Rode the Indian Chieftan at bike Week and saw a VR member

[Barrycuda]

This was my first bike week with not only the RSV, but riding all over with my wife on back. Was good to get away. The weather this week is expected to be perfect, so naturally I won't be in Daytona this upcoming week. I left Friday and just came back a short while ago. It was in the 40's with raw winds when I left Friday. Anyway...

Saturday morning My wife and I went to the international speedway where they had test rides for Kawasaki, Victory, Suzuki, Yamaha and Indian. I rode the victory vision a few years back, and among the kawi bike was the vulcan voyager and the FJR. I chose the 2014 Indian Chieftan. this bike rides like a bicycle. easy handling, low to ground for us shorter folk, but not cramping the big guys, balanced well, has radio, cruise, LED lights. push button/key FOB start, trip meter, digital read out. 5.5 gallon tank that prefers premium. this bike was FUN !!! radio was loud, shifting and braking ultra smooth. I was making super tight, hug the line turns in first gear and not a hiccup. same for down the road when I was making speedier turns and it just stayed where I wanted it. Of course for me, I always want to see if I can make a tight u-turn, so towards the end ( so they wouldn't kick me off), I waited then made a nice, smooth, easy u turn. The bike handles like a ballerina. it was truly a pleasure to ride this bike. Like Victory, they are owned by POLARIS, and they made a sharp looking and smooth feeling bike.

Later on in the afternoon I met with Steve K and his wife. (M61A1MECH ) they treated us to a nice Mexican place called La Fiesta, which is a must for anyone who like Mexican cuisine. Sadly we parted ways afterwards,but I always like getting together with them. they are both wonderful people.

I had not seen another venture until this morning, when in the same facility I was staying at had a gray venture parked close to mine.

We took off for Destination Daytona on Steve request. today was picture perfect weather and we got there early. On the way out, the lines getting in, were 1-2 miles deep and counting.

We all know these events are catered for the HD crowd, and more power to them. As usual, either J&P and Kuryakyn had metric stuff, but anything custom, was 90% geared for the HD

 

For me, being able to ride in the chaos with my wife on the back, safely, riding the Indian and seeing Steve and Marilyn made it so worth going out there. My RSV, named Patrice, handled the crowded streets, parking, etc like a champ. Slow speed riding was not an issue as previous thought it would be. Patrice handled main street and the surrounding areas like a champ.

if anyone is reading this and in Daytona, please ride one of the 3 Indians. You'll love it.

And dine at La Fiesta....

Thanks for reading

[buddy]

Glad you was able to get away from the E.R. For a while

Nice hearing you had fun with the wife as well ! Gives you two a chance to be together for a change

Hope to see you soon

[brd7666]

Sounds like you had a good time. I don't think I will make it this year. Maybe next year we will ride over with you.

[cowpuc]

Fantastic ride report Barry,, THANK YOU!!!!

I too have ridden the new Indians and totally agree with you, THEY ARE AWESOME!! I too thought Polaris really did the Indian "name" (dont know how to spell Markee) up right:thumbsup2: Definitely a first class operation!!

40 degrees? OUCH!! Hopefully your wife knows that if she enjoyed biking at all while freezing she will REALLY enjoy it when its warm

 

Your post made the 8 foot snow piles I am staring at out the back door shrink a good 2 feet!! Imagine what would have happen if you would included a picture of you riding that new Indian with a great bike smile on your face:cool10: (Old Proverb goes something like,, "these 3 things are never satisfied - a barren women, the grave and Pucs craving for pics of his buddys having fun:stirthepot: )

 

RIDE ON BRO!!

Puc

[Rick Haywood]

Wish I had known you were here I would have liked to meet you all

[djh3]

DANG I totaly forgot it was that time of year. With my back problems late last month and the computer dieng last week and in a frenzy to get it fixed I forgot all about it. I have made 2 trips up to Brandon to get parts to fix the computer. One to buy part, the other to exchange faulty ones. Flip side is I got to ride some nice back roads and I think I found you a better way to come across next time. Glad you both had a good time.

I like to go "look see" but the crowds aint my style.

[Wade 2000]

The Indians look like a great machine! Two of my Buddy's rode them at biketoberfest last fall. They were so impressed one of them just ordered a Chieftan it should be in, in a couple weeks. I can't wait to try it out! My other Bud would buy one also but his current finances won't allow for it.

[Capt-D]

Barracuda, you're not going to believe this but Tuff Tom and I were there also for the weekend, wish I would have known we would have definitely hooked up. we didn't get there till Saturday noon time though, because I was sick on Friday, but it was fun to see all the bikes, and all the personalities. I saw one venture there, and it had the name magic printed on the trunck, I don't know if that's a member or not.

[Capt-D]

and I met a guy with the Indian chieftain, said he and his friend just come from San Diego said they did the trip in 48 hours, and he absolutely loves his bike.

[crazygaucho]

Glad you made it there and had fun !!!!

I planned the whole year to go but, my back still killing me specially riding the bike at low speeds I don't feel safe. next time I climb to the roof I'm going to hang your Bell on the ladder

[Barrycuda]

Fantastic ride report Barry,, THANK YOU!!!!

I too have ridden the new Indians and totally agree with you, THEY ARE AWESOME!! I too thought Polaris really did the Indian "name" (dont know how to spell Markee) up right:thumbsup2: Definitely a first class operation!!

40 degrees? OUCH!! Hopefully your wife knows that if she enjoyed biking at all while freezing she will REALLY enjoy it when its warm

 

Your post made the 8 foot snow piles I am staring at out the back door shrink a good 2 feet!! Imagine what would have happen if you would included a picture of you riding that new Indian with a great bike smile on your face:cool10: (Old Proverb goes something like,, "these 3 things are never satisfied - a barren women, the grave and Pucs craving for pics of his buddys having fun:stirthepot: )

 

RIDE ON BRO!!

Puc

 

I have Pics Puc ( say that fast) will get them up ASAP

[Barrycuda]

Barracuda, you're not going to believe this but Tuff Tom and I were there also for the weekend, wish I would have known we would have definitely hooked up. we didn't get there till Saturday noon time though, because I was sick on Friday, but it was fun to see all the bikes, and all the personalities. I saw one venture there, and it had the name magic printed on the trunck, I don't know if that's a member or not.

 

I SAW the Kawasaki voyager Tom rides, I never put it together that it may be him. I even showed my wife !! GRRRR... next time you guys are riding round give me a hollar. Its 50/50 whether or not I can make it, but many times I can...

[rickardracing]

The Cheiftain is a great bike for solo riding. But for a passenger on a long ride....not so much. No floorboards for the passenger, just pegs. And I think the pegs sit a bit high. No trunk, well......not a usable trunk. The one I saw that was on one, you could maybe put a laptop in it but not much else. It IS a nice bike, but for the money....I would have to go Harley.

[cowpuc]

I have Pics Puc ( say that fast) will get them up ASAP

 

,,,,,, ,,,,,,, what was that theme tune from Jeopardy again,,,,,,,,,,,,

Cant you just see Tippy smackin the back of my head and saying,,, "cabin fever makes you a very impatient person Scott!!" - thats what she did just now :rotf:

 

Thanks Barry,, looking forward to em!!

 

The Cheiftain is a great bike for solo riding. But for a passenger on a long ride....not so much. No floorboards for the passenger, just pegs. And I think the pegs sit a bit high. No trunk, well......not a usable trunk. The one I saw that was on one, you could maybe put a laptop in it but not much else. It IS a nice bike, but for the money....I would have to go Harley.

 

I totally agree Rick!

But, in Polaris's defense, they really did address some of Harley's known issues too though, primary gear drive, gear drive cams, push rod/valve stem angles, tranny smoothness.. It is really to bad they couldnt have offered them up for 2 or 3 thou cheaper than the matching HD models just to get em out and let the bikers find out if they are worthy or not.. I think its gonna be very difficult to compete directly with HD dollar for dollar,, I know you, me and LOTS of others are saying exactly what you said above!! If I were spending that kind of coin it would certainly be HD too,,, some of that from remembering what Polaris did about their early Victory problems!!

[Barrycuda]

Pics of Indian

 

sorry it took so long, I first had to learn how to crop them down to proper size after realizing I couldn't post the size they were

[cowpuc]

OUTSTANDING BARRY!! Thanks a gazillion for posting up the pics!! Melted another 2' of snow here with those!!

 

Now, about those gorgeous new Indians... The bike in picture 5 (its a red one with you standing behind it) is the one I want - now THAT is gorgeous!!!

 

Puc