Hey, no. The bike featured here is not the new Indian model with its new reengineered engine (read below.) Again, you will have to wait until this Summer. But the “Indian Motorcycle Experience” exhibit is on tour with a pit stop in eachIMS (International Motorcycle Show), next one in Minneapolis (January 11-13) then New York City (January 18-20) then Chicago (February 8-10). (tickets and more information at Motorcycle Shows)
Representatives from Minneapolis-based Indian Motorcycle and parent company Polaris Industries will be on-hand to showcase the entire lineup of 2013 Indian Motorcycle models (Kings Moutain successors), including the just announced Indian Chief Vintage Final Edition which commemorates the previous era of Indian Motorcycle. The display also features a sound booth where attendees can experience firsthand the rumbling power of the upcoming, all-new Indian Motorcycle engine.
In each IMS Show, the all-new “Indian Motorcycle Experience” exhibit chronicles some of the brand’s most important and historic achievements and highlights select vintage motorcycles and military vehicles. It includes a 1942 Indian Model 741B Army model on loan through the National Motorcycle Museum representing the company’s commitment to the military in WWII, and an MV 850 militarized ATV representing Polaris Industries’ current products built for the U.S. Military. Also featured will be the 1935 Indian Chief purchased by Polaris in 2012 on the HISTORY Channel program “American Pickers.”
The company will also showcase an exact replica of the Floyd Emde Indian “Big Base” Scout (picture above) that dominated and won the Daytona 200 beach race in 1948. The perfectly restored motorcycle represents exactly how the machine would have appeared on the starting line of the race. The sound of history will reverberate throughout the convention hall as this extremely rare motorcycle will be started up several times over the weekend (Friday – 6:30 p.m., Saturday – 12:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m., Sunday – 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m.)
History History History ! Nothing new or original. No new models . Not even a prototype . Just a bunch of ” Lets rehash History and hope everyone buys into the marketing ”
This ‘ New ‘ Indian is beginning to sound an awful lot like the ‘ new ‘ Lincoln . Both having zero on offer new or innovative with both running back to their past in a vain hope that’ll get folks on the sales floor .
So far the strategy is failing miserably for Lincoln and all bets are it’ll do the same for the ( cough ) ‘ New ‘ Indian
I think Polaris is taking their time to properly develop and design a new Indian rather than rehash a bunch of Harley aftermarket parts like the previous companys. To me, not having the new models out right away is good news….
Hopefully the new models will not be hogged out and overweight like the Onions (Undians) and the King’s Mountain versions.
It’s a good thing that Polaris/Indian is taking their time to develop a totally new machine rather than rehash what was done by Gilroy and King’s Mountain.
Do you mean this “nothing new” Lincoln?
http://autos.yahoo.com/blogs/motoramic/2013-lincoln-mkz-drives-itself-motoramic-tv-163320831.html
I gotta agree with GuitarSlinger……
The new Indian Motorcycle designed by Polaris Industries will be revealed in the second half of 2013.
We take loads of pride in showcasing the history and heritage of the brand as many brands do including our friends from Milwaukee, and Honda, Norton, Moto Guzzi, and Triumph. Lyle is correct in saying that we plan to do it right, and the new bike will be revealed when it’s ready to be revealed. Might not be soon enough for some folks – but that is what it is.
Meanwhile, feel free to enjoy part of what makes Indian Motorcycle such a powerful brand at the Minneapolis (Or NYC or Chicago) IMS shows. The Emde Big Base Scout is a rare bird – only 25 or so were sold. Getting to hear that live is just plain…cool. So for those who enjoy that sort of thing, come on by. If you do not care for that sort of thing, perhaps a test drive in the new Lincoln is the best way to spend the weekend.
As for new, we have revealed the new sound of the engine, and for those committed gear-heads, the new Indian Motorcycle exhibit features a display of the new crankshaft from the new motor.
Robert Pandya
External Relations Manager
Indian Motorcycle
(And proud to be here…)
Robert,
Will you be at the Mpls show? I have my banner now so you don’t have to duck from me anymore…LOL.
Robert
You guys got no history with Indian. You’re history is snowmobiles and ATV’s. you purchased Indian which was a possible good move, time will tell.
Don’t hype what you ain’t going to produce, show it or shut up!
Rodent has no clue about business and marketing. When Polaris buys Indian, it includes assets, name, etc, but also the Good Will of the Indian brand. If Polaris would not exploit this Good Will created by the bikes reputation, racing record, rich history, etc Polaris would be the dumbest company in the world. But the dumb one is of course Rodent who understands nothing spelling like the word busimess.
Typical rodent incisors grow continuously and must be kept worn down by gnawing. Poor Rodent.
Mr. Rodent,
Is Ducati’s history wiped out not that Audi owns them? How about Moto Guzzi when Aprilia and Ivanno Beggio bought it, then when Piaggio bought Aprilia and Guzzi and Laverda? Is Buell history dead now that EBR is up and running (making some way cool machines by the way)? How about Norton now that Stuart Garner owns it? Or Triumph now that John Bloor owns it? Mini Cooper? Jeep? Crocker?
History is full of brands being bought, and then the history of that brand being a big part of it going forward. Indian Motorcycle, arguably one of the most powerful brands in the powersports world history deserves, and is getting, the attention to both its past history and its future by Polaris Industries. It’s easy to look back and see what could have been. The real challenge is to look forward and create a new history. The mistake is to charge forward and ignore history. The more we work with this brand the more we respect it – both forwards and backwards. And we will choose to celebrate it, and those who helped make the history we all enjoy now.
Ride on –
Robert Pandya
External Relations Manager
Indian Motorcycle
As a British rider I’m looking for forward to seeing a new Scout maybe?
750cc and lightweight – a modern take on a bobber ie suspension etc…
I know I’m crazy aren’t I ?(asking for suspension)
The potholes here in England have all just got bigger in the last week due to all the rain we’ve had
now there are all 2 foot round but luckily not too deep (yet)
You guys are absolutly correct, I know nothing about business and Indian except for my personal dealings with both Wayne Bachman(bet you guys never heard of him) and the pretender from Gilroy. Also I’ve studied the life of Phinous T Barnum who expounded on the practice of bullshit!
I certainly can’t speak to your knowledge of business or your relationships, and don’t pretend to know everything. I can only speak to the hard work that is happening now that will deliver a quality product. It’s our honest desire for the entire industry to succeed. A rising tide…bigger pie…we’re all happy then.
Robert Pandya
External Relations Manager
Indian Motorcycle
Robert Pandya said, “The real challenge is to look forward and create a new history.”
I happen to love history, my minor in college was history, and I love American Pickers. I can truly appreciate history because much of it is better than what we endure at the present.
I agree with your quote above. But will the new history be worth remembering? Especially in the early years, Indian was an innovator, with numerous “firsts” in motorcycles, not to mention racing. I wonder if the Polaris Indian will carry on with that history and tradition?
Polaris has been trying to build a Bike for how many years now? What makes them think they can do any better with Indian? Redesigned Indian? Just another failed attempt of Victory.I had hope for Victory,just to dissapointed year after year,what a waste of resources.
What a bunch of crybabies. You guys bitch and moan because Polaris dropped some serious coin promoting the history of their new brand. Get over it, it’s called marketing. If people geet interested in the brand the company sells more bikes. Duh. Furthermore we all know your bellyaching would be even louder if Polaris just ignored Indian history and slapped an Indian logo on a new bike and called it good.
Polaris has ignored Victory history & slapped a Victory logo on a new bike & called it good.In all likely hood will do the same with Indian.Whatever Will be Will Be…
dudeareno, how about a new nickname for you: Ignorantareno. Polaris has ignored Victory history? wow dude, calling you stupid would be an insult to stupid people everywhere. Now turn off your computer, you’re going to be late for your shift at 7-11.
Thank you Polaris for remembering and bringing us more Indian History. I appreciate that you are taking the time to “do it right” and have every reason to believe the new generation Indian will succeed. As far as Victory, I purchased my first this year and it is by far the best bike I have ever owned out of 28 new bikes!
2015….Polaris introduces “New Harley” after purchasing that name as well. Polaris, please fix my 4-wheeler thats stops moving when the drive gets wet!
RE:
“…Hey, no. The bike featured here is not the new Indian model…”
Too bad…….. 🙁
Given the current price of the originals, and the increased interest in them, re manufacturing all the parts for a simple machine like this should be child’s play and not very expensive. Any nimrod with a hammer and a screwdriver should be able to cobble together their own side-valve replica scooter.
Let the Drs and Lawyers bid-up the prices of the originals at the Antique auctions.
With an endless supply of New=OEM parts we could all be happy……….. 🙂
-nicker-
Well said,Bob..special price on slurpee,just for you.Bob spelled backwards is still just Bob.Hey weren’t you in one of those Cheech & Chong game show skit? What’s your name? Bob.
Can’t help but wonder if there would be a demand for a new one – sure it’d be limited but isn’t what makes these special is the fact that they’re so rare…
Maybe dudeareno would like to enlighten the rest of us on all the Victory history Polaris ignored when they just slapped a badge on a new bike…
Personally, my thoughts are… (and as the current and only Indian dealer in MN), they know what they have, and they know what to do with it. And anyone who thinks they are slapping a Victory badge on an Indian, is more than likely HOPING that they will (trust me, you’re not challenging them by continuing to say that… they already know NOT to do that) so they can criticize it later. There will be no evolutionary change with Indian. It WILL BE, “That was then, This is NOW” And No matter what they do, they will have people dogging the bike. Even if they know it’s faster, even if they know it’s better built, even if the prices come down to something many can afford, it will still be something will complain about. WHY?????? Fear? Comparing what you got in your pants, next to the guy that just passed you up. At first I was skeptical myself. My first thoughts were “OK!!!! they GOT IT!!!………..now what?” And then I started to realize that many of them knew, that even the name “INDIAN” was more Iconic, than the name Polaris, and Victory. They have a Golden Egg, A Golden Opportunity, A Golden Chance, to do it right… because they ALSO know that if they don’t, it will be a long recovery to go back again and do it all over… So trust me folks… Just wait till you see what they punch right out of the gate. a 3 Billion dollar company is nothing to scoff at. For the ones who criticize… why aren’t YOU running your own 3 billion dollar company? There’s something to be said about a company that owns Indian with that much fluidness, compared to the company that previously owned it for $30,000,000 that over promised and under delivered to every single dealer in their network, except for the one in Charlotte which is still (the building anyway) owned by Steve Julius. All other dealerships got jilted. Some struggled and some failed and closed. Only those with strong backers who had the capacity to own their own buildings and dealerships survived. Luckily, I was one of those because of my Mother. I don’t hide it, and I’m proud of it, and so is she… And also Proud to say my mother is INDIAN… and was able to keep it together after I approached her MANY MANY times and said “Lets just close it….” To Which she responded… “No, lets keep it going.”…. I’m happy I didn’t close it. I’m happy we didn’t sell it, and I’m happy that they didn’t just abandon the dealers that WANTED to keep going. They Still provided us with things to sell, and they DID warn us that nothing “NEW” would be built until when they said it would be. They haven’t fallen back on anything they said they were going to do…. and some may think “YET”, but mark it down here and now and for the future… This will shake up the competition. And there will be many people that either add to their collection, or… give up what they were riding and move on to Indian… The better built bike for future generations to keep up the tradition and continue the history.
I guess that 10th anniversary Vision selling out in 7 minutes was not cool enough… Victory is a young brand – thus is creating its own style and direction. Its matured and has a solid following with increasing sales, satisfaction and enthusiasm all the time. A great quality unique and modern American motorcycle that many rider who have finally taken the time to ride one, get it all of a sudden. The Victory demo program has proven that – and think that it;s awesome to have two motorcycle brands under one corporate roof that allows for increased diversity in the American motorcycle scene. Riders can select whatever they want – the more the better (both riders and brands).
Robert Pandya
Indian Motorcycle
Robert Pandya, will the new indian be showed at daytona in march or sturgis in august? Can you also give us a ballpark price range(will it be around the sportster range of 8k). finally will there just be one bike(model) or multiple?
I’m glad someone else cares enough to keep Indian alive. I suspect there wasn’t a lot of money to be made the first couple o times around, (Gilroy and Kings Mtn.). Isn’t that which Polaris is doing, that which is part of the American culture? We as a people aren’t known for giving up easily. They don’t have to keep Indian alive, do they? How much R&D, not to mention money, went into developing a new engine, and whatever else is new, not to mention the historic research, and the time involved with that. Someone, is doing something good, but because it’s not a 65 year old motorcycle, that a lot of “modern” Americans would be hard pressed to start, let alone ride in traffic it’s not a real Indian. Do some research on Indian history and you will find the company has been plagued with problems and setbacks almost from the beginning. I for one am glad someone is taking on the over daunting task of keeping Indian alive, and bringing it into the 21st century. Thanks Polaris…
What I find an interesting comparison with Indian is the Triumph story, but we will get to that shortly. America (HD) builds terrible motorcycles with the exception of the VROD and Victory, but what it does is really well, that is equaly as important, is build and sell the most defined and well articulated image of the motorcycle lifestyle in the world. Unfortunately HD have not had any real domestic competition for the last 60 years of so and their product and industry as suffered as a result, giving a foothold for the Jap and Euro brands to gain market share. Triumph also suffered from an awful sub-par “product” in the seventies. unfortunately the British public weren’t as resilient as the American public and couldn’t place national pride over quality and dependability, but now, with adequate funding Triumph almost have it right. (I’m not sure about their “retro” line of bikes that are marketed as cool brit pop crap the Americans in the North East are in love with, but it seems to work for them. Their modern bikes, however are a completely different story, and can match and beat the best in the world class for class.
I actual think that HD’s will be one of the biggest benefactor of Polaris Indian, hopefully Indian will kick start (no pun intended) HD in to building a modern motorcycle rather than a modern antique, Polaris the second biggest benefactor and The America motorcycling public the first.
I have had a few American bikes, HD and Gilroy Indian, but what I would love as my next bike is a “Indian naked scout – Isle of man TT celebration” something that can compete with the Triumph street or speed triple. Triumph have reinvented themselves successful by building a quality product and the world has benefited, I don’t see why Indian can’t and why the American motorcycle public shouldn’t benefit from a world class competitive motorcycle industry…..