QuestionHi Bill - I'm a retired man with about $15K or a bit more to spend...Is a modern Indian a good purchase? Do the engines stand up? Heavy maintenance?
AnswerHi William,
Thanks for the question, and congrats on your retirement.
I'll have to warn you away from Indian motorcycles, unfortunately. Nice bikes to be sure, but since the company went out business (yet again) last year, if you were to have a problem, you'd be in trouble.
Not many shops will work on them, and if they do, it won't be cheap.
At the beginning of the latest resurgence of the brand, when they were making ACTUAL motorcycles, it seemed Indian was on the verge of breaking it open. They had a new 100ci "round top" engine that was gorgeous, and according to reviewers, had enough oomph to get the job done. As heavyweight cruisers, they weren't fast or sharp-handling, but they sure looked good and sounded good and rode well enough for cruising duty.
But like I said, they are gone now, and the bikes are pretty much collectors items that are better left as hanger queens rather than every-day rides.
If you are trying to "not buy" a Harley, I can understand that, seems everyone has one. Nice bikes to be sure, a lot better than they used to be, and great build quality.
If you are looking for an alternative, there are, of course, the Japanese bikes, but if that's not to your liking, you might also look at Victory (a USA brand, a division of Polaris, the snow-mobile people) and also at Triumph, from the Brits. Both good brands, reliable and well-supported with a lot of neat bikes to choose from.
Whatever you decide to do, ride safe and have fun. Feel free to send me another question any time.
Bill Roberson
