Jun. 2, 2008 – Relaunched Indian to debut with four models
The relaunch of Indian Motorcycles will come complete with an entirely new build.
Or as the company’s vice president of engineering Nick Glaja says, “a clean sheet.”
The manufacturer that is relaunching the iconic American brand just recently announced
its first lineup of Chiefs, which
will include the Chief Standard, Chief Deluxe, Chief Roadmaster and Chief Vintage. All of the
models will start with base prices in the $30,000s.
“Indian aficionados everywhere will be pleased with these superior motorcycles, which effectively blend timeless Indian design with contemporary motorcycle performance,” said Indian General Manager Chris Bernauer, who joined Indian after 11 years with Harley-Davidson.
Indian has not announced when its first models will debut. However, the company said the first models will be produced in limited numbers.
“Our goal was quite simple,” said Glaja, who also formerly used to work at Harley-Davidson, “to focus on the premium nature of this brand and build the finest Indian motorcycle ever.”
The new Indians will feature:
n a redesigned 105 cubic inch PowerPlus V-twin powertrain with electronic closed loop sequential port fuel injection. A new charging system provides increased capacity for the EFI;
n engine cylinders are Nikasil plated, eliminating the need for cast-iron liners;
n a new crankshaft that eliminates “scissoring”;
n an exhaust system with a new design that integrates three-way catalytic converter and heated oxygen sensors; and
n all body parts are e-coated and the frame and swingarm are e-coated and powder coated for enhanced corrosion protection.
Indian is expected to have no more than 30 dealerships in place by the end of this year. The company says a new, stand-alone dealership design of 10,000 square feet will be the flagship in major markets.
Currently, Indian dealerships are expected to open in the following locations: Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, Detroit, Denver, Minneapolis and Los Angeles.
