At the heart of the process has been an unrelenting emphasis on quality and craftsmanship. No details have been overlooked or considered too minor to be discussed and evaluated. The final assembly of each Indian Chief takes place at Kings Mountain by a team of technicians known for the passionate pursuit of their craft.
An overriding sense of reverence pervades Indian headquarters. There is an enormous sense of pride in being a part of the rebirth of Indian Motorcycle and that feeling translates into an attention to detail and genuine care for each and every component. Assembly is both loving and methodical, with obvious care taken to produce the finest Indian motorcycles the world has ever seen.
The new Indian Chief motorcycles are rightfully positioned as premium products and will be produced in limited numbers, with the focus on outstanding quality, performance and exclusivity. Limited production will ensure the highest level of quality is maintained and owners will be certain to enjoy the enduring value of an extraordinary new Indian Chief as well as true appreciation of ownership exclusivity.
The new Indian motorcycles are designed and engineered to be powerful works of art. The 2009 Indian Chief features a redesigned 105 cubic inch PowerPlus V-Twin powertrain with electronic closed loop sequential port fuel injection. A new charging system provides increased capacity for the EFI.
Engine cylinders are Nikasil plated, eliminating the need for cast-iron liners. A new crankshaft eliminates "scissoring". The exhaust system is a new design with integrated 3-way catalytic converter and heated oxygen sensors. All body parts are e-coated and the frame and swingarm are e-coated and powder coated for enhanced corrosion protection.
A six-speed transmission delivers power through the belt drive to 16-inch wheels out back. Stopping is achieved via Brembo 4-piston calipers, with 11.5" dual rotors up front. Standard 5.5-gallon tank helps extend cruising range. Seats are all-leather and built to exacting specifications. But specs don't even begin to tell the story of what it's like to ride an Indian. It's simply awe-inspiring.
For 2009, Indian will offer four Chief models: Chief Standard, Chief Deluxe, Chief Roadmaster and Chief Vintage. As befits these limited-edition masterworks, base prices will range from $30,999 for the Standard to $31,999 for the Deluxe and $33,999 for the Roadmaster to $35,499 for the Chief Vintage. Primary differences between models are in levels of trim, seating configurations, fender design, paint combinations, and included accessories. (Individual spec sheets and images are included separately in this kit.)
The exciting reality for all motorcycle enthusiasts is that the 2009 Indian Chiefs are so much more than the sum of their parts. Each model is an integrated whole, the result of superior engineering and a reflection of achievement well beyond incremental improvement. The 2009 Indian Chiefs are all-new and a dramatic extension of the Indian Motorcycle legacy, certain to take their place in motorcycle history.
Given the ultra premium nature of the Indian Motorcycle brand, Indian will be very selective in judging the quality and number of dealers. By the end of 2008, it is expected that no more than thirty dealerships will be in place-primarily in top motorcycle markets. A new stand-alone dealership design of 10,000 square foot will be the flagship in major markets, although it is likely that these new structures will not be completed until sometime in 2009.
At present, Indian dealers are already staged for opening for Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, Detroit, Denver, Minneapolis, and Los Angeles, with an additional twelve applications being processed. It should also be mentioned that the emotional appeal, value and power of the Indian brand will soon result in the launch and merchandising of the highest quality line of motorcycle apparel and accessories in the industry. Indian Motorcycle Apparel will launch the line this summer. Items will be available for purchase through dealerships, online at http://www.indianmotorcycle.com and at specialty retail stores.
In subsequent years, Indian plans to expand its dealer network to additional markets. Superior engineering, quality and performance, the incredible history and present-day cache of the Indian brand, the exclusivity factor, an obsession with customer satisfaction and a commitment to long term slow-growth and success are expected to serve Indian Motorcycle Company well into the future.