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Indian Motorcycles surviving against the odds

The Chief Dark Horse is available in black gloss or matte
The Chief Dark Horse is available in black gloss or matte
Credits: 
Ken Bingenheimer

In a booming economy it must have seemed like a good idea to relaunch the Indian Motorcycles marque, but by the time the new company rolled out its first models the current Great Recession was under way and worse timing could not have been possible. Was this latest revival attempt doomed once again to be short and abortive?

Apparently not. Two years on, which is itself something of a record, the company is not only still in existence, it has rolled out a complete lineup of new bikes for 2011. The entire collection, in a range of colors, was on display in Sturgis during the recent rally, and you can take a look at them in the slideshow below. They are, indeed, some fine looking machines.

Indian now has eight models, all with names that begin with "Chief." They are the Chief Classic, Chief Standard, Chief Dark Horse, Chief Deluxe, Chief Bomber, Chief Blackhawk and Blackhawk Dark, Chief Roadmaster, and Chief Vintage.

None of them are cheap. The base models are the Chief Classic and Chief Standard, both priced at $25,999. The Chief Dark Horse is $27,999, the Chief Blackhawk is $29,999, and the rest pass the $30,000 mark, right up to the $35,499 Vintage.

All are chain-driven six-speeds, with a seat height of 27.89 inches. All come with a two-year warranty. Four have a gross vehicle weight of 1,220 pounds, while the other four weigh in at 1,260 pounds. All are powered by a 105-cubic-inch V-twin engine. Spoked wheels are the order of the day. Most come stock with only a solo seat, while a couple can accommodate a passenger.

With so much alike, the variety would seem to be in the styling. For a first look, check out the slide show. For more details, visit the Indian Motorcycles site.

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Slideshow: Indian Motorcycles rolls out 2011 models

By

Motorcycles Examiner

Ken Bingenheimer has been in love with motorcycles as long as he can remember and finds Colorado the perfect place to ride. He shares his...

Comments

  • Anonymous 1 year ago
    Report Abuse

    They sure are beautiful - 27.89" seat height will accommodate a wider range of riders - (women).

    Sharon

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