Along with Harley-Davidson, Indian Motorcycles is one of the two oldest motorcycle manufacturers in the USA. Founded in 1901 by former bicyclist George M. Hendee and engineer Oscar Hedstrom, the Indian “motorized bicycle” caught on and became a huge success.
Unfortunately, the company experienced a series of setbacks starting in the Great Depression and was unable to recover following World War II. Their factory closed in 1953, and the brand wasn’t rebooted until 2013. This new Indian incarnation, owned by Polaris, has brought a classic line of motorcycles to a new generation.
The classic Indian motorcycles were mostly cruisers and baggers, built for a laid-back riding position and easy handling. The current lineup has continued in the same vein, with low-slung models like the Chieftain, Springfield, and Roadmaster touring bikes. Indian has also added the FTR 1200, a road bike built like a classic racer.
One thing we should point out is that Indian do not manufacture any sportbikes. In turn, let’s discuss only current Indian models only. Here’s a guide to buying an Indian motorcycle.
If you are buying new, choosing the right Indian bike is simple. Look for the one with the features you need. But if you are purchasing a used bike, you also need to make sure it is in good condition.
Here are a few things to consider:
So, where do you buy an Indian motorcycle? Once again, it depends on whether you are buying new or used. If you are buying new, you can use the Indian's website to locate dealers near you. If there is more than one dealer in your area, it is recommended to call all of them. They will often quote you different prices, so a bit of research can often save you a few bucks. If you can get two dealers bidding against each other, so much the better!
If you are buying used, there are numerous online marketplaces, like CycleTrader or even Facebook Marketplace. Keep in mind that these marketplaces can connect you with sellers from anywhere in North America. Unless you have no other choice, buy local, so you can look at the bike in person and take it for a test drive. If you are buying from out of state, hire a local mechanic you trust to inspect the motorcycle or have a friend go for you.
Regardless of which Indian you are buying, you should have an understanding of the current prices.
Here’s a quick look at each Indian model and what you can expect to pay:
The Indian Scout is their base model cruiser and starts at $8,999 MSRP brand-new. The smallest variant, the Scout Bobber Sixty, weighs just 550 pounds, with a low, backward-leaning riding position.
The mid-sized Scout, which starts at $11,999, comes with the same frame but sports a larger, 1,131cc motor. The Scout Bobber with $10,999 MSRP has the lowest-slung design and features shortened fenders and mirrors that hang from the handlebars.
Depending on which Scout variant you are looking for, the used models start at around $2,000 below MSRP.
The Chief is Indian’s larger cruiser and weighs about 200 pounds more. It has an MSRP of $14,499 and sports a beefy 1,811cc V-twin engine, which provides plenty of acceleration. This bike might be big, but it is certainly not slow by any means. There are several Chief variants, and the differences are primarily cosmetic. The Indian Chief Vintage is the priciest model, with an MSRP of $20,499. The Vintage model is decked out in chrome and boasts a pair of whitewall tires and saddlebags with tassels.
Used models of the Indian Chief vary widely in price, depending on the variant, year, and condition.
Baggers are mid-sized bikes, larger than traditional cruisers but smaller than touring bikes. The first two models, the Springfield ($20,999 MSRP) and Chieftain ($21,999 MSRP), are equipped with a six-speed transmission and the same 1,811cc engine. The larger Challenger model ($23,999 MSRP) comes with beefier fairings and an upgraded 128 hp motor.
You can save a lot of money with used Indian baggers, except for the Challenger, which was only recently introduced in 2020.
The FTR 1200 is another newer Indian bike, first sold in 2019. It is slimmer than their other models, with a more upright seating position. At 500 pounds, it is their lightest bike, and it starts at $12,999. The used FTRs have held their value reasonably well, which is not surprising considering that none are very old.
Indian’s motorcycle lineup wouldn’t be complete without the Roadmaster Series. These are oversized bikes designed to carry two passengers and plenty of cargo for long journeys. They come with larger fairings, as well as more comfortable seating and a 200-watt audio system. With an MSRP of $29,999 for the base model, they are not cheap, and they also weigh over 900 pounds.
That said, these are not beginner motorcycles. They are designed for experienced riders who can handle a heavy bike. As for the price tag, you can find significant savings on used models, with many selling for less than $20,000.