The Indians are coming

After years of false starts, companies going broke, international legal fights over the rights to the name, and who knows how many other traumas, it looks like the proud and historic name of Indian Motorcycles is finally seeing the light of day on a proper production motorcycle.

Four variants of the machine have been promised for the 2009 line-up, including Standard (in black), Deluxe, Roadmaster and Vintage.

The first of the four has been shown in the metal in pre-production trim.

"We're going the make Indian the de facto standard in premium cruiser motorcycles and extreme customer satisfaction service. And we're going to do it at enough of a profit to ensure that the company will remain alive and well for a long, long time. Maybe even another hundred years," says Steve Heese, President, Indian Motorcycle.

The parent company, Stellican Limited, does not appear to have the massive resources of Indian's old arch-rival, Harley-Davidson, but will no doubt be watched very closely by the latter firm.

"Restarting businesses is always hard work, but immensely satisfying. Brands such as Indian were not created overnight and they can't be re-created overnight. Testimony to the power of the brand, and to the greatness of the founders who established it, is that after 50 years of being dormant, the brand name is still a household word among motorcycle riders," says Stephen Julius, Chairman, Indian Motorcycle.

Stellican bought the name five years ago and appears not to have rushed the process of getting to market.

The models share a 105ci (1719cc) fuel injected V-twin powerplant, mated to a six-speed gearbox.

It expects to launch later this year, with prices starting at US$31,000 and rising to $35,000.

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