IMR Newsletter Sprin 2020

NEWSLETTER SPRING 2020

WHAT’S INSIDE DEALERSHIP UPDATE BRUTAL BOBBER

ARTICLE BY DAN EVERETT

^ 2020 Indian Scout Bobber Twenty

THE DIE CAST MODEL OF AN INDIAN CHIEF ARTICLE BY CHRIS KEEBLE

ST ALBANS VILLAGE DAY TRIP ARTICLE BY CHRIS KEEBLE

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START

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LETTER FROM INDIAN MOTORCYCLE AUSTRALIA /

2021 JD Limited Edition Roadmaster Dark Horse

Indian Challenger Limited

Apple Car Play ®

Indian Motorcycle Springwood

In the loop

2020 has been a roller-coaster, but

we are glad to be riding it with you guys.

Over the last several months we have made some big changes to the structure of our dealerships and the management of Indian Motorcycle Riders, to ensure that the needs of our customers and members comes first.

We have successfully opened 8 new dealerships this year in Penrith, Auburn, Keilor, Dandenong, Springwood, Nerang, Mandurah and Emerald and we’re not stopping there. Providing specialised service and ensuring accessibility for our customers is number one on our priority list.

This year has also seen us launch the newly named Indian Motorcycle Riders (IMR) platform with great new benefits and plenty

more to come. In just over a month we have welcomed over 100 new members, amassed almost 500 members on our new private Facebook group and saved our members over $1,300 with the launch of our 10% off discount. We plan to continue to bring you new and exciting benefits, and we hope that in the coming months we will be able to connect again through events and ride days.

The recent launch of Apple Carplay integration for our 2020 ride command system has been an exciting update with riders now able to easily access their iPhone ® through a user-friendly interface.

While this is not the year any of us could have planned, we hope you are all making the most of the slower pace, but know that

we have not slowed down. We are working tirelessly in the background to keep the cogs turning and ensure we are bringing you the best value and support possible!

We are looking forward to what the future holds with the announcements of our 2021 models almost upon us, the recent launch of the Jack Daniels Limited Edition Roadmaster Dark Horse was the sneak peak we needed to tied us over!

In the mean time please feel free to reach out to us any time via the IMR service line 0417 577 519 or via email support@imraustralia.com Stay Safe.

DISCLAIMER Indian Motorcycle Riders magazine is published by Indian Motorcycle. No part of Indian Motorcycle Riders (IMR) magazine may be reproduced for any purpose in part

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or in its entirety without the express written permission of Indian Motorcycle. Indian Motorcycle has made every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein; however, Indian Motorcycle does not assume and disclaims any responsibility or liability for damage or loss that may result from errors or omissions. This includes errors that may be the result of negligence, accident, or any other cause. Furthermore, Indian Motorcycle will not be held liable for any product or service referenced in this publication. All rights reserved. Visit Indian Motorcycle online at www.indianmotorcycle.com.au. Indian Motorcycle, Indian Motorcycle Motor Oil, Indian Motorcycle Riders Group and Indian Motorcycle Riders are registered trademarks of Indian Motorcycle International, LLC. Copyright 2020 by Indian Motorcycle Riders. Jack Daniel’s® is a registered trademark of Jack Daniel’s Properties, Inc. Sturgis® is a registered trademark of Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, Inc. Iron & Air® is a registered trademark of Iron & Air Media LLC. Brembo® is a registered trademark of Freni Brembo S.p.A. Corp of Italy. American Flat Track™ is a trademark of Daytona Motorsports Group. Simpson® is a registered trademark of Simpson Performance Products, Inc. 100% is a registered trademark of Saule, LLC. Chrysler® and Plymouth ® are registered trademarks of FCA US LLC.

The die cast model of an Indian Chief 30 years ago, set a lifelong dream.

Mark’s mother was a part of the UK motorcycle scene and loved Indian Motorcycles. Christmas of 1980, she gave 10 year old Mark a gift that would set the scene for years to come, a die cast model of a 1947 Indian Chief, an expensive purchase that took the best part of her weeks salary to buy.

Let’s meet Mark Hellowell, known as ‘Arky’ to his mates, a nickname that came from his railway days transporting Ore and he laughingly admit, his quick temper on those long hauls.

Mark has owned many a brand of motorcycle, but the one he had his heart and mind set on since he was 10 years old, was an Indian Chief.

Fast forward to 2015 and along comes the match of a lifetime. An Indian Chief Classic!

Mark fulfills the promise he made to his mum, that one day he would own an Indian Motorcycle. Sadly, Marks Mum passed 3 years ago.

Never one to just have the standard bike, Mark has done many modifications to personalise his beloved ride. Having fitted front and rear Airide. The front is a modified Vic Bagger, he designed his own springs to soften the bumps, the rear is platinum bleed feed which can be adjusted on the run.

He made his own Beach Bars and seat rail and

lowered the seat foam. Finally fitted Freedom Performance Dual Fishtails, Stage 2 Air Filter and Cam. Mark is an extensive traveller around Australia, especially with fellow bikers and has certainly had some memorable moments. Hailing from the Adelaide Hills Mark is spoilt for choice and with over 45,000 Ks on the clock Mark is only just starting!

It’s clear chatting to Mark his passion for motorbikes and family. He explains that his mums spirit is in the Indian Chief and while he has been offered a lot for her, this is one motorcycle that will never be sold. A family heirloom in the making and there waiting in the wings is Mark’s Granddaughter, Wynter. I’m sure Wynter and any others that come along will be educated in the story of the Indian brand and the passion that comes with this man and his Indian Chief Motorcycle.

Story written by Chris Keeble The Aussie & The Indian Interview and Pics / Mark Hellowell

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BRUTAL BOBBER

Sit down Hipsters, Indian’s Bobber Twenty is no Sunday Cruiser WORDS BY DAN EVERETT IMAGES BY STUART SKENE

You’ve lost Hipsters. The war you’ve been waging against motorcycles with style and substance has come to an end. Your manbuns are cut off, your goat leather shoes binned, and your kale smoothies found wanting. The Indian Scout Bobber Twenty is the coolest bike parked out front of the café, and it’ll kick anyone’s arse who disagrees.

An evolution of Indian’s famed Scout model, the Bobber Twenty, proves just how versatile the platform is. Where a standard Scout is a long-fendered conservative and well-mannered Cruiser, the Bobber Twenty roars through open pipes, puts your fists in the air with mini-apes and does it all with classic styling thanks to the lace wheels and solo seat. Going through Indian’s factory options for the Scout it’s clear just how customisable the platform is, with everything from flat-trackers to sleek V-Rod style builds being simple bolt-ons.

The Bobber Twenty delves into that parts catalogue and completely transforms the Scout with just a few simple modifications. An homage to the original Scout’s put into production 100 years ago, it gets the balance just right between styling and brutal performance.

PERFORMANCE I’ve done a pretty bad job hiding just how much I like the Bobber Twenty but you’re probably more concerned with the numbers than me using its speed to trash talk Hipsters on under-powered over-styled bikes. While the Bobber Twenty might be dripping in oldschool-cool, underneath that classic styling is modern performance. Rather than a traditional steel tube frame, the Bobber Twenty is built on a high-tech multi-piece cast-alloy frame helping keep weight down and frame stiffness up. Shoved inside is Indian’s 1133cc (69ci) water-cooled V-Twin. It punches out 100hp with 97Nm of torque at 5600rpm putting it more akin to the ball-tearing FTR1200 for perfor4

mance than a traditional air-cooled V-Twin.

Power is sent rearwards through a smooth-shifting 6-speed ‘box and belt drive hurling the Bobber Twenty down the standing quarter in a little under 12 seconds and 0-100 in under 4.

The engine is easily capable of another 20% in power so those times can be dropped with a simple exhaust, intake, and tune combo.

If you’re lining up against turbo Hayabusa’s you’re in trouble but any air-cooled Cruiser or performance car you run against can expect to spend a lot of time in your side mirrors. Not bad for something that looks 70 years old.

ERGOS The Scout isn’t exactly little, but it’s far from big either. With a wheelbase of 1576mm the Bobber Twenty lands smack bang between the Sportster and Dyna in terms of overall size.

Seat height is a low 649mm too allowing even the most vertically challenged rider to flat foot it but does make it feel smaller than it actually is. At 6ft and a big mac under 100kg I found the stock forward controls fine for up to an hour’s worth of riding before I’d start to feel knee pain, throwing my feet up on the pegs as highway bars did alleviate it but there are

Chunky Pirelli’s gripped surprisingly well considering their chunky tread blocks

If you don’t like people maybe peal this sticker off, everyone will want to know more when they see it extended or reduced reach foot controls and seats to suit your height.

The mini-apes are a god-send for anyone tall, the clam-shell style riding position of the normal Bobber is opened up extensively helping make the Bobber Twenty feel like a physically larger bike and straightening out your back in the process. The oddly angled rear shocks don’t soak up a great deal of bumps as is so the minimally padded tractor seat looks the goods but it’ll rattle your head to bits on anything rougher than a freeway. It’s also at odds with the outright performance of the Bobber Twenty with minimal support for your arse.

A hard launch or spirited riding will see you sliding rearwards placing extra effort on your hands to hold you on. As cool as it looks we’d swap the floating seat out for their sport seat for a comfier ride and more control in spirited riding, but you do you.

HANDLING Cruisers by their very nature aren’t designed with handling as a priority but it doesn’t mean they can’t still be ridden within an inch of their life, and with all that power on tap the Bobber Twenty is just begging to be given a hiding.

Heading to the twisties there’s a few things immediately evident. Replacing the seat for a more suitable option is non-negotiable, and you better get used to the sound of pegs scrap-

ing, the bike is simply too fast for its current ergos making it an absolute blast to ride. The steering is far more nimble than it has any right to be, and with the centre of gravity so low it’s incredibly stable when ridden at pace, we jumped down a few too many gears occasionally to bypass the ABS and slide it into corners and always had confidence in the predictable handling.

Indian’s stated lean angle of 29 degrees is better than their competitors but pushing hard in right handers did see us dragging the exhaust and unloading the rear suspension occasionally.

SHOULD YOU BUY ONE If you’re a pastor living in a retirement home, probably not. The Bobber Twenty is the perfect mix of styling and performance but leans heavily into the performance side of things. It’ll get nods of approval everywhere it’s parked then piss the same people off while you bang gears lane splitting past and dragging metal through wide open throttle twisties. If you never went past a quarter throttle the Bobber Twenty would be a lovely weekend Cruiser. For us though, we’d fit a more supportive seat, a set of higher clearance pipes, some bigger shocks and go get intimate with every back road we could throw 100 angry horsepower at.

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Scout

SAVE $1,500!

With throwback power and styling all in one ride, the Scout Bobber Twenty’s design nods back to the original Scout with its mean, old school Bobber looks. For a limited time, save $1,500 off the ride away price.* Test ride one today.

*Offer valid 01/07/20 - 30/09/20 or while stocks last. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer or exchanged for cash. See indianmotorcycle.com.au for details.

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*

DEALERSHIPS

YOUR INDIAN MOTORCYCLE RIDERS BENEFITS 2 years free membership IMR Service Centre dedicated after sales service for all things Indian Motorcycle and IMR Exclusive IMR apparel Exclusive IMR rides and events 10% off apparel & accessories online

We believe the choices you make define you. It takes no effort to join the crowd.

But it takes confidence to go your own way.

Since 1901, we’ve been the choice of riders who make their own rules. We exist to create experiences that celebrate our legendary history, for riders who realise we’re all part of something bigger than ourselves, and are proud sharing that passion with other likeminded individualists.

10% off rider training with Stay Upright IMR magazine every quarter

CONTACT US

Exclusive access to private Facebook group

0417 577 519 SUPPORT@IMRAUSTRALIA.COM WWW.IMRAUSTRALIA.COM 7

MEET THE TEAM

Meet the Dealer Principles at your Newest Indian Motorcycle dealership

DAMIEN BARFUCCI DEALER PRINCIPLE - AUBURN Damien grew up around bikes and has always been a Harley guy, but after riding a few Indian Motorcycles we’ve changed his mind.

E: madp@mcamotorcycles.com.au P: 0499 289 500

DAVID SMITH DEALER PRINCIPLE - PENRITH David is a passionate motorcyclist and enjoys bringing that experience to customers. David has over 30 years experience working in dealerships.

E: mddp@mcamotorcycles.com.au P: 0408 0224 26 CHRIS JEFFREY DEALER PRINCIPLE - DANDENONG Chris is new to Indian Motorcycles with 30+ years in the motorcycle industry. “I’ve ridden almost every motorcycle there is, but what I love about Indian Motorcycles is there handling and performance. I’m seriously Impressed and excited about every model in the range.”

E: mfdp@mcamotorcycles.com.au P: 0407 848 588 JASON ZURZOLO DEALER PRINCIPLE - KEILOR He’s a massive bike enthusiast who’s been riding since he was just 3 yrs and 9 months old! He loves riding the Chieftain listening to a bit of Johnny cash down the open road! He brings 16 years’ of experience in the auto industry.

E: mhdp@mcamotorcycles.com.au P: (03) 9336 2233 MATTHEW TOOHEY DEALER PRINCIPLE - SPRINGWOOD Matthew started in the motorcycle industry selling bikes in 1999 and has worked in parts/accessories, and the finance/insurance departments before taking up dealer principal role.

E: esdp@teammoto.net.au P: 0433 601 679 8

FAMILIAR FACES

Check out the team members below, you may just recognise a face or two

CRETE HEAD TECH - KEILOR Crete is our head technician at Indian Motorcycle Keilor. He joins the team following 6 years experience at Indian Motorcycle Melbourne and never misses a change to jump on a bike when given a chance!

JULZ TECH - KEILOR Julz is our second tech at Indian Motorcycle Keilor with a massive 10 years’ experience working on Indian/Victory bikes. Julz is passionate about all things engines and rides a victory cross country as a daily. Julz joins the team from Indian Motorcycle Melbourne.

JUNIEL INDIAN GOLD TECHNICIAN - AUBURN Originally from the Philippines, Juniel started at our previous Ashfield dealership as a technician and recently moved over to join the team at Indian Motorcycle Auburn. Out of all the Indian Motorcycles he’s ridden over the years, his favorite is the Scout Bobber!

RICHARD INDIAN SILVER TECHNICIAN - AUBURN Originally from Mauritius Richard migrated to Australia 5 years ago. He worked with Indian motorcycle for 4 years at the Ashfield dealership and before that had clocked up 15 years in the motorcycle industry. Richards favourite Indians would be the Scout Bobber and Chieftain Darkhorse.

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To St Albans village Ride From 1815 to 1836 with 1826 in the middle.

Today’s ride, is a winters ride, where I leave a bit later in the morning. There are a number of reasons for this, often along these roads are areas where the sun doesn’t shine and after a frosty morning there can be a bit of slip. Not to mention, the mornings are chilly and it takes me an extra hour to layer up!

I’ll be starting at Penrith. The new location for one of the Sydney based dealerships. It was great to check out the new site and meet the team. Still some work to do with filling the shelves, but with the Covid impact, everything is taking a bit of time.

Leaving Blakey Road Penrith at 9.00am I head out along Mulgoa Rd towards Windsor. Like all cities, Penrith has become quite a busy place and it’s nothing exciting for the first 20 minutes while you get out and away from traffic lights.

There are two ways to reach St Albans, both ways are scenic, but one way has gravel roads so we want to avoid that direction.

From Penrith you make your way to Windsor, a historic town north-west of Sydney. If you felt you wanted to stop for a coffee, it’s a terrific village the town sits on the Hawkesbury River, enveloped by farmland and Australian bush. Many of the oldest surviving European buildings in Australia are located at Windsor.

Special mention to Macquarie Arms Hotel, Windsor - 1815 Australia’s Oldest Pub! Keen to get to St Albans by 11am to beat the lunchtime rush, I keep going. From Windsor most GPS’ will tell you to go left. Don’t head that way instead take a right into Pitt Town and along to Maroota. This is farmland, horses, cows and the smell of methane with greenery every which way you look.

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Keep traveling and head towards Wisemans Ferry. You will come to Hawks Look out. Worth a stop to view the Hawksbury River down below and realise you are at the top and will be down there soon enough.

The road around these parts are twisty with a few switchbacks and areas that won’t catch the sun. Careful here as the surface can be smooth. You will be heading down a mountain when you come to the village of Wisemans Ferry and the famous pub. A favourite bikers stop before catching the short ferry ride across Webbs Creek is the Wisemans Ferry Pub. Set in a building dating from 1827, this straightforward hotel is a 1-minute walk from Wisemans Ferry Shops and as you know I do like a wander around the shops!

You can stop for a quick look and then continue to the ferry crossing called Webbs Creek Ferry, a cable ferry across the Hawkesbury River.

The ferry ride is a short 10 minutes, no charge and once off you have 20 ks of beautiful bush and countryside to ride through before arriving at St Albans. Enjoy the scenery as you ride with few places to pull over along this road, and narrow spots, it is an overall easy relaxed ride.

All roads lead to St Albans and as you cross the single lane bridge into the village right in front of you will be the famous Settlers Arms Hotel/ Inn. A word here, there is NO reception, so put the phones away and be in the moment.

Established in 1836, the Settlers Arms Inn is built from convict - hewn sandstone. Surrounded by mountains, it’s nestled alongside the Macdonald River within the tiny village of St. Albans, the heart of the Macdonald Valley,

New South Wales.

A chalk board special of the day and standard pub fare, this place does get busy and they always seem to have one chef on, who works like a trojan. Get there by noon is my advice and order before the crowds arrive. Across from the pub is land that runs into the river. A favourite camp ground and often you will be lucky to see various groups set up there. The day I was there, they had Roman Jousters in full costume performing. This is a favourite biker’s destination and you will see many a biker who have ridden from all directions. It’s a terrific ride no matter which way you come (except the gravel way!). Have a chat and get some tips for other great rides and towns in the area.

After lunch you can head back out of town across the bridge. Now here is a choice you can make. Turn left and go back the way you came. Or turn right and head out towards Kurrajong and into the Blue Mountains. This is simply a beautiful ride also, but will add another few hours to the day.

Of course, like all day rides you can turn them into overnighters. The Settlers Arm Inn has basic Cabins if you wanted to stay longer, as do many of the old pubs along the way.

Ride safe and take your time, enjoy those moments!

Story by Chris Keeble The Aussie & The Indian

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WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! Got a good yarn about you and your Indian Motorcycle? Or maybe just a photo of your pride and joy?

We would love to feature you in our next issue!

All you have to do is simply email us at riders@indianmotorcycle.com and if you’re chosen and featured in our magazine you’ll get a $50 voucher for our online store!

WWW.IMCAUSTRALIA.COM

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