. . . they need to rely on more than just a nostalgic name that Harley riders only remember with fond tales of yesteryear.
I doubt there are too many Harley riders fondly remembering the Indian marque. There has been a fierce rivalry between Harley Davidson and Indian owners since around 1903. Back in the '20s & '30s Indian owners engaged in all sorts of derision towards Harley owners, much like the many Japanese afficiandos found on these Hooligan threads today.
Here's a poem that was popular early on about this rivalry:
"You'll never wear out
The Indian Scout,
or its brother,
The Indian Chief.
They're built like rocks
To take hard knocks.
It's the Harleys
That cause the grief."
Butch Baer, an Indian dealer and notable dirt track racer in the heydays had this to say about the rivalry:
"You were an Indian fan period. And whatever Indian had was the best. And Harley of course, they were made out of tin over in a Milwaukee conveyer factory. The rivalry between the two got to the point where Indian riders didnt even talk to Harley riders. It was crazy."