'01 Spirit - yes or no??

[levelmanroger]

Please excuse my noobiness!
I'm new here and look forward to all the information and input.
I've been bikeless for over 5 years, and always rode sport bikes, culminating in my last 2 Ducatis, but now it's time to grow up to a cruiser. I was close to getting either a Road King or a Springer Heritage when I ran across a 2001 Indian Spirit with less than 100 miles. I really like the bike, but know little about Indian, and less about this model.
I'll probably only ride locally, with a few day trips and very rare weekend jaunts. My girlfriend (5'4" 112lb) will be on the back at least 50% of my ride time. What do you guys think of this bike?
Any input would be welcome and appreciated!

[Dave63]

The Indian is an S&S motor, not a Harley V-twin, although, some parts are interchangable. A friend has one and loves it. It's a matter of taste I guess...

You may find that parts are hard to come by with Indian's shakey history.....

[levelmanroger]

Thanks for your input, Dave. I've heard good things about the S&S engines, and I know parts may be tough for this bike. I just think it's really cool.
My main concern is the overall reliability and build quality. Does Indian have a bad reputation, or this model in particular?

[Dave63]

Nothing that I've heard, but that's just me. My friend loves his. Most of the maintenance parts (bearings, belts, gaskets) are available. Isn't the plant in NC or close to that?

His doesn't leak and runs like a top. It looks cool too. He rides the hell out of it as well.



*Edit: Found it: http://www.indianmotorcycle.com/Abou...0/Default.aspx

[2blackbelts]

Levelmanroger

You need to go to: www.indiancommunity.com as this is THE website for everything Indian. Plus we are having our world meet in Branson, MO, May 10-17th.

The new factory is in Kings Mountain, NC, and they will be at the ralley. However, they have very little support or cross ref. parts for the Gilroy made bikes. The new Indians are, after all, for the "Premium Rider" as they like to say, thus the $32,000 starting price.

Basically, the 01 Scout was just a clone bike with an S&S engine and some semi proprietory sheet metal, everything else was sourced from other vendors.

Don't worry about parts, HD and S&S parts cross reference the engine. The tranny is someones after market. These bikes are very easy to get parts for as well as maintain. If you get a steal of a price on it, buy it.

2 bb
2003 Terminator Chief #46 of 50

[CherokeeTad]

I liked the look of them but I had heard they had some quality issues so I didn't buy one back then. If it was a bargain I'd buy one. J&P Cycles carries a lot of Indian parts as they bought them when the factory went under http://www.jpcycles.com/Search/Searc...dian&x=19&y=12.

[CRAZY_TRAIN]

i wouldnt buy it.. my buddy has an 03 spirit and its a piece of junk