Polaris, Kiwi and Drifters

[chief]

New Drifters - not likely. Kiwi - nice and expensive. Polaris Indian - too expensive, unproven.

If Polaris Indian produces a bike comparable in tech, quality and pricing to the Drifter, I might be interested at some point... don't know really - I HAVE the "Indian" I want in the Drifter.
The problem for Polaris (and any Indian mfg'r) is the limited market for big fendered bikes. That's why the Drifter sparked a lot of initial interest (nothing else like it out there at the time) but didn't sell well compared to other models.
I think ultimately there will be more standard fender Indians on the road... people wanting the brand without the iconic fenders. I also think Polaris will not want to siphon off sales from Victory, but would prefer to attract a different buyer... increasing overall sales. So, I expect the Indian brand will be a "premier" brand within that group.  Read that as more expensive and more limited in quantity.
Time will tell.

[amishart]

I believe if enough people wrote or called Kiwi about making Drifter parts Kiwi would get in the business. It's sure that they would have a greater market than whats left of restorable Indians. I know they would work with you on a springer front end they just don't have the dimensions and I couldn't afford to ship my bike to them.

[griz01]

 I think that is a good plan! For myself as long as they insist on air cooling the engine I will pass. Kiwi is the only air cooled machine I would consider; because of the true Indian style, probably not as my daily ride though. A liquid cooled machine, that is going to depend on its styling. For my cash the Drifter is the bike Indian should be copying not Harley! I agree with you on the Victory, hear it is a good, dependable ride, just not my style. I think that one of the problems that Polaris faces is that Harley & Hollywood have spent tons of cash over the years building up an Harley image, not a motorcycle. People who buy HD don't really care about the bike they are trying to buy themselves into that HD / Hollywood created image. I hear rumors around Milwaukee that HD makes more on the license fees than that do on there bikes. No amount of quality or design styling is going to change a persons mind with that stacked deck! As for me, right now I own the best "Indian" available out there, a 1500 Drifter!!

[Snow Drifter]

Grisly,
Thanks,
Nice site. Maybe there are more shops out there doing this than I thought! Until Polaris shows what their commitment is, 2 totally seperate cycle companies or slow fusion into one? I am hesitant to jump on their brand wagon. My brother in-law has a Victory and it is a nice ride, just not my styling. Would Drifter owners go for an Indian if it was in the same price range - +/- 10% of a Kawasaki? I know I would give it thought if I could get a modern Indian model in the 14k to 20k range. It would have to stand up to the reliability of the K brand as well.

Snow

[griz01]

Raining out so I can not ride, so here is my thoughs FWIW   I have been thinking about a change also, Life shift sounds so much better than saying retirement

Highly doubtful Kawasaki will bring back the Drifter.

Indian models out presently mostly reflect the designs of prePolaris ownership. Noone seems to be saying must about what is in store for the Polaris design Indian. Speculation is on a more Victory based machine; but who knows.

Kiwi is the most true to the old Indian machine, but as you say it is costly. With the limited market he has I am amazed that the price is a low as it is though.

American Classics do you mean something like this?

http://www.oldschoolmotorcycles.com/index.php

Sounds like a great idea but once again market size?

[Snow Drifter]

Ok,
I am considering a life shift and would like some input. In my estimation the worst thing about Drifters is that they ARE NOT made anymore! How are any old farts and Retro lovers supposed to fulfill their desires? The only options for new would be Polaris or Kiwi Indian (no offense to H-D). I have researched both companies and both are USA and seem dedicated to their product. Kiwi IS expensive, probably worth it to. Polaris is not as expensive but pretty high dollar too. At least in my book. I was thinking about starting a business, Indian is looking for dealerships, but I fear Corporate meddling and Victory style compromises. Kiwi does not appear to be trying to expand out of CA. Does anyone think that "K" will bring back the Drifter? Or how about just an American Classics business. I guess I just am trying to see if there is really much interest in the Polaris Indian. What are your thoughts on a lazy Sunday?
SnowDrifter