Posted on 07/30/2013 9:57:46 AM PDT by AtlasStalled
In the decades following its bankruptcy in 1953, Indian Motorcycle was the target of several companies that tried unsuccessfully to revive the storied brand, the leading motorcycle manufacturer of its time.
But now Indian has the financial muscle to make it happen. Polaris (PII), the maker of snowmobiles, all-terrain vehicles and Victory motorcycles, bought Indian in 2011 and is moving at full throttle to bring it back to prominence.
(Excerpt) Read more at foxbusiness.com ...
Aw heck, I just went back and registered. I remembered that I’d registered at Marlboro’s site years ago, giving them all that info, and still get monthly coupons for $-off cartons of red box regulars. So what the heck.
Seems like Victory is trying to reduce its costs in most models. I think they plan to make most Victories mid range in costs 12k - 16K
For example, they got rid of the Hammer and replaced it with the Judge. In most respects, the Judge is inferior to the Hammer. ***The Hammer they have now is a Hammer eight ball — not as good as the previous Hammer or Hammer S models.
Indians will have premium price < = mid 20ks.
I have an older hammer and love it. 30,000 miles and no problems yet.
We have a couple of Indian riders that ride with us. The bike reminds me of the Harleys of old. Vibration, marking territory with oil, other mech problems. Sorry but no thanks I’ll stay with my Harley
I'd read a while back that Norton has just received certification to sell its bikes in the USA.
How does Norton compare to Indian? They both appear to be at about the same price point. Can the market support TWO competitors? I fully realize that Norton is NOT made in the USA, but both seem to be appealing to the same "throwback" marketing imagery.
Thanks.
Cool, I'll take yours. American bike, cheaper than a Harley, smooth ride, and reliable like a metric. I prefer Honda - I have a 2002 ACE and a 2010 Fury
Sounds like they’re serious about this. Dropping the price $7,500 will certainly help.
That was just what I was going to post.
I don’t know much about Norton except that while watching a series on cafe racer bikes apparently back in the day it was a popular bike which was light and fast for street racing, and it was a favorite among those who liked to strip it down to increase its speed so I presume it was always a pretty good performance bike but others may have more to offer.
I’ve had 22 Honda’s ...loved the shadow.....this Indian has my attention long as it ain’t as UGLY as a Victory
Agreed, but then I already own an HD RK Classic.
Victory Vision Street
Husband and wife neighbors have a pair of them in red. Incredibly FUGLY!
So do I. 2007, black, 12” apes, Sampson fishtails,Corbin solo saddle, etc., chromed, but not over the top.
eeessshhhh..... : /
You have good tastes. ;>)
Polaris is tryng to market cool without the substance.
They are selling a “same as HD” campaign.
Instead they should have just dumped the indian brand and made the victory marque a bike anyone could work on and customize.
Frank Zappa would have described the Victory Vision Street with one word,,,,”Bulbous!”
They popped up a few years back with a fresh look, fresh and optimistic sales agenda and relatively dependable product. The trouble was...they came in at nearly the same price as their competition...Harley Davidson, and ultimately folded.
Buying a “name”, whether its Indian OR Harley Davidson will only go so far. IF Indian is smart..they will market VERY dependable bikes at prices LOWER than the current HD models. That way they tackle the market with peeps who want to own a “legend” but can’t afford the HD name.
Once the buying public is sold on them, THEN begin to raise the price over time and really kick in the sale of merchandizing, which is really where HD makes their millions.
Now Indian is in its 5th reorganization? I hope Polaris will have sucess with them.
“Red hair and black leather, my favorite color scheme”
Mechanically, IMHO, Victory is a better bike than Harley.
However, I do like your idea of stressing customization.
Victory could tweak their marketing and customization options, they would attract more buyers.
My bike is very customish. I did a special flat black paint job, added stage 2 pipes, added led tail lights, detachable bag mounts, pegs, etc. No modifications to engine or suspension though.
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