Indian Actually Planning To Make Motorcycles in the USofA

Polaris Industries Inc., the holders of the Indian motorcycle trademark, plan to add 89 jobs in Wisconsin to meet the demand for production of Indian motorcycles. Polaris acquired Indian last year and now produces the motorcycles in Spirit Lake, Iowa.

Engines, both Indian and Victory, are currently produced at the plant in Osceola which employs about 100. The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation says some $595,000 in tax credits are forthcoming for the company. The Osceola plant once had a workforce of more than 500, and Polaris had planned to shutter the factory in 2010 as part of a plan to move some production to Mexico.

Polaris say they plan to begin full-scale production of Indian motorcycles next year in Spirit Lake and are in the process of expanding facilities there.

As for the history of the Indian brand?

This news is certainly a good sign. Message to Polaris: just get it done and make some bikes.

Specifications

Note: all specifications subject to change

engine

• Engine Type

  Power Plus, Air-Cooled

• Displacement

  105 Cubic Inches

• Bore x Stroke

  3.966″ x 4.25″

• Compression Ratio

  9 to 1

• Fuel System

  Closed Loop Sequential Port Fuel Injection

drivechain

• Primary Drive

  Chain

• Gearbox

  Six Speed

Gear Ratio (overall)

• 1st

  3.77:1

• 2nd

  2.56:1

• 3rd

  1.87:1

• 4th

  1.44:1

• 5th

  1.15:1

• 6th

  1:1

• Final Drive

  Belt

chassis

• Frame

  High tensile steel

• Suspension/Front

  Dia. 41 mm/Travel 4.25″

• Suspension/Rear

  Single shock/Travel 2.90″

• Brakes/Front

  Dual Caliper w/Floating Rotors

• Brakes/Rear

  Single Caliper Floating Rotor

• Tires/Front

  130/90-16 Black

• Tires/Rear

  150/80-16 Black

• Wheels

  Wire spoked

• Exhaust System

  Two into one Stainless Steel