New Indian Chief Impresses Harley Owner Clukey

Dick Clukey of Torrington, who owns and rides a Harley-Davidson Ultra Classic, journeyed to Wagner Motorsports/Indian Motorcycle of New England in Worcester, MAWorcester to ride the new Indians. Here’s his take:

By Dick Clukey

“OK, guys and gals, just got back from Worcester, MA and test rode a new Indian Chief Vintage. Now my 2003 H-D Ultra is a beautiful machine. (But) all things beautiful will break your heart now and then. Sometimes all the bling in the world just can’t fix all of the heartache attached to something (or someone) beautiful.

(Dick Clukey on his Harley)

“All that said, she knows I’m looking (for a new motorcycle) because last week I finished a 2,250 mile trip and she performed flawlessly! This is truly the first riding season that that has happened! It has taken me six years and $10k+ to make her this way. Honestly, a boob job costs less!

“OK, to the point, I rode to Worcester with my longtime friend and cousin, Corey, (who rides) a 2003 Sportster 1200 that is more than just any motorcycle to him. It was left to him by his dad, (who) passed away unexpectedly in 2005. Corey is a highly-skilled mechanic and tool-maker and rides for the love of it. Keep that in mind.

“When we arrived and went to sign in, they had us scheduled for 10:35 a.m. and it was 10:30, so we had to rush get signed in and get our ‘Safety orientation’ during which they explained that we are encouraged to push these bikes, corner, gun, shift to 6th at 35 mph and throttle, go 85 MPH on the freeway. In other words make it your own for the 14-mile trip. AND WE DID!

“These are big bikes, but they handle like a much smaller bike. The power of the 111 CI engine is extraordinary! The 35 mph 6th gear test was no test at all. The bike has no lugging at all! The high-speed run on I-290 West at 85 mph was a tease because I know it had way more and I didn’t have enough pavement ahead to give her a real run. The feel, the wind, handling and downright fabulous quality is no less than remarkable.

“So, back to Corey. He got off the bike at the end of his ride and all he could say was, ‘So much better than I expected and probably the best bike I’ve ever rode.’

“The sales people were busy; three deep with people laying down deposits, and the place was packed! One report was that they had over 1,900 test rides in three days. I asked the top Indian sales guy how many deposits (i.e. bikes sold) and he would not give me a number but he said it is in the thousands!

“The expected delivery on an ordered bike at this moment is eight weeks. It was three to four last week. New England was the first tour stop and this tour is just starting. The parking lot was filled with bikes of all makes, however, at least one-half were Harleys. One ‘Old Timer’ said he has owned six Harleys and he gave his deposit of $500 for his new Indian, get this, before his test drive!

“(Prior to the test ride) I said that H-D has nothing to worry about. If this new bike is only the beginning for the new Indian, H-D should take note. This bike is everything a SE CVO is at 10K less. If you’re asking if I bought one, that answer is no. I promised the back seat I would wait at least a month or two.

“I will say in closing… ‘For Sale: 2003 Harley Ultra. Many, many, many extras. 25K miles and well taken care of. Make an offer! All reasonable offers will be considered!’

“Seriously, take a test ride when they come to your area. This is going to quickly become the finest V-Twin American-built motorcycle ever made. I can’t find anything but good things to say. All of the hard-core H-D guys had a look of awe on their faces when getting off of the bikes. The ads do not lie, there is now a choice with the Indian brand.’

 

 

 

 

 

Courtesy: Indian