A decade ago, almost all manufacturers released fairly uninspired, derivative lightweight motorcycles that fit the commuter model, and sold like hot cakes irrespective of lacking common features in American bikes. Not to mention they were fugly like Satan’s spawn.
They would make the mid-weight class look like a run-of-the-mill hack job, with the primary focus on cutting costs wherever possible.
Thankfully, Royal Enfield changed all of that and stepped up its game with each new model release.
You Can Now Buy and Sell Indian Motorcycles on Polaris Xchange
Polaris has launched an online marketplace for buying and selling Indian motorcycles as well as other Polaris products. The all new Polaris Xchange portal allows customers to shop for a range of Polaris products online. It gives users access to thousands of powersports vehicles across a network of participating dealerships.
The Xchange also includes products from across the company’s powersports portfolio, including Indian, plus Polaris’ ATVs, side-by-sides, snowmobiles, and Slingshot auto-cycles.
Customers can buy both pre-owned vehicles as well as brand new vehicles on Polaris Xchange.
Polaris also offers a three-day return program on pre-owned vehicles.
Customers can search for complete details and history of the vehicle.
On January 18, we get to see the 2023 motorcycles from the iconic Milwaukee Motorcycle Company
The Motor Company will also detail its 120-year anniversary Homecoming event.
Harley-Davidson does things differently; Always has, (probably) always will. For example, while most motorcycle manufacturers scrambled to showcase their latest lineups and brand-new models at EICMA 2022, the Motor Company remained aloof. With all the hubbub settling down from Milan, it looks like Harley’s finally stepping into the spotlight.
The Bar and Shield will reveal its 2023 motorcycle lineup on January 18, 2023. The announcement will stream live at 10 a.m. CST on Harley-Davidson’s website. Presenters won’t just unveil the first wave of 2023 Hogs but also highlight the brand’s new accessories and gear.
During the event, the firm will also divulge details about the first annual Harley-Davidson Homecoming to be held in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on July 13-16, 2023. While we can confidently forecast music, food, and entertainment at the 120th-anniversary celebration, Harley will expand on the event’s schedule, venues, ticket packages, and lodging.
“2023 marks the 120th Anniversary of Harley-Davidson during which we’ll honor our rich heritage, celebrate with our fans and riding community, and reveal our newest motorcycles and product offerings,” revealed Harley-Davidson President and CEO Jochen Zeitz. “Please join us as we kick off our 120th Anniversary with exciting new model introductions and a peek at what we have in store for the landmark year ahead.”
The news comes during a time of transition for H-D. The American OEM recently discontinued the long-running Evo-powered Sportster lineup but rumors of a Pan America 975 variant keep hopes high for 2023. The company also continues to move toward a remote/work-from-home model as top brass considers options for reconfiguring Harley’s Milwaukee headquarters.
It’s safe to say that the brand is juggling several initiatives as 2022 draws to a close. That’s even more reason to tune in on January 18, 2023, and see what Harley-Davidson has up its sleeve. After all, they always seem to do things differently.
Indian Motorcycle Dealer Bike-Farm Melle wins top spot with a nearly 3:1 voting ratio
Last weekend, during the Custom Bike Show in Bad Salzuflen, Germany, the finals of the European Biker Build-Off saw Indian Motorcycle Dealer Bike-Farm Melle gain nearly three times the votes with their Indian Chief based Longfork Chopper “Purple Haze” over Harley-Davidson Bielefeld to take the title.
First held in 2007 and the highlight of the famous Custom Bike show, the European Biker Build-Off sees two teams competing to complete their custom bike in just three days, live, under the eyes of the trade show visitors. This year’s title fight was even more exciting as both finalists come from the region, just 30km from each other: Bike-Farm, the Indian Motorcycle dealer from Melle and Reibchen + Stegemann the Harley Davidson dealer from Bielefeld.
From Friday to Sunday at noon, the creation of two extraordinary custom bikes could be followed on the show stage and by 1 pm on the Sunday, the time had come: Judgement Day. With 529 to 179 votes, nearly a 3:1 ratio, the audience chose Bike-Farm’s ‘Purple Haze’ Indian Chief chopper as the clear winner.
“A classic long fork chopper based on the 2022 Indian Chief! It’s absolutely stunning what the Bike-Farm crew has created here. This bike radically brings to flower the seeds that are at the core of the current Chief lineup: The spirit of the past combined with the technology of today.” said Ola Stenegärd, Director of Industrial Design at Indian Motorcycle. “We always had the builders in mind during development and we worked really hard to make the reimagined Indian Chief a delight to work on. So, it’s such a pleasure to see this great canvas to create motorcycle art.”
Not only has ‘Purple Haze’ been completely designed around the current air-cooled Thunderstroke 116 engine, it also still features all the electronic amenities of the original Chief Dark Horse from which it evolved: from ABS to GPS navigation, via the touchscreen of the original gauge now cantered in the revised Chieftain tank.
Other core components have also been adopted and adapted from the original bike such as the footrests and brake systems. The frame, with a full 48° rake, was manufactured by the Dutch experts VG Motorcycle Specials, and all other components are custom-made by the Bike-Farm crew: Sheet metal parts such as the tank cover with integrated gauge and GPS transmitter to the fender were created in-house just like the sissy bar, seat, wheels, handlebars, final drive, intake and exhaust system. Even the seal-less, oil-free fork with its Teflon-lubricated sliding tubes incorporating Progressive Suspension Cartridges. Finally, Lange Metallveredelung took care of the chrome surfaces, while Vossi Lackcenter Melle traditionally handled the finishing of the paint.
“The entire bike was created within just eight weeks,” as workshop manager Tristan Frische recounts. “With four men, we wrenched, shaped and turned day and night. All the more we are delighted with this title. Not only have all the electronic features been retained, but also the fully road legal, including remaining Euro 5. So, this dream bike will soon be seen quite regularly on public roads.”
In case anyone feels inspired to build their own Longfork Chief Chopper: the VG frame is available for order at Indian Motorcycle Melle, the Indian Chief, of course, at any official Indian Motorcycle dealer.
More information about the ‘Purple Haze’ and Bike Farm/Indian Motorcycle Melle can be found on www.indian-melle.de and on their social profiles at Facebook and Instagram.
For more information on Indian Motorcycle visit IndianMotorcycle.eu and follow along on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
ABOUT BIKE-FARM MELLE: What started in 1987 in a barn with a few friends has grown into a large company with highly specialized employees. Official Indian Motorcycle dealer since 2019, the 2,000-square-meter Bike-Farm is all about American V-twins. A constantly changing exhibition showcases custom bikes created on site, which regularly receive top marks in international competitions.
Photos by Ben Ott (@benottfilm) and Fabrian Friese (@fabfri)
ROYAL ENFIELD REVEALS ALL-NEW SCRAM 411 ADV CROSSOVER
Ready. Set. Scram!
Milwaukee, WI (Tuesday, March 15, 2022) – Royal Enfield, the global leader in the midsize (250cc – 750cc) motorcycling segment, today unveiled the Scram 411 – the brand’s first ADV crossover. The new Scram 411 is an engaging, accessible and capable street scrambler, with the heart of an adventure motorcycle. Built on Royal Enfield’s proven 411cc single-cylinder engine platform and the Harris Performance chassis, the Scram 411 combines spirited agility on urban streets, with competent rough-roading capabilities. Focused and purposeful changes in the riding geometry and ergonomics make it ideal for in-city riding, as well as unpredictable, challenging trails off the urban grid.
Unveiled for global audiences today, the new Scram 411 is already available in India, and will be available in Europe, Asia Pacific, North America and Latin America later this year. The Scram 411 is scheduled to arrive in the U.S. late summer/early fall. Pricing and colorways will be announced in the coming months.
The Scram 411 is a continuation of Royal Enfield’s constant pursuit of exploration, and building motorcycles to enable every adventure. One such motorcycle is the Himalayan—Royal Enfield’s flagship adventure tourer. Launched in 2016, the Himalayan has fostered a subculture of adventure touring around the world, most recently, even Antarctica’s South Pole. Its unique design and well-rounded capability make it among Royal Enfield’s best-selling motorcycles, and it is upon this stalwart platform that the style evolution continues with the more urban-focused ADV-crossover motorcycle—the Scram 411.
The all-new Scram 411 is a new subspecies that has the authentic vibes of a scrambler and adventure touring in its DNA. With long-travel suspension and class-leading ground clearance paired with a 19-inch front wheel and 17-inch rear, the Scram 411 is playfully agile on city streets, yet is highly capable of tackling more rugged terrain, so the exploration doesn’t end when the pavement stops.
Siddhartha Lal, Managing Director, Eicher Motors Ltd., simply loves the fluidity and the
multipurpose ability of the Scram 411. Speaking about this in the context of modern existence, he said, “Whether it’s London, New Delhi or Tokyo, the contours of modern urban existence are ever-changing. With our world increasingly becoming more fast-paced, life in the urban context has become about the weekday hustle and the weekend getaway, and everything in between. We wanted to build a motorcycle that could effortlessly navigate this entire gamut, and be the perfect ally for the young, modern-day rider. The Scram 411 is truly a motorcycle made for now, and is always ready to tackle whatever surprise is in store.”
Speaking about the inspiration behind the Scram 411, and about the new motorcycle, Executive Director, Royal Enfield, B Govindarajan, said, “The globally lauded versatility and competence of the Himalayan inspired us to reimagine the motorcycle in a more young, modern-day, urban context. The Scram 411 is the perfect crossover for young city-dwellers, who prefer a motorcycle that is fun and engaging to ride around the city, yet has a rugged appeal. By shifting the riding geometry to make the motorcycle more at home on busy city streets, and retaining its strong ability to take on rough roads and take on the weekend dirt trail, we’ve brought a unique subcategory for consumers. Like all our motorcycles, the Scram 411 is built for the global rider, and manufactured with world-class engineering. We also have an array of genuine motorcycle accessories and a vibrant apparel range inspired by the Scram lifestyle. This is a very exciting and spirited new motorcycle, and we are confident that young riders from across the world will love the new Scram 411.”
Mark Wells, Chief of Design at Royal Enfield, enjoys riding the Scram 411, and loves how easily it can navigate a wide spectrum of terrain and challenges. Speaking about creating a new subspecies of motorcycles, he said, “Most scrambler motorcycles focus only on aesthetics and looks. When we began work on the Scram 411, we were determined to create a motorcycle that would be distinct in design and purpose, and bring the best of rough-road capability to urban riding. With its distinctive look and design, playful colorways, accessible riding proposition, the Scram 411 is an ultimate ADV crossover for the urban environment.”
ROYAL ENFIELD SCRAM 411 – DETAILS & SPECIFICATIONS
The Scram 411 is powered by the globally appreciated 411cc, fuel-injected, 4-stroke, SOHC, air-cooled single-cylinder engine. The counterbalanced engine ensures smooth power delivery and strong bottom-end torque that elevates the overall performance. The wide spread of useable power makes it easy to manage over long urban commutes with minimum gear shifts, and the confidence-inspiring low-revving torque allows it to tackle bad road, and off-road sections easily.
Long-travel suspension and monoshock design, together with class-leading 7.8 inches (200mm) of ground clearance, the Scram 411 delivers a smooth and comfortable ride. The telescopic front suspension with 41mm forks and 7.4 inches (190mm) travel, pairs with 7.0 inches (180mm) travel on the rear, where the link-mounted monoshock enables stable and confident riding over rough roads. Front and rear disc brakes combined with dual-channel ABS, ensures confident braking.
The change in the riding geometry is brought about by the 19-inch front wheel and dual-purpose tire. This, combined with the 17-inch rear wheel, are key to the Scram 411 motorcycle’s nimble handling. The dual-purpose tires ensure a confident grip over tarmac and loose gravel for the ideal combination of on-road grip and rough-road tractability.
The seat on the new Scram 411 is designed for comfort over long saddle time. The single seat that reflects the urban styling of the motorcycle, offers great comfort for both rider and passenger. The accessible 31.2-inch (795mm) seat height enables and easy reach to the ground, making it easy to maneuver in stop-and-go traffic.
The Scram 411 features a new digital-analog instrument cluster that provides easy access to essential information. Circumvented by a traditional analog speedometer, the Scram retains this classic style element, also making for easy viewing.
WATCH THE Live Launch of the Royal Enfield Scram 411
More details, information and specifications on the North America-spec Royal Enfield Scram 411 ADV crossover motorcycle, including colorways, options, genuine accessories and pricing, will be released in the coming months. U.S. arrival is anticipated in late summer/early spring.
#readysetscram #scram411 #royalenfieldscram
About Royal Enfield
The oldest motorcycle company in continuous production in the world, Royal Enfield made its first motorcycle in 1901.
Royal Enfield North America (RENA) is headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and is developing a growing network of more than 140 dealers in North America, including the contiguous U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico. RENA currently offers the all-new Meteor 350, Himalayan and the 650 Twins (INT 650 and Continental GT 650) motorcycles, along with a range of Genuine Motorcycle Accessories and apparel.
HARLEY-DAVIDSON CVO MOTORCYCLES REPRESENT PINNACLE OF STYLE AND DESIGN
MILWAUKEE, WI (January 26, 2022) – Advanced technology, exclusive components and obsessive attention to detail distinguish four new 2022 motorcycle models from Harley-Davidson® Custom Vehicle Operations™ (CVO™). Limited-production, super-premium CVO motorcycles represent the pinnacle of forward-looking style, design and craftsmanship from Harley-Davidson, the world’s most-desirable motorcycle brand.
CVO models for 2022 include the CVO™ Road Glide® Limited, the CVO™ Street Glide®, the CVO™ Road Glide® and the CVO™ Tri Glide®. Each model offers exclusive paint colors and designs executed to a level of intricate quality and hand-crafted detail that is unmatched in the motorcycle and automotive categories.
“Gunslinger is our partner in custom paint that’s been that’s been adding incredible artisanal techniques to our CVO arsenal and family for a long time now, and they’re inspiring us to push the limits, so we try to do the same thing with them,” said Brad Richards, Harley-Davidson Vice President of Design. “When most manufacturers are at the limits of a robot, Gunslinger can go in there with an artist who has the ability to brush by hand and deliver the sharpest pinstripe possible. That hand applied technique allows for very intricate two-tones, three-tones, airbrush drop shadows, and really transcends the ‘expected’ by delivering a truly custom look.”
Each CVO model is also equipped with Milwaukee-Eight 117 engine, plus the complete technology suite of Cornering Rider Safety Enhancements and the advanced Boom!™ Box GTS infotainment system equipped with high-performance Harley-Davidson® Audio powered by Rockford Fosgate®.
Milwaukee-Eight® 117 High-Performance Engine
The Milwaukee-Eight® 117 V-Twin engine in each CVO model delivers the most factory-installed torque and displacement available in a Harley-Davidson motorcycle.
117 cubic inches displacement
126 ft. lbs. of torque at 3750 RPM (CVO Road Glide, CVO Street Glide) for strong performance the rider will feel with every twist of the throttle
125 ft. lbs. of torque at 3,500 RPM (CVO Road Glide Limited, CVO Tri Glide) for strong performance the rider will feel with every twist of the throttle
High-performance camshaft is matched to displacement and air flow to maximize performance
High-performance intake flows more air into the engine to boost performance and gives the motorcycle added hot rod presence
High-performance exhaust is tuned to maximize engine performance while maintaining 50-state regulatory compliance and producing a stirring tone
CVO™ Motorcycle Technology
Cornering Rider Safety Enhancements by Harley-Davidson is a collection of technology designed to enhance rider confidence during unexpected situations or poor road conditions, and is a standard feature on each 2022 CVO model. Cornering Rider Safety Enhancements are designed to match motorcycle performance to available traction during acceleration, deceleration and braking, in a straight line or while in a turn. The systems are electronic and utilize the latest chassis control, electronic brake control and powertrain technology. Elements of Cornering Riding Safety Enhancements include Cornering Enhanced Electronic Linked Braking (C-ELB), Cornering Enhanced Antilock Braking System (C-ABS), Cornering Enhanced Traction Control System (C-TCS), Drag-Torque Slip Control System (DSCS), Vehicle Hold Control (VHC), and Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).
Harley-Davidson® Audio powered by Rockford Fosgate® This rider-focused, high-performance motorcycle audio is an exclusive standard feature on each 2022 Harley-Davidson CVO model. Harley-Davidson and Rockford Fosgate collaborated to create all-new components for an advanced, high-performance audio system that pushes the bounds of technology, featuring speakers and amplifiers designed specifically for Harley-Davidson motorcycles. Go to Harley-Davidson® Audio powered by Rockford Fosgate for complete details. Rockford Fosgate is a registered trademark of Rockford Corp.
Daymaker® Adaptive LED Headlamp The 2022 CVO Street Glide model is equipped with a Daymaker Adaptive LED Headlamp, the most-advanced headlamp system ever developed for a Harley-Davidson motorcycle. Patented sensors and electronics integrated into the headlamp control 12 additional LED lights that activate based on the lean of the bike to project light into corners to illuminate areas of the road that may be unlit by traditional LED headlamps.
Wireless Headset Each 2022 CVO motorcycle is shipped with a Boom!™ Audio 30K Bluetooth® Helmet Headset, which connects via Bluetooth® interface with the Boom! Box GTS infotainment system and eliminates fussing with cords. The headset features Mesh Intercom™ Network protocol that automatically connects to a near limitless number of riders while in public mode – no more lost group connections when someone goes out of range – and can connect with up to 16 riders in private mode at a range of up to 5 miles (8.05km). This headset also fulfills the Apple CarPlay microphone requirement for the Boom!™ Box GTS.
CVO Street Glide Model
A super-premium hot rod bagger for the rider who rolls loud and proud. The classic silhouette of the batwing fairing topped with jaw-dropping paint and finish details, premium audio and the pavement-peeling power of the Milwaukee-Eight 117 engine make this one outrageous bike.
NEW Decorative insert finishes and scorched chrome powertrain covers (with Blue Steel paint option)
Harley-Davidson Audio powered by Rockford Fosgate Stage II for super-premium sound
Heated Kahuna™ Collection hand grips match Kahuna Collection shifter pegs, brake pedal cover, muffler end caps, and rider and passenger pegs
Daymaker Adaptive LED headlamp
Fugitive custom wheels with gloss black and contrast chrome, all gloss black, or Blue Steel and contrast scorched chrome finish, depending on paint option
Low-profile console with CVO light
Screamin’ Eagle® Heavy Breather intake for improved air flow and bold hot-rod style
NEW Paint Options
Hightail Yellow Pearl/Black Hole with Lightning Silver Two-Tone and Bright Chrome finishes
Envious Green with Black Hole Fade with Flame Pattern and Gloss Black finishes
Blue Steel solid color and Scorched Chrome finishes
CVO Road Glide Model
For the rider who runs out front and never looks back. The CVO Road Glide model offers menacing style behind its distinctive dual LED headlamps and frame-mounted shark nose fairing, and the unrelenting performance of the Milwaukee-Eight 117 powertrain. Powerhouse audio, an exclusive 21-inch front wheel, fabulous custom paint and extraordinary attention to detail complete this very desirable bike.
NEW decorative insert finishes and scorched chrome powertrain covers (with Blue Steel paint option)
Harley-Davidson Audio powered by Rockford Fosgate Stage II for super-premium sound
Road Glide fairing features splitstream venting to limit head buffeting; Dual Daymaker LED headlamps push out an impressive punch with a bright-white beam that lights up the road; all other lighting is LED
Exclusive Combo 21-inch front / 18-inch rear wheel
Features a cast-aluminum rim and laced spokes for a look that is both rugged and very exclusive/custom
Enables TPMS (tire pressure monitoring systems) on a laced wheel
This is the only 21-inch front wheel offered on a H-D® Touring model; suspension is re-tuned for no compromise in handling and braking performance; adds to custom-bagger look and CVO™ model exclusivity
Low-profile console with CVO light
Heated Kahuna Collection hand grips match Kahuna shifter pegs, brake pedal cover, muffler end caps, and rider and passenger pegs
Fang Front Spoiler is dramatic lower bodywork and a custom styling feature
Screamin’ Eagle Heavy Breather intake for improved air flow and bold hot-rod style
NEW Paint Options
Wicked Orange Pearl/Black Hole with Lightning Silver Two-Tone and Bright Chrome finishes
Envious Green with Black Hole Fade with Flame Pattern and Gloss Black finishes
Blue Steel Solid Color and Scorched Chrome finishes
CVO Road Glide Limited Model
For the rider who leads, alone or with a partner on board. The CVO Road Glide Limited model is loaded with luxury and long-haul comfort, head-turning style and power that always satisfies. Premium audio, heated seats and grips, and the precise handling of the aerodynamic Road Glide model fixed fairing make this motorcycle the ultimate Harley-Davison Touring machine.
NEW decorative insert finishes
NEW Harley-Davidson Audio powered by Rockford Fosgate Stage I for premium sound
Twin-Cooled™ Milwaukee-Eight® 117 powertrain maintains power and performance in the most-challenging conditions
Road Glide model fairing features splitstream venting to limit head buffeting; Dual Daymaker LED headlamps push out an impressive punch with a bright-white beam that lights up the road; all other lighting is LED
Heated seat with dual-zone rider/passenger control for added comfort in cool weather
Heated Kahuna Collection hand grips match shifter pegs, brake pedal cover, muffler end caps, and rider / passenger boards
Tomahawk™ custom wheels
NEW Paint Options
Wicked Orange Pearl/Black Hole with Lightning Silver Two-Tone and Bright Chrome finishes
Hightail Yellow Pearl/Black Hole with Lightning Silver Two-Tone and Bright Chrome finishes
Dante’s Red with Dante’s Black Sunglo Fade Flame Pattern and Gloss Black finishes
CVO Tri Glide Model
This super-premium trike delivers distinctive style, powerful performance and long-haul touring capability plus the added confidence of a third wheel. The CVO Tri Glide is loaded with premium audio, luxurious comfort features and an astounding finish and attention to detail, on a chassis designed from the wheels up as a trike.
NEW Harley-Davidson Audio powered by Rockford Fosgate Stage I for premium sound
NEW Decorative Insert Finishes
Twin-Cooled Milwaukee-Eight 117 powertrain maintains power and performance in the most-challenging conditions
Tomahawk Contrast Cut cast aluminum wheels front and rear maintain cohesive styling
Heated Kahuna Collection hand grips match shifter pegs, brake pedal cover, muffler end caps, and rider and passenger boards
Heated seat with dual-zone rider/passenger control for added comfort in cool weather
All LED Lighting: Headlamp, fog lamps, tail/brake lamps and signals
NEW Paint Option
Dante’s Red with Dante’s Black Sunglo Fade Flame Pattern and Bright Chrome finishes
Harley-Davidson stands for the timeless pursuit of adventure and freedom for the soul. Go to H-D.com to learn more about the complete line of 2022 Harley-Davidson motorcycles, gear, accessories and more.
Plus, All-New Models to be shown January 26 World Premiere Event
2022 Model Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Revealed And Arriving At Worldwide Dealerships
Additional All-New Models to be introduced January 26 in World Premiere Event
MILWAUKEE, WI (January 5, 2022) – Harley-Davidson today revealed a portion of its 2022 motorcycle line and announced these bikes are arriving at authorized US Harley-Davidson dealerships starting now and at dealers around the world in the coming weeks, with additional new motorcycle models to be unveiled later this month.
The limited-production 2022 models from Harley-Davidson® Custom Vehicle Operations™ (CVO™) and more new Harley-Davidson motorcycle models will be revealed during the “Further. Faster.” World Premiere Event on January 26 at 10:00 a.m. CST.
To take part in the January 26th “Further. Faster.” World Premiere Event, register at H-D.com/22.
Whether you love or hate Indian Motorcycle, it’s likely you have an opinion about the brand’s name and logo. Actually, a lot of people who’ve never ridden a motorcycle in their life have hot takes on what should be done with Indian Motorcycle. It’s a topic which was dealt with back in the 90s before anyone had even heard of cancel culture, but that’s how long these types of sentiments have existed in society.
For now this issue has sat on the backburner, relegated to smaller media outlets and not the big corporate broadcasters and newspapers. That could change in a flash as we’ve seen a thing not previously in the spotlight suddenly become public enemy number one. Some argue Indian Motorcycle is profiting off the name and imagery of indigenous people, which they say is exactly like when different tribes were forcibly kicked off their land by white settlers. That’s a huge logical leap, but it’s the argument being levied with a lot of emotion mixed in so you don’t pay too much attention to the lack of logic or the fact some Native Americans don’t agree with the sentiment.
As mentioned before, there’s some turbulent history with the Indian Motorcycle brand, most notably a lawsuit in the 1990s after a deal to have a Native American tribe make the bikes fell apart. It’s a complicated legal case, but there was understandably a lot of bad blood from that deal gone sour.
More recently, a few voices in the motorcycle world have decided the time is now for Indian to change its name and logo. I’ll let them explain in their own words.
Canada MotoGuide ran an op-ed in March of this year where the author states, “As the world becomes more PC-friendly, I do think that the name and branding will do more harm than good, ultimately having a negative impact on sales in the future. I certainly don’t want to see the company fail, nor do I wish anything but the best for those who make their living and support their families working for the company. I merely think that supporting and perpetuating a certain pattern of cultural appropriation is best left in the past.”
New Zealand motorcycle publication On Throttle ran a similar piece about this topic also in March, the author stating he didn’t want to attack the oldest motorcycle brand in America. However, he argued “while the company is not outwardly racist, there are problems with the brand that have not been addressed in regards to the cultural appropriation”
More thoughtful dialog can be found on a 4-year-old Reddit post where the author asks if the name and logo for Indian Motorcycle is offensive. The top answer was succinct: “I have never owned one but do not feel anything negative about it. I used to run Native Net, 67 reservations, where we discussed problem areas and this was never brought up by any of the Native nations.” Another user pointed out that sometimes perceptions are off due to a lack of understanding, like how people think the gunmaker Savage Arms is racist because of the name combined with an Indian’s head in the logo. In that case, the founder’s last name was Savage and he traded with a chief who gave his permission to use his likeness, likely because he found it to be an honor and not mockery.
Nothing from the history of Indian Motorcycle suggests a connection between the founders of the company and any Native American group. However, it seems they used names like Chief, Scout, and Chieftain to convey strength, not as mockery. Some take the usages as just the opposite.
I grew up in a state where there were a lot of Native Americans. I had friends who were from different tribes or pueblos and others who were part Native American. I also attended college with many Native Americans and discussed cultural topics with some. I live right next to two reservations and have lived around Native Americans my entire life. From my own life experience, the one thing I can say with 100 percent certainty is that if anyone is trying to tell you all Native Americans feel or think a certain thing, they’re not being honest. Some hate things like Indian Motorcycles. Others think they’re cool and are proud owners of an Indian, others that they’re silly, and some have no opinion on the topic. In other words, trying to argue that the brand name and logo offends all Native Americans is simply untrue.
For Polaris’ and Indian Motorcycle’s part, they seem to be sensitive to the potential controversy. While they continue to use legacy names, no new model names have even a hint of indigenous roots. They haven’t added any extra Indian-themed imagery to the motorcycles and you won’t find anything like that in dealerships, or at least that’s the direction the dealers have been given by Indian Motorcycles.
There are plenty of reasons to not like Indian Motorcycle. Some have an issue with the parent company, Polaris. Others aren’t a fan of the bike designs or they don’t like how they ride. I know people who really hate the quality or reliability of Indians. But for now it seems like the effort to build pressure to cancel the brand name and logo isn’t exactly catching on in the motorcycle world and it may never.
Two-wheeler market leader Hero MotoCorp on Friday announced the expansion of operations in Argentina with the opening of its flagship dealership in Buenos Aires in partnership with Gilera Motors Argentina.
Gilera Motors Argentina (GMA) will make new investments to rapidly expand all business operations for Hero MotoCorp’s products. This is expected to generate nearly 500 new jobs in the region, the company said in a regulatory filing.
Further, GMA has also expanded its plant in Carlos Spegazzini province of Buenos Aires to completely renovate its infrastructure and adapt the latest automotive technologies that are incorporated in Hero MotoCorp products, it added.
ABOUT HERO MOTOCORP
Hero MotoCorp is the largest two-wheeler manufacturer in the world. In January 2021, Hero MotoCorp’s production exceeded 100 million two-wheelers.
Hero MotoCorp is the Exclusive Distributor for Harley-Davidson motorcycles in India and manages the Authorized Dealerships, Service Centers and parts for the iconic American brand.
HeroMotoCorp is present in South American and African nations and launched Hero brand in Mexico in January 2021 in Partnership with Grupo Salinas.
Hero Motorsports Rally Team participates in international competitions including Dakar Rally.
In July 2013, HeroMotoCorp acquired 49.2% shareholding in Erik Buell Racing, a motorcycle sport company which produced street and racing motorcycles based in East Troy, Wisconsin, United States. EBR filed for bankruptcy in 2015 and Hero MotoCorp acquired certain assets for ₹18.2 crore (equivalent to US$3.5 million in 2020).
* * * *
“We are happy to rapidly expand our operations in Argentina. We have already made significant progress since announcing our new association with Gilera Motors Argentina in October,” Hero MotoCorp Head – Global Business Sanjay Bhan said.
The company has already inaugurated a flagship store and is focussed on scaling up sales and service across the country, he added.
GMA is one of the leading companies in the motor vehicle sector in Argentina and one of the most experienced motorcycle manufacturers in Latin America.
Gilera Motors Argentina Director Ramiro Di Liscia said, “our association will have a multiplier effect on the local economy, generating investment and new direct and indirect jobs. We are adding nearly 500 new jobs already and expect more benefits to the local economy as we further expand our operations in the future.”
The new investment and new facilities that Gilera Motors Argentina is making will boost the industry in the country. Customers will also benefit from the latest technologies of Hero MotoCorp products such as the Xpulse 200 and Hunk 160R, which comply with Euro 3 and Euro 4 standards, GMA Vice-President Omar Caruso said.
Indian Motorcycle introduces 2022 Lineup featuring Updated Technology.
New Ride Command Update, Adaptive Headlight for Scout.
All-New Accessories for Cruiser, Bagger & Touring.
Prices, Paint and Specs announced.
“Rider feedback continues to be at the forefront of what drives refinements and enhancements for our model year offerings, and that is once again the case for 2022. With the help of customer feedback, we aim to consistently enhance and improve the lineup with new technology and wider-ranging accessory options like these for 2022.” – Mike Dougherty, President for Indian Motorcycle
