Comments on: Grand Opening Of Indian Motorcycle Of The Twin Cities

By: To RJ - From Snoboardgirl

To RJ - From Snoboardgirl — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 14:52:00 +0000

My husband works for the new Indian Dealership. They have put a lot of time and energy into building a quality shop, and my husband’s #1 priority (Been a motorcycle enthusiast since age 16) is to give the best customer service and product knowledge, and to give Art Welch the best service year he has ever had. Art already has a wide customer-base who has supported him from the 800 sq. ft. shop he once occupied. He did quite a bit of research about the possibility of becoming an Indian Dealership and took every measure necessary to ensure a successful opening. That opening surpassed their expectations – including an open house with over 1,000 people. Additionally, while they are Indian, the service department can service ANY model bike (and I know that first hand, including vintage models).

As a correction, there are 11 dealerships (including this one in MN) across the nation. They are on schedule to produce approx. 665 bikes – assuming they fully produce. Each dealership will then get about 60 bikes, to which I already know approx. 10 have been sold?

They received factory direct training – the bikes speak for themselves-only 2 people assemble each bike by hand and each bike has over $15,000 alone in chrome (which many bikers desire).

Yes, you can purchase factory direct-but for any motorcyclist that would choose to purchase an Indian, spending upwards of $30,000, many want to SEE the bike in person and many want more information from someone who the bikes and can visually point out things for the customer. Additionally, the customer and the shop can build a relationship for future service and needs, and beyond that, Art as an Indian Dealership has the unique opportunity to continue to sponsor rides/runs and his commitment the community through cook outs, helping schools, children’s hospitals, etc.

By: jeff & Robbie

jeff & Robbie — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 19:13:37 +0000

RJ, points well taken. Looks like a path to oblivion to us.

By: Rocky

Rocky — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 14:58:12 +0000

It would be nice to see new Indian parts for the old indians sold at a new Indian dealership as well. Who knows maybe the new Indian Motorcycle company would be interested in setting a world land speed record?

By: Nitrious Phil

Nitrious Phil — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 01:33:00 +0000

Good luck guys. there always room for Indian.

By: RJ

RJ — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 18:27:25 +0000

Congrats and good luck to the new Indian dealer! I am just not sure this is a great recipe for success. Indian motor co. is a new start up company and there are plenty of motorcycle shops/dealers that would make great Indian dealerships and offer great service for their motorcycles and customers. Instead Indian has chosen the route of big elaborate stand alone dealerships, and there are 6 or 7 of these delaers at this point. Indian plans on manufacturing 900 motorcycles for 2009. 900 motorcycles as well as appearal split between 6 or 7 dealerships does not seem like enough of income to support a stand alone dealership. The Indian factory web site also offers factory direct motorcycle sales and an online store were Indian appearal can be purchased. To me this seems a bit erogant on Indians part to be in direct competition with its own dealers. I only say this because I looked into becoming an Indian dealer and I thought there demands were a little steep and did not seem like a recipe for long term steady growth, but more a recipe for a short painful death. Am I missing something or can someone shed some light on this for me. Thanks.
RJ

By: Minnesota Jeff

Minnesota Jeff — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 21:17:37 +0000

Art, I wish you nothing but the best, good luck. I will be there Saturday to support you and you venture!

Lyle, in reference to the “old” Indian dealer on Concord. That is Fury Motors/Fury Motorcycles. They are now a Big Dog dealership. Look for B-I-G things from these guys in the next year and a half, trust me on this one!

-Minnesota Jeff
Bottoms Up Bike Fest
http://www.bottomsupbikefest.com

By: 1550tc

1550tc — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 19:18:21 +0000

Good luck to Indian, they have to just make sure they are not going to compete with HD and carve out their own niche in the market.

By: rodent

rodent — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 16:56:41 +0000

It’s the best news I’ve heard since the A/A got elected our leader!!

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

Mike Kiwi Tomas, Kiwi Indian M/C Co — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 15:22:37 +0000

It would round out the dealers quite nicely to have new Indians and our classic line of Kiwi Indians on their floor. It all depends on what Indian has written into their agreements as to the new dealers handling others or our products. A full line of parts to service the vintage owners would also add to their dealership.

By: Karen

Karen — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 13:37:15 +0000

Cyril,
Thank you so much and I appreciate you and your blog here.

By: Cyril Huze

Cyril Huze — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 12:36:35 +0000

Victory is a division of Polaris. No trouble for Victory.

By: Karen

Karen — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 12:28:35 +0000

This question is not related to Indian but is related to Minnesota. Does the Polaris Company who manufactures atv’s own the Victory Motorcyle Company and if so has Victory ever been in such financial trouble that they almost had to file bankruptcy ? Sorry for any distraction from Indian here but looking for an answer to Victory motorcyles.

By: Nicker

Nicker — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 05:10:00 +0000

How cool would it be to have the same dealer floor both the new Indians and the old flatheads.

Sort-a like a continuum of Indian motorcycle history under the same roof.

Seems to me there would be a good business case for someone who builds classics to floor or consign them in an environment where the right buyer, seeing them together, might want both old and new versions in his own garage.

Just a thought.

-nicker-

By: Lyle

Lyle — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 15:08:13 +0000

What happened to the Indian dealer on Concord Rd. in St. Paul?

By: Fred

Fred — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 14:46:24 +0000

Congrats Art! Hard work pays off!