One little, two little...

[Bike44]

Ok, take a deep breath and relax for a few. Here's a new review (http://www.cycleworld.com/2013/08/15/new-2014-indian-motorcycle-chief-and-chieftain-review-from-sturgis-bike-week/)of the 2014 Indian Motorcycle,

and a YouTube of the wonderful sounds coming from their Thunder Stroke 111 engine (http://www.cycleworld.com/2013/03/09/exclusive-inside-the-all-new-indian-thunder-stroke-111-v-twin-engine/).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wS4CUcz_qus&feature=player_embedded

HD today popped their CARB approval (http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/onroad/cert/hmc/2014/2014.php), with little new to write home about it appears. We'll know more this coming sunday or monday.

And to think just a month ago I was happily saddled up on a '12 Softail Deluxe with $$$$ Stage II mods, and still would be eating the Indian's dust unless I'd seen the F6B.

[bobbyf6b]

I want fish tails for my F6B. :icon_twisted:

[Bike44]

I want fish tails for my F6B. :icon_twisted:

They're good looking tails, no doubt. I'm waiting for a low tone slip-on as my hearing has been hammered by guns, chainsaws, aircraft, and loud exhaust. V&H makes nice stuff, but I hear they're too short on the new saddlebags. Need to read up tomorrow on exhaust.

The Indians are nice and I hope they do well. I had a Victory Vision that was well made and comfortable (but too top heavy for me at my age), so I know Polaris can build bikes.

[Paul B Blues]

WOW, don't they look and sound beautiful :icon_lol:

[Scotrod]

The 111 does have a nice cadence.

I wonder at what point Indian will 'break the mold' and offer something without the stereotypical antique Indian appearance...

[1951vbs]

I guess it is appropriate to stage them next to tractors but bad marketing. All kidding aside I saw the new Indians at Sturgis and Polaris has done a wonderful job with them. I considered a Chieftan (hard bags & fairing) instead of the F6B but wanted a more updated powertrain and performance. It is interesting that the Indian is brand new but I consider the GL1800 from 2001 "updated". If I was going to buy a new V-Twin it would be an Indian.

[Bike44]

I guess it is appropriate to stage them next to tractors but bad marketing. All kidding aside I saw the new Indians at Sturgis and Polaris has done a wonderful job with them. I considered a Chieftan (hard bags & fairing) instead of the F6B but wanted a more updated powertrain and performance. It is interesting that the Indian is brand new but I consider the GL1800 from 2001 "updated". If I was going to buy a new V-Twin it would be an Indian.

I agree. Reviews from mags are favorable, and others like yourself who've seen them for real report they've done a nice job in design and assembly. And they apparently handle well. How they execute the dealership train and accessorize the line will be fun to watch. Polaris reportedly doesn't offer high profit margins to the dealers (local word of mouth) so volume sales and after sale support income will be crucial to profit. They offer a generous warranty it appears.

I like my F6B for the proven design (some good, some bad but known aspects) and comfort. I'd wait a model year on an Indian until the warts are revealed and Polaris deals with the build and marketing.