Posted on 12/24/2009 11:20:25 AM PST by jessduntno
The classic Indian Chief motorcycle, prized for its fanciful fenders and an American heritage different from its much bigger rival, Harley-Davidson, is back and finally ready to roll in California.
First built in 1922 and in and out of production ever since, the Chief has been ridden over the years by actor Steve McQueen and other renegades possessing fame and fortune. Now it has been overhauled for the modern era.
Although motorcycle sales are down nationwide, the Chief is already a sought-after ride in 16 other states where it has been on sale since early this year.
The Chief just hasn't been available on the West Coast. But that's about to change this spring with the 2010 Chief, selling for $26,000 plus. This month the latest incarnation of the 108-year-old Indian brand announced the names of two of its five planned California dealerships -- one in Harbor City and the other in Fresno. -snip-
For a company to sell motorcycles in the state, California's Air Resources Board must provide an additional emissions certification to the one issued by the Environmental Protection Agency that allows a manufacturer's products to be sold in other states.
Indian secured its California emissions clearance only last week. Heese is confident that the motorcycles will arrive well before the planned April openings of California Harley-Davidson Indian Motorcycle Los Angeles in Harbor City and Indian Motorcycle Fresno, based out of a car dealership, Herwaldt Subaru.
"I can't wait to get these new Indians so I can put them on the lot and buy a new one myself," said Matt Herwaldt, 30, general manager of Indian Motorcycle Fresno. He owns a Harley but is "blown away by the quality, fit and finish of the new Indian. It's the Bentley of motorcycles."
(Excerpt) Read more at latimes.com ...
Oh man ..sweeeet bike..
I’m not into motorcycles, but that is GORGEOUS!!!
The Dark Horse...
Its no Indian and its less than half the cost but I just bought this 2009 Yamaha Star 1300 Tourer back in october. Now all I need is some "Indian" decals...
And, do a good job; but, for $26K, I’ll stay with my Honda VTX Retro.
LOL! I agree.
That aside, I really loved the movie “The Worlds Fastest Indian”, what a great story.
Nize! If I was going to get a metric vtwin again, it would be a yammie, great bikes. Is that the stock exhaust?
That’s purty. Me want.
eh.,......Harley still has them beat hands down.
(Recent new HD models (The Rocker and VRod specifically) excluded)
Yup, that’s pretty.
not to mention Indians break regularily
(((((((((ping))))))))
Looking at your profile, I suspect you have already found 1300tourer.com .....red
My thoughts exactly.
Looks like a knock-off of a Japanese bike knock-off of a HD.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.