Indian unveils 2009 Chief; looks to launch production late 2008

[Bob]

Indian Motorcycles has unveiled initial images of the 2009 model Chief.

The new bike will come in four different versions; Standard, Deluxe, Roadmaster and Vintage, with a price range between US$30,999 to $35,499 depending on model. The Chief will be powered by Indian’s own Power Plus 105 cubic-inch engine, which is aiming to generate 100 lb-ft of torque.

Indian plans to show the new Chief at the Sturgis Rally in early August, in preparation for launching production either late Summer or early Autumn 2008.

Initial launch plans are small, with a production run of 750 Chiefs and just one dealership set up in North Carolina. Indian hopes to have 30 dealers established by the end of 2008 however.

For more details and an image of the new Chief, click on:

http://www.indianmotorcycle.com/TheMotorcycles/ChiefPreview/tabid/151/Default.aspx

[SlashWylde]

Now that's a good looking stable of motorcycles.

[HenryDorsetCase]

..............FAIL!

I cannot agree with my learned friend, I think they look like pastiches of bad harley bits.

for that money why not buy a restored real chief?

[Edbear]

..............FAIL!

I cannot agree with my learned friend, I think they look like pastiches of bad harley bits.

for that money why not buy a restored real chief?

Well, in theory, the new ones won't need restoring...:innocent:

[The Lone Rider]

Mmm, I likey

Better than that weird looking victory touring bike!

[Hitcher]

I have decided that when it comes to these new Indians, I am a coffee drinker.

[chubby]

Sorry, they look like they have come out of some bad retro type art deco 1950's movie. Sleek rolling lines I agree but tooooo flash gordenish for me.

I likes my bikes a little more naked...... just likes ma women.

[sunhuntin]

ok YUCK! normally i love indians, but those are an insult to the name. specially the "vintage" one. damn, looks like puke and the trots put together.

no thankies... ya can keep those!

[Bonez]

Lots of artist renderings. Could go the way of the Norton 961.

[sinfull]

..............FAIL!

I cannot agree with my learned friend, I think they look like pastiches of bad harley bits.

for that money why not buy a restored real chief?

Have to agree with ya here Hcase !
looks like a remix of nostalgia but wouldn't go there !

[nallac]

hmmmmmm
i thought they went belly up?

any way i think they're not to bad lookin,
for a non harley crusier/jap crusier
need to fill in the gap between the motor and rear wheel a bit tho.

[Bob]

hmmmmmm
i thought they went belly up?

Which incarnation of Indian?

The original company went bust in 1953, by which point they were putting out rebadged Brit vertical twins.

The revamped company, which launched in 1999, went under in 2003; ironically they appeared to be doing quite well and were generating decent sales, but the venture capitalists decided to pull the plug and that was that.

The Indian brand was then bought by UK company Stellican (think I spelt that right), who have been working slowly and steadily to try to make sure they get this latest relaunch right.

[Motu]

Which incarnation of Indian?

The original company went bust in 1953, by which point they were putting out rebadged Brit vertical twins.

The revamped company, which launched in 1999, went under in 2003; ironically they appeared to be doing quite well and were generating decent sales, but the venture capitalists decided to pull the plug and that was that.

The Indian brand was then bought by UK company Stellican (think I spelt that right), who have been working slowly and steadily to try to make sure they get this latest relaunch right.

Tsk,tsk - did you forget about Floyd Clymer?

[jrandom]

The Standard, in black (http://www.indianmotorcycle.com/Portals/0/images/Chief_VersionsFINALs%20copy.jpg) looks very tasty.

I love the clean spare look of the engine and frame.

[James Deuce]

Yes, that's a beautiful drawing.

[Hitcher]

Spokes please me not.

[AllanB]

OMG do you know how many times that once proud name has died!

Please let it rest in piece.

Just what the world needs another set of overpriced 'American' V-twins.

Frankly if they want to revive the name they need to do it with something special - like revive the in-line engine they once ran - go for a in-line 4 (north South engine like Triumph)and out do Triumph.

I read a interesting article a few years ago when the name last went belly-up and they suggested someone like Kawasaki purchase the name and re-brand all their cruisers as Indians.

[Motu]

This is a good site with some Indian info - I used to know Phill Dolland who put it all together about 30 years ago.There was also an aborted attempt to fit a Vincent engine into an Indian too....but ultimatly both companies failed.

http://www.re-indian.com/enfield/enfield1.html

[Bob]

OMG do you know how many times that once proud name has died!

Please let it rest in piece.

Just what the world needs another set of overpriced 'American' V-twins.

Frankly if they want to revive the name they need to do it with something special - like revive the in-line engine they once ran - go for a in-line 4 (north South engine like Triumph)and out do Triumph.

I read a interesting article a few years ago when the name last went belly-up and they suggested someone like Kawasaki purchase the name and re-brand all their cruisers as Indians.

Funny you should mention Kawasaki - I belive they own part of the rights to the Indian name in certain areas. All rather vague, but I recall the Indian name was fragmented when it first collapsed. There was a company in Scotland that was allowed to trade as Indian, but with a slight variation in the name as well.

Given that Kwaks VN range is very "Indian-like", I always thought that would be a good idea as well, and would probably boost their US sales.

[Adulf]

Indian Motorcycles has unveiled initial images of the 2009 model Chief.

The new bike will come in four different versions; Standard, Deluxe, Roadmaster and Vintage, with a price range between US$30,999 to $35,499 depending on model. The Chief will be powered by Indian’s own Power Plus 105 cubic-inch engine, which is aiming to generate 100 lb-ft of torque.

Indian plans to show the new Chief at the Sturgis Rally in early August, in preparation for launching production either late Summer or early Autumn 2008.

Initial launch plans are small, with a production run of 750 Chiefs and just one dealership set up in North Carolina. Indian hopes to have 30 dealers established by the end of 2008 however.

For more details and an image of the new Chief, click on:

http://www.indianmotorcycle.com/TheMotorcycles/ChiefPreview/tabid/151/Default.aspx

How fantastic is this! I wonder who in NZ will be the lucky bugger that gets to sell these. Probably some time off mind you, we are not what you would call a major market.:woohoo: