Tuesday 21 October 2014

INDIAN MOTORCYCLE - A living American legend

Mr. Maxime Vandereyken, Asia Distribution Manager of Polaris Industries Inc.





Indian Motorcycle is a brand steeped in history and born of passion for the open road. Founded at the start of the 20th Century, Indian Motorcycle was America’s first motorcycle company. Indian Motorcycle hit the road in 1901, with the first bike sold the following year. It swiftly rose to become the best-selling brand worldwide with the introduction of the first V-twin motorcycle in 1907, soon earning distinction as one of America’s most iconic brands. Indian Motorcycles is today recognized as a premium product with a strong American heritage. ‘The first American motorcycle’ company puts quality above all else to ensure that their philosophy rings true – If you ride Indian, you ride Premium.


Playing a vital role in history, the brand supplied the U.S military and allied forces with 60% of the motorcycles used in World War I and produced innovative new models (many equipped with side cars) for troops in World War II.

Indian Motorcycle saw considerable success in its early years and in 1930 the brand was bought over by DuPont Motors. Naturally, the brand’s journey has seen a few bumps in the road – being owned and claimed by numerous companies over the years, but today it's a smooth ride ahead with the passion reignited under new brand stewardship of Polaris Industries Inc. which took on Indian Motorcycle in 2011.

Rolling Ahead With New Management

Polaris, founded in 1954, designs, engineers, manufactures and markets innovative, high quality off-road vehicles, including all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), parts, garments and accessories, Polaris RANGER® and RZR® side-by-side vehicles, snowmobiles, on-road electric/hybrid powered vehicles, Victory motorcycles and Indian Motorcycle.

A recognised force in the industry, Polaris generated $3.8 billion in 2013 sales. To-date, Polaris is the market leader in powersports unit sales in North America and holds more than 350 worldwide patents. Polaris celebrates its American roots and prides itself as being world-class with core competencies in design, engineering, testing, manufacturing, marketing and distribution/dealer development.

In 1998, Polaris created Victory, a motorcycle company that emerged as the first successful American motorcycle brand to be designed and manufactured in 50 years. Victory has now become the second-largest seller of heavyweight bikes in the world behind Harley-Davidson.

Polaris shares the same pioneering spirit that brought Indian Motorcycle to life. Combined with its engineering prowess and financial resources, Polaris intends to re-forge this iconic brand – America’s original motorcycle company – to return Indian Motorcycle to its rightful place as the industry leader.

When Polaris Industries acquired Indian Motorcycle, Polaris set out to capture the heart, soul and legendary heritage of this iconic American brand and then infuse it with unparalleled design, engineering and state-of-the-art technology. The broad design history of the Indian brand gives the team at Polaris huge latitude. The possibilities are copious for the manufacturing giant, well known for its sixty years of masterful engineering, heartland values and workforce that shares the same values, passions and enthusiasm.

An Exciting New Line-Up




The Indian Motorcycle design and engineering team at Polaris took a mere 27 months to develop the three 2014 Indian Chiefs from the ground.  Powering every 2014 Indian Motorcycle is the clean sheet design of the new Thunder Stroke™ 111 engine. Offering 111 cubic inches of pavement pounding power and 119 ft-lbs of torque, this class-leading power plant draws powerful design cues from heritage Indian Motorcycle engines merged with brilliant engineering and advanced technologies.

It's smooth, efficient, and powerful. The Thunder Stroke 111 is a 49-degree, air-cooled V-twin with 6-speed overdrive transmission, and features unmatched premium exterior finishes and touches. It offers owners the peace-of-mind that comes from over two million miles of on-road (including dyno and on-road evaluation) and test-lab verification plus Polaris Industries’ sixty years of engineering expertise.

The new engine will be American made, built at the Polaris Engine Assembly Plant located in Osceola, WI. Complete motorcycles will be assembled at the Polaris’ production facility in Spirit Lake, IA.

2014 Indian Chief Classic



The new Indian Chief Classic is a pure, powerful cruiser forged from key heritage design elements yet wrapped in advanced design, engineering and technology. It features iconic styling like valanced fenders, rich genuine leather saddle, classic tank-mounted instrumentation, tear-drop fuel tank design, and sculpted and lighted front fender war bonnet. The 2014 Indian Chief Classic comes standard with a host of premium features  including endless chrome, keyless ignition, ABS, cruise control, throttle-by-wire, true dual exhaust, high quality chrome laced spoke wheels, brake calliper covers, cast aluminium frame with integrated air intake, and much more.

(Starting Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price: RM 168,000)

 2014 Indian Chief Vintage



The new Indian 2014 Indian Chief Vintage is a soft bagger that takes iconic Indian Motorcycle styling to a whole new level with handcrafted detail and a signature heritage aesthetic. The Indian 2014 Indian Chief Vintage offers top-quality quick release soft-sided leather bags, leather fringe, chrome fender tips, vintage chrome badging on the front fender and a quick-release windshield for easy installation or removal. It includes the same premium standard features as the Indian Chief Classic, and sports the same iconic design elements like valanced fenders, laced wheels, whitewall tires, tank-mounted instrument cluster and extensive chrome finishes throughout. It is also powered by the new Thunder Stroke 111 engine.

(Starting Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price: RM 178,000)

2014 Indian Chieftain




The first Indian Motorcycle of its kind, the 2014 Indian Chieftain maintains the legendary Indian Chief styling, while taking this progressive machine to new heights with advanced features and premium comfort. Unlike any Indian Motorcycle ever made, the Chieftain features a fairing with integrated driving lights, and its power windshield is an industry-first for a fork-mounted fairing. Standard features include hard saddlebags featuring remote locks and quick-release anchors, a high-output audio system featuring integrated Bluetooth® smartphone connectivity, and a tire pressure monitoring system.

(Starting Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price: RM 188,000)

The primary differences concern trim levels for comfort, features, riding distance capability and storage capacity. The Chief Classic is intended for short trips with minimal cargo, while the Chieftain is best for long multi-day trips with maximum cargo, and the Chief Vintage works for a balance of both types of riding. The Chieftain sports a high-output Kicker audio system featuring integrated Bluetooth smartphone connectivity and a tire pressure monitoring system.

Passion Shared

Indian Motorcycle has seen great success, struggle and rebirth in more than 100 years of its history. In recognition of its journey and the passion shared by its customers, the brand celebrates with the creation of an exclusive community of bikers: the Indian Motorcycle Riders Group (IRG). A few forms of membership are available to allow new owners, dedicated owners and even Indian Motorcycle enthusiasts who do not own their own bike to become part of this extraordinary brotherhood.

The IRG will boast a host of privileges and services, and will form a common platform for Indian motorcycle riders to meet, socialize, share ‘war stories’, ride and adventure together.  The key objective of the IRG is to provide a service upon which riders may depend on for the easy organizing of their riding hobby, and contact with other Indian -Motorcycle owners.  The IRG will be part of a worldwide organization spanning the globe and allows communication and joint activities across borders.

Regular riders, excursions and events, within and outside the country will be organized by the IRG committee, supported by Indian Motorcycle Malaysia and by Indian Motorcycle in the USA.

A Wise Collaboration

In 2011, Harmony Fabulous Sdn Bhd (a company under the NAZA World Group of Companies), took on the role of sole and official importer and distributor of Indian Motorcycles in Malaysia. Over the last few years, NAZA has strengthened its relationship with Polaris and through their collaborative efforts, the Indian Motorcycle brand has gained increased awareness and traction in this part of the region.

In 35 years, NAZA has grown from a small family business to a national conglomerate. With the recognition and respect of numerous international players in the automotive industry, NAZA now distributes a wide range of renowned brands in Malaysia, including premium two-wheel brands such as Harley Davidson, Ducati and Vespa.

With a wealth of industry expertise and great understanding of the Malaysian market, NAZA is undoubtedly the best equipped to promote and distribute the Indian Motorcycle brand locally.

Indian Motorcycle in Malaysia

Indian Motorcycle facility in Glenmarie is a 3-S centre complete with workshop, parts and accessory options for the full range of Indian motorcycles.

Customers of this premium motorcycle will enjoy the highest level of services which include maintenance & repair, upgrades, accessorizing, and a special Roadside Assist Programme available throughout Peninsular Malaysia.

Each Indian motorcycle is also covered by a special 5-year warranty programme with unlimited mileage which is a first in the industry, and reflects the confidence Indian Motorcycle has in the quality of its products.

Furthermore, Harmony-Fabulous would be the first motorcycle brand in the industry to offer its customers with a special Trade-in Confidence Programme if the customers decided to upgrade within the first 24 months of ownership.  The programme guarantees that the customers are able to trade-in their pre-owned Indians at above market prices, making it easy to upgrade to a better or newer Indian.

Accessorising and Customising

A full range of accessories is available to support the customizing of the new Indian motorcycles.  Customizing and making the bike a reflection of the rider’s personality has never been easier.  Accessory options include Stage 1 mufflers, Performance air filters, upgrades to tuning, a range of floorboards and footpegs, hand controls, backrests and sissy-bars etc.

Supporting these products is Indian Motorcycle’s commitment to quick and efficient service.  Not all accessory options may be available in-store.  However, Indian Motorcycle is committed to a fast ordering and delivery system directly from the US which ensures that desperately needed accessories may be available within one week of ordering.

Riding in Style

Indian Motorcycles has created an entire range of garments, riding gear, accessories and other collectables, which reflect the Indian branding, style and heritage.

Emphasis is given to wearability and functionality in all riding gear without compromising on safety and protection.  These and stylishly designed garments allow Indian motorcycle owners to wear and display the oldest and most prestigious American motorcycle brand in the world.  A clear and obvious distinction that sets Indian motorcycle riders apart from all other “easy-riders” in the world.

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