Indian

Indian

Indian Chief Vintage

Now that Indian is owned by Polaris Industries, manufacturers of Victory motorcycles, this legendary American brand has its brightest hope ever for full-scale resurrection. Just three models will be available for the time being, with the Chief Vintage residing at the top of the line. The Vintage’s fringed solo saddle looks for all the world like the sprung seats on hardtail baggers from a time most of us are too young to remember, and the fringed leather bags and wide whitewall tires also hark back to the post-WWII era. Available in two solid colors and, for an additional $900, three two-tone options.

$35,999 to $36,899 Engine type: ohv V-Twin Displacement: 1721cc Carburetion: EFI Transmission: 6-speed Final drive: belt Front brake: dual disc Rear brake: disc Wheelbase: 68.4 in. Seat height: 27.3 in. Fuel capacity: 5.5 gal. Claimed dry weight: 753 lb.

Indian Chief Dark Horse/Chief Classic

The Dark Horse is an appropriately named model, since just about everything but its engine covers, rocker boxes, pushrod tubes, brake rotors and Indian headdress tank graphic is matte black. That sea of black gives this big, 105-inch V-Twin cruiser a strikingly different retro-style appearance reminiscent of WWII military bikes. Like all 2012 Indians, the Dark Horse is American-made, built in Polaris’ manufacturing plant in Spirit Lake, Iowa. Also available: The Chief Classic, a mechanically identical model but with a glossy paint finish and chrome in all of the usual places.

$27,999/26,499 Engine type: ohv V-Twin Displacement: 1721cc Carburetion: EFI Transmission: 6-speed Final drive: belt Front brake: dual disc Rear brake: disc Wheelbase: 68.4 in. Seat height: 27.3 in. Fuel capacity: 5.5 gal. Claimed dry weight: 728 lb.