I usually don't respond unless I can offer some sort of valuable information relative to what the original post is asking; however, in this case I can't help but to deviate a bit and comment on the price of the Indians. It's ridiculous! You'll need all the money from both of your recent sales to buy one Indian touring bike.

BTW, I like the heritage of the Indian bikes as well. My dad had an in-line 4. I sure wish he had kept it for me!

 

Read a review on the Chief last year.
Dont recall magazine.
Do recall that the reviewer noted twitchy light throttle respone.
Reviewer also generally liked the bike though.
I agree that price is outrageous. Is why i dont have one.
For half the price you can have essentially the same bike in a Heritage.
Also, now that Indian has a proprietary engine and drivetrain, good luck trying to get someone to worwork on one aside from a dealer.

 

I love them. If you can afford one, more power to you. The reviews that I have read are generally complementary. The bikes are described as well built with top quality components but I also read that they are a little bit behind in terms of technology and are similar in feel to an Evolution powered HD.

There is no doubt that they are beautiful. If I can find the last review, I'll post up a link.

 

Nothing special or old school about the Indian.
Just a frame with an s7s engine slapped in some funky fenders and a double what it is worth price sticker.
Try to sell it after you buy it good luck.
They were trying to make something out of them after the hype went dead but got no where.

 

Agree Smitty.
Don't get me wrong. I think the Chief is an absolutely beautiful bike.
But I'm just not sure what they were thinking when, in 2009,their stripped down, entry level model was priced at $32,000.
Not a whole lot cheaper now either.
Somehow I got on IMC's email list and get their regular newsletters.
The newsletter has become somewhat of a "marketing gimmick of the month " thing.
I have not unsubscribed just because it's great entertainment.
They, unfortunately, still have '10-'12 bikes that haven't sold sitting all over the country .

 

If you want old school find an early EVO. And life will be good to you.
Any old you may need to expand your learning curve a bit.

 

I got to check one of those newer Indians out at Street Vibrations and I have to say the fit and finish along with the quality of parts on that bike is a step above anything Harley puts out. The CVO bikes it compares too price wise look gaudy and I am a Victory owner, so I know what gaudy tacky looking bikes are all about, I ride one. That Indian was beautiful and timeless looking. It is expensive, I wouldn't mind having one, but I don't believe I would spend close to as much for a motorcycle as I would for a decent car, the model I saw was $32000 + tax and registration so you are looking at $35000+ out the door.

I will add that the bike seemed like it was built for 6'+ tall guys, it is bigger and roomier than the Harley touring bikes. So if you are a big guy and you have a big wallet it might be worth checking out.

 

Unlike the oldest non stop manufactured motorcycle the Royal Enfield or the second oldest like HD.
The Indian of today has no connection what so ever with the Indian it pretends to share a blood line with. There is none.
Like the iron horse and bad Doggy it is just another over priced bar stool.

 

You said what i always say regarding Indian, no direct lineage from 1953, only people purchasing "rights" to a trademark. Rebadged Royal Enfields and Italian two-strokes don't count in my eyes, nor do swoopy fendered Evo Softail Clones. I think the proprietary engine was a great step towards creating it's own identity, but i heard they were a POS as far as reliability went. All the new ones offer is simply an high priced option and the "look at me, i paid double what a (should) bike cost club". At least a CVO has more to offer than a slightly upgraded Heritage Softail with a oddly shaped headlight....
Tim

 

The proprietary engine was court ordered. "Get a proprietary engine within this time frame or lose the rights to the Indian name". The other contender for the name already had a proprietary engine...

A 100" EVO motor with round jugs... not impressive. The newer 105s are supposed to be better but who can afford to find out?

 

@gree: Well said.

 

The Indian chief dark horse looks pretty nice.

 

Agree... but how many will buy one, knowing they could buy a Road Glide Custom AND a Wide Glide for the same money as this?:

I'll give it a couple of years and see what Polaris does with the brand. If they can get the prices under $25K and make something a man can RIDE, I'm in.

 

I seriously doubt the fit and finish is worth $16K+. Has six inches on length and 5" on wheelbase. It is a pretty bike that i cant argue. The traditional Indian fender styling does look nice.
Tim

 

I agree, it's overpriced. $26,000 would be a more acceptable pricepoint, but it's not my company and I have no idea what it takes to manufacture motorcycles like these.

 

I'm new to the forum and I love my 02 Spirit. Yes, 'purists' and gear snobs will say that it's not really an Indian, blah, blah, blah. This thing's dyno'd at 100+ hp and makes my 94 FatBoy pale in comparison. Don't get me wrong, loved the FatBoy, too.
I expect to visit the shop occasionally (and do) - the bike's 10 years old! Bottom line: Great bike to ride; people like it; says "Indian" on the registration, so as far as I'm concerned, it's an Indian.
All my buddies ride Harleys. Not one of them has ever been poopy-pants about me riding this bike.
Parts aren't an issue. And why wouldn't you want an S&S? It's tough as nails and puts out. The Indian primary cover is about twice as strong as an evo, so not every single part is an aftermarket harley piece.