Rode the Chieftain model. The bike was comfortable, free revving, a torque monster and I couldn't get the floorboards to scrape. The shifting was very clunky and I had a hard time finding the right height for the electric windshield without buffetting. If they come out with a Vintage in Pearl White, I'd be tempted.
They also had some vintage Indians on display. Here are some pics to see some of the lines that inspired the designers of the new models.
The Chieftains
They needed one in the display room, so after my ride I pulled it into the dealership and got an employee to snap a couple pics.
Test rode Indian today
Moderators: the2knights, Highway Rider
- David (N. Alabama)
- Elite Tourer
- Posts: 816
- Joined: Thu Feb 21, 2008 1:20 pm
- 16
- Current bike(s): 2007 Kawasaki Mean Streak
2010 Kawasaki Vulcan Voyager 1700
2011 Kawasaki Versys
2012 Kawasaki KLX250S
2010 Moto Guzzi V7 Café Classic
1975 Kawasaki KT250 Trials
2014 Triumph Trophy SE - Location: Tennessee
- Has liked: 0
- Been liked: 0
- biggersm
- Traveler
- Posts: 208
- Joined: Sun Feb 17, 2008 11:27 pm
- 16
- Current bike(s): 2008 Goldwing Airbag
2000 Voyager XII
1998 Suzuki Intruder 1500
1989 Honda PC 800
1982 Yamaha Maxim 750
1993 Yamaha Seca 600
1981 Yamaha XV920 (part 2)
1981 Yamaha XV920 (part 1) - Location: Melbourne Florida
- Has liked: 0
- Been liked: 0
Re: Test rode Indian today
Has a Kawasaki Drifter type of look. So they really have substance (torque, comfort, handling, etc.) in addition to the looks.
Mike and Marcia Biggerstaff
Melbourne FL
Thanks to the Interstate Highway System, it is now possible to travel from coast to coast without seeing anything. Charles Kuralt
Melbourne FL
Thanks to the Interstate Highway System, it is now possible to travel from coast to coast without seeing anything. Charles Kuralt
- David (N. Alabama)
- Elite Tourer
- Posts: 816
- Joined: Thu Feb 21, 2008 1:20 pm
- 16
- Current bike(s): 2007 Kawasaki Mean Streak
2010 Kawasaki Vulcan Voyager 1700
2011 Kawasaki Versys
2012 Kawasaki KLX250S
2010 Moto Guzzi V7 Café Classic
1975 Kawasaki KT250 Trials
2014 Triumph Trophy SE - Location: Tennessee
- Has liked: 0
- Been liked: 0
Re: Test rode Indian today
Yes they do. The engine is light years ahead of the Drifter in the looks department.biggersm wrote:Has a Kawasaki Drifter type of look. So they really have substance (torque, comfort, handling, etc.) in addition to the looks.
Here is an Indian tribute bike built on a Drifter.
I really thought seriously about a Drifter, but not anymore.
BTW: The drifter has an Indian sort of look. ;)
2010 Voyager 1700
- biggersm
- Traveler
- Posts: 208
- Joined: Sun Feb 17, 2008 11:27 pm
- 16
- Current bike(s): 2008 Goldwing Airbag
2000 Voyager XII
1998 Suzuki Intruder 1500
1989 Honda PC 800
1982 Yamaha Maxim 750
1993 Yamaha Seca 600
1981 Yamaha XV920 (part 2)
1981 Yamaha XV920 (part 1) - Location: Melbourne Florida
- Has liked: 0
- Been liked: 0
Re: Test rode Indian today
I'll agree that I like the look of the new Indian Chieftain at a certain level. I left cruising behind in 2006 when I traded in a Suzuki Intruder 1500 for the Voyager XII. I view cruising and touring as separate (but I like doing both along with several other motorcycle types). I know that you know what I mean since I have read on this forum how you describe all the sub categories of "sport touring" "adventure touring" "classic Touring" etc. (I felt exactly as you typed it as I remember).
I thought I would add a great picture of the Kawasaki Drifters we saw in Daytona back in 2009.
I thought I would add a great picture of the Kawasaki Drifters we saw in Daytona back in 2009.
Mike and Marcia Biggerstaff
Melbourne FL
Thanks to the Interstate Highway System, it is now possible to travel from coast to coast without seeing anything. Charles Kuralt
Melbourne FL
Thanks to the Interstate Highway System, it is now possible to travel from coast to coast without seeing anything. Charles Kuralt
- biggersm
- Traveler
- Posts: 208
- Joined: Sun Feb 17, 2008 11:27 pm
- 16
- Current bike(s): 2008 Goldwing Airbag
2000 Voyager XII
1998 Suzuki Intruder 1500
1989 Honda PC 800
1982 Yamaha Maxim 750
1993 Yamaha Seca 600
1981 Yamaha XV920 (part 2)
1981 Yamaha XV920 (part 1) - Location: Melbourne Florida
- Has liked: 0
- Been liked: 0
Re: Test rode Indian today
Forgot to ask, does the Indian Head on the fender light up?
Mike and Marcia Biggerstaff
Melbourne FL
Thanks to the Interstate Highway System, it is now possible to travel from coast to coast without seeing anything. Charles Kuralt
Melbourne FL
Thanks to the Interstate Highway System, it is now possible to travel from coast to coast without seeing anything. Charles Kuralt
- Kevin B in Illinois
- Traveler
- Posts: 192
- Joined: Tue Feb 19, 2008 9:50 pm
- 16
- Current bike(s): 2001 Honda GL1800
1990 Kawasaki Voyager XII
2002 Harley Davidson Road King
2009 Kawasaki Vulcan Voyager
1969 Kawasaki Sidewinder 250
1965 Kawasaki F2TR 175
2006 Suzuki DL1000 - Location: Near Salem, Illinois
- Has liked: 0
- Been liked: 0
- Contact:
Re: Test rode Indian today
I can't believe that someone actually said " it has a Drifter sort of look" I'm sure that is someone being clever and joking....had me shaking my head and saying sheeeesh... I guess the Harley Davidson Fatboy has a Vulcan Classic sort of look to it. I love the looks of the 111 engine on the new Indian's , I'm sure it is a torque monster. I know the 106 Victory engines are really impressive. I am jealous that you got to go test ride one. .....almost bought a Drifter on a couple occassions to find a cheap way to have a Indian looking ride.....still might...but now .....hmmmmm .....never know....life is too short .....
Kevin Braddy
IPVMC
President
Kevin Braddy
IPVMC
President