Indian Motorcycle – The Legend Returns! 2013 Model Unveiled in Long Beach
If
you’re a lifelong motorcycle lover, then you know the Indian Motorcycle
Company. Founded in 1901 (even before Harley-Davidson), the company’s
tradition of stylish, powerful bikes has kept them in the minds of
motorcycle enthusiasts throughout the years—despite a tumultuous
business history (recently profiled in Forbes). But now, after surviving
years of turmoil, the Indian Motorcycle Company has been revived, and a
new era has begun with the release of the 2013 Indian Chief Vintage
Final Edition, unveiled at this year’s International Motorcycle Show in
Long Beach, Ca.
Forbes contributor Jason Fogelson covered the
Indian Motorcycle unveiling in Long Beach and profiled the company’s
up-and-down business history in a recent article for the financial
magazine. Indian Motorcycle, currently owned by Polaris, began selling
bikes in the early 1900s and became popular after enjoying racing
success. The company’s financial woes began in 1953 when it went out of
business after sales plummeted. The brand maintained relevancy until
1977, as countries around the world slapped the Indian name on various
bikes. The Indian Motorcycle name fell into obscurity from 1977 to 1998
while a number of legal proceedings that would determine the brand’s
future took place. The legal negotiations eventually led to the
formation of the Indian Motorcycle Company of America in 1998. But
despite all best efforts, the company was again bankrupt by 2003. A
private equity firm rebuilt the company in 2006, and Polaris (the
powersports behemoth behind Victory) entered the picture in 2011.
The
2013 Indian Chief Vintage Final Edition, weighing a hefty 753 pounds
without fluids, will be sold at Indian Motorcycle dealerships across
North America. The bike retails for $37,599 in North America and $39,599
in Canada. According to the official company press release, the bike is
“designed to commemorate the end of one era in motorcycling, and the
beginning of another.” The bike boasts the signature features of a true
Indian masterpiece—a deeply valenced front fender, a fringed leather
seat, art-deco paint, and A LOT of chrome embellishment. The engine
specs are equally impressive— a 1.7 liter air-cooled 45-degree V-Twin
that makes roughly 65 horsepower and 95 lb-ft of torque. As Fogelson
reports, “the bike is built to cruise, tour and look great doing it, not
to compete with sportbikes or other hotrods.”
Indian’s five-model 2013 line-up includes:
- Chief Vintage Final Edition - The Chief Classic (starting at $26,499) - The Chief Dark Horse (starting at $27,999) - The Chief Vintage (starting at $36,899) - The Chief Vintage Limited Edition (starting at $37,899)
Many
motorcycles buffs wrote Indian’s early 2000-era models off as
lackluster Harley knock offs, so the brand’s new lineup will face an
uphill battle. But the strength and history behind the Indian Motorcycle
brand and the enthusiasm behind its revival has Indian fans hopeful
that, this time, the legend is back for good.
Yet, there’s no denying it: Unless you plan to ride exclusively around the Southern United States, you’ll face some chilly winters. And even before it...
Indian Motorcycle – The Legend Returns!
