Indian

Indian Motorcycle spruced up its Springfield Dark Horse ahead of MY2019 with some aesthetic tweaks that set it apart from the previous versions, but the factory didn’t stop there. It added some all-new electronic tech in the form of a few ride-enhancement features that turn this antique design into an entirely modern machine. Indian’s deep roots are on full display with this one to make it a tribute piece of sorts, and if you’re into designs from around World War II, then the Dark Horse has a lot to offer.

Indian Motorcycle, under the Polaris umbrella (ella, ella), looks to capitalize on its success (nay...domination) of the American Flat Track circuit last year with the race-bike inspired FTR 1200 S. The “S” builds on the vanilla FTR 1200 base model with a number of race-tastic features that elevate it to a higher shelf/bracket/whatever, to include upgraded suspension components, better safety equipment and advanced engine-control electronics. All of that is on top of the all-new, punched-out engine and inherent curb appeal. If you’re into the flat-track thing, or just fancy yourself a fiery-eyed pegdragger, this may be the American-style racer you’ve been looking for. Let’s find out.

Continue reading for my review of the Indian FTR 1200 S.

Minimalism and understatement do not always go hand in hand. In this case, it is the whole point of the design. Bringing the designs from their history books and fusing them with cues of early performance models, manufacturers catered to the ’bob-job’ from the 1930s through 1990s custom scene.

Stripping excess bodywork from a motorcycle, shortening the fenders and having a bob-tail, here is our list of the top seven Bobbers of 2018 that run on huge engines yet harks back to a different time – ostensibly the post-WWII era when returning servicemen stripped their bikes of all unnecessary weight for the sake of going faster.

Indian Motorcycle brushed up its baggers ahead of the 2019 model year, and the Chieftain Limited is one of the models that benefits from the revamp. It’s a multi-pronged effort that starts with a sleek new look meant to convey the impression of great performance. Custom touches lend it something of a homegrown air with plenty of classic references that show off the marque’s deep roots, but the factory gives due consideration to progression with some new ride-quality electronics. The infotainment system is upgraded, as well, with increased audial performance and a few adjustments to improve sound quality along with the volume. This is as good as it gets in Indian’s bagger lineup, and should make a dandy competitor for Harley-Davidson’s own Street Glide Special, so let’s go ahead and delve right into this special ride and see how Indian is coming along under the Polaris umbrella.

Continue reading for my review of the Indian Motorcycle Chieftain Limited.

Full dresser, full dress tourer, or dresser are jargons for machines that love to hit the asphalt covering some major miles in the most sumptuous comfort. With complete sets of saddlebags and top box to carry all your and your passenger’s belongings, dressers are the ultimate cruising weapons that give you creature comforts like no other on two wheels.

Coming in hot with full fairings to protect you from the elements, large engines, navigation systems, an all-important music, and connectivity options and by far the most comfortable seats, here are our top ten dressers of 2018 that does all of it in luxury:

Baggers are nothing but motorcycles with large motors with plenty of low-end torque, forward set footpegs, and a laid-back reclined riding position defining any modern-day cruisers, with an addition of saddlebags. Meant for long distance travel, baggers maintain agility, an open feel, and classic motorcycle styling. In addition to the bags, they will often have windshields, partial fairing, a more comfortable seat, better suspension, larger tank, and forward controls.

Touring is synonymous with motorcycles; it’s an integral part of the riding experience. No other feeling satisfies a man’s desire for freedom, to head in a direction unknown. And if you don’t have the right tool to do it, the whole feeling just becomes uncanny. Here is our list of top ten baggers of 2018 touring the roads of the world:

Being the closest thing to flying without leaving the ground, Cruisers have been the incarnation of the ‘30s to ‘60s American lifestyles. Large motors with plenty of low-end torque, forward set footpegs, and a laid-back reclined riding position define any modern-day cruisers. Traditionally, large V-twins ran under the hoods, but inline engines have become more common these days.

Here is our list of the cruiser motorcycles of 2018 that gets us to simply cruise, at one with our bike, taking in the sights and smells, the cool air washing over, and supposedly cleansing the soul. Basically defining the concept of motorcycling, cruisers keep us wandering off with just a twist of the throttle to the unknown.

The 2018 calendar year may have a bit yet to go before its last gasp, but the 2019 model year is in full bloom with the beginning of the show season and the INTERMOT show in Cologne, Germany. So far, we’ve seen the genuine article for a number of previously-teased machines, as well as a few pleasant surprises from unexpected sources along with some much-needed updates. Today I want to take a look at this show, so buckle up as we head across the pond and check out some of my favorites.

Continue reading for more of my look at 2018 INTERMOT.

Indian Motorcycle was obliged to release a “civilian version” of its FTR 750 in order to qualify to race in the Flat Track circuit, but the factory is unleashing a new branch on that family tree this year with the all-new FTR 1200. That’s right sports fans, you can own a piece of history with the second race-inspired performance machine to come from Indian since it was acquired by Polaris, and though it’s not liable to see an official closed-circuit course, it’s built to feel as though it could do so. It rocks a much larger powerplant with looks that clearly channel its podium-sweeping smaller sibling, and it all comes in a street-friendly package that should make it accessible to the riding public in general. The FTR 1200 opens an exciting new chapter in domestic bike production, so let’s take a look at this spunky little sled while it’s still hot off the press.

Continue reading for my review of the Indian Motorcycle FTR 1200.

Taking design elements from both the the championship-winning FTR750 race bike that took the flat-track world by storm at the hands of Indian’s Wrecking Crew and the Scout FTR 1200 Custom unveiled last year, the FTR 1200 and FTR 1200 S feature nimble handling with a new 1,203 cc V-twin engine in what Indian hopes will put their mark on the global stage and appeal to new riders.

Continue for more on the FTR 1200 and FTR 1200 S announcement.

The luxury tourer in Indian Motorcycle’s lineup, the Roadmaster comes equipped with the awesome Thunder Stroke® 111 engine for stellar performance and gobs of torque early on in the powerband. With standard features such as a premium 200W stereo, cruise control, ABS, power windshield, keyless ignition, remote locking storage, tire pressure monitoring, Pathfinder LED lights, heated seats and grips, and that gorgeous desert tan leather, the Roadmaster puts the "LT" in “luxury tourer.”

Continue reading for my review of the Indian Motorcycle Roadmaster.

Unveiling the brand’s all-new FTR1200 custom street tracker at the 2017 EICMA, Indian has begun the onslaught of looking elsewhere for their inspirations other than just making vintage charmers and majestic cruising machines.

After a year of teasing us, the Springfield firm will be finally launching the production version for the streets at the Intermot show on October 2nd. And still more than a week to go for this big launch, the web has been flooded with the design patents of the motorcycle including the fuel tank, frame, motor and the suspension.

Indian revamped its Chieftain lineup ahead of the 2019 model year, and that includes an extensive rebuild of the Chieftain Dark Horse. Sleeker components meet the eye in a clear bid to lend the “CDH” a performance-minded look to match its potential, and the factory added to the paint packages for a total of three colorways from which to choose. The factory enhanced comfort- and safety-related equipment this year — as well as the infotainment system — to make this newest iteration an almost all-new machine. As always, it comes down to the details as much as the broad strokes, so let’s dive right in and see what else Polaris has going on over there.

Continue reading for my review of the Indian Motorcycle Chieftain Dark Horse.

Indian Motorcycle, under Polaris Industries Inc., keeps a long tradition alive with its 2019 Chief Vintage powered by the Thunder Stroke® 111 engine. The designers build upon 95 years of Chief tradition with this ride, and while all Indians show their historical roots in varying degrees, none is quite as overt as the aptly named ’Vintage’.

Continue reading for my review of the Indian Chief Vintage.

Indian Motorcycle, under the expansive Polaris umbrella, blessed its Chieftain lineup with a facelift ahead of MY2019, but the Chieftain Classic alone retains its looks to perpetuate the retro-styling that made it a hit in the first place. The “Classic” benefits from the same under-the-hood fandanglery as the rest of the lineup, so while its looks might be a bit dated in the most delightful ways, you can count on modern safety and comfort all the same. Indian is in the midst of its timeless conflict with America’s second-oldest manufacturer, Harley-Davidson, so today I want to take a look at the new Classic and see how it stacks up against the MoCo. Let’s get to it.

Continue reading for my review of the Indian Motorcycle Chieftain Classic.

Indian Motorcycle updated its base-model Chieftain ahead of MY2019 along with the rest of its bagger family in order to present a sleeker, more-modern face to the world. Attention was paid to the aesthetics to include changes to the body panels, front and rear, as well as the saddle. New technology also sees the light of day with entertainment power and comfort features that are meant to help America’s oldest motorcycle brand compete with the second-oldest domestic marque. Some of that gadgetry is geared to make the powerful 111 cubic-inch even more user-friendly and attractive in this great arms-race with its traditional foe Harley-Davidson. Today I’m going to take a look at the new Chieftain and see how it stacks up against one of H-D’s baggers.

Continue reading for my review of the Indian Motorcycle Chieftain.

The Dark Horse showcases the menacing character of the epoch Chieftain with the subtle yet dark cosmetic changes that give it a stealth outlook while blacking out just about everything.

For 2019, the Springfield manufacturer will equip the Chieftain Dark Horse with a fresh sleaze of aggressive styling and technology under its belt that enhances riding experience to an all new level. New restyled fairings and saddlebags and Ride-Enhancing Technology like ride modes, rear cylinder de-activation, and enhanced audio systems improve appeal, performance, comfort, and audio quality.

Indian Motorcycle announces the new 2019 Chieftain family with a host of new features for the Chieftain, Chieftain Classic, Chieftain Limited, and the Chieftain Dark Horse in both appearance and electronics.

Continue reading for more on the new Chieftain lineup.

Indian Motorcycle has certainly called some attention to its mid-size bikes this year through its success on the flat track, and the Scout Bobber looks to capitalize on that by garnering some of the factory-custom business. The “Bobber” brings modern performance to the table along with an overall look that is rather unique, yet fits in well with the rest of the made-for-the-US market, foreign and domestic built. An 1,133 cc plant delivers the power, and this year, the Bobber rocks improved electronics plus a USB charging port, regardless of which color you choose. I’ve been a fan of the new Scouts since day one, so let’s dig into the nuts and bolts of the thing and see what all there is to love.

Continue reading for my review of the Indian Motorcycle Scout Bobber.