If I may borrow and adapt the oft-misquoted words of Mark Twain, the reports of Indian Motorcycles’ death in the South African market have been greatly exaggerated. How do I know? Because I have just returned from riding seven of the 2023 models at the invitation of Tuning Fork (Pty) Ltd in Johannesburg.
If that sounds a little confusing, then an explanation is required. Previously, Cardinals Motor Group was responsible for the presence of first Victory and then Indian Motorcycle in South Africa. This was a very important development in the cruiser segment of the market, for there was an alternative to the dominant Harley-Davidson presence: customers finally had a choice if an American cruiser was what they needed in their lives.
Then came the worrying news that Cardinals was giving up the import licence, an understandable move in the economic circumstances. However, as it turned out, Tuning Fork (Pty) Ltd was ready to step into the breach and the transition was smoothly made. A year later and the first consignment of new models has landed and Indian Motorcycle South Africa is open for business once again.
It is a deeply impressive line-up, not only for the quality of the motorcycles but also for the way that “Indian” has quickly established itself as a viable alternative to that other American manufacturer. Not for Indian a long and protracted getting-up-to-speed process: they’ve dived in at the deep end and started swimming straight away. Looked at with a cold, calculating eye, there is nothing Harley-Davidson does that Indian doesn’t do just as well and, in some cases – and depending on personal preference – better.
While Victory utilised a thoroughly modern design language, that of Indian is unashamedly retro, which is, of course, a large part of its appeal in today’s market. That’s not to say there’s anything old-fashioned about the quality or performance.
The majority of the models are in the traditional American cruiser idiom, whether it be the Scout, Chief, Chieftain, Springfield, Roadmaster or Challenger lines. But then Indian threw us a curveball back in 2019 when it gave us the FTR1200 flat-track-inspired model. That particular model was a great example of what Americans can achieve when they think out of the box and is simply a really interesting alternative to all the other naked sports bikes on the market.
It might sound lazy to simply say that all the models ridden over the course of two days are brilliant but, really, one would have to get really nit-picky to come up with any reasonably pertinent criticism. The Scout models all have smooth, punchy performance courtesy of the liquid-cooled V-Twin 1200cc engine allied to a chassis that doesn’t behave as a long, low-slung junior cruiser should.
The larger Chief and Chieftain models are powered by air-cooled 116cu.in (1,900cc) V-Twin Thunderstroke engines that possess typically mountainous amounts of torque but are still uncannily smooth. Again, the chassis dynamics are not those of a heavy American cruiser.
Then, there’s the Challenger, Indian’s newest model. Again, typically American: large, supremely comfortable, epically equipped, effortless performance from the liquid-cooled PowerPlus 1,768cc V-Twin engine, which develops 122bhp and 178Nm of torque, a motorcycle upon which to cross continents.
And the FTR1200? It’s been ridden before when it first arrived in South Africa, but it’s still so surprising when you get back on it. Taut, hard suspension, wonderful chassis, Brembo brakes, great soundtrack, strong performance and unexpected comfort. It would be a blast on the track but is supremely entertaining on the road.
Across the whole range, the quality, attention to detail, fit and finish are second-to-none. If you want chrome, it’s there: if you don’t, you can opt for the Dark Horse models. There is barely a jarring note on any of the bikes.
Currently, there are two dealerships: Indian Motorcycle Sandton in Johannesburg and Indian Motorcycle Lynnwood in Pretoria. Both stores carry a comprehensive range of accessories and apparel as well as a full range of motorcycles. More dealerships are planned for the future but, right now, it is a period of consolidation and re-establishing the brand in the SA market.
Indian deserves to succeed because the products are just so good. The only thing I can say is to do yourself a favour and test-ride an Indian: only then will you fully appreciate them.
Keep an eye on ZA Bikers for more in-depth road tests of all the models in the months to come.
Indian Motorcycle Range
For more information on the bikes featured in this article, click on the links below…
