys who rode the new bikes thought they were good quality didn't they?? Maybe in time our Gilroy's and KM's will come back in value. Who knows. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brock Posted August 7, 2013 Share Posted August 7, 2013 I tend to agree there was more of a personal touch with KM from Chris on down to the lowest level... it makes you feel welcome and part of the family. That being said...the Indian of Spirit Lake has been able to do what no other has done....they have built a bike literally from ground up all in-house with new motor not a copy of some HD design with slight difference....and kept its parts and design separate from any sister organizations. More importantly they have captured a spark and are fanning the flames and like them or not there is a lot of buzz out there on the new bikes...more than has been seen in many many years. I spent hours reading a mega thread and there were those that loved them and those that hated them....there is still lots of misinformation as well about it being a Victory frame, wheels, handlebars, fairing, tank, seat, electronics and all they did was put full fenders and some decals on it (like 99-01 with CMC Indians). The thing that surprised me is guys that have rode HD for 30-50 years are excited about Indian whether they buy one or not....they are excited about the engine and the torque it promises to deliver...they are excited that chrome, abs, real leather, spotlights and performance are STANDARD features and wont cost $10k more dollars to make it look unique. If any of them rode the bike they pretty much 100% said they were buying one... I dont remember this level of enthusiasm...yes KM had a good opener but it was viewed by a few thousand not Tens of Thousands like at Sturgis. As far as the rest....yep...sell more bikes and you get more varied levels of Indian riders. Some do it to have the next new thing....some do it because they love Indian and always have but were not comfortable with them before....some do it because they are so fed up with the attitude at most HD dealerships, the cheap parts that have to be replaced (many are sure HD cheaps on parts on purpose to keep steady cash flow in repairs...hahahaha), they are ready for someone to build a nice looking American made cruiser that can be ridden across country without a signficant dealer network and shitty service. Hopefully Hork's issue is miniscule and not rampant..... I promise we will and already have our share of sheeple....and the percentages will grow with the expansion and acceptance of the brand and their bikes. It just goes with the territory..... some will become part of the group that really loves Indian and some will jump to the next new HD bike that comes out in response. I tend to think that if you ride or hang with the Sunday morning dealership group then that is the life you will experience. If you on the otherhand surrround yourself with like minded people and do what makes you excited about the bikes....then your exposure will be limited to when you go by dealership or see them in brand new leather and jewelry waving down the highway. LOL I am not too concerned as I buy and ride/drive what makes me feel good....and really could care less about what others think or how many numbskulls are also buying them. My view point is that the numbskulls are good for the secondary market when they get bored or scared and sell in a year with 500 miles on it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CHIEF DOC 99 Posted August 7, 2013 Share Posted August 7, 2013 (edited) Todd, sorry to hear you have not been able to ride that KM bike yet. Violins for your situation...Fargo did you no good selling you a defective and dangerous product, and I understand the bike itself still has unaddressed issues from the 105 Chief expurts. I maintain that a full blown recall is in order before the are fatalities recorded due to EFI and BCM control issues become too much to hide under the rug. Do we really have to wait much longer? Frank's (Hork's) Bomber was only the tip of the iceberg ~ there are many more including every 105 bike I test rode. Hell they had a recall on the f'n kickstands, but can't get the heart of the motorcycle pumping like it should? KM had many assembly related problems and so did the pPI versions...ratsnest wiring harnesses, defective electric controls, good thing the factories (both of 'em) put out so few. You just made me feel good about buying a KM, although I haven't rode it yet. Wish I would have stayed in Sturgis to ride one of the demo's. A lot of the guys who rode the new bikes thought they were good quality didn't they?? Maybe in time our Gilroy's and KM's will come back in value. Who knows. Edited August 7, 2013 by CHIEF DOC 99 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blu Posted August 7, 2013 Share Posted August 7, 2013 I was in Harbor Freight in Gastonia NC last night and an employee there came up and said "nice shirt". it was an Indian Motorcycle of Charlotte shirt. I said thanks and he asked if i rode an Indian. I said yes of course. He said look to see if it has my name on it. WTH...your name? He said yeah, I was a bike builder at Kings Mountain. Said he was there from day one till they shut the doors. We got in a conversation about Indian and of course the new bikes. He said he liked the new bikes but they are different. He said "Indian will never be the same. Gone is the small niche market and the bikes look "cheaper". Indian will be mass produced and will not have a soul". I agree to an extent on the cheaper part and agree 100% on the niche market. Tend to agree about the "no soul" too, but will hold judgement for a bit on that. Same thing I have said from day one since the Polaris purchase. i still have mixed emotions about the whole thing. Like your sister going out with a rich playboy. You know she will have a better life in some ways, but the rich playboy may not respect her. I fear that the brotherhood many of us have enjoyed will take effort to sustain. Just because of the "new" factor with Polaris and sheer volume. Anyway, he said they put their heart and soul into building those bikes and were proud to sign every single one of them. I know what he is saying is true. I was there. I witnessed it. I am going back up and see if he can come to The Ride to the Barn and maybe he can tell some stories. Should be interesting. Just wondered what others think will happen to this "culture and brotherhood" we have enjoyed with Gilroy and Kings Mountain owners and bikes. Do you think Indian riders will become fragmented and distant? I have seen signs of it already on this forum. Bikes don't have souls, the soul of a bike is imparted by the rider. Those who have the soul of riding within them will continue to have it regardless of how many of the same bikes are out there or how many wannabees have the same ride. Yeah, it was nice to be aprt of an exclusive and small club and have the shared pain of the problems with Gilroy and now KM. I think that those who are in the "community" will be the same regardless of what era Indian they ride. IMHO. Me personally, I just a RUB wannabee if there ever was one. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eraserhead Posted August 7, 2013 Share Posted August 7, 2013 All good points guys; I will say I have some of the same concerns. However, we are who we are and it is because of that I think we will remain the same. There are a lot of Indian riders who are not in our family, if we stay true to who we are, we will survive! We make it, not the scoots.. 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hasbin Posted August 7, 2013 Share Posted August 7, 2013 If one is looking for "soul" get a Springfield". If you want a scoot that you can jump om & ride worry free get a new PI Indian, I don't care about the masses,I am getting too old to wrench on the fukrs on the side of the road... 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blu Posted August 7, 2013 Share Posted August 7, 2013 Perhaps we now need a vetting process to weed out the wannabee masses from this forum? Perhaps demonstrating a knowledge of the history, telling a story on why their blood is Indian red, walking on broken glass, sending gifts of moonshine...something! 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eraserhead Posted August 7, 2013 Share Posted August 7, 2013 I vote for the moonshine vetting process... 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tahoe Chief Posted August 7, 2013 Share Posted August 7, 2013 Moon shine and rattle snake handling, the two go hand in hand right ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Last Resort Posted August 7, 2013 Share Posted August 7, 2013 Perhaps we now need a vetting process to weed out the wannabee masses from this forum? Perhaps demonstrating a knowledge of the history, telling a story on why their blood is Indian red, walking on broken glass, sending gifts of moonshine...something! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IndianTrue Posted August 7, 2013 Share Posted August 7, 2013 If one is looking for "soul" get a Springfield". If you want a scoot that you can jump om & ride worry free get a new PI Indian, I don't care about the masses,I am getting too old to wrench on the fukrs on the side of the road... Ha Ha, you'll be 96 years old sitting on the side of the road with your Indian trike wrenching on it. It's in your blood you'll never be able to leave it alone. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brock Posted August 7, 2013 Share Posted August 7, 2013 moonshine and sitting on the special barstool at the barn...hahahahahaha Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harleynot Posted August 7, 2013 Share Posted August 7, 2013 (edited) I was in Harbor Freight in Gastonia NC last night and an employee there came up and said "nice shirt". it was an Indian Motorcycle of Charlotte shirt. I said thanks and he asked if i rode an Indian. I said yes of course. He said look to see if it has my name on it. WTH...your name? He said yeah, I was a bike builder at Kings Mountain. Said he was there from day one till they shut the doors. We got in a conversation about Indian and of course the new bikes. He said he liked the new bikes but they are different. He said "Indian will never be the same. Gone is the small niche market and the bikes look "cheaper". Indian will be mass produced and will not have a soul". I agree to an extent on the cheaper part and agree 100% on the niche market. Tend to agree about the "no soul" too, but will hold judgement for a bit on that. Same thing I have said from day one since the Polaris purchase. i still have mixed emotions about the whole thing. Like your sister going out with a rich playboy. You know she will have a better life in some ways, but the rich playboy may not respect her. I fear that the brotherhood many of us have enjoyed will take effort to sustain. Just because of the "new" factor with Polaris and sheer volume. Anyway, he said they put their heart and soul into building those bikes and were proud to sign every single one of them. I know what he is saying is true. I was there. I witnessed it. I am going back up and see if he can come to The Ride to the Barn and maybe he can tell some stories. Should be interesting. Just wondered what others think will happen to this "culture and brotherhood" we have enjoyed with Gilroy and Kings Mountain owners and bikes. Do you think Indian riders will become fragmented and distant? I have seen signs of it already on this forum. Nailed it Eddie, thank God for the IIRA brothers and sisters! We can still keep going what was started a decade or so ago. It is a way for some of us to keep the tight family associated with the love for a brand. The niche brand feeling for me was an awesome thing. I dug the fact that a Chris Craft boat builder bought them up after the Gilroy debacle. That told me something about how cool Indian Motorcycles could be in this modern era of bikes. I like riding my "cool" Indian. I hated riding my " same as every other dudes" Harley . That's just my opinion, have fun with it. Since I've been on the ground wandering around Sturgis in IIRA / Indian gear, I'm getting that queasy feeling in my stomach. I'm getting all kinds of people coming up to me, lets say for lack of a better term, rice bikers or those who have felt intimidated by the Harley Riders. Seriously, I hope you are tracking with me. Victory went after that market and it worked to a degree. They sold to consumers who did not have an allegiance to any particular brand. They just knew they weren't "Harley" people. I've busted Stu's balls for years around here and he gives it as much as he receives it. I always came from a position of the fact that I happen to love the feeling ....that every time I took my Indian out for a ride, I did not see many and I mean many, bikes that looked quite like mine. Walk around Sturgis for 5 minutes and you will see what I'm talking about. I don't know how these steeple find their rides after a few beers. I bought my first Indian the day after I saw one in may 2000, I had a Fat Boy that I'll bet I had $45,000 into and I had nothing Special when I attended gatherings. Talk about a bike with no soul. I traded that bitch in the next day I discovered Indians being built again and rode it home. My new Indian had so many problems back then, it broke down on my way home from the dealership in Santa Cruz, rode like shit compared to my Fat Boy, but I loved each and every shift, each and every adventure and each and every character I've met because I jumped over to the Indian brand. I have always enjoyed retro and vintage things in life. Indians were retry cool in motorcycle circles and I wanted some of that! All of you have made my decision the right decision. We had an interest in an old brand that was trying to resurrect itself. I could not see myself riding the way I like to ride, on a 47 Chief. But this new 2000 Gilroy Edition enabled me to have fun with my particular kind of motorcycle lifestyle. So back to Eddies post. it reminded me of this beginning into modern era Indians and what has just happened with the hoopla here in Sturgis. With the Polaris release, the demo ride station they set up had lots and lots of employees running around. There were a handful maybe 3 or 4 that were real motorcycle lifestyle enthusiasts. I had one "friend" in this group Of Polaris employees so I need to be careful here, but most of them were kids who worked for various dealerships around the country. Their job was to go help out at the Victory....err....Indian err. You know ....the motorcycle dealio in Sturgis, No idea of the brands rich history, no idea of what Sturgis actually is or why most of the guys who stood in line 1 hour before they opened the gates, were all about. They couldn't even answer many of the technical questions being lobbed at them. It's as if they had a 1 hour meeting and went over a few details of the bikes before they opened the gates of Indian Disneyland demo rides.. Eddies new buddy he met at Harbor Freight, who worked at Kings Mountain and was so proud to put his name on one...would puke listening to these kids and employees of a 3 billion dollar company. It was just another job for them. That is reality. Polaris is stamping these bikes out like a huge corporation should. That's what they look like when you guys get to see one in person. $18,999, exactly what Stu has screamed for. An every mans affordable bike..... Will I buy one, yes....... I'm fearful that after spending another $ 20,000 dollars to make it my own....... In 5 years or sooner....I'm gonna end up rolling into my favorite Rally and having that queasy feeling in my stomach again..... Sincerely and seriously.....for once.... Harleynot Edited August 7, 2013 by harleynot 7 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
badndn Posted August 7, 2013 Author Share Posted August 7, 2013 Nailed it Eddie, thank God for the IIRA brothers ans sisters! We can still keep going what was started a decade or so ago. It is a way for some of us to keep the tight family associated with the love for a brand. The niche brand feeling for me was an awesome thing. I dug the fact that a Chris Craft boat builder bought them up after the Gilroy debacle. That told me something about how cool Indian Motorcycles could be in this moden era of bikes. I like riding my "cool" Indian. I hated riding my " same as every other dudes" Harley . That's just my opinion, have fun with it. Since I've been on the ground wandering around Sturgis in IIRA / Indian gear, I'm getting that queasy feeling in my stomach. I'm getting all kinds of people coming up to me, lets say for lack of a better term, rice bikers or those who have felt intimidated by the Harley Riders. Seriously, I hope you are tracking with me. Victory went after that market and it worked to a degree. They sold to consumers who did not have an alliegence to any particular brand. They just knew they weren't "Harley" people. I've busted Stu's balls for years around here and he gives it as much as he receives it. I always came from a position of the fact that I happen to love the feeling ....that every time I took my Indian out for a ride, I did not see many and I mean many, bikes that looked quite like mine. Walk around Sturgis for 5 minutes and you will see what I'm talking about. I don't know how these steeple find their rides after a few beers. I bought my first Indian the day after I saw one in may 2000, I had a Fat Boy that I'll bet I had $45,000 into and I had nothing Special when I attended gatherings. Talk about a bike with no soul. I traded that bitch in the next day i discovered Indians being built again and rode it home. My new Indian had so many problems back then, it broke down on my way home, rode like shit compared to my Fat Boy, but I loved each and every shift, each and every adventure and each and every character I've met because I jumped over to the Indian brand. I ave always enjoyed retro and vintage things in life. Indians were retry cool in motorcycle Koreans unwanted some of that! All of you have made my decision the right decision. We had an interest in an old brand that was trying to resurrect itself. I could not see myself riding the way I like to ride on a 47 Chief. But this new Gilroy edition enabled me to have fun with my particular kind of motorcycle lifestyle. So back to Eddies post. it reminded me of this beginning into modern era Indians and what has just happened with the hoopla here in Sturgis. With the Polaris release, the demo ride station they set up had lots and lots of employees running around. There were a handful maybe 3 or 4 that were real motorcycle lifestyle enthusiasts. I had one "friend" in this group Of Polaris employees so I need to be careful here, but most of them were kids who worked for various dealerships around the country. Their job was to go help out at the Victory....err....Indian err. You know ....the motorcycle dealio in Sturgis, No idea of the brands rich history, no idea of what Sturgis actually is or why most of the guys who stood in line 1 hour before they opened the gates, were all about. They could even answer many of the technical questions being lobbed at them. It's as if they had a 1 hour meeting and went over a few details of the bikes before they opened the gates of Indian Disneyland rides.. Eddies new buddy he met at Harbor Freight who worked at Kings Mountain and was so proud to put his name on one...would puke listening to these kids and employees of a 3 billion dollar company. It was just another job for them. Polaris is stamping these bikes out like a huge corporation should. That's what they look like when you guys get to see one in person. $18,999, exactly what Stu has screamed for. An every mans affordable bike..... Will I buy one, yes....... I'm fearful that after spending another $ 20,000 dollars to make it my own....... In 5 years or sooner....I'm gonna end up rolling into my favorite Rally and having that queasy feeling in my stomach again..... Sincerely and seriously.....for once.... Harleynot You said what I wanted to say, only better. I am still waiting to hear all these huge "issues" with the Kings Mountain bikes. Kings Mountain built a good bike IMO. Perfect? NO. Will the "new" indian build a perfect bike. Fuck no. Y'all are praising the bikes and they haven't sold the first one yet. I asked for a show of hands for all that have had, or have witnessed the problem Hork had. Not one response. A couple of problems does not warrant or deserve a recall. A tire might blow, but you can't recall everything with tires. If there is a widespread problem, they address it and they will fix it. If a recall is warranted, they will do it. I know that. A handbuilt bike, built by a person who loves the brand, bikes and his job does indeed have a soul. It makes the brand have a soul, a culture, an identity. It's not one of a million black Road Kings that was looks like it was stamped out with a cookie cutter. Somebody put some effort into building it. If you don't understand what I am talking about, or see the difference in a bike built by one person and a bike where 75 people put on two bolts each while listening to an Ipod....I can't explain it. Getting that queasy feeling Harleynot gets again. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maldev Posted August 7, 2013 Share Posted August 7, 2013 Sadly, I would have to agree with Eddie. I am already catching a whiff of holier-than-thou attitidue about this being a true legacy for Indian and stepping over the Gilroy and KM bikes. That may increase with new riders coming into Indian and looking for a pecking order as the old Springfield crowd did with the formation of Indian back in 99. We on this forum, as well as the membership of the IIRA, have a responsibility to maintain our acceptance of everyone riding. Whether it be Indian, Victory, HD, Kawasaki, Honda or whatever and further be inclusive of all the Indian makes including Springfield, Brockhouse, Royal Enfield, the Italians makers, Gilroy, KM and SL. All of them are part of Indian's history, heritage, and legacy. As much as it might be a challenge for some of us to look forward to these new machines as being the next step in Indian's path, those that purchase these new machines also need to be taught not to disparage their history. There have been a lot of mistakes reviving Indian and without all those mistakes, Polaris' possible success would not have been possible. 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stu Posted August 7, 2013 Share Posted August 7, 2013 You said what I wanted to say, only better. I am still waiting to hear all these huge "issues" with the Kings Mountain bikes. Kings Mountain built a good bike IMO. Perfect? NO. Will the "new" indian build a perfect bike. Fuck no. Y'all are praising the bikes and they haven't sold the first one yet. I asked for a show of hands for all that have had, or have witnessed the problem Hork had. Not one response. A couple of problems does not warrant or deserve a recall. A tire might blow, but you can't recall everything with tires. If there is a widespread problem, they address it and they will fix it. If a recall is warranted, they will do it. I know that. A handbuilt bike, built by a person who loves the brand, bikes and his job does indeed have a soul. It makes the brand have a soul, a culture, an identity. It's not one of a million black Road Kings that was looks like it was stamped out with a cookie cutter. Somebody put some effort into building it. If you don't understand what I am talking about, or see the difference in a bike built by one person and a bike where 75 people put on two bolts each while listening to an Ipod....I can't explain it. Getting that queasy feeling Harleynot gets again. Has anyone heard of the stumbling at low speed problem.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blu Posted August 7, 2013 Share Posted August 7, 2013 All valid and really well said points. Some smart people here! But...what do you think that the Springfield guys said about the new buyers of Gilroys? I get it, the mass market approach of Polaris will certainly dilute the "soul" of the owning an Indian. I could say that even HAVING a factory dilutes the experience. Change could be good, could be bad, most likely some of both. But change is here, and while its not exactly how I would want it, change is good. We shall adapt and IIRP will still be great. I'll buy one as soon as Indian brings out the touring version. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CHIEF DOC 99 Posted August 7, 2013 Share Posted August 7, 2013 Has anyone heard of the stumbling at low speed problem.... Every one I test rode had that surge crap. Everyone with the 105 has had to have near constant batt tender life support due to the BCM taking down the batt while parked. A relay spliced into the starter system is the band aid PI has come up with ~ a $10 fix available through the dealer network. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stu Posted August 7, 2013 Share Posted August 7, 2013 Sadly, I would have to agree with Eddie. I am already catching a whiff of holier-than-thou attitidue about this being a true legacy for Indian and stepping over the Gilroy and KM bikes. That may increase with new riders coming into Indian and looking for a pecking order as the old Springfield crowd did with the formation of Indian back in 99. We on this forum, as well as the membership of the IIRA, have a responsibility to maintain our acceptance of everyone riding. Whether it be Indian, Victory, HD, Kawasaki, Honda or whatever and further be inclusive of all the Indian makes including Springfield, Brockhouse, Royal Enfield, the Italians makers, Gilroy, KM and SL. All of them are part of Indian's history, heritage, and legacy. As much as it might be a challenge for some of us to look forward to these new machines as being the next step in Indian's path, those that purchase these new machines also need to be taught not to disparage their history. There have been a lot of mistakes reviving Indian and without all those mistakes, Polaris' possible success would not have been possible. So.... ya didn't notice any holier than thou attitudes when KM had the brand.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brock Posted August 7, 2013 Share Posted August 7, 2013 my Kings Mountain has run flawless even though I have ridden her much less than I wanted....I have no complaints. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maldev Posted August 7, 2013 Share Posted August 7, 2013 So.... ya didn't notice any holier than thou attitudes when KM had the brand.... Only from you. (You left yourself wide open to that one) What I am referring to is the notion that since Polaris' build includes an engine that isn't sharing any components with anything else out there that it establishes this version of the Indian Motorcycle as being more legitimate than the others. People tend to forget that Springfield also used other engines and designs in their machines as well. Indian has a history of that. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr. Mark Posted August 7, 2013 Share Posted August 7, 2013 It's simple. If you bleed Indian Red then you are an Indian guy. (Or gal.) I already see the Springfield guys jumping onboard because THIS Indian has no Harley parts at all. That was a big deal to them. Those who don't have any family members who were bikers in the 40's and 50's don't get this. It was way stronger than the HD/Jap bike rivalry that we grew up with. Back in the day, you were a Harley guy or you were an Indian guy. There was no mixing. They hated each other. My uncle told me if you parked your bike in front of the wrong dealer, it might be trashed when you came back. At the very least, the dealership employees would come out and tell you to move that piece of shit somewhere else. And that went both ways. The idea of an Indian that was built mostly of off-the-shelf "Hardley-Ableson" parts was a total abomination to those guys. I didn't agree with them but I certainly understood them. Personally, I am glad that Polaris has Indian, and I think they will be successful. It certainly looks like they are on the right track. Am I going to miss the exclusivity of being one of the few? Oh, hell yeah! And that includes Gilroy, not just KM. KM made bikes that were way more reliable (comparatively speaking.) but the look was virtually identical. (BTW, I have never had the throttle stumble, and mine has been damn near bulletproof. And since I got the stage two, the bike has never run down the battery again.) The new look IS more true to the original 1940's bike...it does NOT look Victory. Sorry, but it's true. The area under the seat bugs me. The fairing on the Chieftain bugs me...but it's growing on me now. This is a weird space to be in. I am thrilled that Indian is on everyone's lips in the motorcycle community right now. I am tickled to death that the die-hard Harley guys are spitting mad. (Hate on, lil' bitches!) I am fired up to have a new, reliable, technologically superior Indian motorcycle, that can stand toe to toe with most any bike in the world for features. I am less than thrilled that our beloved brand has morphed into a multibillion dollar multinational corporation. At the same time, I understand that it meant long term survival. I am not wild about running into one on every streetcorner, ridden by some newb who has no sense of the marque's history, or it's fight for survival. stu may be OK with indian riders morphing into HD types...I am not so OK with that. But it's the real world. Given my druthers, I'd have preferred it stayed a 'niche' bike, and continued to be hand built, if it meant giving up it's soul. And yeah, I am one of those nuts who thinks a bike (or a marque) has a soul...at least a chrome facsimile thereof. Like I said...it's a weird space...happy..and sad. Strange. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blu Posted August 7, 2013 Share Posted August 7, 2013 Well said Mark! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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