We all know that without a proprietary engine, the new Indian Motorcycle company would have no credibility. Indian Motorcycle is right now testing the 09 Chief prototype equipped with a new in house produced Powerplus engine with fuel injection (the last rendition of the PowerPlus was a 100ci, 1638 cc 45-degree V-Twin). Launching date is now set to be fall of 2008. It is clear that the company is not in a hurry to release new models without being certain to meet the high expectations of all Indian motorcycle fans. The released prototype picture shows that the company intends to keep the traditional look, skirted fenders, a studded comfortable seat, and the trademark headdress logo on the gas tank. I hear that many customizing options will be offered through a wide range of factory designed accessories like wheels, saddlebags, fenders, etc. A 1^st flagship dealership is in construction near Charlotte, North Carolina and 50 dealers across the US are scheduled to be ready to sell the Indian Chief at the time of its launch. Each dealer will have the obligation to have an interior space devoted exclusively to selling and servicing the new Indian Chief. All technicians will be Indian factory certified

 

$33,000 = £22,000. Are we getting pricey?

 

The new Indian Chief is powered by the company’s own air-cooled, fuel-injected, 1720cc ‘Power Plus�?v-twin, which makes 135Nm of torque. (No power figures are quoted, though we suppose the engine would make at least 80bhp or so.) The chassis is a tubular steel number, and the gearbox is a six-speed unit. Wheels are 16-inchers front and rear, and the suspension comprises of a 41mm USD front fork and monoshock at the rear. The bike weighs about 334 kilos.

 

Good luck Indian