The staff at Indian Motorcycle didn’t know what to expect before this weekend. But the opportunity to visit the Indian Motorcycle plant in Kings Point, NC and the chance to ride with Chairman Stephen Julius from the headquarter to the new Charlotte Dealership attracted thousand of bikers. Lines of both Indian and Harley Davidson riders stood outside the plant waiting to take the tour around the 40,000 square foot complex. Bikers had a chance to go from station to station talking to the engineers and seeing the new Indian motorcycles being assembled. Then it was the time, by groups of 30 bikers to ride down I-85 to the vast and upscale Lowell dealership where the new line of models, accessories and clothing was exhibited. In the midst of such a sluggish economy the exceptional turnout to this event is a testament to the exceptional value of the Indian name. Indian Motorcycle.
Thousands Turn Out For Indian Motorcycle Flagship Dealer Grand Opening
Published by October 5th, 2008 in Builders and Editorial.47 Responses to “Thousands Turn Out For Indian Motorcycle Flagship Dealer Grand Opening”
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For the M/C industry and the investors sake, I hope that the company does well, It would be a highlight in an otherwise shitty time for M/C companies/builders.
Well guess we should pray another survives
Oh, hum.
As long as we talk about how bad our market is – It will be bad. Let’s talk about the good things and build! Indian shows great courage and vision. Go Indian! I plan to ride down there this month.
The good thing about starting in a tough economy is if one can survive the tough times, the good times will be real good.
I wish Indian the best of luck. However, they have a huge uphill battle considering that they are selling an overpriced, average scooter. Additionally, the economy is in the toilet with no end in sight. The last I heard was that their sales are down and much lower than what they were anticipating.
Like I said, I wish them the best, but it does not look good.
It’s definitely NOT an average scooter. Everything about the bike is quality, no question. Admittedly they do have an economic hurdle…most folks will buy cheaper bikes to rough out the tough times, so it’s gonna be hell for most of the top of the line motorcycles. However, I’m rooting for them 100%. Hell, I’m rooting for all motorcycle comapnies.
here we go again. a money pit.
here we go again. another money pit.
If you are telling me that it’s better than a Harley, considering that Harley is the standard then you are sadly mistaken. Harley is in a different league all together. 100 plus years of development?? remember??
The way I see it, it’s a nice “looking” bike at best. No track record what so ever. Keep in mind that the motor is SOLID mounted!! And I don’t care what Indian tells you on how smooth the motor is, it will NEVER be as smooth as a rubber mounted motor. Please don’t even bother to argue that point, it will only affect your credibility. they should have rubber mounted the motor, however, they would have had to re-engineer their entire motor package and chassis to make it work. Instead, they took the easier, cheaper and safer road to make it work. So please don’t label it as “better” than average. Because “average” is what it is…..other than maybe different…that’s all.
Yes, once again, I wish them luck.
I’m not in the market but I’m up on what the new Indian is. It isn’t a bread and butter hardmount softail. It isn’t all that it will be either. IT is overpriced but the owners are smart fellas and if they find that the price is unmarketable, I imagine the price will go down before the factory does.
As far as rubbermounts go, that doesn’t exactly qualify as an engineering tour de force. Harley has many years of engineering development, some of it better, some not so much. I’m not knocking the current configuration but it has had it’s own issues and there are a bunch of Europeans and Japanese that will go on all day about the antiquated technology of the aircooled V twin.
Anyway, if you draw the line at rubbermounts, then you are discounting a huge segment of motorcycles. That’s like saying that if it isn’t a belt drive it’s inferior, or if it doesn’t have a 10 over girder it’s inferior or whatever.
I ride Indian and Harley and I’m tickled to death that the skirts are back. Can’t say the same about the price, but I got mine. You fellas can wrassle over the new ones.
I agree with you Pop, however, rubber mounting a motor does make a difference, vibration, reliability and other factors.
As for the Euro trash complaining about the antiquated technology, they are full of it. After all, that’s what makes it an american icon. Maybe they shouldn’t buy our bikes…..
RUBBER MOUNTING HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH AN ENGINES BALANCE..THE VEE- ANGLE AND THE NUMBER OF CYLINDERS EFFECT THE FIRING ORDER AND POWER PULSES..IF YOUR ENGINE HAS A GOOD PRIMARY BLANCE AS IN AN OPPOSED 2 CYLINDER LIKE BMW.IT HAS GOOD BALANCE. OR A TRIPLE TWO STROKE INLINE MOTOR PERFECT PRIMARY BALANCE..HARLEY JUST CANT GET AROUND V ANGLE AND AIRCOOLING..RUBBER MOUNTS IS A BAND AID ON THE ENGINE PARAMETERS ET BY HISTORY.
A1…….I have no idea what you are talking about…..and I don’t think that you know either. Rubber mounting has a direct affect on distributed VIBRATION………NOT BALANCE.
As for a BMW or a a triple two stroke, you are comparing apples and oranges. Different, crank weight, angle, stoke, bore, timing, valves, etc, etc.
Harley did a great job with the rubber mounting of the motors. The mileage on the bikes speak for themselves. I have an 03 Ultra with over 93K and has had no major issues other than the cam bearings and normal wear and tear due to the mileage. The bike rides and looks as good as new.
Go back to bed and sleep it off……
Wow…every Indian post, Dark Superman is here to bash…interesting, but I’ll bite…
….When did I mention Harl…Yaaawn…, scuse me…Harley in my post? I stand by my statement that Indian has a qualtiy bike, especially in comparision to the Gilroy era bikes. I mean, it takes balls to suggest that Harley is somehow the superior motorcycle company, because if you REALLY wanna talk quality, the Japs have Harley’s beat, hands down. A goldwing is more comfortable, more powerful, and more reliable than an ultra….so, it comes down to buying americana, right? If that’s the case, I’ll take the original american Motorcycle…Indian…first cloned in 1903. but, you have fun on that exciting ultra of yours.
Children,….. simma down now.
I agree… Honda is the #1 selling bike in the world anyway.. the more and more i look at a harley ultra classic.. the more and more it looks like a Honda Goldwing anyway.. Talk about CLONING… Harley is not the #1 sold motorcycle in the world.. Maybe in the U.S., but do we have to keep tabs as to whats keeping value? Honda Goldwings beat out Harley Ultra in re-sale value now for the past 2 years.. Look it up.. Harley is nice… but definately not the best.. they make their money off clothing more than they do bikes.
Keith….WOW……if you think that the failure to rubber mount a cruiser is bashing than I take it that you are a very sensitive person, interesting.
Harley is by FAR the superior AMERICAN motorcycle. And Keith, my balls are about average, just in case you want to know.
The last I checked, Harley is AMERICANA…………and QUALITY. As for the Gilroy bikes, very nice bikes. But that was a different time and place. We are all dealing with the present and the bike that is available now. And yes, it’s SOLID mounted…….a flaw on the new Indian folks. It is cheaper to build a solid mounted motor/chassis bike than to rubber mount it. Obviously, they were thinking bottom line. So you see Keith, today’s Indian(not the Gilroy), is average at best. Just because it carries the name Indian doesn’t automatically classifies it above average. The company has gone through more hands than a burger at McDonald’s. And truthfully speaking, it is overpriced by today’s market standard set by Harley considering that they have the largest american market share. And yes we are talking about the american v-twin market that is.
I like the look of the new Indian, but not at 35K. Seriously speaking, it’s highway robbery. The american rider is no fool. The bike and it’s contents is in the low to high 20’s. But not in the 30’s.
I am sure that people are be buying the bikes, however, the question is how many?? And are the numbers enough to keep them in business?? And for how long? Rumor is that their sales are way below what they were expecting.
And as for the Jap bikes, I don’t support the rice products. I prefer my Ultra………or Indian….but at a more reasonable price. Let the other guys ride the bikes from the land of the rising sun. In my opinion, they lack personality.
So you see Keith, it’s not about who is right and who is wrong. It’s about the facts that we have to deal with.
Time will tell…..my friend Keith.
DTS
Mystery lunch guy……
The last time that I checked on who cloned who, I would say that the Harley touring bike was out way before the Japs starting selling their Goldwing…………….maybe by 50 plus years or so???!!!
Honda started out selling 50cc scooters in the late 60’s….remember??
And your ridiculous statement about Harley making more money on their clothing sales than their bikes is so stupid that it doesn’t even deserve a comment.
DTS
Mysteryguy
If you think the Ultra Classic looks like a NEW Goldwing, then you really need to look again. The 2009 models look NOTHING alike.
As for resale, if anything, the Harley’s lower value is more due to a flooded market then anything else. I would also wager that even if a used Goldwing sells for closer to the new price, the Ultra Classic is still selling for a higher dollar.
As far as how the 2 function, I will not even get into it because anyone who ever rode the 2 will always talk about how the Honda has more power, more room, better brakes.
But then again, I HATE baggers. So I could really care a less about the similarities & differences between a Goldwing & Ultra Classic.
I have a 2001 FXST that has been to Sturgis twice, Salisbury North Carolina once, Tennessee, Kentucky, Georgia, Minnesota, Illinois, Michigan & some stops along the way. This story was about the Indian. All I can say is if they make a Scout for about $16,000, I will consider buying one.
AMEN BRETT !!
Every time that I answer to an Indian post, the new Indian employees come crashing in pulling the “bash” card on me. I keep on asking myself if they are members of the NAACP??!!!
Ride on Brett…ride on!!!
DTS…I’m Far from an employee of Indian, just an enthusiast…sorry if I sound knee-jerk but it does seem when there is an Indian post, you are all over it, and not in a positive way…but, it’s all good,…we’ll just agree to disagree…I admit, the 30K asking price is steep…too step for me, I admit it, but I thought it was an incredible bike….again, im bias…I prefer the looks and style of Indians over just about any other bike.
Indian, … if you have to ask you will never understand
“Harley is by FAR the superior AMERICAN motorcycle.” This is always a fun debate DTS.
Do you nean in 1901, 1903, 1953, 2008 or 2009 or other?
Do you mean created or invented by Americans?
Do you mean of any particular model year?
Do you mean “Made In America?”
Do you mean “Assembled in America?”
Do you mean “Owned by Americans”?
Do you mean something else altogether?
The answers would be different and fully debatable depending on what you really mean by the statement. Some would argue that Indian was the greatest motorcycle made in America – others would dispute – the Indian/Harley wars are well known history to some. Some would argue that at different times one company or another was more successful – can you imagine AMF owned Harleys? Some would argue that a certain year of a certain motorcycle was “best”. Honda Goldwings up until this year’s plant shut down could be argued to be the “superior AMERICAN motorcycle” being made by Americans in Marysville, OH. Some could argue for a variety of motorcycles for various reasons made or assembled here in America over history – Crocker comes to mind – customs included – but some may have heavy reliance on foreign made parts. Some could argue that certain companies are more or less American owned – both Harley and Honda trade on the stock market – Indian does not and is jointly owned by two partners at Stellican Investments (a british Investment firm) – Italian born, British Citizen Stephen Julius and American born, American Citizen Steve Heese – who lives here in North Carolina and is the Operations guy of the two.
Indian is a heritage brand that is trying to undergo a rebirth. It can be argued that Harley has done so as well in its history and is currently one of the most successful motorcycle manufacturing companies – ever. Lots of history happened to get them there – some luck ,some skill. Indian was there first and was steadier and way bigger than Harley – originally. But the brand value has always continued on – even after their failures – they were so strong. So far the new owners seem to be pursuing the brand excellence that once was Indians – and doing quite well at it – so far. I wish them luck. I have seen the bikes, ridden the bikes and discussed ad naseum the bikes – they are great bikes – beautiful too in the retro theme. Reliability is the next test. The claims are there, the EPA testing/process is near complete – now comes the true road test – sales and consumer miles. If they have truly done what they claim….they are back. Small niche for now – but they are back – with more to come – as heard from the mouth of Chairman Stephen Julius at the Charlotte, NC dealership Grand Opening this past Saturday.
Dave:
Are you serious??!! Because if you are, I’m speechless………
Please answer me one question, and give me FACTS and not “LOGIC” as you did in your past reply:
” What makes the new Indian Chief more expensive and a better motorcycle than it’s competitor Harley-Davidson considering the value proposition?”
1. Engine?
2. Chassis?
3. Styling?
4. craftsmanship?
5. reliability?
6. suspension?
7. Handling?
8. performance?
9. dealer support?
And most important: VALUE!!!!
The truth is, the new Indian is not a superior motorcycle than the Harley……and we all know that. The new Indian does not meet the “value” that Harley offers.
I personally like the Indian, however, not at 35K. It falls short once again of the value proposition that Harley offers. Yes, the bike is different, but only in styling, because I assure you that Harley would beat out the Indian in every test that they would both compete in.
I have an idea:
Why don’t we suggest to Cyril Huze for him to test both the Indian Chief and a comparable model that Harley produces?!…………….and see who comes out on top??!!!
I am willing to bet that a 17K Harley will walk all over the Chief. Do you see my point?!!
I am hoping, seriously hoping that Indian reads these silly posts that we post here and re-evaluate their price point. Yes, I do see opportunity and some success in time with the brand but they need to make some serious market price adjustments if they want to stay in business and see the company succeed.
So you see Dave, I REALLY am a BIG fan of Indian. I do want to see them to grow and become the force that Indian once was. That’s why I am hoping that the owners will pull their head out of their butts and stop being so greedy by over charging for a below “average” production American motorcycle.
Believe me, if they don’t make adjustments now, they will suffer in the long run. And once again, it will be another failed try to bring back the true “Indian” mystique.
I am hoping that they use time to their advantage. And by that I mean by the development of a competitive motorcycle both in styling, performance and most important, market price.
C’mon Indian……..make it happen!!
Harley Shmarley! Give it a rest.. or wait! better yet! get something a little more original… hmm say like.. MAYBE the first original production bike in North America…. like an INDIAN!!! I think all you fools who bash Indian and defend harley are just pissed because you probably can’t afford an INDIAN.. ok so big deal? save your pennies.. and get the bike when you can stop bashing it and start affording it.. If you can’t afford and Indian.. go buy a harley!!! har! Har! Har!!!ley
Mystery Meat Dude………….. go wipe your chin….you are drooling all over yourself.
No comment professor.
dark tan superspam… go check to see what parts of JAPAN and MEXICO, Harley parts are made in.
THEN get back to me.
Not to burst anyone’s bubble here but Indian was not the first production motorcycle in North America.
Indian: 1901. Harley 1903.
Mystery meat dude….can you tell us??……..We want to find out just how BIG your MOUTH is.
And also, can you tell us how many parts on an Indian are made outside the US ?
And don’t try to bullshit us……cause you are a bad liar.
LoL just go to any harley dealership, and flip the price card around.. and it will tell you right there what percentage of the bike is Made in Japan, and what percentage is made in Mexico. Says it right on the price tags just like it does on Cars.. what a dildo! if you honestly think Harley’s are MADE in the U.S…. assembled maybe.. but there is nothing AMERICAN on a Harley… NOT A THING. Don’t kid yourself bub. You really wanna talk OLDEST? OLDEST PRODUCTION? OLDEST PRODUCTION IN THE WORLD? Royal Enfield. check it out. But hey! Save your pennies.. someday you will be able to afford an Indian i’m sure.
Mystery meat…..
You continue avoiding the original point:
“What makes the new Indian a superior motorcycle than the Harley?”
And address the price issue as well you idiot.
DTS…my own personal opine is that Indian may not be superior, certainly not in numbers, but it is much more interesting, to say the least…and price really is about equal to a harley cvo. I admit, it is expensive, and you really are paying for the namesake more than anything else, but I gotta tell ya, the new Indian is vaslty improved quality wise over the gilroy Indian, from the new 105 Powerplus, to the six speed, and all the top of the line details…it’s a goregeous bike, and if you see it in person, I think you’d understand…you can’t stop staring at it…and yes, there is the Indian name and the history that is attached to it…it’s just cool, and not near as vanilla as Harley is. Again, i won’t bash Harley…I respect them, and even contemplated the Utra for a touring bike, but, for the money, the Wing is a better deal, but, I do like the look of that victory Vision.
Ferrari engines are solid mounted. Does that mean they are an average car at best?
Here’s a good article on CNN illustrating the economic impact of Honda in Ohio:
http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/11/01/auto.main/index.html
Honda purchases $12 billion from American suppliers of parts and materials annually and has invested $6 billion in Ohio.
Harley Davidson makes less than $6 billion in total revenue per year, and what fraction of that is purchases from American suppliers? – Obviously they put far less money into the hands of Americans than does Honda.
If feeding the families of blue-collar America is patriotic then buy a Honda.
Dark Tan Super SPAM, I never said INDIAN was more superior.. YOU said HARLEY was superior.. NEVER ONCE said THAT INDIAN was superior to HARLEY, I SAID HONDA IS SUPERIOR TO HARLEY. And there is NO comparison to Comfort and Longevity. Honda Goldwings Keep their Value better than a Harley Does these days. Why? Well #1, it’s just a plane ole better bike, even if it does look like a space ship.. Are they ugly? sure! Do they have Better options? ABSOLUTELY! Does it make you look like a Bad ass? HELL NO! Who GIVES A SHIT about looking like a bad ass especially when you’re in your 50’s. Seriously? WHO CARES except for people going through a mid life crisis. Harley is not a Superior bike period. It’s not even the #1 selling bike in the world. Honda is. And read from ScottDog, He’s right.. there are more honda parts made in the U.S. than there are Harley parts. Once again.. please read above and tell me where i wrote, “INDIAN IS SUPERIOR TO HARLEY”. People that bash products like Indian, are only envious that there will actually be a better looking cruiser out there, more expensive, (probably one you can’t afford), reguardless if it’s better or not. Believe it or not, I’ve heard there are a few Harley Davidson DEALERSHIP owners that are giving up Harley to sell INDIAN. Just Save your pennies man.. you’ll get one someday, and ride something worth being proud about. Either that, or start wearing your Kahki shorts, Flowered shirt, and flip flops, with a nice baseball cap, and go buy a honda… it’s a better buy anyway.
I’m wondering if it’ll hurt goldwing sales now that they aren’t made in America anymore? Gotta admit, in my struggle over what touring bike to buy, the wing was at the top because it is a superior bike, and I took comfort that it really was an american bike, except in name, of course. Now that they are officially back overseas, I think that I am leaning towards the Victory Vision…just gonna wait till they get the bugs worked out.
But, who knows…maybe by then the Indian will have a touring bike…oh, DTS, had some friends that test road the Indian, and said it was smooth as hell…and superior to the gilroy Indian….not that that’s a hard stretch or anything, but certainly confirms the quality stance I take. This Indian is VERY diferent from the gilroy Indians.
I think Dark Bland Super Spam it’s just a little envious. Comon now! don’t be envious! be a lover! not a hater! It’s all good man, as long as we’re all on two wheels right? Lets just love to ride, not hate over name brands. Peace.
Mystery meat……
I have come to the conclusion that you and some of the other bloggers here are just plain stupid.
Let me repeat myself once again:
I Am and have ALWAYS been a fan of INDIAN……..why?? because it’s AMERICAN!!!!! you stupid idiots!!! built by AMERICANS!!!!!! and I want the new company to succeed more than anything!! The main problem that I see right now is the fact that they have priced themselves out of the market…..you bunch of morons!!! And stop coming up with retarded arguments to justify the inflated cost!!
I SAW the bikes at Sturgis, they look nice, however, NOT GOOD ENOUGH FOR 35K!!!! Once again, they are SOLID mounted!!!! If you know anything about motorcycle engineering you automatically know that it is a BIG NO-NO when it comes to integrity of the bike. And if anybody is stupid enough to challenge that point then they should go and buy a HONDA and shut the f..ck up.
Once again: Harley makes a better bike for the MONEY!!!!!! And yes, Harley has the mystique that Indian has!!! Both brands have been rivals since day one.
One more thing Mystery Meat dude, you are starting to stink really bad with the “I can’t afford” issue. You have no idea in reality what I can and can’t afford. Your statement shows how ignorant you really are.
And again;
Honda has no personality nor mystique.
Harley is a better “bang” for the buck.
Indian is overpriced considering it is a Solid mounted motorcycle.
And most of you here defending Indian are employees of the new Indian company.
Checkmate MFR’s!!!!!!!….checkmate!!
My original Indians are solid mounted and still running after 60 to 70 years. Lots of motorcycles use solid mounts and I wouldn’t use that as a criteria to determine which is the better motorcycle. I don’t wish the new company any ill will but what turns me off about them is all the crap about being “America’s first motorcyle” etc. etc. when they were not. To me the company is just another new motorcycle company using an old name. There are absolutly no ties to the original company. And all the hype trying to connect the two is just that: hype. If I was in the market for an new bike, it’d be a Harley. HD has a dealer network, a solid track record, been in business over a hundred years, and for the money a far superior product. If I were to spend 35K, I’d buy two original Indians. Or one new HD and one old Indian.
LOL Dark tan SUPER SPAM..
if you could afford one.. you wouldn’t be bitching about the price! lol
later dumbass LOL!!!! Stick to your har har har harley.. ride on little super spam…!!!
DTS – I think that HD does not really compare to Indian at this point (and vice versa). Oh sure – we can talk this motor for that motor and this gearing for that gearing all day long. But I don’t think at the moment that HD compares with Indian any more than it compares with the Confederate Fighter on today’s Cyril Huze blog.
Indian is launching a very good looking retro heavyweight cruiser with some very strong performance components. (Hopefully they have achieved the reliability they are striving for).
To come anywhere near that stylistically in stock HD you’d have to go to their the Road King classic but you’d need to build it like the CVO options. They just don’t offer anything comparable to the Indian. Even if you’re talking the CVO’s – like the Ultra Classic Electra Glide with the 110ci you are priced about the same as Indian. And even with the 110 (HD) vs the 105 (Indian) – the CVO E-glide is 150 pounds more than the Indian and has different gearing as well. They are basically just different bikes. Harley is great for where they are at and what they provide. I think Indian will be too.
I think for now Indian stands alone for what it is. All may not like it – but I think many will. Maybe someday the two former contenders in American Motorcycles will be head to head in many areas again – but for now they have one thing in common – they build motorcycles.
Dave, it’s obvious that you are part of the new Indian crew. But, regardless, I respect your loyalty to your new colors. However, Lyle brought up some very interesting mitigating factors.
In any event, I strongly disagree with your points. And probably along with 99% of the american motorcycle population. The bottom line is that Indian is an american v-twin competing along with Harley and Victory. And yes, dollar per dollar, Harley is the better buy for all of the reasons that Lyle stated.
I think that you said it best:
“but for now they have one thing in common – they build motorcycles.”
I agree 100%………..and they are both after the same thing………riders.
DTS
Do the new Indians use counterbalancers on the crankshaft like the HD softails?
The Indian Motorcycle will improve over time; however, I’m just glad to see the first American motorcycle back on the road. I like Harleys and would hate to see them disappear from the market, but I hope the Indian motorcycle company take the world by storm and beat out the rest in market share growth in the long run. Go Indian, you have my support. I would love to work in for the Indian company’s marketing department so that I could help them achieve the status as America’s greatest motorcycle.
I prefer to ride an Indian so i got one in ’03 (actually we bought two of the last ones from Gilroy). Sold my BMW K1100LT because it was too fast!! I loved it and it was a very comfortable rocket that would do anything you wanted too but it was just not right for me. The Custom Chief is huge, comfortable, fun, nostalgic, really cool and just what i was looking for in an American cruiser. I haven’t had any serious dealer problems and never broke down – yet.
i don’t begrudge all the Harley/Honda/Victory riders when i pull in or pass (or get passed) but i do enjoy the association of all bikers whenever and where ever. Owned two Triumphs back when both were great! Lost a buddy and his gal in a crash when i loaned my 650 Trumpet and bought the 750 twin from a narc that got shot off of it. For what they were – they were very cool! Never had a Honda or a Harley thought – like i said, “I prefer to ride an Indian”.
Good Luck to you new fellows with the New Indians! If you like ’em, ride ’em like you stoled ’em.
Later On Brothers,
B Hyde
My opinion is all the manufacturors of V-TWIN overhead valve motors, which is really just air cooled V-TWIN air-compressor technology, having progressed immensely over the years, if you look at the evolution of the air cooled V-TWIN over the years they have not done bad with the; aftermarket, racers, motorheads and gearheads pushing these motors types to limits we never thought in the old days was possible outside the race track.
The H-D OEM motors are ever evolving and staying together for the most part a lot better than they used to, all the while keeping them in compliance and meeting the regs and mandates required by the ever increasing 50 state burdens by the Feds, i.e., EPA, MPG, NOISE, ETC. of an OEM making/selling over 5k units and up a year, while staying HP insurance friendly for the average biker.
If you look at the year end financial breakdowns over all net profits they are not that dissimilar with othr similar manufacturoring industries, a must to stay in business In the USA with union based labor/benefits, etc., these economic times aside.
Harley makes their money from every aspect of their business and that is what they are in business for, Indian’s price point should be higher then Harleys if for no other reason than they have all the new tooling, cost for establishing a new busines, buying a previous brand name and all that goes with same, all the required start up production, testing and distribution costs, higher individual component costing due to less buying power from their limited number of units produced and on and on to get up and going.
Pretty much the same principal as/for Custom Manufacturors visa-vee various unit/establishment size, albeit high end or budget bikes production type units withstanding.
Indian, this version of the brand, will settle to its water line on production quantities/pricepoint once/if they reach the initial payback and realize the production baseline they will path from once established, Hard task in down economy, Wish them well.
Those that are comparing in-line, horizontally opposed, 4 and 6 cylinder motors and overhead cam motors to air compressors are not comparing apples to apples and this posting is just going in circles, why ???? Long live air cooled.
Pricing is the root net result of unit availability in conjunction with market demand and now adays availability of loan available funding to those who qualify for same and have to purchase on time based, those highenders with cash will always be buyers and may explain why some of the niche highend builders are not as affected as others. Ride the wave while you can and produce accordingly. their are quite a few sharp business people in this motorcycle industry, those that aren’t should get there in a hurry.
All is good and is gonna get better.
Regards
Grayhawk