The 2016 Indians - can less be more?Although it is still early days (even for the rebirth of a badge dating from 1901!), Polaris are showing impressive brand stewardship as their convincing ownership of the Indian marque finally steers the custom motorcycle market towards an OE duopoly ...
Although a six model line-up is no doubt a lot less than where Polaris envisage seeing the Indian range settle out at, while the company waits to build its dealer network, the steady evolution of what we are seeing under Polaris' brand management has got everyone's attention - not least Harley-Davidson's.
 |
| Roadmaster - described by Indian as offering "Pure American Luxury - the dramatic design complemented with the ergonomic luxury and innovation for both rider and passenger makes for an unmatched ride". Interestingly, though priced a tad more expensively than Harley's tourers, its 111 cubic inch Thunder Stroke power plant and host of ride-friendly included features and creature comforts (power-adjustable windscreen, heated grips, dual heated seats, ABS, tire pressure monitoring, keyless ignition with remote locking storage, electronic cruise control, advanced infotainment system and Bluetooth capability) make the Roadmaster competitive with Harley CVOs that start at some $10k more at MRSP |
In fact, the progress Indian is making in building its dealer network is impressive, and with the 2016 model range showing a sureness of touch underpinned by the considerable corporate resources and PowerSports industry experience that Polaris bring to the brand's table, there is every reason to expect to see wait lists develop - and not just because of the widely reported paint facility bottleneck.
 |
| Chieftain - also described by Indian as a "bagger" and starting at $22,999 MSRP, standard features include ABS; cast aluminum frame with integrated air-box; cruise control; driving lights; highway bar; keyless start; power windshield; Desert Tan genuine leather seats; remote locking hard saddle bags; tire pressure monitoring; 100 Watt stereo with AM/FM Bluetooth and Smartphone compatible input |
Compared to Harley's 8 family, 38 variant line-up, Indian's single 'entry-level' Scout, three mid-range Chief branded cruisers, a Chieftain as its top-end cruiser and a single Roadmaster top-end tourer may appear to represent a modest start, but don't be fooled, this is a case of appearances definitely being deceptive. This is a model range that is strategically greater than the sum of its parts.
Polaris earned much kudos for the careful, steady way in which it went about introducing and evolving its Victory brand. That calm assurance has now come back to benefit them in spades as they seek to give Victory new meaning and recreate it as offering new, additional business opportunities for their motorcycle dealers in the long-term.
In the short-term this theoretically modest start is exactly what is required, and by building slowly, Indian are building well.
Their 2016 offer clearly demonstrates a business plan that fits a rational and realistic approach to productionisation plan, a manageable approach to required dealer investment and flooring overhead and, above all, a careful nurturing of consumer expectation.
 |
| Chief Classic - starting at $17,999 MSRP, "classic style meets modern performance and technology". Fuel injected 111"/1800cc Thunder Stroke air-cooled 49 degree v-twin in cast aluminum/integrated air box frame. Features include ABS, remote key fob/keyless start and gauges galore |
The three-way dynamic of tensions that could arise between the expectations that Indian's brand heritage inevitably generates, the inevitable comparisons with Harley-Davidson, and the position that Indian needs to earn in a crowded contemporary market that is spoilt for quality riding choices, makes this an ambitious project.
Indian's 2016 offer appears to confirm what everyone who has been paying attention has come to believe - that Polaris has the smarts to control its ambitions and deliver on expectations.
Have you been keeping an eye on what their shares have been doing in the past 36 months? Comparing and contrasting Polaris' share price performance with Harley's is just as interesting as comparing and contrasting their motorcycle product ranges.
By refusing to allow itself to be sucked into offering too much too soon, Polaris is giving the Indian brand headroom rather than headwind.
www.indianmotorcycle.com
 |
| Scout - available with or without ABS (and in Black, btw!) - Indian continue to describe the acclaimed Scout as a middleweight cruiser. Well, yes it is really, but either way this is Indian's popular entry level offer (25.3" seat height) and 'Iron' or no 'Iron', this "nimble, sporty platform with modern performance technology" (i.e. liquid-cooled and fuel injected) is massively competitive with Harley's Sportsters, both in terms of power (69"/1130cc/100hp/72 ft.lbs peak torque at 5,200 rpm), bang-for-the-buck (MSRP starts at $10,999) and handling thanks to suspension that remains far superior to the upgraded Sportster set-up (dual shocks with 3" travel and telescopic front forks with 4.7" of travel), a cast aluminum frame (and wheels) and smooth gear drive wet clutch |
 |
| Chief Vintage - described by Indian as a "bagger" and starting at $20,999 MSRP, there's nothing "vintage" about the standard ABS and keyless start technology on this soft-bag tourer, with tank-mounted electronic speedometer/odometer; dual trip meters; digital tachometer; ambient air temperature; fuel range; average fuel economy; battery voltage; gear position display; real-time clock; vehicle trouble code readout; heated grip level (if heated grips installed); low engine oil pressure; and 9 LED telltale indicators: cruise control enabled, cruise control set, neutral, high beam, turn signal, ABS, check engine, and MPH or km/h unit designation; tank-mounted electronic fuel gauge with low fuel LED indicator |
 |
| Chief Dark Horse - launched mid-way through the traditional model year cycle (to much admiration) this "Darker. Bolder." (sounds familiar ?) entry level Chief Cruiser (MSRP starts at $16,999) is based on the torquey (119 ft/lbs) air-cooled fuel injected Thunder Stroke 111"/1800cc 49 degree v-twin engine in a cast aluminum frame with integrated air box and has ABS, remote key fob/keyless start and electronic cruise control as standard |
