Polaris has purchased Indian! Now this is interesting. I love the Drifter... but it will eventually be an old bike and I will want to buy another bike. Indian is way too expensive. Polaris is known for making good bikes at reasonable prices... So we could be seeing a more affordable Indian in the next few years.
http://www.asphaltandrubber.com/news/polaris-buys-indian-motorcycles/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+AsphaltandRubber+%28Asphalt+%26+Rubber%29 (http://www.asphaltandrubber.com/news/polaris-buys-indian-motorcycles/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+AsphaltandRubber+%28Asphalt+%26+Rubber%29)
Interesting news!
This is really cool, I agree Chief Polaris makes nice stuff and keeps the prices reasonable. It will be interesting to see how that changes the cost of the Indians.
I hope it works out never really like the look of the victoy's , but I like the ride and the 6 speed trans. If they can build an Indian for around 18 to 20 thounds they should have a winner.
Mark
Probably just going to rebadge some Victorys.
it would be nice to see another version in the 10-14k range
griz, you're a pessimist. 8) I'm a cynic so I guess we're a matched set... was just trying to see the silver lining in this cloud!
I am a pessimist by nature. It is, after all, the wisest way to be. We pessimists have everything to gain, whereas optimists have a fifty-fifty chance of being disappointed. ;D
Blessed are those who expect little, for they shall not be disappointed. Wonder what Polaris is going to do with all those modded blockhead engines and softail frames. :-\ ??? ;) S&S here in LaCrosse has their buildings vacant and up for re-leasing.
Guess that's right... I always plan for the worst, personally. I guess the real question is whether they plan to actually use the hardware, or simply the brand name. We will see, I guess.
Rumor says 18-24 months before we will see the Polaris version of Indian, best guess is the current design will continue for the 2011 model year. Polaris is not really saying anything on the future just yet; so since every one seems to be just guessing; How about an Indian ATV :o; maybe even an Indian snowmobile or Personel watercraft ::) ;)
Personally I think this is great news for the average MC enthusiast who couldn't ever foresee dishing out Indian $$$.
An affordable Indian with modern technology strapped on at a reasonable price... Isn't that half the reason most of us bought our Drifters?
Besides, I like the direction that Victory has headed. Their 8-ball bikes are beautiful and great on value.
I really like the new High-Ball model.
(https://www.vulcandrifterriders.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fhwcdn.net%2Fy5b8k2i7%2Fcds%2Fprod%2FVIC%2FMY2011%2Fbobber_micro%2Fthree_quarter.png&hash=33641c7f84792ae12dbeedbcf5868ada5c64d467)
Bring on the new INDIAN!!!
Yeah, but from what I am reading, Polaris intends to keep the two separate and aim Indian at the fat wallet folks... ie keeping the pricing (and tech) intact!... guess we'll see.
Damn, I was hoping for some sane pricing.
If that was working, Indain would have never been up for sale! The Polaris " indians " will run with Victory motors and parts I can only hope they bring the price down . We can only wait and see.
Mark
Where did you find that they would be using the Victory motors?
Does this mean we will now have:
Springfield Indians
Gilroy Indians
Kings Mountian Indians
and now
Spirt Lake Indians?
Quote from: aclone on April 27, 2011, 18:39:59 PM
If that was working, Indain would have never been up for sale! The Polaris " indians " will run with Victory motors and parts I can only hope they bring the price down . We can only wait and see.
Mark
That's a bit of a shame, as although I know little about the dependability [of] the Indian engine...I do like it's [look]. I believe it's been dubbed the "Bottle-Cap".
I like Victory OK, but still not in luv with the engines design [in appearance].
Ron
I haven't read where they will revert to Victory engines, but it makes sense... I suspect they will make some mods if they do use their own engines. I'm not sure why the bike would go for the premium of the current models, if this is the case however.
Sorry, I do not know for a fact that Victory motors will power the new Indian . It just makes sense My guess is that Polaris bought Indian because It's the easiest way to take market share away from Harley. We all know bikers that would not even sit on a metric bike and Victory's only better because they are U.S. made. But owning an Indian instead of a Harley that's ok. If your Polaris/Victory and you already build a good motorcycle why would you buy motors or anything else from an outside supplier. If Indian purchases motor and any other parts from Victory it's a win win for Polaris.