I took a day off work last week for a doctor's appointment, and to do some errands. While I was in town, thought I'd go over across town to Iron Pony, the local bike shop. In addition to selling tons of accessories, they've expanded into being a multi-brand dealer having several brands, and just recently adding Indian. They added a bunch of square footage in their show room and they have TONS of bikes. I didn't feel like spending time looking at all the Victory's, Suzukis, Yamahas, Aprilias, etc. etc., but I DID want to look at the Indians. They had around 15 Indian bikes (all various Chief models except for one Scout). I did find one VERY interesting model - the 2015 Chieftain Trike. Bet you didn't know Indian made a Trike?? Actually they don't, but evidently this is a conversion made by Hannigan. I don't think I want one of these right now, but I thought it was pretty cool. I liked the 2-wheeled versions better, though.
A little bit on the pricey side, but look at that trunk...
More info on their website:
http://www.ponypowersports.com/2015-hanningan-chieftain-trike-inventory.htm?id=684317&used=1
I did however find something to add to my "Christmas List", though.... A very nice Chief... Sent a picture to the Missus Greenbarn, told her I'd been a good boy. Evidently not that good....
The second pic is the only chance I have of owning a new Indian....
Now, on the way out of the parking lot, I saw this thing. I hope no one on here owns one of these, because I don't want to offend anyone, but I thought this was ugly. Evidently someone liked it, because this one was sold. I honestly cannot imagine cruising around in this.
I present to you.... The Polaris Slingshot....
Well if you were not tighter then 2 coats of paint......
if you bought that trike for the Missus then I'll bet she would have let you have the bike you want.........too easy you just need to talk nicer to her.....
As for the slingshot that is Polaris's answer to the Spyder.......I think the Spyder is more bike then the slingshot....JMO
I think the Polaris thing is designed to compete with the T Rex ( http://www.campagnamotors.com/products/t-rex-16s/configure-one ).
The Indian's are cool though.
I really like the idea behind a cycle car, which these would technically be....The Slingshot us ugly, but the engineering seems sound...personally my choice would be either the T-Rex or the Morgan
I've got to the age now where no matter what I ride or drive I am not going to look cool, I've always liked the look of the Morgan 4+4 and would have liked one when I was in my 20's...It was my second favourite car.. the favourite was the Bentley 1932 open tourer..but I chose a more expensive option and got married and had kids.. I don't regret it, even when I see those old poofs driving nice sports cars..I could probably afford one now but I have no hair and my neck looks like the last turkey in the butchers shop the day after thanksgiving..
John.
I was hoping to win the Scout that Indian was giving away in a drawing but they sent me an email the other day telling me I didn't win it...the nerve of them. Guess I'll continue to ride my faithful Drifter.
Quote from: Pilgrim on December 21, 2014, 19:57:35 PM
I was hoping to win the Scout that Indian was giving away in a drawing but they sent me an email the other day telling me I didn't win it...the nerve of them. Guess I'll continue to ride my faithful Drifter.
They sent the same thing to me too. Pure evil that one of us didn't win it. Must have been rigged lol.
While I'm not sold on the looks of the slingshot, specifically, the back half, I like the idea of it, and the engineering on it is fantastic. Plus the things that they have going for them is that they cost way way less than a Morgan, and use a standard GM engine so parts are really easy to come by. The second part is pretty brilliant if you ask me. I would much rather drive one of them than a car a lot of days. It would be a pretty good compromise between the openness of my Jeep and the performance of my Mustang though.
I still like the new Indians. I do wish the Road Master was water cooled though. Whenever I end up getting a second bike, it'll be set up for touring. If the aftermarket supports the Indians, that would pull me away from HD. A Goldwing would be the best, but I don't think I could bring myself to buy one. I still want to feel like I'm riding a motorcycle.
Quote from: gdrudd13 on December 21, 2014, 21:53:51 PM
I still like the new Indians. I do wish the Road Master was water cooled though.
I'll have to admit, after looking at them, it was astonishing that the Drifter was so far ahead of the "new" Indian in so many ways. The Chief still has a cable clutch.
I purchased that exact same kid's electric Indian on Amazon for my daughter a few years ago. I think I paid $79 with free shipping. :)
There is regular inflation...... then there's INTENSIFICATION DEALERSHIP INFLATION....
Quote from: gdrudd13 on December 21, 2014, 21:53:51 PM
. A Goldwing would be the best, but I don't think I could bring myself to buy one. I still want to feel like I'm riding a motorcycle.
You obviously have never ridden a Goldwing! Google/Bing "deals gap goldwing"... and watch a few videos.
The GW is a speed demon that could power a small city and tow a boat! It has a low center of gravity which allows for some significant leans, and easy handling over the long haul. For cruiser riders it takes a little work to get the foot position comfortable. We did 5000 miles in two weeks out west and the beast never missed a beat.
Don't let preconceived notions get in the way of a great ride!
Merry Christmas.
Ya, the Wing is pretty sporty, especially given it's weight and size. I'm biding my time until I have enough free time to do it justice then then I'm going to get one!
I'm wondering, can you put floorboards on a Wing?
Quote from: DC on December 30, 2014, 00:23:43 AM
I'm wondering, can you put floorboards on a Wing?
yep, have them on mine. fore and aft.
Quote from: Bucko on December 29, 2014, 16:13:29 PM
Ya, the Wing is pretty sporty, especially given it's weight and size. I'm biding my time until I have enough free time to do it justice then then I'm going to get one!
honestly, it feels much lighter than the Drifter due to its low center of gravity.
The Goldwings are nice, that's for sure. For long distances, the Goldwing is second to none. They just really aren't for me. I like the rumble of the vtwin as opposed to the Goldwing's engine, and being able to hear the exhaust a bit (pipes can change that as most bikes now are pretty quiet) and honestly, a little vibration at idle is alright with me. I like knowing that there is an engine in there lol. For being on two wheels, they feel too car-ish. Probably makes me kind of weird, but oh well. I also prefer the look of the HD's and Indians. I'm not a big fan of all the shrouds covering all the engine parts, and really am not all that into the style of the Goldwings in general. I'm not trying to knock them, but while most of the time I'll take function over form, I'll sacrifice a little comfort for what is, in my opinion, a better looking and sounding bike.
I like the looks of the 'Wings, but I would likely get myself killed trying to hit the right button for a function; there are more buttons and switches than my old Kenworth had. They are the answer to comfort on the long haul, though,I'm sure.
Life of a thread on VDR:---->>>
New Indian --->> Polaris -->> T-Rex -->> Morgan ---->>> Goldwing ------->>>> Kenworth ??? :o
LOL!
Well....back to the Indian trike then. Pretty neat, doesn't get my heart rate up and I prefer the looks of the two wheeled variety but neat none the less. Thanks for sharing!
Quote from: racinfan101 on December 31, 2014, 13:31:36 PM
Well....back to the Indian trike then. Pretty neat, doesn't get my heart rate up and I prefer the looks of the two wheeled variety but neat none the less.
Same here- not exactly my cup of tea... But once I get to Ratman's age, I might consider something like that.... ;D
EH you too...go picture on the way......
Hey RATMAN>..... HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
H A P P Y N E W Y E A R
Any mail you get ........from me......open alone in one of the big tire bays..........
no reason to suck up now......you have all the parts in your hands.......lol.......