Man, this article is not very well written. Besides that it is old, and most of the concerns have been addressed, since the bike has been out for two years, and they have come out with the Scout and it does look modern.
I COMPLETELY disagree with this paragraph, as I am sure every reader here would agree (or we would not be on this forum):
The Indian "look" if too old looking will wear off quickly. If Polaris keeps the old look with giant flared fenders of the old Indian it will be a big mistake. People today really do not want vintage bikes. They want new bikes that look modern. The first year or so of Indian production may go over, but it will soon die out. We live in the digital space age. Few want to ride what appears as a vintage museum piece. Resurrected Indian died many deaths due to the "old look" on a new bike. It's okay to have a line up of vintage and modern bikes like Harley has and that is what Polaris/Indian will need to do too. But hey, they must begin at some point and so far with the engine they are on the right track. In time they will make more models, but will they all be high-price Custom Vehicle monsters few can afford to buy?
One thing I hear more than anything else is that everyone stops you to look at the classic styling. I helped with the ride event at a local AZ rally last month, and I never stopped riding. People (most sporting Harley gear) were lined up to try this thing out. Hardly anyone was riding the Victorys right next to them, though they are a nice looking bike. If you want a modern looking bike, you would go to Victory. Well, no one was riding those - at least not like the Indians. People LOVE nostalgia and classic looks.
Why do so many classic Coke signs and memorabilia? We love that kind of stuff. However, that stuff is usually more expensive because it has had to be restored, rebuilt, or recreated.
I immediately perked up when I saw that Polaris was taking over the Indian name, and they were starting at $18,999. They are at least in competition now! Then, along comes the Scout. If I didn't already have my heart set on the Vintage I would most certainly go for the Scout.
I have recently helped young riders to get their motorcycle safety course, license, and start looking seriously at the Scout. For $10,999 it is within the price range of anyone who can qualify for a loan, and if you can't qualify, you would have difficulty getting anything else as well. This is definitely a great bike that competes with all but the smallest bikes for price point. It puts a new, reliable bike within reach for anyone who is interested. Yes, there are others, but the point he was making was that Indian may be over priced and now fit into the market like in the past.
Over all, I think most of the comments of this article have been addressed, and he came out with his article prematurely. He isn't a professional writer or a big name, so just wait and see if the "proof is in the pudding". Anyhow, just my two cents worth.
