Just wondering (as everyone here is an American bike person) how many of you have either had an Indian in the past and moved to a Harley or also have an Indian in your garage along with your Harley at present .

What did you think of the one you had , have or maybe tried out ?

My father had an Indian four , way back before my time (and didn't keep it for me) and I've always wanted to own both . Maybe not an old Indian four , but an Indian and a Harley .

The other day I was out for a ride and came across an Indian parked out front of a house . I knew the owner so I went to have a look and ask about it . I'm not financially ready to buy , but looking is free , so I stopped . Anyway he offered to let me try it . I was all excited thinking I was going to get to ride an Indian (because my father had one) . It's a 2003 Scout Delux with an S&S 1450 motor . So I take it for a ride and was rather dissapointed that it didn't feel as good or handle as well as my Dyna . Bit of a letdown , but I'd still like to own both some day .

Any stories ?

 

Thought those were just along the lines of an S7S powerplant with the Indian name tacked on. The new ones are probably closer to the truth. But at the price of a new one you could own an original instead of a poor representation of a dead brand.

 

The original Indian went out of business in 1953 so you would need a bike over 50 years old in order to ride a "real Indian." The Four was a version of the Henderson and then Excelsior Four that finally became known as the Indian Four as the motorcycle manufacturers downsized during the depression. The V twins were all 42 degree side valve motors similar to the Harley flathead that went they stopped producing in the 1940s except for the 750 cc 45 CID that was kept for the Servicar. I have seen a few old Indians but not many actually being ridden. The 2003 you rode was a Gilroy Indian - indian in name only made of S&S catalog parts. I rode a Chieftain that was beautiful but the price was sky high.

 

"So I take it for a ride and was rather dissapointed that it didn't feel as good or handle as well as my Dyna . Bit of a letdown , but I'd still like to own both some day . "

Why take hard earned money to buy something you didn't like after the ride?

Anything after 1953 is not an Indian to me. As the dirt bikes back circa 1970's 1980's that had the Indian name put on them.

Ford and Harley Davidson still have a genetic link to the original starters of those companys. Even though the original people that started Buick and GM are long gone their line of production has remained unbroken. They haven't stopped making buicks since 1903.

Harley engines have continued to evolve since 1953. Indian's new engines have no connection to 1953, except that they are a V twin.

I'd rather you find an old Indian like your dad had to treasure and enjoy and pass on to your kids.

I would love to find an old Harley like the one that my dad had.

 

I know a few guys who have old Indians and ride them regularly (not every day but a few times a month) and a couple trips each year.
One has an old 4 cylinder that is just about the smoothest running bike I've ever been on.
The ones from around 2000 were a poor attempt at bringing back the name.

Timing was poor for the new ones due to the economy. I will give them credit that they planned on putting out high quality bikes in low production volumes and the prices reflect that. Only time will tell how well they do.

You might want to google "Kiwi Indian".

 

"Back in the day" Indian riders said, "Harley, Harley made of tin, ride them out and PUSH them in. ...........The Harley Riders would counter with, " Want some grief, get an Indian Chief, ya want some MORE, get a Indian four"! .......Anyway, that's the way I heard it!

 

All true . I know the original Indian production ended in 1953 and that the late 90's and early 2000's where not a good attempt at restarting the brand . I really like the looks of the new Cheif but the price is waaaaay out of my reach . I wouldn't buy the one a tried even if I did have the money . Maybe one day I'll find one from the 50's and that way I'll have an Indian AND a vintage bike all in one , and of corse keep my Harley as my rider .

 

My Daddy raised me on a '48 Chief. My uncle still has his '53. All their buddies had Indians as well back then. They were & remain an awesome ride!

 

I live in North Carolina where the Indian plant is located. My good friend "Double D" drives the demo truck for the company. He and I went out to L.A. for their Indian dealership opening. Dealers offer demo rides at these openings. All you need is a motorcycle license and DOT approved helment and you get to go for a ride. It is really interesting to hear the comments of Harley riders after they finish the rides. Check on the Indian web site and there may be an opening near you. They will be at Sturgis also.

 

Well I guess I do fit the OPs question. Before owning Harleys, I had a 1946 Indian Chief in the late 70s early 80s.