Indian Demo rides

[aharbi]

They are coming to Texas. Though Houston and Beaumont are closer thought I'd make it an overnighter and take some roads I've never been on. Think I'll attend the Odessa demo on the 28th of this month. Anyone interested is welcome to ride along.

[cowpuc]

Have fun!!! THEY ARE AWESOME!! If we were out there I would go with ya in a heartbeat!!:cool10:

We missed riding em at Sturgis last year (long lines) but did the demo in Michigan late last fall.. Pic below was of my favorite Indian (bike behind it was actually my favorite one there) ,, GORGEOUS bikes - I thought Polaris did a great job with em!!

We went on the first day of the demo's, it was a Friday with very light turnout. Spent the whole day riding everything they had.. A buddy went the next day and waited 2 hours to ride one bike..

Only real issue I found was I noticed my left thigh/butt getting pretty warm thru the seat on em. Be curious if you guys notice the same thing.. If so and possible, ask the Indian folks about it, I did and couldnt get any kind of response from em...

[utadventure]

I wish we could get Salt Lake on the list....any ideas??

[aharbi]

It was 31° when I left Austin Thursday morning and showing 29° in Odessa for the 738 mile round trip ride. Beautiful morning, clear skies.

http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk100/aharbi/Odessa%20Ride/OdessaRide004-20140227-121418.jpg

I wore my Tourmaster Epic jacket and Tourmaster Flex riding pant. This is my choice for any trip as they are water proof and 3 season weather rated. I brought 3 pair of gloves, winter (thinsulate lined), waterproof, perferated white leather. Decided to wear my HJC helmet with SENA SMH10 bluetooth for my iPhone and GPS. I pretty much have given up on the Venture radio electronics for music/communications. I will however on rare occasion use my other helmet (J&M headset) if requiring CB use for a group ride.

 

It is as much work preparing for a single over nite ride as it is for a week or more. Only difference is the number of socks and shorts to pack.

 

I have never ridden the bike to Odessa I wanted to see the sights, ride the roads. I chose one way up and another back. Here is the route I chose:

http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk100/aharbi/Odessa%20Ride/capture-20140302-134817.png

The roads were in good order and very little traffic.

http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk100/aharbi/Odessa%20Ride/OdessaRide010-20140227-130858.jpg

For the most part it was two lane blacktop/chip seal occasionally opening up to 4 lane divided highway near towns and cities.

http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk100/aharbi/Odessa%20Ride/OdessaRide002-20140227-113405.jpgand back to two lane

http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk100/aharbi/Odessa%20Ride/OdessaRide011-20140227-131014.jpgat 75 MPH

http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk100/aharbi/Odessa%20Ride/OdessaRide017-20140227-140028.jpg

better photo of speed limit. I never had a problem with anyone "on my bumper" pushing me down the highway. They waited and passed when clear - and they waved.

http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk100/aharbi/Odessa%20Ride/OdessaRide018-20140227-140804.jpg

The road (US87) to San Angelo

http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk100/aharbi/Odessa%20Ride/OdessaRide021-20140227-143547.jpg

and flat for as far as the eye can see

http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk100/aharbi/Odessa%20Ride/OdessaRide023-20140227-145030.jpg

Entering San Angelo

http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk100/aharbi/Odessa%20Ride/OdessaRide024-20140227-145946.jpg

With San Angelo behind me, I notice some buttes

http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk100/aharbi/Odessa%20Ride/OdessaRide029-20140227-155307.jpg

and behind them are hundreds of these. They are everywhere. Looks like wind is replacing pumpjacks?

http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk100/aharbi/Odessa%20Ride/OdessaRide030-20140227-155402.jpg

well maybe not. We close in on Midland

http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk100/aharbi/Odessa%20Ride/OdessaRide036-20140227-163026.jpg

everywhere you look they are drilling for more.

http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk100/aharbi/Odessa%20Ride/OdessaRide039-20140227-163705.jpg

The worst part of the trip has been between Sterling City and Midland on 158. The entire section is under construction and congested with crude oil haulers who are suicidal. And again the frantic drive down IH20 from Midland to Odessa (17 miles) in rush hour traffic. Everywhere I look it is obvious I'm in the "Oil Patch" (Permian Basin). I pull into where I'll spend the night (whew). A very nice area across the street from the UT campus. With fresh (still warm) cookies waiting at check-in. I chug a complementary cold bottle of water as I sign-in.

http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk100/aharbi/Odessa%20Ride/OdessaRide101-20140227-183721.jpg

Not wanting to get back on the bike I ask for a place to eat nearby. Next door the strip mall houses Dos Compadres a family run Mexican restaurant. Thursday night special Carne Guisada, it was very good.

http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk100/aharbi/Odessa%20Ride/OdessaRide102-20140227-185205.jpg

I put the bike to bed, cover it, set the alarm, cable lock the rear wheel. Set the alarm for 6:30am and hit the sheets - it's 9:15pm.

http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk100/aharbi/Odessa%20Ride/OdessaRide103-20140227-194114.jpg

Next morning, hot complementary breakfast, sausage, eggs, fruit, yogurt, coffee. Uncover the bike, throw my topcase liner in the trunk (these are great for travel, pack in them and carry to - from hotel to bike). Drive 3 miles down the road to the Indian Demo ride.

http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk100/aharbi/Odessa%20Ride/OdessaRide052-20140228-102925.jpg

They open at 9am, I arrived at 8:45. Demo rides were to start at 9am. Well... new downloaded software wouldn't work to register, ALL the bikes needed gas. This and that... finally KSU was close to 11am.

http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk100/aharbi/Odessa%20Ride/OdessaRide043-20140228-095445_stitch.jpg

 

http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk100/aharbi/Odessa%20Ride/OdessaRide050-20140228-102849.jpg

 

for the first ride I chose the Chieftain for my first ride.

http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk100/aharbi/Odessa%20Ride/OdessaRide049-20140228-102224.jpg

I did not regret it :-) Very well mannered, carried it's weight well. Never felt how heavy it was (848 lbs wet). Incredible power, never had the chance to use 6th gear. ABS brakes (non-linked) very good. Cable pull clutch. Bluetooth, 100 watt radio, TPS, Keyless start - very cool just press button (don't hold it in) just press once it starts, press again it stops. High enough so tight corners don't drag hard parts. Power windshield, smartphone capable. I felt very at-ease with the bike and ready to throw it into the twisties. I liked everything about the bike. The seat had a tendency to make me slouch, I had to keep pulling myself up, a back rest would help. A note to the Houston folks, the demo tour will be in Houston next week. Y'all ought to get out and test ride one.

http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk100/aharbi/Odessa%20Ride/OdessaRide053-20140228-105627.jpg

The one I rode

http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk100/aharbi/Odessa%20Ride/OdessaRide062-20140228-112239.jpg

I love the looks of this one, color, pipes, everything

http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk100/aharbi/Odessa%20Ride/OdessaRide040-20140228-112218.jpg

and in blue

http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk100/aharbi/Odessa%20Ride/OdessaRide057-20140228-112106.jpg

With the demo rides over, it was time for me to head back to Austin. I knew I would be riding in the dark once I got close to home. I headed south on US385 into arid west Texas.

http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk100/aharbi/Odessa%20Ride/OdessaRide070-20140228-124748.jpg

"nodding donkey's" still visible on both sides of the highway

http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk100/aharbi/Odessa%20Ride/OdessaRide065-20140228-123905.jpg

west Texas

http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk100/aharbi/Odessa%20Ride/OdessaRide083-20140228-150201.jpg

hour after hour the scenery changed little

http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk100/aharbi/Odessa%20Ride/OdessaRide084-20140228-150326.jpg

love the name

http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk100/aharbi/Odessa%20Ride/OdessaRide090-20140228-155908.jpg

I always found this sign peculiar, reduce speed to 65mph curve ahead. Guess it makes sense when speed limit is 75mph

http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk100/aharbi/Odessa%20Ride/OdessaRide091-20140228-160009.jpg

this was a great "back road" Mountain Hwy or 915 some turns a few hills. I looked down at my speed and I was doing 87mph and didn't know it. Yeah I liked the Indian but the Venture is still one heck of a motorcycle.

http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk100/aharbi/Odessa%20Ride/OdessaRide092-20140228-162042.jpg

temp showing close to 90°. A while back I stopped and opened all 7 vents in my jacket to get a breeze flowing. Unzipped the vents in my pants too ;-)

http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk100/aharbi/Odessa%20Ride/OdessaRide093-20140228-162748.jpg

I love these town court house. This one is in Mason, TX.

http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk100/aharbi/Odessa%20Ride/OdessaRide096-20140228-172601.jpg

long shadows, the sun is getting low.

http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk100/aharbi/Odessa%20Ride/OdessaRide099-20140228-174908.jpg

Closing in on Llano. I'm still an hour and half from home. One gas stop left, change my face shield to a clear one, grab a bite to eat, close jacket vents, change gloves for the ride home in cool evening darkness. Thanks for riding along. http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk100/aharbi/Odessa%20Ride/OdessaRide100-20140228-175256.jpg

Edited March 3, 2014 by aharbi

[rutman]

Nice. Thanks for sharing.

[Dragonslayer]

Have fun!!! THEY ARE AWESOME!! If we were out there I would go with ya in a heartbeat!!:cool10:

We missed riding em at Sturgis last year (long lines) but did the demo in Michigan late last fall.. Pic below was of my favorite Indian (bike behind it was actually my favorite one there) ,, GORGEOUS bikes - I thought Polaris did a great job with em!!

We went on the first day of the demo's, it was a Friday with very light turnout. Spent the whole day riding everything they had.. A buddy went the next day and waited 2 hours to ride one bike..

Only real issue I found was I noticed my left thigh/butt getting pretty warm thru the seat on em. Be curious if you guys notice the same thing.. If so and possible, ask the Indian folks about it, I did and couldnt get any kind of response from em...

Cool I would love to have that seat on my millinenium

[texasrices]

That was a great trip. I felt like I was there with you. One question though. Where did you get your windshield bags?

 

Mike

[aharbi]

That was a great trip. I felt like I was there with you. One question though. Where did you get your windshield bags?

 

Mike

I don't remember where I bought it. It is a J&M 3 Pocket Leather (faux) Windshield Bag HDCH990. I love it. Big center pouch holds my prescription sunglasses. Right pouch holds my mp3 player & cord (to plug into the aux. jack). Left is to empty my pocket keys/change/stuff. I loosened the windshield screws to fit it (remove the chrome strip, CAREFUL don't break the tabs). The screws aren't long enough to "sandwitch" the pouch between the fairing and the windshield. I measured carefully and with an exacto knife made a slice lengthwise and removed the leather (front & back) from the pouch-hangy-down-sandwitch-between dash & windshield piece reducing the thickness by half allowing the windshield mounting screws to work. Only problem I've had is dead bugs fall behind the pouch and the windshield, compressed air works best to blow them out. The pouch can be found on ebay for $55-$60 new.

[Sylvester]

And now they make a tour trunk for the Chieftain.

 

[Rick Haywood]

Some of us are going to Lafayette, Indiana for Demo Rides on April 4th and 5th. Hope the weather is OK

[cowpuc]

OUTSTANDING RIDE REPORT AHARBI!!!

 

I REALLY appreciate it!! Just to read "90 degrees" in a current ride report is so refreshing! And the pictures, ALL OF THEM, were also down right invigorating - gives me hope for the future!! We saw -11 here at the house last night!!

Arent those Indians gorgeous bikes? I really thought Polaris did an outstanding job in their attempt at bringing out the vintage theme using modern technology and thought they really did their homework in producing a VERY rideable piece.. Did you by any chance encounter a hot seat on the left side?

What did you think of the 111 performance? Did you notice how flat their torque curve is - it almost seemed to me like just above idle all the way up to red line they pull like a freight train, stock camming/compression ratio/injection worked together perfectly!!

Did you by any chance get a price quote from them? There are shops around that are already raising prices a thou or two above MSRP , curious if you guys are seeing that in Texas..

Beautiful bike that hopefully we get to see out and about during our touring season this year!

Thanks again for posting!!

Puc

[cowpuc]

Oh yea,, how was the turnout for the demo??

[aharbi]

I dunno about a top trunk. I mean I'd use it, two of my bikes have them and I use them all the time but it would really depend on how it looks. I do have a leather tour pac with a leather round roll that would look nice strapped to the rear seat backrest if I needed it for a long trip (our a quick trip with the wife on the back:crackup:)

I did not notice any heat on the left side. But it was in the morning and cool and I was wearing my riding pants. Yes, the power is smooth and the torque was incredible, always there no matter what gear - just roll it on. Also the bikes take 91 octane fuel. Attendance was good but not overly crowded. They had 13 bikes and I think each ride we had 10 -11 riders. I road each one and had no complaints about anyone waiting. We did touch a little on price, MSRP (Chieftain $22,999) was clearly marked on the manufactures label on each bike. They (dealer) didn't want to go below MSRP but was willing to throw in $250 gear, a gas card and other promo things not sure if from Polaris or the dealer. Probably Polaris. It's not like they had a back order on the bikes, he had a showroom full (6-8) of them.

 

I downloaded and read the "Riders Guide" owners manual (one manual for all three bikes) before I left so I had an idea about the bike. Kinda liked the idea of an actual oil dip stick as opposed to crawling around on the floor to check your oil. (actually I use a mechanic mirror on a telescoping antenna thingy) but still.

[Ben Rollins]

[ATTACH]85099[/ATTACH] This is my brothers new ride.

Wish it were mine.

[Barrycuda]

Ben,

I rode that and the other version, the chieftain?? In Daytona. Loved the bikes. The tour guide at the back was having fits bc I was slowing down to make U turns, adjusted the radio to all metal stations etc. the guy was ready to kill me or pass out...

 

Excellent riding bike and such gorgeous colors. Especially that tan leather. Wow

[Ben Rollins]

I am not one to ride the back seat but this one looks comfy

[cowpuc]

[ATTACH]85099[/ATTACH] This is my brothers new ride.

Wish it were mine.

 

WOW! Be sure and tell your brother ol puc says CONGRATS! THAT IS ONE GORGEOUS MOTORCYCLE!

I was telling the wife not to long ago how surprised I was that we hadnt seenn1 new indian on our fwhole trip out and then BAM,, WE GOT TO RIDE INTO THE NORTH RIM OF THE GRAND CANYON WITH A GROUP OF THEM! Theybare truely beautiful!