Battle is the most magnificent competition in which a human can indulge.
It brings out all that is best; it removes all that is base.
All men are afraid in battle. The coward is the one that let's his fear over come his sense of duty.
Duty is the essence of manhood.
George S. Patton
I believe competition is good for business. Monopolies serve no one but the greedy. I always thought the Factory needed more American made competition to become more grounded when it came to their product and service attitude. That's why I had hoped the "Gilroy Indian" would take off and cement itself as the nation's other top motorcycle manufacturer. Unfortunately, The Indian Motorcycle Corporation went into bankruptcy and ceased all production operations in Gilroy in September of 2003.
In 2006, a private, London-based equity firm announced it's newly formed IMC and started producing the Indian Chief model in a North Carolina factory. Bummer was, they decided to sell the bikes with a focus on exclusivity rather than performance, and most went to the UK. WTF!?
In stepped Polaris Industries in 2011, parent company of Victory motorcycles, and announced it's intention to acquire IMC. They moved the operation to Spirit Lake, Iowa and this past March, they introduced the the new 111 cubic-inch "Thunder Stroke" motor at Daytona Bike Week. I like the vintage look of the motor, much more than it's S&S version in the 99-03 Indians. The new engine specs are pretty impressive... so far.
Personally, I hope the company works itself out this time. A profitable IMC can hopefully re-forge the iconic brand into a worthy opponent for America's other "iconic" brand.
The old:
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