EICMA 2017: Indian Motorcycles 2018
Rounding out the model lineup
The big news is the new FTR1200 Indian revealed last week; the bigger news is how close to production-ready it looks, complete with lights and carbon-fiber bodywork, which may have to give way to plastic on a real production version. Indian’s Gary Gray says they built it to see what the public reaction would be, but I think the public had already reacted as soon as they built the FTR750 race bike, which was wildly successful. The Wrecking Crew was on hand to pull the cover off the “concept” bike.
111 Power Stroke
In other news, Indian Motorcycle’s heavyweight models are powered up for 2018:
“With motorcycles now having to meet EU4 emission rules, there has been an ongoing homologation process at Spirit Lake to ensure Indian offers the best products possible. For 2018, all of the Thunder Stroke 111 engined models have 15 more horsepower and an 11 lb-ft increase in torque; now there’s 84hp and 110.6 claimed lb-ft.
“Indian Motorcycle’s International Product Manager, Ben Lindaman commented: `Indian’s engineering team achieved the increase in power and torque by removing intake restrictions, equipping the bikes with better flowing exhaust, and optimising the calibration for this setup. The results are a substantial 21% power increase and an improved throaty exhaust tone as well.’”
Basically, Indian claims to be growing its market share faster than it expected, both in the U.S. and here in Europe. Full steam ahead, they say.
Follow the rest of our 2017 EICMA show coverage
Here’s the rest of Indian’s news for 2018 straight from the press kit:
SCOUT BOBBER – NEW FOR 2018
Available in 5 color schemes.
- 5 models
SCOUT – UPDATED FOR 2018
Scout has had updates for 2018 based on feedback from customers over the past three years. It will now come as standard with a pillion seat on the rear and footpegs for a passenger. The Scout’s existing telescopic front fork has now been replaced with a cartridge fork, making a real difference to the ride and feel. To improve the handling even further, Scout will now also come with Pirelli tires as standard.
Scout’s existing colors of Thunder Black, Burgundy Metallic and Brilliant Blue over White will continue for 2018, but will be joined by two new color schemes – Metallic Jade and a Willow Green/Ivory Cream.
- 5 models
SCOUT SIXTY
Scout Sixty remains the same for 2018 but will come in two new color schemes, namely Polished Bronze and Thunder Black/Titanium Metallic.
- 4 models
SPRINGFIELD
Springfield comes in an extra color for 2018 – Metallic Jade over Thunder Black with Silver pinstripe.
- 3 models
SPRINGFIELD DARK HORSE – NEW FOR 2018
Like the other existing Dark Horse models, the Springfield Dark Horse has matte black paint with gloss black details. Springfield Dark Horse will feature an open fender to showcase a 19” ten-spoke and blacked-out front wheel. Its quick-release windshield protects the rider from the elements, or can give a meaner cruiser look when removed.
- 1 model
CHIEF
A single version of this bike comes in Steel Gray, offering just the essentials and is a great base bike for further customisation.
- 1 model
CHIEF CLASSIC – UPDATED FOR 2018
Classic style has been given to the Chief in the form of white-walled tires, wire-spoked wheels and chrome hand controls. Available only in Burgundy Metallic.
- 1 model
CHIEF DARK HORSE
A Chief, but blacked out with the Dark Horse treatment.
- 1 model
CHIEF VINTAGE
Indian’s iconic Chief Vintage is now offered up with black leather saddlebags and seat for the first time. The Thunder Black and Star Silver over Thunder Black versions come with black seat and leather saddlebags, while the Sky Blue over Pearl White and the always-popular Willow Green over Ivory Cream will feature brown leather saddlebags.
- 4 models
CHIEFTAIN
The Chieftain comes in just one color scheme for 2018 (Steel Gray) and is now offered with open fenders instead of valanced ones along with a 19” blacked-out wheel, making it a great base bike for further customisation.
- 1 model
CHIEFTAIN CLASSIC – NEW MODEL NAME FOR 2018
This classic version of the Chieftain is aimed at the heritage customer and has the brand’s iconic valanced front fender and a vintage black seat. It comes in three color schemes; Thunder Black, Indian Motorcycle Red and Star Silver Smoke.
- 3 models
CHIEFTAIN LIMITED
Only a black version of this bike has been available in EMEA until now, but for 2018 it comes in four extra color schemes with two of these featuring striped graphics on the fairing and the saddlebags.
- 5 models
CHIEFTAIN DARK HORSE
The Chieftain Dark Horse will now come with RideCommand as standard and showcases a 19” ten-spoke wheel with an open fender.
- 1 model
ROADMASTER ELITE – NEW FOR 2018
After the success of Chieftain Elite, Indian is offering a special run of 250 Roadmaster Elite machines. The ultra-premium Roadmaster Elite has a two-tone cobalt blue and black color that has been completed hand painted, along with real 23K gold leaf badging on the tank. It has the industry-leading Ride Command system and a 300-watt premium audio system, chrome front and rear bumpers, passenger armrests and stylish pinnacle mirrors.
- 1 model
ROADMASTER
The Burgundy Metallic version of this bike now comes with a tan-colored seat while the other three versions all have black seats. For 2018 there are two new two-tone color schemes.
- 4 models
ROADMASTER CLASSIC
This is available in two color schemes; the classic colors of Indian Motorcycle Red and the Willow Green/Ivory Cream.
- 2 models
Indian’s 2018 line-up will be available in dealers throughout Europe, the Middle East and Africa from early 2018.
More by John Burns
Comments
Join the conversation
The upgraded front fork on the Scout is noticeably better, and the Metallic Jade sure is easy on the eyes.
https://uploads.disquscdn.c...
A one-piece tank/seat/tail combo, a trellis frame and mid-rear controls... Production ready?!... You know what? I'm not buying it until I see one being reviewed on YouTube. Too much of it looks unrealistic to me - all the carbon instead of plastic or steel, those exposed twin radiators, the narrow wheels andnthe lack of a lower covering for an engine made to be floor-mounted all make me suspicious.
That said, all they'd have to do is add some kind of fairing, a wider rear tire and a skidplate and I'd be making preorder requests! MAN I want one!