New 2010 Indian Chief

[chief]

Yeah. I"m an old Harley rider myself... but back in 2002 I started looking for something different... found the Drifter... then a goldwing!

Harleys are like Toyota's nowadays... everyone has one (or a bumper sticker)... the bumper sticker gets more mileage it seems! <LOL>

[bullride28]

DRIFTER the best dam indian they never made

[Big Tee]

I have several friends with early 2000 Indians and they have had many problems with them, I will take the reliable Drifter any time. Everbody and there dog has a Harley these days, that is why my other bike is a Victory.

Big Tee

[Cosmos]

I'm a fan of rice burners. This summer I had a chance to ride a couple diferent HD's.  The were fun but they vibrated badly and shifting felt and sounded like shaking nuts and bolts in a coffee can! all that slop and clunking is not the sound of quality craftsmanship. I have been around HD's for 25 years and you better have a good tool kit attached to your bike! and an oil proof mat under them in the garage.
All that said......I still like HD's, they're the bomb for advancing our sport.   I just prefer my super stylin ,
chopsticken, rice burner, drifter !!   Smooth, quiet and it will go 100,000 miles with no rebuild if you take care of it.  and I don't need a tool kit.

[49Reo]

Here's my 2 cents worth, I much prefer the looks (and reliability), to say nothing of the comfort and handling characteristics of my Drifter to that of 'most any other bike out there; haven't got to ride the new Indian yet, probably never will. I have owned 3 Harleys, liked them all, still own one, but much prefer to ride the Drifter. The Harley might just have to go.... Lately I have found a definite lack of customer support from Harley on issues with my Harley; have never had any customer support issues  concerning my Drifter; maybe because I have never had to take it in for repairs.
Later; 49Reo 

[chief]

They use a version of that engine which is a harley evo-clone...

Cheers.

[khanawalt]

I thought the new Indians used the proprietary Power Plus engine designed in-house.

[aclone]

What was it about 5 or 6 years ago you had to trade in a Harley to buy a Harley?  I guess we as americans just love our brand names.
Mark

[chief]

I've always had at least one HD in my garage... until 2004. I have two metrics now.

There were three factors which caused the change for me:

1) Lack of HD loyalty to long time customers
2) Technology
3) Boring, boring, boring looks.

Cheers

[aclone]

I agree it's the same argument I have with the H D guys you get so much more bang for your buck with the metric bikes.  Even if your not a retro fan the Drifter has that classic look and feel.  The best part is I ride mine everywhere even if its just up to the hardware store and I don't  have to worry about what if.
Mark

[chief]

I guess you could be right... but it really doesn't matter how it looks if it just sits in the garage.

Just because I can afford one doesn't mean I'm willing to spend my money unwisely. Drifters look as good or better... so if its just about looks - we win. <LOL>

Cheers.

[aclone]

It's more like look at me, when you have that kind of money it's all about the reaction.
Mark

[chief]

Absolutely... a REAL Indian is an investment - even if you ride it. Any of the "new" Indians can't be seriously considered to be an investment IMHO.

Cheers.

[pcarrell]

Several Drifters are a far better buy if you want to ride.  If you want to invest, they still might be a better buy!

What I don't get, is if someone has that kind of change, why not buy a REAL Indian and have serious investment potential?  I mean, lets face it.....I['m guessing a large portion of the people buying the new Indian aren't going to put 200 miles a year on it.  In the meantime, the value of that new bike drops like a stone.  The real Indian will only go up in value.

Sorry, I didn't mean to make sense......

[aclone]

Or you could buy a drifter for everyday of the week and not be to much over $30,000.00. It's a very pretty bike but that's about it.
Mark

[chief]

Did you know the new $30,000+ Indian Chief uses a harley evo engine clone and that it is NOT rubber mounted.

Geez, Indian its retro STYLING - NOT retro technology!!! 

Cheers.