Indian unveils 2009 Chief; looks to launch production late 2008

[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/TheM...1/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.