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Dodging the Road Kill: Indian Motorcycles

Dodging the Roadkill - A Biker's JourneyClarksville, TN – I recently wrote an article about why I felt it was important for Harley Davidson to turn their fortunes around.  It’s been a rough ride for Harley the past couple of years and since their brand is synonymous with motorcycles, I think it’s important that they remain competitive.  After all, that’s what the “other” guys want, is to unseat the king.

During these cold winter months, I’ve had more time to read and research than I’ve had to ride, so, as my journey continues, I’ve been trying to learn more about ALL of the motorcycle brands, just so I can hold a decent conversation with my biker brothers.   After all, most of you have about a 30 years head start on me.

Indian Motorcycle
Indian Motorcycle

Recently, I read a story about the Indian Motorcycle Company, owned by Polaris.  I won’t bore you with the history of Indian, but let’s just say that in 2017, they had a KILLER year.  Depending on which story you read, Indian has had anywhere from a 3-10% growth spurt in 2017.  This coincides with a drop in sales of 8-9% for Harley Davidson. 

Personally, I don’t know ANYONE who owns an Indian motorcycle.  That doesn’t mean that it’s not a great bike, because, obviously, people are buying them, but I live in Harley Davidson country and the nearest Indian dealership is in Nashville, and there’s one in Hopkinsville KY.  Both are about 30-40 miles from here.  I HAVE seen Indians here, and there are a lot of Honda Gold Wings, but Harley is the dominant brand in my neck of the woods. 

I recently posed the question about Indian on my Facebook page and didn’t get one person to comment on owning one, but again, that doesn’t mean it’s not a popular motorcycle.  

So I was curious.

The Indian Motorcycle company line explains their recent growth spurt to the momentum created with the product line including the Scout and Chieftain. 

Indian Motorcycle Company
Indian Motorcycle Company

The Scout is an entry-level cruiser with power, engineering and style at a very competitive price.  Something that’s been noted that Harley Davidson has fallen short with.  That ENTRY level bike that’s affordable (again, just opinion and not necessarily fact).

The Chieftain is touted as a touring bike that does everything it’s supposed to do, which is being big on long distance comfort, technology, style and all the “whistles and bells.”

In talking to other bikers, it’s also to be noted that they think Harley Davidson is priced too high and their “whistles and bells” are all additional and at the end of the day, you’ve spent quite a bit of money.

Now don’t get me wrong, I’m a Harley guy.  I’ve noted from the beginning that I knew this was not a “cheap date” and that if I wanted to surround myself with the best, it wasn’t going to be cheap.

But I don’t represent everybody.  We’re ALL different and our comfort level is different.

I will admit that I AM drawn to the Indian Motorcycle brand.  I like their touring bikes and I plan to own one someday and by all indications they’re a well run company. 

Probably the best thing that happened to them was when they were purchased by Polaris.  Polaris had a tremendous track record BEFORE they got into the motorcycle business and were able to transfer that success to motorcycles.

If you ask ten bikers about Harley or Indian motorcycles, you’re likely to get ten different answers.  I had a friend remind me, after my Harley story, that I shouldn’t forget Victory which they said was a great bike and very dependable.  And while they aren’t in production anymore, they’re apparently a favorite for some bikers. 

Competition is good for everybody.  I want everybody to succeed and be healthy, wealthy and wise.  I want customers to enjoy their experience, no matter what they choose to ride. 

That’s why I felt it was important for Harley Davidson to get their bottom line together, because the other guys work harder to knock the big kid off the block.

Indian has a rich history in the motorcycle world and its importance to motorcycling is just as important as Harley.  After all, they were the first and it’s the oldest brand in the land.

Indian Motorcycle
Indian Motorcycle

It boils down to style and performance for me.  I want a dependable motorcycle with some style, and yes, a few whistles and bells.  I travel A LOT and I want some creature comforts.  Indian and Harley have both.

I love the colors and styles of the Indian.  I’m attracted to their touring models.  I’m almost like a kid in a candy store wanting to get “one of everything” while I know I can’t.

I’m excited over the success of the Indian. It makes the competition work harder and should keep the “big boys” from assuming that they can do no wrong.  Once you get comfortable and “cocky” then that’s when you get blindsided with the knockout punch.

What are your thoughts?  Have you owned an Indian?  Do you ride one now?

I would love your feedback.

Ride safe my brothers and enjoy the open road.

Hank Bonecutter
Hank Bonecutterhttp://www.clarksvillesmotorcycle.com/
Hank Bonecutter is a retired broadcaster and media consultant based in Clarksville, Tennessee. His career includes stints at WKDA/WKDF and WKQB Rock 106FM, WLAC-AM in Nashville. He concluded his career as owner/talk show host at WJZM-AM in Clarksville. Currently the President of Bonehead Promotions, he's an advertising consultant and media strategist. An avid motorcyclist, Hank blogs about his travels exclusively at www.clarksvillemotorcycle.com and www.clarksvilleonline.com You can follow Hank on on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/dodgintheroadkill/, on Twitter at https://twitter.com/?lang=en, and Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dodgetheroadkill/?hl=en  
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