You didn’t choose just any old bike; you chose an Indian Motorcycle.
Perhaps you found the legacy that comes with this brand irresistible; or maybe you were just looking for a ride you could really make your own.
Either way, you chose to stand out from the crowd. We’ve collected your stories – complete with all their spontaneity, sincerity, enthusiasm, and heartfelt feelings. We received far more than we’ve got room for; here’s a choice selection.
TONY - CORNWALL
CHIEFTAIN
Surrounded by stunning coastline here in Cornwall UK I am spoilt for choice when it comes to riding my Chieftain Limited, this is my second Indian and for touring it’s absolutely perfect. Happy on narrow lanes and twisting coast roads, and I love the power when it’s needed. Everywhere I go people comment about what a beautiful bike it is. Picture taken In Marazion Cornwall with St Micheals Mount in the background.
THIERRY - BELGIUM
ROADMASTER
My Indian experience. When I was 16, I started riding a Zündapp KS50, which I could ride at 110 km/h, it was a bit of a rebel period. When I was 18, I bought a second-hand Yam XS1100, which was soon replaced by a Sportster 1000. After a few years without a motorbike, here I am riding a GS 1100. Three years ago, while I was visiting the Brussels Auto/Moto show,
I discovered the Indian stand (a brand I didn’t know at all) and I sat on a magnificent Scout. I decided to go and try this bike at a dealers and there... love at first sight! So much so that I bought the test bike.
I met the president of the local IMRG who asked me to join the committee as a photographer and webmaster, which I accepted. After riding the Scout for 20,000 km and trying out a few other models in the range, I was given the opportunity to take over one of our President’s bikes, a beautiful 2016 Roadmaster Blue Diamond, full of options. Even though it wasn’t my first choice, he managed to convince me by making me an offer I couldn’t refuse and by showing me that with a Roadmaster you can have several bikes in one.
I did indeed remove the imposing touring pack and opted for a solo saddle because I ride alone most of the time. The day I have to go on a longer trip or ride with two people, it takes only 15 minutes to get the bike back to its original configuration.
The only thing wrong with the Roadmaster is that when I’m on the road, I never want to go home! Riding again and again... this bike is pure happiness!
FRANK - UNITED KINGDOM
ROADMASTER, CHALLENGER
Why Indian!!!! 2016 and on holiday in San Diego and decided to hire a motorcycle for a tour of the area. We had lived there and thought it was a cool way to see the sights. I hired a Chieftain and never ridden an Indian before and was blown away by the power and features. While still in San Diego I contacted Moore Speed Racing to see what was available and within a month I was the owner of a beautiful new 2016 Roadmaster and toured the UK. Within a year I decided I needed the Ride Command benefits and decided on a 2017 Roadmaster and added Stage 2 cams. That bike was well travelled with amazing trips to the Alps, the Picos, southern Italy , Cote d Azur, Normandy and WW1 battlefields and Ireland. I also decided a Scout would be a good short ride addition. Fast forward to 2019 and miles of smiles with the RM and on holiday again in San Diego and get to demo ride the Challenger. Just blown away and decided the Scout was gonna make way for a Challenger!!! So 2020 sees me with a 116 Roadmaster and a Challenger and just love them both. They each have unique characteristics, their own personalities and live riding them both. 5 years on and I am a delighted Indian fanatic, can’t wait to pile more miles on each bike. I thank my lucky stars for that chance hire in San Diego and the way the guys at Moore Speed Racing have helped making the experience easy and trouble free. Who knows, maybe 2021 is the year for a Chief too!!!!
CRAIG - UNITED KINGDOM
SCOUT BOBBER
During the first lockdown, unable to ride my beautiful Scout Bobber, I decided to start building junk robots and get creative. I’ve just finished my latest creation which is a tribute to Indian Motorcycles! Thought you’d like to see it. CC Robot Foundry No:25 - Big Chief Bobber.
Krzysztof - POLAND
SCOUT
My first motorcycle. My story of buying my first ever motorcycle is very short. One brand into consideration. One visit in as dealership. One ruby-red beauty. One week of thinking. One possible decision. Done. One month of ownership, but a lot of joy. And I hope there will be a very long story... Regards.
RENZO - ITALY
CHIEF
My best ride... Start to Peschiera del Garda 8,30 AM Lago D’Iseo..Passo Aprica...Tirano...Passo Del Bernina...Saint Moritz....Tirano...Passo Stelvio Merano..Bolzano...Peschiera del Garda ...630 km Arrivo a Peschiera ) 9;90 Pm.
ERWIN - THE NETHERLANDS
CHIEFTAIN
My best one. I am Erwin from the Netherlands. This is my beautiful bike; Indian Chieftan Dark Horse. I had about 6 bikes in my life but this one is by far the best. Every ride is a glorious moment en brings an big smile on my face. My Chieftain is my pride and joy. I am proudly member of the Blue Knights, a international law enforcement motorcycle club with a beautiful slogan: there are no strangers, only friends you haven’t met… See ya!
JOSÉ - PORTUGAL
CHIEF DARK HORSE
Hi, good fellows! Since I have joined this fabulous Indian universe, in 2017 (and I have been professionally related with BMW cars and motorcycles for 21 years!...), I have made the best long distance trips ever! Ok, I also have more time available now… But it just great experiences until now! From those moments, these picture have for me a stronger meaning: At Moto Club de Faro/ Algarve/ Portugal headquarters (which is the “cathedral” of motorcycling in Portugal, if not in all Europe!!!). Also, I keep in mind my way to Stelvio Pass (Italy)… a 6.000 km trip (2018, September) and my road trip to Budweiss (Czech Republic), for the Annual Indian European Meeting!... a 7.500 km trip (2019, June)! Nothing that big since then… due to Covid-19 restrictions!... Time will come!!! My best personal regards to you and all the IMRG friends all over the world, Hit the road!!!
NIELS - NORWAY
FTR
No comment !
ROLI - SWITZERLAND
CHIEFTAIN
Dear Rider Magazine. Enclosed I send you a picture of my first ride in 2019, after buying my Indian Chieftain Classic. See the beautiful Lunger Lake in the background.
I am so proud to ride an Indian Chieftain Classic, because this brand is cult and beautiful to handle.
There are also always nice encounters with outsiders who want to know more about this Indian Chieftain Classic, as it is still unknown to many.
I wish you all a great motorbike summer with many good rides. Best regards from the canton of Schwytz.
GUY-PHILIPPE - SWITZERLAND
ROADMASTER
A nice ride from Geneva on the Alpine road in 2020, towards Italy, at the Saisies pass. What a pleasure to ride our Roadmaster! Sincerely.
KEVIN - SWEDEN
CHIEFTAIN
Celebration. From the beginning I couldn’t imagine owning an Indian Motorcycle could be this fun. I found new ideas after the other, my latest project was this memorable helmet for Oscar & George and to celebrate
Indian Motorcycle 120th anniversary.
ZDENEK - CZ
SCOUT BOBBER
I always thought and wished, when my hair start’s to grow a little grey, I want an American motorcycle. Suddenly two years ago I’ve been sent with my colleague to Medina, Minessotta to do maintanance on a special clay milling machine. During our stay there was been so much care of us especialy by Jorge, Nate and others. Meeting the whole design team was just a completely unforgeteable experience. And then...there it was...standing right in the middle of the main hall on the rotary table...Indian Scout Bobber in bronze. Love at the first sight. After I came back home I found the best dealership I could...the Liška family in Pardubice/CZ for three generations creating something more about this legendary brand in my country... It was the right choice...In two months I had my dream American motorcycle with such a history and such a potential...
So my first test ride? yeah...on my own bike between garages waiting for a driving licence. My best ride out? well...everyone of course 🙂 But there is one I can point up, about 50 riders from our “Pardubice tribe” was on the road to meet a lot of senior houses in our region and bring a desinfection in a following van. It took us about 300 km. Keep the brand alive... Ride free...
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