All Hail the Chief!
It wasn't long ago that we posed the question "Can the Chief survive?", and now it's looking like the historic marque will once again see the light of day.
The Chief, seen here in pre-production form, will be the first new Indian to hit the market. It will start at $30,999, and feature available valenced fenders (seen here) for $499, a six-speed gearbox with chain drive, and an air-cooled, 105 cubic inch engine that produces 100 ft-lbs of torque. The Chief will weigh roughly 738 lbs dry, and include a two year warranty. Other Chief trim levels will include the Deluxe ($31,999), Roadmaster ($33,999), and Vintage ($35,499).
The Chief should shape up as an intriguing competitor to Harley-Davidson; if this bike reignites the famous Indian/Harley rivalry that raged for decades, we should have yet another lively topic for debate.
For more on Indian Motorcycles, check out www.indianmotorcycle.com.
Photo © Indian Motorcycles
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Comments
Frankly I am a bit shocked at the price. Makes Harley’s look cheap by comparison. More power to them if they can survive in the current economy.
For all that money, does the little plastic indian head on the front fender glow in the dark…?
The price is breath taking, but if it comes with all the chrome - front end, pully, etc. - right out of the crate and that’s what you want, then it it may be worth it.
That’s a helluva price. I’ll be surprised if it’s successful.
No way Jose, starting at 30 grand and the economy going to @#@*. You can get an HD screaming eagle with ever nut and bolt chromed for less.
Busfreak,
Actually, SE Road King and Ultra are $33K and $35K. As I stated before, it looks likes the Indian comes well chromed, if the pictures on their web site hold true.
BTW, the economy isn’t going to hell, it’s actually improving.
a $30k cruiser, and it’s a CHAIN DRIVE?
What the F.
Nate,
Chain primary, belt final, just like H-D, Victory and many Yamahas.
Here’s the note I sent to Indian:
My wife and I have been very excited about the resurgence of the Indian brand. We’ve been following your progress, anxiously awaiting the latest news from your organization. Today we received your email announcing the specifications on your four models. My wife has been especially keen on your Chief Vintage model. When we saw the specs today, we were very excited to see that the seat height was low enough for her to get her feet flat on the ground! But then we spied the purchase price………our elation ended right there. We were both stunned and disappointed. Never in our wildest dreams did we anticipate such an exorbitant price. Granted, we realize that you’ve spent an enormous amount of overhead getting your operation started, and countless hours have
gone into design, development, testing, etc. But $35,499??? I earn over $142,000 per year and cannot see my way clear to spend this much on a pleasure item. Have you considered that possibly the majority of your potential customers earn less than $100,000 per year?
Your competition does not have anything in this price range. How do you expect to compete? Whomever conducted your market analysis should be sent back to the drawing board.
We’d like to see the Indian brand make a solid rebound into the marketplace, but frankly, we don’t see how this can come to pass. Your prices are beyond the means of the average consumer. Last time we checked, the wealthy are not among your average motorcycle enthusiast. I was looking forward to purchasing a new Indian bike for my wife, but sadly I now realize that this dream is beyond my reach.
We wish you the best of luck…you’ll certainly be needing it.
I don’t think any motorcycle is worth $30K let alone $20K, not even a Harley! I only see this new Chief being bought by collectors and executives who pretend to be bikers on weekends!
Indian is a nice bike—BUT, too pricey for me. I can get a all decked out Honda Gold Wing cheaper. I guess Indian will be like Harley–OVER PRICED AND OVER RATED. Maybe Harley will bite the dust this time. You know scrap metal prices are good now. A good way to get rid of your Harley. I hope Indian will make it this time.
$30,000+ for a Chief?? Don’t think they are going to sell alot for that price. Can’t wait to see what the Scout is going to go for.