Comments on: Late 1930’s Indian Motorcycle Replica

By: alex

alex — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 15:35:07 +0000

new technology does not make aw correct indian, like adding 2008
shelby parts to 1964 mustang

By: slideways

slideways — Thu, 07 May 2009 18:59:34 +0000

It is great to see this kind of work and replication of such a great machine in history. Nicely done Mike!

About the new Indian Motorcycle Company (the real one in Kings Mountain NC), it is great that IMC can build on all this great history, but the brand would only be history if they didn’t build on it. Purist have their spot in the market…but what about the emerging markets, todays technology, safety/emissions standards…and all the other things it takes to produce a competitive motorcycle in todays market? A company needs to keep building new and exciting products to succeed. This is what I am looking forward to with this company. I guess I am paralleling Bumphus’ statement…give the group in NC some time…they are a very talented and very capable team. Sorry for the rant.

By: Dan kerlin

Dan kerlin — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 16:15:24 +0000

Hi i am from the clearfield county career and techknology center (ccctc) vocational school in clearfield pennsylvania. We saw that you were giving away a leaf spring front end and we were interested in hearing more from u about that. We built a bike this year that went to the donny smith chopper challenge and took first for the school bikes. we saw a leaf spring front end and were interested in using one for out next years trip.

If possable email me back at dkerlin@ccctc.org for details

Thx for your time,

Dan kerlin

By: Bumphus

Bumphus — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 09:27:46 +0000

First off, when is Kiwi going to bring back the inline 4? Second off, I’d rather have a new Kiwi than just about anything, but why do we hate the new Indian motorcycle from North Carolina? It’s not my cup of tea but I’m rooting for them bigtime. If they do well maybe they’ll build bike more to our liking…

By: Steko

Steko — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 22:25:37 +0000

Can I order one with a sheepskin seat cover and a horn that goes baaaaaaaaaaaaah???

By: Rick

Rick — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 20:43:10 +0000

Boooo- that thing is ugly!! We need to go back to the square billet look of the 90’s and 2000’s. Parts that can be made by the millions and then have no apparent value later! This kind of look is a passing fad- it wasn’t cool in the 30’s and it sure isn’t cool now. I much more prefer an easter egg paint job on a solid block of billet. That is what I consider timeless beauty!

You guys are a bunch of kiss-butt sissy boys.

Go buy a real bike- like a chinese 200cc moped at Costco- thats class~!

Well, if you haven’t figured it out yet- I’m pullin yer legs. You all know Mike and I have been friends for several years and I run his front ends on virtually every bike I build. I love the guy and he has paid his dues more than once- his parts reflect it. And it’s true- he is now an American… I checked. Now go out and buy one from Mike and support your fellow American. Don’t go try to copy him and rip him off on all of his hard efforts. We just had another idiot group out of Florida buy our frame and Mike’s front end, build a bike with it- win a show etc. They are now found in Cinci, representing our frame that they copied tube by tube as theirs and trying to get it into catalogs. I put their bike on my website tried to promote them as a dealer etc, and this is how they repay the favor…. Watch out for your fellow American Mike!

I think that you will find as you support those who really love the industry and what they do- their products will in turn support your business. If you like the product- buy it- they poured their heart, soul and all of their money into it at great risk. If you want to make money with their product call them up with some business ideas and strategies! I’m sure you will find everyone more than happy to talk about this prospect. In time you will realize that sharing the marketing, expenses, and interests will yield you more in money and good will than your idea of stealing their goods and becoming rich. It’s a small industry and everyone is pretty hip- regardless of what you think.

I hate to use this as a forum for my ramblings, but both Mike and I have been through incredible expense and trying times fending off cheap garage copy cat guys while trying to keep our products pure and provide the best quality at a very fair price.

Not to belittle my aforementioned ramblings; but you are all ordered to go call Mike and raz him for becoming Americano, you know he just wants part of that stimulus package!! HA!

By: Brian Klock

Brian Klock — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 15:19:58 +0000

Congrats to the entire team at Kiwi, It is great to hear positive comments all the way down even if some think there is a price point, they love it! That is what the camaraderie of motorcycles is all about. Enjoying the function and design if it is you work or others. Well deserved compliments Mike, Carolyn, Ross and everyone out at Kiwiville! Its truly a tribute to new thoughts with timeless styling that will always tug at the heart strings! More Good NEWS… Keep it coming, the snow is finally melting here.

By: Jeff Nicklus

Jeff Nicklus — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 18:10:09 +0000

“kiwi” Steve,

….. and Mike still has a cool accent!…..

Over & Out,

Jeff

By: "Kiwi" Steve

"Kiwi" Steve — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 17:09:58 +0000

Thanks for the great comments, and if anyone wonders why JD called Mike a “YanKiwi” is that Mike Tomas is now a citizen of the U.S. (a yankee-kiwi if you will). On Jan 29th he took the oath in L.A. and now can vote and serve on jury duty!!

By: John Dean Klock Werks

John Dean Klock Werks — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 16:07:56 +0000

Everything my mate YanKiwi produces is of amazing craftsmanship and attention to detail, and you are absolutely right Harry, you will not find a better buy on a completely handmade ride anywhere. Mike has a great team and does fantastic work!

By: Vic

Vic — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 15:32:14 +0000

Great job! This is CMC should’ve done in the first place! Very sweet!

By: Doc Robinson

Doc Robinson — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 04:40:14 +0000

Kiwi Indian rocks!

By: Frank338

Frank338 — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 00:17:08 +0000

THANKS FROM THE SHOP DOGS AT KIWI

By: J

Tue, 10 Feb 2009 19:17:40 +0000

Beautiful work- more Kiwi indian stuff to lust after!

By: Boss Hawg

Boss Hawg — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 18:57:14 +0000

Mike,

Excellent workmanship! Great looks and I am sure fully functional with great reliability,too.

Keep up the surprises!

Boss Hawg

By: Jeff Nicklus

Jeff Nicklus — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 17:40:03 +0000

Mike,

I could never have imagined that I would be interested in riding any motorcycle, other than one I built of course, until now. This is a beautiful modern rendition of the original Indian! Great job!

Over & Out,

Jeff

By: Mike Kiwi Tomas, Kiwi Indian M/C Co

Mike Kiwi Tomas, Kiwi Indian M/C Co — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 15:08:52 +0000

This is the direct link to the retro 30’s Chief http://www.kiwiindian.com/retro-chief.html
There is a certain style and characteristic some classic bikes have which I like to recreate (and tastefully update) to reintroduce people to. Classic styling is captured from the front fender all the way to the rear fender and just flows. My favorite styling is the late 30’s era since so much was going on in that era and it seemed like America was really coming into its own that was then repeated again in the 1950’s. It was a beautiful time in styling of many things even beyond the automotive like building architecture.

By: Brenda Fox

Brenda Fox — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 03:30:03 +0000

Outstanding Mike,

Fine example of your labor of passion. Well executed and something to be proud of.
No surprised to hear the attention to detail is superb, that’s a consistent theme rolling from your garage.

By: rodent

rodent — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 03:03:31 +0000

Yes, much better than the pretender to the Indian

By: harry

harry — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 02:49:23 +0000

That is a REALLY NICE bike, Kiwi Indian did a really good job on it. Riddle me this though, if the Indian above built by Mike Tomas & Co. are being sold for $35,000-$40,000, and the (Current) Indian motorcycle company are selling bikes for (roughly) the same price, why is the M/C company selling bikes for the same price when the bikes they’re selling should be $5,000-$10,000 cheaper? If I am going to spend that kind of money on a bike that is called an Indian, I think I’d rather take my chances w/ one of Mr. Tomas’ bikes instead, at least I know what I am getting and know it will last and be well built. Just my observation from the sidelines…

By: Nicker

Nicker — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 02:46:17 +0000

Mike,
the way you’ve merge the new technnology into that great old style is perfect.
I love it….!!!!

-nicker-

By: Sheridan

Sheridan — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 23:29:27 +0000

OMG that is magnificent!!!

By: Cj Hanlon Guilty Customs

Cj Hanlon Guilty Customs — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 22:47:41 +0000

As i too was at the V-twin show and got to spend time with my friend, one thing that just doesn’t show in any picture is the level of detail and craftsmanship that Mike puts into each and every bike they build. To see them up close and personal is what really convinces you that the purchaser is definitely getting far more than s/he is paying for with these bikes. Great work mike!

By: Biker Bob

Biker Bob — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 19:54:57 +0000

The bike pictured is $35,000.00 to 40,000.00 hell I like it too.

By: Biker Bob

Biker Bob — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 19:52:27 +0000

and for only 60,000.00 dollars you can own one too, but I gotta tell ya, I agree with Charlie and 45, they build a bike I would shell out that kinda jack for.

By: Charlie Lecach

Charlie Lecach — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 14:29:40 +0000

That’s what I call a reborn Indian, great work Mike ! Is there also a drumbrake option ?

By: Believer 45

Believer 45 — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 14:22:28 +0000

Awsome!!!!!

Now we are talking!

Screw the new Indian………this is what it’s all about!!

Keep up the good work Kiwi Mike.