Polaris Acquires Indian Motorcycle

[Grey Thumper]

I hope they go the Hinckley Triumph route; first establish a reputation for performance (not necessarily with sport bikes, but at least sporty bikes) to target a younger, broader market, then only do the classics/retro styled bikes after a few years.

Starting off with obscenely priced bikes that look like they're from the 1940s just targets people who are, more likely than not, about to purchase their last motorcycle (especially since you're not exactly raring to update your classically styled bike after a few years anyway). Not exactly a good way to grow your brand.

[Scoutmedic]

If they can bring the pricing down, I think they'll definitely do better. The current pricing on Indians is way too high. Especially for something that doesn't compare in comfort and amenities to Harley or Victory.

Should make for some interesting speculation and news throughout the next couple of years anyway!

[jazetech]

This could go either way. The current Indian, while an object of art indeed, fails miserably as a modern motorcycle. The one I rode shook like a dog passing razor blades, had no cornering clearance, marginal power and brakes and cost more than a 2 year old corvette. A hardly ableson with fat fenders and an art deco headlamp.

If Polaris just hangs big fat fenders on a Victory it will fail. So they will have to engineer a brand new bike, which is incredibly expensive and time intensive. One can only hope they paid very little for Indian, the only items of any value being the name and real property, plus whatever convertible manufacturing assets that can be salvaged. A daunting task as the finished product will have to be at least as good as a Victory!

I wish them luck.

[jstark47]

Polaris is closing the Indian plant in Kings Mountain, NC, and moving Indian production to Victory factories in Iowa (assembly) and Wisconsin (engines). Cleveland County, NC, put up major money for that Indian factory in 2006. It ended up employing 25 people and lasted three years, 2008-2011. If I was a Cleveland County taxpayer, I'd be pi$$ed. Stephen Julius surely excelled at one thing: spinning a line for the gullible.

[McGlasses]

Indian has had tough times but I think that if any company can make them successful it would be Polaris. They have a great line up of vehicles and makes them more competitive with HD BueLL. I think that as a brand Indian does have appeal and Polaris has technology and marketing to bring this historical American product to the 21st century.

[mogster]

I read about this in MCN. Their article reckoned that HD management may just be shaking in their boots.

I agree with comments re Norton & Triumph ie. They should design new sportier bikes to appeal to a younger market, but not run before they can walk.

Funnily enough this has parallels with the Scottish Whisky industry which is reaching out to a younger market.