Classic Indian Chief motorcycle ready to roll

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[jessduntno]

The classic Indian Chief motorcycle, prized for its fanciful fenders and an American heritage different from its much bigger rival, Harley-Davidson, is back and finally ready to roll in California.

First built in 1922 and in and out of production ever since, the Chief has been ridden over the years by actor Steve McQueen and other renegades possessing fame and fortune. Now it has been overhauled for the modern era.

Although motorcycle sales are down nationwide, the Chief is already a sought-after ride in 16 other states where it has been on sale since early this year.

The Chief just hasn't been available on the West Coast. But that's about to change this spring with the 2010 Chief, selling for $26,000 plus. This month the latest incarnation of the 108-year-old Indian brand announced the names of two of its five planned California dealerships -- one in Harbor City and the other in Fresno. -snip-

For a company to sell motorcycles in the state, California's Air Resources Board must provide an additional emissions certification to the one issued by the Environmental Protection Agency that allows a manufacturer's products to be sold in other states.

Indian secured its California emissions clearance only last week. Heese is confident that the motorcycles will arrive well before the planned April openings of California Harley-Davidson Indian Motorcycle Los Angeles in Harbor City and Indian Motorcycle Fresno, based out of a car dealership, Herwaldt Subaru.

"I can't wait to get these new Indians so I can put them on the lot and buy a new one myself," said Matt Herwaldt, 30, general manager of Indian Motorcycle Fresno. He owns a Harley but is "blown away by the quality, fit and finish of the new Indian. It's the Bentley of motorcycles."

[Hammerhead]

My thoughts exactly.

Looks like a knock-off of a Japanese bike knock-off of a HD.

[Hammerhead]

Sorry, it looks like it trying to hard to be ‘retro’.

Overdone IMO.

[Capt. Tom]

I am not a biker
When I was a kid in the late 30s early 40s the Indian was the bike of choice in the Boston area. People didn't care for the Harleys and the Harley's skinny tires.
One thing I remember about the Indians is on hot day they would pull up, shut of the engine and the engine would still kick until it colled off. - tom

[yefragetuwrabrumuy]

Here’s a question to the motorcycle lovers out there. In what order would you list what you think a typical motorcyclist wants in their motorcycle? Here is the unordered list:

Low price, ease of maintenance, mileage, durability, accessories, style and appearance, power, acceleration, top speed, comfort, other.

[gimme1ibertee]

It is.....verrrry purty....but way too pricey.I love my VTX 1300c.

[soupbone1]

Its been my experience that anytime they remake a classic it never lives up to the hype. Things become classic with the passage of time not by title.

[jessduntno]

“It is.....verrrry purty....but way too pricey.”

Agreed...I’d like to see a few good old classics back on the road though...in the 50’s and into the sixties this was a hot bike and it brings back some good memories...

[advertising guy]

excellent point.....give me an RD 350 yamaha any day

[pyx]

uhhhh .... motorcycle porn ... dRo0L ...

[wally_bert]

Great movie.

[RedStateRocker]

“Here’s a question to the motorcycle lovers out there. In what order would you list what you think a typical motorcyclist wants in their motorcycle? Here is the unordered list”

Depends on your budget.

for some folks cost just isn't much of a consideration. The most tricked out Harley or the like doesn't begin to rival the cost of a Porsche 911, 60’ sailboat or Cessna.

My 1200 Sportster is all about mileage, performance (as much as I can sanely put to use, sure I'd love a Honda CRB-R 1000, or a ‘Busa, but how often could I actually take advantage of that power?), sound and style. Previous bike was a Suzuki GS1100. I paid $7.5K for her (a 2004) less than the depreciation of some vehicles the second they roll off the lot.

I don't think there really is a ‘typical’ motorcyclist, otherwise you'd see almost all motorcycles sharing the same characteristics.

[jessduntno]

...yeah...that’s what I thought too...

[ConservaTexan]

Time to redo my Christmas list...

[rahbert]

durability,style,maneuverability,acceleration,dealer support maintainence ease and top speed. My rides:

[Venturer]

I thought Indian had gone belly up a couple of years ago.

I know the dealer here in Md. closed up. Where are they making these and are they still using the S&S engine?

[Vaduz]

California’s Air Resources Board must provide an additional emissions certification,what a joke C.A.R.B. let Juan run all his two cycle weed eater and other crap and they turn a blind eye only in California.The bike is to beautiful to smog (Smuck Fog).

[fish hawk]

I’m not up on these things but what would a Harley about the same class as this Indian cost? (Indian $26,000)

[Eye of Unk]

Yes I post at both http://www.yamahamotorcycleforum.com/ and http://1300tourer.com/ forums, the exhaust is stock but I took a Milwaukee bi-metal 1.50” holesaw to the baffle plate on a 18” bit extension.Also I drilled the airbox, I’m currently re-mapping the closed loop fuel injection to richen the air/fuel mixture.

I’ve been buying goodies for it the last two months, chrome mesh radiator cover because yes its water cooled, just got a great deal on an OEM engine guard on Ebay this morning, HID headlamp kit, converted LED lamps front and rear and I am still looking for other things to do.

Fuel injected, water cooled, belt drive, this bike is tall geared, I can cruise at 55mph in 2nd gear, in 5th its like overdrive, I chose this bike because parts are affordable, the bike was VERY affordable at under $10K new and it looks nice, its not as big or heavy as the fully dressed tourers but can do 2 up touring very well and it gets over 50mpg.

[advertising guy]

I’ve had 24 bikes and never a Harley........I ride from Phoenix to Ca often and breakin down ain’t an option

The most bulleproof bike I ever owned was an 1100 Honda Shadow

[jessduntno]

They went OB in ‘03...the bikes they made had way too many problems...this one is supposed to be a complete redesign...and a new “Powerplus 105 engine”

http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/355/1358/Motorcycle-Article/2009-Indian-Motorcycles-First-Look.aspx