Saturday, August 16th 2008: The City of Corona in Riverside County CA:
Bill Staska’s Corona Indian-Victory dealership, located at 1611-C Pomona Road in The City of Corona in Riverside County CA, www.indianmotorcyclecorona.com (951) 371-4467, rolled out the red carpet for the five hundred-plus curious Indian enthusiasts who came to gawk at, straddle, fondle, scrutinize, inquire about and comment on the latest incarnation of the legendary two-wheeled American icon.
I follow Pomona Road from the Maple Street exit through the vast industrial sprawl that dominates the real estate on the north side of the 15 freeway. Then, as I turn into the drive way beneath the Indian-Victory sign, my field of vision is filled with a vibrant spectacle. Several hundred American big V-Twin motorcycles, Harleys and Victory’s as well as Indians, languish on their kick stands in the parking area, which also doubles as the vendor concourse. Their riders have strolled down to the end of the yard to ogle the ’09 Indian line up. The fire engine red semi trailer, that hauls the platoon of Indian models from the King’s Mountain NC factory to the far flung corners of the continent, serves as the merchandising display for Indian gear and parts and also provides the back drop for the exhibit. And, there they are; positioned like The Rockets at Radio City Music Hall.
But where are the gaudy banners, the scantily clad models and the age-demographic-specific rock bands? If you knew Bill Staska, the owner of this shootin’ match, you wouldn’t be surprised by the absence of trappings other dealers might deem essential to the success of an event. No, the venerable veteran of the motorcycle mercantile wars opted instead to go back to basics. When I got a chance to interview Mr. Staska, he said, “I guess I’m not one to bother with a lot of distractions. These bikes are the main attraction and I think they fill the bill just fine. Have you had a chance to check them out? You got to admit they were worth waiting for!”
OK Bill, I’ll admit it. I’ve always been a sucker for the art-deco tin and bright work on a Chief. So it’s a slam dunk, lead pipe cinch that these prime examples of the Indian design legacy would be a source of serious eye candy for these road weary peepers.
Marc Pomerantz, The Manager of Customer Service & Events, (I copied that title right off of his card) for Indian Motorcycles, obliged me with a photo op and an interview. The night before the unveiling, I went on line, accessed the Indian website and studied the spec sheet. Though my poor melon was veritably throbbing with the plethora of data I’d mentally down loaded, my effort enabled me to speak, in an informed manner, about such design features as the 105” 45 degree, EFI, air cooled, push rod engine, the Baker 6-speed tranny, the 68” wheel base (4” longer than H-D cruisers), the considerable weight, 843 lbs., the relatively low 26.6” seat height, the forward mounted foot boards and the 180 mm rear wheel.
When I asked Marc how the Indian engineers had gone about minimizing the significant amount of vibration one would expect from a solid mounted engine of this type and size that featured no counterbalancing element, he assured me that lighter pistons, a well balanced fly wheel, and a redesigned cam shaft combined to damp vibration down to a very acceptable level. He went on to describe the vibration level of the new power plant as follows. “At cruising speed (80 mph in 6th gear), the motor turns at 2,800 RPM. It hardly vibrates at all; about like a twin cam Dyna. When the engine reaches 3,500 RPM a rider will notice some vibration but nothing like the older Indian models.” Marc went on to tell me that the 105-inch mill has been redesigned from the bolts on the rocker box covers to the cam shaft and on down to the oil pan of this wet sump design.
Check out the website: www.indianmotorcycle.com for specs and more info.
Also, go to: www.youtube.com/blackstarpics. Click on “The Indians Are Coming” and watch video of the unveiling at the dealership as well as at Cook’s Corner in Trabuco Canyon in The O.C. in CA
I got the opportunity to throw a boot over and checkout the ergonomics. The seat-handle bars-foot board set up seemed to suit my 6’, 185 lb frame nicely thank you. However, I never got a chance to fire one up. I’ll do my best to get a test ride ASAP and report my impressions of the ‘09’s handling, comfort and engine vibration characteristics. I’ll also include my seat-of-the-pants dynamometer estimates of its performance capabilities.
The two-into-one exhaust system, obviously, designed to improve torque and hp ratings for the stock model, got less than favorable reviews for appearance but I suspect most enthusiasts will replace the cumbersome, restrictive device with freer flowing cans anyway.
The light green and cream color scheme drew a lot of attention. The consensus of every attendee I encountered made this combination a favorite, maybe “the” favorite color combo.
I applaud The North Carolina Based manufacturer for their decision to include some 21st Century design features in the ’09 offerings, such as a Baker 6-speed tranny, and a high-tech mono rear shock, while maintaining the classic profile of this model’s ancestors. Hopefully, these technological up-grades will improve ride-ability and creature comfort to the point where this latest incarnation will attract some younger devotees as well as the obvious target audience, the Boomer touring crowd. Jim, a salesman at Corona Indian/Victory, directed me to scrutinize the fit and finish characteristics of the ’09 models and let him know what I thought. I reported back to Jim and let him know was impressed I was by the obvious pride the craftsmen at the N.C. facility take in fabricating and assembling the new models.
Hey, did I just mention the words pride and craftsmen in the same sentence? Could it be that the Motor Company has reintroduced an old school concept to the market place? Cool!
I’ve concocted an axiom that seems especially appropriate regarding the timeless look of an Indian Chief: “Progress doesn’t necessarily lead to improvement.”
Remember earlier when I made reference to the presence of vendors at the event. I was pleased to behold the familiar Rock ‘N Roll Custom Paint van prominently situated on the concourse. There, in the shade of his logo-emblazoned pop-up, sat Randy Morton, the owner himself. The highly esteemed, third generation, custom paint specialist was holding forth; dispensing his proprietary brand of pragmatic philosophy and wry witticisms. Whether or not you happen to be contemplating a custom paint job or not, you owe it to yourself to drop by the R&R booth, at an event, and engage Randy in conversation.
Mike Moore, a member of the Victor McLaglen Motor Corps, a group that performs close order drill and acrobatics, on vintage motorcycles, at events across Southern California, rode in on his two tone red and cream ’47 Indian Chief accompanied by his main squeeze, former fashion model, April Moon. Miss Moon’s attire and demeanor added a delightful touch of class and nostalgia to the occasion. Thanks April!
Owner, Bill Staska was not the only venerable V-Twin personality at the extravaganza. Bob Stark of Starklite Cycle, Perris, CA, a dealership dedicated to the sale of antique Indian Motorcycles and a clearinghouse for antique Indian parts, honored the event with his presence. Do yourself a favor. Go peruse his virtual museum: www.starklite.com. But be fore-warned you, you’d better make sure you have some spare time on your hands when you do. You may find that your psyche will get sucked into the vortex, created by the romantic anecdotes and spell-binding sagas of bygone days, to be found on the web site.
Speaking of venerable personalities, it was great to see eighty three year-old “Indian” Ed Spillker, the last of the original “Jack Pine Gypsies,” of Sturgis, South Dakota, who now resides in SoCal. He rode in on his maroon and black ’48 Indian Chief. Yes, he’s the original owner!
