Indian's 2009 Models Are On Deck

Specs released for the new Indian Chief in 4 trim levels


A quick look at the business pages would have most of us believing it's a bad time to roll out an ultra-premium motorcycle. Consumer confidence is flagging, the market's tanking and motorcycle sales just aren't what they used to be - to put it mildly. But then, Stephen Julius isn't most of us. Julius, the chairman of Indian Motorcycle - the newest version of it - has said in the past that "I want to build the Bentley of motorcycles. "We've tried to understand what the Indian means to the consumer and translate that in a physical product."

We'll have a chance to see how close he came this summer, when the latest incarnation of the Indian Chief is revealed to an impatient public. Meanwhile, the new Indian, now based in Kings Mountain, N.C., has released more details and rough specifications on the models it will soon be launching - including the aforementioned Chief, in four spec versions - though the launch date itself has yet to be revealed.


When London-based Stellican Limited bought the trademarks and related intellectual property of America's oldest and most iconic motorcycle brand in July 2004, it had said it was expecting to have new product out by 2007. Five years on we're still waiting, though it looks like we're pretty close to the pot of gold.

The very first Indian motorcycle hit the street in 1901, and today any early Indian would be part of a dream garage. The original iconic manufacturer went out of business in 1953, and the next generation of machines was jumpstarted by California Motorcycle Co. in 1999, after it purchased the Indian trademark. The "Gilroy Indians", as they were called (the company was headquartered in Gilroy, California), were based mostly around newer versions of the Chief but featured off-the-shelf S&S engines, which never really appealed to purists. The company hit the skids in late 2003 after the completion of an all-new engine design, the 100ci PowerPlus. By then the money had run out, and it was too little too late.

This time around, Indian is shooting for a production number of 750 bikes a year and privately held Stellican is playing with their own money (which they have plenty of). Buyers will likely be enthusiasts who are buying an Indian as their second bike or because they want a heritage brand.


Julius also says the new bike may well reflect the lines of the traditional Chief, but "In terms of the engineering, it will be a radically different bike from the bike that was produced through 2003."

Not to worry - there are plenty of Indian loyalists out there watching to make sure it's a worthy successor.

The official release follows:

News Brief: 2009 Indian Chief Motorcycle
Kings Mountain, NC-The long-anticipated introduction of the all-new 2009 Indian Chief motorcycle is approaching. As the launch date draws near (although it is yet to be announced), more details about the renaissance of this iconic American motorcycle brand are being revealed. This much is clear: the new Indian Motorcycle Company is taking a wholly different and measured approach to engineering, development and marketing of the new Indian Chief.

Founded in 1901, the legendary Indian brand remains America's first motorcycle and is highly revered. Chairman Stephen Julius and President Steve Heese have orchestrated the re-launch of Indian. Under General Manager Chris Bernauer, an eleven-year veteran of Harley-Davidson, the Indian Motorcycle team has maintained a sharp focus on product development, design and engineering excellence.


"We're very excited about the new Indian Chief which are, in every way, both true to the legacy of the Indian brand and representative of the highest level of engineering expertise" according to Mr. Bernauer. "Indian aficionados everywhere will be pleased with these superior motorcycles which effectively blend timeless Indian design with contemporary motorcycle performance."

For the past few years, Indian Motorcycle's engineering staff, led by VP of Engineering Nick Glaja, have logged thousands of hours developing, evaluating and refining each and every engineering detail. Rigorous testing continues until each component has proven its durability and performance. There will be no rush to market. Mr. Glaja, also a motorcycling industry veteran, was Principal Engineer of Powertrain Technology at Harley-Davidson before joining Indian.

Mr. Glaja says "Our goal was quite simple: to focus on the premium nature of this brand and build the finest Indian motorcycle ever. We took a 'clean sheet' approach to the engineering of this world class American legend to ensure a solid engineering platform. Benchmarks were set high and we believe our customers will be very happy."

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.

2009 Chief Standard
Note: All specification subject to change

FEATURES
STYLING
. Chromed tear drop Halogen Headlamp
. Auxilliary driving lamps
. Die cast console - color matched
. Black and polished engine with chrome covers
. Chromed spoke wheels
. Available billet wheels
. Two into one stainless steel exhaust system with three way catalytic
converter and chromed shields
. Available long skirt fenders

POWERTRAIN
. Air cooled, pushrod, Power Plus 105ci engine
. Closed loop, sequential, port injection with heated oxygen sensors
. Six speed transmission

CHASSIS
. Seat: Solo seat available in black and tan leather
. 5.5 gallon fuel tank
. Brembo brake system with dual floating rotors and 4 piston calipers in the front and single floating rotor and two piston caliper in the rear.
. Two accessory 12 V outlets

ELECTRICAL
. Tank mounted analog speedometer and multi function digital display
. Charging system 42 Amps
. Lamps: Tear drop head lamp, glass front fender light, auxilliary spot lights
. There are no electrical relays in the system


SPECIFICATIONS

DIMENSIONS
Length 100.5"
Width 40.5"
Height 50.5"
Seat Height Laden 26.69"
Seat Height Unladen 27.89"
Wheelbase 68.4"
Dry Weight
(will vary for each model)
738 lbs
Running Order Weight 773 lbs
Rake Steering Head/Trail 34?/5.92"
GVW - Gross Vehicle Weight 1260 lbs

ENGINE
Engine Type Power Plus 105, Air-Cooled
Displacement 105 Cubic Inches
Bore x Stroke 3.966 x 4.25
Compression Ratio 9 to 1
Engine Torque 100 ft*lbs (TBD)
Fuel System Closed Loop Sequential Port Fuel
Injection

DRIVETRAIN
Primary Drive Chain
Gearbox Six Speed
Gear Ratio (overall)
1st 10.441:1
2nd 7.090:1
3rd 5.172:1
4th 3.984:1
5th 3.193:1
6th 2.771:1
Final Drive Belt

CHASSIS
Frame High tensile steel, rear monoshock
Suspension/Front Diameter 41 mm/Travel 108 mm
Suspension/Rear Single shock/travel 73 mm
Brakes/Front Dual Caliper with Floating Rotors
11.5" Diameter
Brakes/Rear Single Caliper Floating Rotor
11.5" Diameter
Tires/Front 130/90-16 Black
Tires/Rear 150/90-16 Black
Wheels Wire spoked
Exhaust System Two Into One Stainless Steel With Chromed Shields

ELECTRICAL
Electrical Instruments Tank mounted analog speedometer and muti function digital display
Charging System 42 Amps
Lamps Tear drop head lamp, glass front fender light, auxillary spot lights.

WARRANTY
2 Years

PRICING
$30,999

STANDARD COLORS
Thunder Black with Silver Script
Thunder Black with Silver Head Dress

AVAILABLE COLORS
$199 Indian Red with Gold Script
$199 Indian Red with Gold Head Dress

STANDARD EQUIPMENT
Short Fenders
Solo Seat, Black Leather

AVAILABLE EQUIPMENT
$499 Long Fenders
$999 Billet Wheels
$99 Tan Leather Seat



2009 Chief Vintage

FEATURES
Note: All specification subject to change

STYLING
. Chromed tear drop Halogen Headlamp
. Auxilliary driving lamps
. Die cast console - color matched
. Black and polished engine with chrome covers
. Chromed spoke wheels
. Available billet wheels
. Two into one stainless steel exhaust system with three way catalytic converter and chromed shields
. Available short skirt fenders and dual tone paint
. Metal tank badge
. Chrome fender tips (not pictured)
. Chrome brake calipers (not pictured)
. Chrome engine guards (not pictured)

POWERTRAIN
. Air cooled, pushrod Power Plus 105ci engine
. Closed loop, sequential, port injection with heated oxygen sensors
. Six speed transmission

CHASSIS
. Seat: Solo seat with passenger pillion, available in black, tan and red leather with fringe
. Chrome grab rail
. 5.5 gallon fuel tank
. Brembo brake system with dual floating rotors and 4 piston calipers in the front and single floating rotor and two piston caliper in the rear.
. Two accessory 12 V outlets
. Tinted windshield
. Saddle bags available in black, tan, or red leather with fringe

ELECTRICAL
. Tank mounted analog speedometer and multi function digital display
. Charging system 42 Amps
. Lamps: Tear drop head lamp, glass front fender light, auxilliary spot lights
. There are no electrical relays in the system

SPECIFICATIONS

DIMENSIONS
Length 100.5"
Width 40.5"
Height 50.5"
Seat Height Laden 26.69"
Seat Height Unladen 27.89"
Wheelbase 68.4"
Dry Weight
(will vary for each model)
738 lbs
Running Order Weight 773 lbs
Rake Steering Head/Trail 34?/5.92"
GVW - Gross Vehicle Weight 1260 lbs

ENGINE
Engine Type Power Plus 105, Air-Cooled
Displacement 105 Cubic Inches
Bore x Stroke 3.966 x 4.25
Compression Ratio 9 to 1
Engine Torque 100 ft*lbs (TBD)
Fuel System Closed Loop Sequential Port Fuel Injection

DRIVETRAIN
Primary Drive Chain
Gearbox Six Speed
Gear Ratio (overall)
1st 10.441:1
2nd 7.090:1
3rd 5.172:1
4th 3.984:1
5th 3.193:1
6th 2.771:1
Final Drive Belt

CHASSIS
Frame High tensile steel, monoshock
Suspension/Front Diameter 41 mm/Travel 108 mm
Suspension/Rear Single shock/travel 73 mm
Brakes/Front Dual Caliper with Floating Rotors
11.5" Diameter
Brakes/Rear Single Caliper Floating Rotor
11.5" Diameter
Tires/Front 130/90-16 White Wall
Tires/Rear 150/90-16 White Wall
Wheels Wire spoked
Exhaust System Two Into One Stainless Steel With Chromed Shields

ELECTRICAL
Electrical Instruments Tank mounted analog speedometer and muti function digital display
Charging System 42 Amps
Lamps Tear drop head lamp, glass front fender light, auxillary spot lights.

WARRANTY
2 Years

PRICING
$35,499 delivery, set up and local taxes not included

STANDARD COLORS
Thunder Black

AVAILABLE COLORS
$199 Indian Red
$899 Thunder Black & Winter White
$899 Midnight Blue Metallic & Winter White
$899 Thunder Black & Indian Red
$899 Willow Green & Ivory Cream
Indian Red & Ivory Cream
Navajo Turquose & Winter White

STANDARD EQUIPMENT
Long Fenders
Metal Tank Badge
Solo Seat w/ Passenger Pillion, Black Leather
Vintage Leather Saddlebags, Black
Tinted Windshield
Leather Fringe
Chrome Grab Rail
Chrome Fender Tips

AVAILABLE EQUIPMENT
Short Fenders
Black Wall Tires
$999 Billet Wheels
$99 Red Leather Seat & Saddlebags
$99 Tan Leather Seat & Saddlebags



2009 Chief Roadmaster

FEATURES
Note: All specification subject to change

STYLING
. Two accessory 12 V outlets
. Chromed tear drop Halogen Headlamp
. Quick release windshield
. Auxilliary driving lamps
. Roadmaster saddle bags available in black, tan and red leather with
. Die cast console - color matched or without fringe
. Black and polished engine with chrome covers
. Chromed spoke wheels

ELECTRICAL
. Available billet wheels
. Tank mounted analog speedometer and multi function
. Two into one stainless steel exhaust system with three way catalytic digital display converter and chromed shields . Charging system 42 Amps
. Available long skirt fenders and dual tone paint
. Lamps: Tear drop head lamp, glass front fender light, auxilliary
. Chrome brake calipers (not pictured) spot lights
. There are no electrical relays in the system

POWERTRAIN
. Air cooled, pushrod Power Plus 105ci engine
. Closed loop, sequential, port injection heated oxygen sensors
. Six speed transmission

CHASSIS
. Seat: Luxury touring seat available in black, tan and red leather with or without fringe
. Matching Passenger Backrest
. 5.5 gallon fuel tank
. Brembo brake system with dual floating rotors and 4 piston calipers in the front and single floating rotor and two piston caliper in the rear.

SPECIFICATIONS

DIMENSIONS
Note: All specification subject to change

Length 100.5"
Width 40.5"
Height 50.5"
Seat Height Laden 26.69"
Seat Height Unladen 27.89"
Wheelbase 68.4"
Dry Weight
(will vary for each model)
738 lbs
Running Order Weight 773 lbs
Rake Steering Head/Trail 34?/5.92"
GVW - Gross Vehicle Weight 1260 lbs

ENGINE
Engine Type Power Plus 105, Air-Cooled
Displacement 105 Cubic Inches
Bore x Stroke 3.966 x 4.25
Compression Ratio 9 to 1
Engine Torque 100 ft*lbs (TBD)
Fuel System Closed Loop Sequential Port Fuel Injection

DRIVETRAIN
Primary Drive Chain
Gearbox Six Speed
Gear Ratio (overall)
1st 10.441:1
2nd 7.090:1
3rd 5.172:1
4th 3.984:1
5th 3.193:1
6th 2.771:1
Final Drive Belt

CHASSIS Frame
High tensile steel, monoshock
Suspension/Front Diameter 41 mm/Travel 108 mm
Suspension/Rear Single shock/travel 73 mm
Brakes/Front Dual Caliper with Floating Rotors
11.5" Diameter
Brakes/Rear Single Caliper Floating Rotor
11.5" Diameter
Tires/Front 130/90-16 Black or White Wall
Tires/Rear 150/90-16 Black or White Wall
Wheels Wire spoked
Exhaust System Two Into One Stainless Steel With
Chromed Shields

ELECTRICAL
Electrical Instruments Tank mounted analog speedometer and muti function digital display
Charging System 42 Amps
Lamps Tear drop head lamp, glass front fender light, auxillary spot lights.

WARRANTY
2 Years

PRICING
$33,999 Delivery, set up and local taxes not included

STANDARD COLORS
Thunder Black with Silver Script
Thunder Black with Silver Head Dress

AVAILABLE COLORS
$199 Indian Red with Gold Script
$199 Indian Red with Gold Head Dress
$899 Thunder Black & Winter White w/ Silver Head Dress
$899 Midnight Blue Metallic & Winter White w/ Silver Head Dress
$899 Thunder Black & Indian Red w/ Gold Head Dress
$899 Smoke Silver Metallic & Winter White w/ Silver Head Dress

STANDARD EQUIPMENT
Short Fenders
Two Up Seat, Black Leather
Roadmaster Leather Saddlebags, Black
Passenger Backrest
Windshield

AVAILABLE EQUIPMENT
$499 Long Fenders
$99 White Wall Tires
$999 Billet Wheels
$99 Red Leather Seat & Saddlebags
$99 Tan Leather Seat & Saddlebags
$99 Leather Fringe



2009 Chief Vintage

FEATURES
Note: All specification subject to change

STYLING
. Chromed tear drop Halogen Headlamp
. Auxilliary driving lamps
. Die cast console - color matched
. Black and polished engine with chrome covers
. Chromed spoke wheels
. Available billet wheels
. Two into one stainless steel exhaust system with three way catalytic converter and chromed shields
. Available short skirt fenders and dual tone paint
. Metal tank badge
. Chrome fender tips (not pictured)
. Chrome brake calipers (not pictured)
. Chrome engine guards (not pictured)

POWERTRAIN
. Air cooled, pushrod Power Plus 105ci engine
. Closed loop, sequential, port injection with heated oxygen sensors
. Six speed transmission

CHASSIS
. Seat: Solo seat with passenger pillion, available in black, tan and red leather with fringe
. Chrome grab rail
. 5.5 gallon fuel tank
. Brembo brake system with dual floating rotors and 4 piston calipers in the front and single floating rotor and two piston caliper in the rear.
. Two accessory 12 V outlets
. Tinted windshield
. Saddle bags available in black, tan, or red leather with fringe

ELECTRICAL
. Tank mounted analog speedometer and multi function digital display
. Charging system 42 Amps
. Lamps: Tear drop head lamp, glass front fender light, auxilliary spot lights
. There are no electrical relays in the system

SPECIFICATIONS

DIMENSIONS
Length 100.5"
Width 40.5"
Height 50.5"
Seat Height Laden 26.69"
Seat Height Unladen 27.89"
Wheelbase 68.4"
Dry Weight
(will vary for each model)
738 lbs
Running Order Weight 773 lbs
Rake Steering Head/Trail 34?/5.92"
GVW - Gross Vehicle Weight 1260 lbs

ENGINE
Engine Type Power Plus 105, Air-Cooled
Displacement 105 Cubic Inches
Bore x Stroke 3.966 x 4.25
Compression Ratio 9 to 1
Engine Torque 100 ft*lbs (TBD)
Fuel System Closed Loop Sequential Port Fuel Injection

DRIVETRAIN
Primary Drive Chain
Gearbox Six Speed
Gear Ratio (overall)
1st 10.441:1
2nd 7.090:1
3rd 5.172:1
4th 3.984:1
5th 3.193:1
6th 2.771:1
Final Drive Belt

CHASSIS
Frame High tensile steel, monoshock
Suspension/Front Diameter 41 mm/Travel 108 mm
Suspension/Rear Single shock/travel 73 mm
Brakes/Front Dual Caliper with Floating Rotors
11.5" Diameter
Brakes/Rear Single Caliper Floating Rotor
11.5" Diameter
Tires/Front 130/90-16 White Wall
Tires/Rear 150/90-16 White Wall
Wheels Wire spoked
Exhaust System Two Into One Stainless Steel With Chromed Shields

ELECTRICAL
Electrical Instruments Tank mounted analog speedometer and muti function digital display
Charging System 42 Amps
Lamps Tear drop head lamp, glass front fender light, auxillary spot lights.

WARRANTY
2 Years
PRICING
$35,499 delivery, set up and local taxes not included
STANDARD COLORS
Thunder Black

AVAILABLE COLORS
$199 Indian Red
$899 Thunder Black & Winter White
$899 Midnight Blue Metallic & Winter White
$899 Thunder Black & Indian Red
$899 Willow Green & Ivory Cream
Indian Red & Ivory Cream
Navajo Turquose & Winter White

STANDARD EQUIPMENT
Long Fenders
Metal Tank Badge
Solo Seat w/ Passenger Pillion, Black Leather
Vintage Leather Saddlebags, Black
Tinted Windshield
Leather Fringe
Chrome Grab Rail
Chrome Fender Tips

AVAILABLE EQUIPMENT
Short Fenders
Black Wall Tires
$999 Billet Wheels
$99 Red Leather Seat & Saddlebags
$99 Tan Leather Seat & Saddlebags