Dealership adds Indian to Arctic Cat, Victory lineup

Desert Thunder Indian Motorcycle, an affiliate of Desert Thunder Motorsports, will host the “Great American Summer Cookout” on Saturday, June 13, in conjunction with its grand opening. Cookout proceeds will benefit the United Service Organizations (USO), a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing programs, services and live entertainment to U.S. troops and their families. The new Indian Motorcycle dealer, located at 4300 Stockton Hill Road in Kingman, Ariz., offers area motorcycle enthusiasts Indian Motorcycle sales, service, parts, accessories and apparel.

Desert Thunder Motorsports also sells Victory motorcycles and Arctic Cat ATVs and side-by-sides.

Indian Motorcycle was America’s first motorcycle company. Founded in 1901, Indian Motorcycle is back and stronger than ever under the new ownership of Polaris Industries. To honor and celebrate Indian Motorcycle roots in American history and the 75th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, Desert Thunder Indian Motorcycle will host the cookout from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The dealership is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Indian Motorcycle has significant ties to the U.S. military and the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. The company heavily supported World Wars I and II by supplying motorcycles to the Allied Forces, and has been known for its support of the military ever since. Clarence “Pappy” Hoel started the rally in the 1930s after purchasing an Indian Motorcycle franchise in Sturgis, South Dakota, and forming the Jackpine Gypsies Motorcycle Club. The 75th annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally formally runs Aug. 3 – 9, 2015.

“We are proud to become part of the Indian Motorcycle family, and to offer these iconic bikes to the area,” said Donnie Ward, owner of Desert Thunder Indian Motorcycle. “There’s no better way to celebrate than by hosting an event for riders and military charities.”