Indian sold

[Freebird]

Just read that Polaris had sold Indian.   It will now be a stand-alone company.   That tells me that it wasn’t profitable enough or was losing money.   Have to wonder how long they will make it. 
 

https://www.cyclenews.com/2025/10/article/polaris-sells-indian-motorcycle-to-carolwood-lp/

[RDawson]

Scary thought for those with newer Indian bikes.  Seems like it’s becoming an all too familiar pattern for motorcycle brands. 

[Chaharly]

I was surprised to see that it was only 7% of Polaris' market share or income. I thought I've seen a bunch of Indians on the road.  That being said, I've seen a ton of them in the dealership locally that haven't sold so that may be the reason why.

 

I think the Ultra Luxury motorcycles are either going to be a thing of the past, or at least not be profitable for awhile due to the economy. No one can afford these bikes, and if you can afford them, you're probably too old to buy them.

 

That or the Indian name is cursed!

[Steve S]

There doesn't seem to be as many young people riding motorcycles these days. The majority of riders I see are older people and an awful lot of us are going to trikes. And it seems to me that Harley is the leader of bikes out there too. Of course these are just my crazy thoughts. 🤔 

[bpate4home]

17 hours ago, Steve S said:

There doesn't seem to be as many young people riding motorcycles these days. The majority of riders I see are older people and an awful lot of us are going to trikes. And it seems to me that Harley is the leader of bikes out there too. Of course these are just my crazy thoughts. 🤔 

I was out this weekend for a ride. At our meetup location, Buc-ee's, there were quite a few groups greeting together and all were younger, no more than early 30's.  They definitely don't ride baggers or touring bikes.  A lot of crotch rockets and sport tourers.  Probably saw 50 + bikes and more than half were younger.

[N3FOL]

Adventure bikes I think are becoming to be so popular to the younger generation.  I've been watching several Reels on these types of bikes and group rides.  The BMW 1300 Adventure always attracts my attention.

[PastorCurt]

4 hours ago, N3FOL said:

Adventure bikes I think are becoming to be so popular to the younger generation.  I've been watching several Reels on these types of bikes and group rides.  The BMW 1300 Adventure always attracts my attention.

It’s not only the younger riders on these bikes, it’s also the ‘ahem’ more mature riders. (Old geezers). I’m at the CMA changing of the colors rally and the amount of old guys on these bikes is amazing! 

[N3FOL]

That is true.  I saw a video about this seasoned rider and has been riding for years, but he said he is getting old...so he switched to a much lighter bike and ended with a BMW 1250 Adventure.  I he very happy with his decision.  I can see myself on one of these bikes someday in the future, but not sure how I am going to like cleaning the chains on a regular basis as recommended.  Isn't she a beauty...

[djh3]

I really liked my Victory, reliable and low maintenance. Then Poopolaris nix them slightly after they "bought" the Indian name. I vowed right then to not buy an Indian, not because of maintenance, but because the snowmobile company had no idea about motorcycling community and could care less and I figured they would kill Indian too.

I switched to a Can Am, but my last trip to the mountains, something was lacking for me. So I am looking to maybe a BMW r1200rt. The Victory got kind of heavy I thought @ close to 900 lb, the R1200 weighs in just over 600.

[N3FOL]

Those BMWs have a lot of accessories available that can make riding experience so much fun.  I can see myself riding one of those adventure bikes in the future.