[Marcus]

I was looking at the new 2018 Indian line up and noticed they are saving money by not putting the iconic lighted Indian head on some of the new bikes. The bikes still look retro and good. But in my opinion the Indian Head makes the bike standout. I don't want one without it. What do you guys think?

 

[One-Eyed Jack]

If it’s not there it can’t go brown.

That's a question that has yet to be answered. Has the problem been eliminated? For those of us that do all weather driving we'll probably know in a year or so. For those that only ride on alternate Sundays in perfect weather…they may never know.

 

[dieselgman]

I like the valanced fenders and the headdress. That is one of the first things that draws my eye from any distance to recognition that I'm looking at an Indian. The engine work of art is the thing I always notice up close. Some folks are adding those features back to models that have taken them off. I would do the same.

 

[ForPop]

It’s obvious what they started out with worked. Speaking of unit sales. So, why they’re testing other ways of marketing a perfectly presentable and successful rendition of the Indian brand, is beyond sound reasoning. IMO

Let the flaming begin

 

[Dagwood]

Cutting costs and making us pay more for the iconic styles...Marketing ploy that makes them more money.

 

[FetalEcho]

The head is the most important part. Wait...what?

 

[SuperDave]

I chose the Chieftain "Classic" for the fender and headdress

 

[Almy]

I like that they are reaching out to different tastes. You can have both, pick what you want. I definitely prefer the old school look but I'm glad more people will be getting Indians. I've seen people that avoided the older look of the Indians that have now bought the new options without the valanced fenders with headdress.

 

[dieselgman]

Certainly a case of "To each his own". But Indian has such great history and heritage behind it, as well as quite a bit of stylish refinement. I say "Don't mess up a good thing!" I love the fact that Polaris went to great lengths in emulating the older features of the Indian brand!

 

[Elbohead]

I was initially drawn to the Polaris Indians because of the valenced fender and the headdress mounted to it. I love the retro look and feel and think my Springfield looks awesome with both. My buddy was totally against the fender/headdress saying it was TOO retro and he would only consider a Victory if he was thinking "Polaris". Fast forward to mid December and we paid a visit to MOMs Foxboro and he loved the Chieftain Limited with the new fender, no headdress and the new graphic paint schemes (very Victory influenced, IMO) and is in the process of buying one. Here is one example of a sale that would not have happened without having options. Also, I doubt very much that Polaris would ever completely do away with the fender/headdress anyway.

 

[Tonyhcr]

The only reason that I wanted to test drive an Indian was for the name and retro looks! I never thought I would buy one.... 3 weeks later a new roadmaster in the stable! The front fender and light intreaged me the test ride sold me!

 

[Bedub]

I'm one of those that love the valanced fender and head dress. I bought a '17 Chieftain limited and had them swap fenders, wheels and tires before I would purchase it. That said, the fender is a polarizing item, you either love it or hate it, very little in between. With the popularity of the new Indians one thing was clear, those that bought them loved those attributes, but the common complaint I personally heard from those that didn't or wouldn't buy one was that they couldn't wrap their head around buying a bike with that fender. If Indian is to gain market share they need to appeal to a broader audience, I'd bet they heard the same complaints I did.

 

[greasemonkey]

Maybe no one at Polaris uses that part and figured why not....

 

[HINK]

View attachment 372736
I had not realized until I saw this photo that Harley also had a front fender light — apparently for several years on their Electraglide models, and apparently in response to the Indian headdress. I almost posted this to the ‘ babes and indians ‘ thread (yikes! Woulda got jumped bad...)

 

[Chief2]

Yes I would and yes I did. I didn't buy it because it didn't have a the head on the fender.....that would have been alright with me. I did buy it because I liked the new fender and wheel option. I know it's not the iconic Indian look and that's fine by me. Harley spent too many years trying to keep their bikes "old" while others moved forward. I think Indian realizes that if it wants to grow the brand they are going to need more than a stable full of bikes that look like they did in the 40"s and 50's. Yes they should keep the classic look for those that want it........but they won't double their business in 5 years if they don't appeal to different audiences.

 

[Elbohead]

they won't double their business in 5 years if they don't appeal to different audiences.

Yes. This!

 

[jdmatthew]

I personally want the war bonnet on the valanced fender, but some might not. It's great to have options.

 

[Dustbuster]

For 99 bucks one can have the oem war bonnet in black or chrome,and prob get it as part of a new bike purchase if ones not there!

 

[Jonscout]

I personally think the war bonnet is what makes my Indian more noticeable. I do know that I have a Scout, and most Scouts did not (Gilroy models did) have a war bonnet, but on my bike, it looks fine. Again, opinions will vary on whether it belongs on Scout or not. I like it.

 

[War Hoop]

I personally want the war bonnet on the valanced fender, but some might not. It's great to have options.

Don't worry about this but soon you can expect the war bonnet will be a 375.00 option.

 

[JamesP]

My wife will not let me buy another bike without the head on the fender.....end of story.

She is the Minister of both War and Finance!

 

[Tonyhcr]