The "new" Indian Motorcycle... will it survive?

Question

http://www.indianmotorcycle.com/TheMotorcycles1/ChiefStandard/ChiefStandardSpecifications/tabid/154/Default.aspx

Wow, $31K for a new "base" model Chief. I knew they were going to be high (I was expecting $20K out of the gates) as the website and owner had stated for new owners to expect a "premium price for a premium motorcycle". However, I had my $1000 deposit refunded.

I'd love to own a Chief again, but I don't believe it's worth $30K-plus. You can purchase a fully-loaded (and then some) bagger HD for that. I'm going to wait to see how they do before I throw that much cash at one.

My question to all, HD owners, sportbikers, etc.: Have they priced themselves out of the market? Are we going to watch them fold once again?

I certainly hope they do well, for the sake of the name and the workers putting their sweat equity into the bikes, but I'm already skeptical.

Thoughts?

Answer 1

In order to survive, it first has to be born.  They're only taking deposits (like yours) and you had yours refunded.  I doubt you're the only one to ask for the refund.  If they can't raise enough capital to start production there won't be anything to fold.

They certainly are beautiful bikes though.  So who does that leave to purchase a $30K+ bike?  Jay Leno?  You should be skeptical.

Answer 2

In Indian's last incarnation Rider Magazine did their best to say something good about a beautiful bike that leaked,  didn't handle and vibrated so badly that a part broke. They were reduced to reporting on how good it looked when parked.  

They were not any better than H-D and certainly not as good as BMW, etc.  Remember Henderson.  They, too, were trying to use "heritage" to sell big ticket,  old tech bikes  but it would seem that niche is already filled.

Answer 3

You can get a 110 point restoration REAL Indian chief for less than that. All you'll get from those guys is a typical Harley clone with an Indian logo on the tank

Answer 4

I think the state of the economy is going to make a big impact.  As long as people were flush with money, Starbucks could sell $5 a cup coffee.  Now they've closed a couple of hunderd stores because people figure they're better off spending $1 for coffee at McDonalds and the other $4 on gasoline.  

The ultra-rich will always be able to spend big bucks on toys, but catering to the filthy rich sector only is a very risky business move.    

Answer 5

They are great loking bikes but will most likely become "garage queens" because the owners I suspect have spent so much money on them that they will only ride them to the local coffee shop on fair days and on toy runs when weather permits, not unlike most H-D owners of the past few years.  

Answer 6

They might survive if they can run their company with only selling a hand full every year.

Answer 7

im glad to see indian making a comeback i think it will if you can afford a harley then the indian is in reach i dident think the triumph rocket3 would sell  but yes its selling well  

Answer 8

I would love to say yes, but with Harley, Victory, and other cruiser bikes on the market the new Indian is going to appeal to a very small percent of the consumers.  By not making an "entry" level bike they cut a big chunk out of their would be sales, but I guess everyone has a buisiness plan and stratagy.  I hope it works for them, but I have doubts.