Indian motorcycles was once one of the premier motorcycle companies in America (along with Harley-Davidson). The company was started in 1901, and bills itself as America’s first motorcycle company. But Indian went bankrupt in 1953, and the brand withered. They continued to produce motorcycles, but of varying quality as different groups took control of the company. Then, in 2011, Polaris Industries (makers of the famed snowmobiles and ATVs) bought Indian, and vowed to bring it back to life. The result was unveiled at the 73rd annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in South Dakota, where the Indian Chief Classic, the Indian Chief Vintage, and the Indian Chieftain motorcycles were unveiled.
Design-wise, the bikes draw a lot on the company’s past. They are classic cruisers with big, bold distinctive lines. Each of the three new models feature the 1947-era War Bonnet fender ornament, tank-mounted instrumentation, tear-drop fuel tank design, and the company’s iconic valenced fenders.
To power the bikes, there’s Indian’s powerful new ThunderStroke 111 engine. And classic design doesn’t preclude modern amenities. The bikes have keyless ignition, ABS, cruise control, and a six-speed overdrive transmission.
The new lineup includes the Indian Chief Classic, starting at $18,999; the Indian Chief Vintage, at $20,999, and the Indian Chieftan, at $22,999.
The updated Indian lineup puts the company squarely in competition with Harley-Davidson. The bikes are prices competitively, and the deep pockets and marketing experience of Polaris will help Indian make a strong return to the American motorcycle market.
