Posts Tagged ‘bike’

Indian Motorcycle’s Future in Question

Posted: October 14, 2025 in Motorcycle, Motorcycle news
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What You Need to Know: Indian Motorcycle Sold to Private Equity

It’s official. Polaris has sold a majority stake in Indian Motorcycle to Carolwood LP, a Los Angeles-based private equity firm. And while the press releases are full of buzzwords like “growth” and “heritage,” we’re calling it straight: this is a loss for the riding community.

From Revival to Revenue

Polaris bought Indian in 2011 and did what many thought impossible—they brought the century-old brand roaring back to life. From the Scout to the Challenger, Indian became a real rival to Harley-Davidson, blending classic Americana with modern engineering. Riders responded. The brand grew. The culture thrived.

But now, Polaris is walking away. Despite Indian generating nearly $478 million last year, it wasn’t profitable enough for Wall Street. So they sold it off to a firm that doesn’t build bikes—it builds balance sheets.

Meet the New Owners: Carolwood LP: Riders, Meet Your New Landlord

Carolwood LP isn’t a motorcycle company. It’s a private equity firm. Their business isn’t about the ride—it’s about the return. They’ve tapped Mike Kennedy, a veteran of Harley-Davidson and RumbleOn, as CEO. Sure, he knows the industry. But this move feels more like financial engineering than passion for the open road.

Private equity firms are known for cutting costs, streamlining operations, and chasing short-term gains. That might work for tech startups or retail chains—but motorcycles aren’t just products. They’re culture. They’re community. They’re us.

I believe motorcycles are more than machines. They’re stories, diners, roadside repairs, and community rides. Indian was part of that story—a brand reborn through grit and rider loyalty. Now it’s in the hands of suits who probably think a Scout is just another SKU.

My Take: What This Means for Riders …. Not Good

Carolwood says they’ll preserve Indian’s heritage and keep the Spirit Lake and Monticello factories running. They promise no disruption to dealers or customers. But promises are cheap. What happens when profits dip? Will they outsource manufacturing? Slash R&D? Gut the design team?

We are losing a legacy.

What do you think?

Bike Show at Waugh HD

Posted: June 18, 2013 in Motorcycle Rides, Rally
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Debbie and I rode to Waugh Harley Davidson in Orange, VA to participate in their 21st Annual “Big Damn Bike Show”! The ride to the dealership was nearly eighty miles and about ninety minutes long, passing through some of Virginia’s best farm and country land. Getting to and from the show we traveled on the James Madison Highway, the 29th Infantry Division Memorial Highway, the Seminole Trail, and the Zachary Tyler Highway.

We entered our bike, along with about 300 or so other bikes, into the show. There were another 600 to 1000 additional bikes lining the streets around the dealership which made this a bike watchers paradise. Waugh Harley Davidson, it turns out, has its own attached park called “Legends Park”, because of the tents erected in front of it I could not get a good picture of the park sign. The HOG (Harley Owners Group) club for this dealership has a sweet setup!

In addition to the bike show there were more than a dozen vendors and displays, including the ever present bikini bike wash! One of the more interesting displays was by a limo company; they had a stretched Harley Davidson Ford F250 Pickup with bubble bath in the truck bed.  It was quite amusing each time a bunch of soap bubble would come floating across the park.

Musical entertainment was provided by the Zen Daddy band.  They covered most of the hits from the 80’s, 90’s, and the 00’s (is 00 the right way to do that?).  Debbie and I thought the band did a fine job.  Mr. Waugh himself came out and played a couple tunes on the harmonica, for “older” gentlemen I was quite impressed with this talent and lung capacity.  If you have time take a look at Waugh’s Facebook page for more pics and videos of the event.

Our bike finished second in our class and after looking at the winner I have some clear directions on what do for next time.  Of course that means more chrome!

Rain, Rain Go Away

Posted: May 21, 2013 in Motorcycle Rides
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The weather in Northern Virginia has not been conducive to riding motorcycles of late.  Today was the first day, in about the last ten, which I have had a chance to ride, and it was just commuting to work.  But hey, any day riding is a good day! 

One of things about becoming a good blogger, I have read, is that you need to post frequently. Due to the fact that we have not been “out and about” over the last few weeks I thought I would write about something related to riding.  

We collect bike related stick pins.  Mostly Harley Davidson Dealer Pins, but rally and event pins as well.  We have nearly 100 different pins so have I nearly 100 days’ worth of material to post/discuss, LOL. 

The pin displayed today is from Roanoke Valley HD near Roanoke, VA.  I stopped at this dealership (off Interstate 81) during a business trip to Oak Ridge, TN.  I don’t remember much about the shop itself but the pin is cool!

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