Does Indian need to get the classic look back?

Discussion in 'Indian Motorcycle General Discussion' started by Bobby Jesus, Jul 1, 2023.

  1. BigDawg

    BigDawg Well-Known Member

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    Because, remember your history, Grasshopper . . . even though there really was a time when HDs were known for leaking oil a lot . . . the fact that Polaris is now taking it's "styling" cues from Milwaukee makes it inappropriate to imply that they might start taking engineering cues from them as well . . .





    BD
     
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  2. Baldhead_J

    Baldhead_J Gold Member
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    A capital idea! Does anyone actually know what the Icon color deal, actually is? Does Indian actually license that name from them? Does Icon pick the colors ?
     
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  3. muz

    muz Bronze Member

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    I've said it for years and I'll say it again. Indian needs a Sport Scout to finalize the Scout/s lineup of models. What would really stir things up and be of massive interest to all would be to put fenders similar to the Scout / 60 on the Chief 22 and some nice pullback bars, hardtail the frame and use a really good monoshock, BOOM, winner for damn near every one of us.
     
  4. Alpal

    Alpal Gold Member
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    Speaking of bars,.....were those ones you got from me the standard or the reduced reach ones Bud?,.......having a firesafe on my Scout bits and can't remember what my last set of scout bars are,.....
    thanks Bud,.....
    Alpal
     
  5. JayFL459

    JayFL459 Gold Member
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    Polaris did take some Engineering Cues from them .. The Victory has 6 Oil Seal Areas a possible leak problem, compared to HD's 40+ ... :)
     
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  6. muz

    muz Bronze Member

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    Reduced reach Sir
     
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  7. Yirkash

    Yirkash Well-Known Member

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    I fully agree, Bobby. I really like the art deco style bikes more than the newer, "meaner" looking ones. Then again, I understand Polaris needs to cater to a younger generation to stay in business, and we need them to stay in business to get parts. But I really hope they don't completely scrap the round hardbags and locomotive fairing, because I love those over all other variations they've made.

    In my personal opinion, the Springfield is currently the best looking Indian bike by far, followed by the locomotive-fairing Road Master. Hands down.
     
  8. Alpal

    Alpal Gold Member
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    Thanks Bud,.....
     
  9. Ny Mike

    Ny Mike Bronze Member

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    The classic style was my draw to indian. Although I do like the classic with the limited 19” wheel and fender just a bit more. I mean everyone likes what they like but I’ll never switch from the locomotive fairing and rounded bags. Even if it means low mileage garage queens only to stay on them. I’m fine with that
     
  10. IronButt70

    IronButt70 Bronze Member

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    HD has 40+ oils seals that can leak? Who knew. Would like to a list of those.
     
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  11. JayFL459

    JayFL459 Gold Member
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  12. IronButt70

    IronButt70 Bronze Member

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    Leaking primary cover gaskets and drain plugs is owner error IMHO. From my experiences most leaks are from abuse or lack of proper maintenance and only occasionally because of a factory defect or assembly issue. Neither of the 2 HDs I’ve owned ever leaked a drop of oil. That article is extremely biased IMHO and deals mostly with the AMF and prior years of HDs and they leaked, intentionally sometimes to lube primary chains and because of poor QC.
     
  13. Ny Mike

    Ny Mike Bronze Member

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    I totally agree. Mine quit leaking when I went from a shovel head to an Evo then Twincam never an issue
     
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  14. Klyde1

    Klyde1 Bronze Member

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    One of the reasons I just hang onto my '17 RM. I love the styling. They even got rid of the chromed handgrip end caps in either '18, or '19. Seemed to me just a way for them to make more money from people having to buy them extra.
    The salesman that sold me my bike contacted me not long ago trying to get me to buy a new one. I told him I was keeping this one.
     
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  15. JayFL459

    JayFL459 Gold Member
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    I do like HD .. I planned on keeping my Dyna forever had a lot of money in it .. Only reason parted with it was 2 wrist surgeries .. Have well over 300,000 miles on HD starting with my 1969 XLCH in early 1970 ..
     

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  16. Dagwood

    Dagwood Chillin

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    The Classic/Vintage style was what drew me to the Indians. Retro style and something completely different. They turn heads and get strangers talking to you. People want pictures of them.

    The newer ones with the harsh lines, not so much.

    Marketing is a science that I will never understand. I go looking for something I like and just cannot find any available. Even finding a decent colour is becoming difficult now. Looks like I will keep my 17 Chieftain for a few more years.... 20200812_091651.jpg
     
  17. Yirkash

    Yirkash Well-Known Member

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    I couldn't say it better.
     
  18. JonScout

    JonScout Well-Known Member

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    I think my Indian Red Scout is about as retro as I can make it. (maybe whitewalls?? Nah) Anyway, this is my 8th summer riding it and it still gets more looks than the other bikes that are parked around it. I think people like the vintage look which goes back to the original post of whether Indian should continue with the Classic or vintage, in retro color, the answer would be yes. DSCF0909.JPG
     
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