THE POLARIS INDIAN:
The Newest Indian since 2013:
After Polaris purchased the Indian name in 2011, little happened publicly till early 2013. In the background, Polaris was starting from scratch with a totally new series of designs for the renewed motorcycle. Starting with the engine, the "Thunderstroke 111" was a clean-sheet design. The 1811cc engine was designed to look like the final edition flat-head Chief. It is in fact a very modern OHV engine with three cams. The two outside cams operate the exhaust valves and a center cam operates both intake valves. After putting the new engine on center stage, the company will promote it's new machine through the revised "Burt Munro" special. This is a bike which is a new version of the original 1920 Indian raced by Burt Monro in the 1960's. The bike is actually planned to be put on the salt flats in 2014! At the end of 2013, Indian will reveal it's new series of motorcycles which will be 2014 models. Polaris will sell it's last series of the current motorcycle this year (2013) as a final edition Chief which is a slightly revised version of the bikes sold since 1999. I hope the best for the new Indian!
Below is the new engine, what a beauty:
The 111 c.i. engine looks like flat-head but is an OHV. Indian claims it produces 115 ft. lbs. of torque and my guess is that it will be around 95-100 horse power. The push rod tubes really look good and are really authentic. There is no doubt that this engine will be powerful as well as reliable. Indian claims over a million road miles were traveled in perfecting the engine.
Below is the 2014 Chief:
The new Indian was not a big surprise. It looks much like the bikes before it but I'm sure the details have a different story. It does look good, and it does look "Indian."
Below is the shell of the new Burt Monro Special:
Advanced for it's time yet very traditional looking.
some great Indian web sites to check out:
www.indianchiefmotorcycles.com
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indian_(motorcycle) then click on: Did you mean Indian(motorcycle)
Please check out the new Indian Motorcycles at Kansas City Indian. Talk to Craig Keating, the General manager. Attached below is Craig's business card.
