The last several months have been a lil’ crazy for most. Lock downs. Event Cancellations. Conspiracy Theories. Layoffs. Unemployment. It’s time to get back on Two Wheels! But where to go? Well, from where we sit, you only have two options. Unfortunately, neither are in Texas but both are literally just a few hours away from the NE Border of Texas. So, make your plans and join up with your fellow Indian Motorcycle Brothers and Sisters this summer!

Iron Indian Riders Reunion. This is an annual event that draws in approximately 100 bikes a year, at revolving locations each year. Last year was in the Texas Hill Country. Three previous years, Durango, CO. This year; Arkansas! Bikes that show up are mostly the new Spirit Lake models (’14 to present day) but usually a few Gilroys and Kings Mountains roll in. This year’s will be held in Russellville, Arkansas in the center of some of the best riding in the country. Though most participants belong to the IIRA and own Indian Motorcycles, all Indian Riders are welcomed. In fact, all bikes are though rarely are there more than a few other brands than Indian. The IIRA’s motto has always been “For the Riders by the Riders.” More info can be found on the FB Event here : https://www.facebook.com/events/466662800772669/

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Indian Rally on Indian Point (IRIP). This is an annual event that originally was based around the Iron Indian Riders for their annual get together, but over the last several years become more of an Indian Owners Association (IOA) focused event. Still, all Indian Riders and others are welcome. Located around Branson, Missouri the riding is also awesome in this area. It was supposed to happen this month of May but has been rescheduled a few months later, in the third week of August.

Durango Rendezvous for June of 2020 : Canceled until 2021

MN event in August Canceled in 2018 and 2019. Claims it’s on for 2020, but guessing it will cancel again if history is an indicator. Caveat Emptor

I created a blog to simplify and provide info for the event first weekend of October. You can find it here >>> https://gregory500.blogspot.com/

Oil Change
As far as most important things to do when prepping for storage, changing the oil is right at the top of the list. Oil is not only an engine lubricant; it also keeps the engine clean and protects against corrosion and other things that can harm engine parts. It serves as a “garbage can” for contaminants and leaving oil from a full season of riding to sit in the engine during storage can cause harm. Changing the oil empties the “garbage” and renews all the protective qualities of the oil, keeping the engine protected during storage.
 
There are two grades of Indian Motor Oil:

• Indian 15W-60 Full Synthetic is recommended for all liquid-cooled and air cooled Indian motorcycles, and only recommended oil for use in the FTR 1200 and Scout engine platforms. It’s a full-synthetic oil with a wide viscosity range for ultimate engine protection and an additive package that enhances clutch operation and lever feel.
• Indian 20W-40 Motor Oil is a semi-synthetic blend engineered for use in Indian air-cooled V-twin engines. Air-cooled V-twin engines can get hot and engine oil temperatures can reach 300° Fahrenheit or more, so strong oil film is critical to protecting critical parts such as rod bearings, piston rings and cylinder walls. Indian 20W-40 Motor Oil also controls rust and corrosion and has an advanced clutch additive package that enhances clutch operation and lever feel.

This will be a record attempt at the “Most Indian Motorcycles in a Parade.”   I participated in the first one,  up in MN back in ’16 where it was originally set. It was an idea put forth by members of the IARG up there, and a dealer took that idea up there ran with it.  After the initial record was set, they did another attempt the following year, barely besting the previous.

Well, that set a lot of things in motion.  Folks from all over are suddenly interested in doing this.  In Racine last year, they gave it a shot but came up short. I discussed that : here.  Now in ’19, there are going to be 3 attempts that I’m aware of.  First one is up in Michigan in the late Spring.  I know little about that one and I’m forecasting that .. it won’t beat the record.   Czechoslovakia is hosting one in Europe; Indian Riders Fest. Gotta’ tell you, looks cool as hell!.  I’m forecasting they will best the record.  That leaves the third attempt, based out of Arkansas.  They Indian Motorcycle dealership based out of Little Rock, AR is hosting this one..  I believe that one will be successful, going after the new Europe record?

Why the Arkansas based ride?  For several reasons.  First, this is the same location time frame that a local riders group in the area convenes. Lately, they seem to bring a large group of bikes.   Another Indian based association will also be bringing in a bunch of bikes..    Then the factory riders group (IMRG).  No doubt you”ll see a large qty from there.  Then take the advertising from all three groups that will be pushing it out there, and you’ll have great advertisement.  And…  all the folks that will see it on Social Media via Indian Bike related groups.  The major forums .  And the final piece to the puzzle. The dealer.  The Ownership of the dealer, is well liked and respected in this part of the country. Now, add that to the fact that the riding in this part of the country is phenomenal, the weather should be perfect for riding… you have the makings of a great weekend.

This ride is the icing on the cake of a great weekend get together for folks, putting miles on their bikes throughout the area.  Hot Springs (the rally location) is a great place itself worth the trip.  And unlike the big Hot Springs Rally there every September, this one will be ‘exclusively’ Indian Motorcycles.  I mean .. yes, you’ll see other bikes in town ..but I’d bet money 98% of the bikes on the streets that weekend, are Indians.  If you’ve never experienced that before, you’re missing out.   It has a cool factor

We spoke to Rob Gregory last night and this morning.  He informed us of the oncoming event options.  Make no mistake; this is a dealership event, paid for by the dealership, run by the dealership.  We’ve been assured there are no other outside entities running this.  This is important to me because it keeps it neutral and ensures that all the funds are utilized correctly. Rob mentioned they will be keeping a ledger of all costs, so that when the smoke clears, ‘excess’ funds will be given to several charities that are specified as options when riders register.  You pick which one you want the ‘overflow’ funds to go to, from your registration cost.  Make sense?   The dealership has already paid for the Guinness World upfront initial expenses (more than one would expect).  There are incurring ongoing expenses that tie to that as well.  Additionally, the building that will be utilized for the lunch, etc is a cost.   At the ‘end of the day’, they will tally up all funds received, the overall expenses and the dollar amounts that go to specified charities. Public Info.  When was the last time you heard something like that?  For any event like this I’ve been involved in? ANY bike event? Pure Transparency.

Last night Rob shared two options.  This is exactly what showed up on the cell phone:

“We will have 2 options on our website soon ( gregorypolaris.com) Option 1 for driver will include an event T-shirt, 34oz glass mug, 20oz coffee cup, event poker chip, event patch, admission to ride the world breaking event, and lunch for a cost of 125.00 per bike and the driver Option 2 for a driver is admission to ride the event and lunch for a cost of 75.00 per bike and the driver. Option 1 for passenger will include everything in option 1 for the driver at a cost of 60.00 Option 2 for passenger will include the ride and lunch for 25.00″

Hey, all in for Option 1!   That’s a no brainer? Go back and reread the size of that mug (34oz Beer mug!).  The size of that coffee mug .  Still, some folks may not want to drop that kind of cash so they have a $75.00 option (and the extra cost for the rider if they are 2 up).   But, when mentioned this to several people…. there was a pause on the phone.  Crickets.  Okay, lets be honest .. not everyone wants to drop a wad of cash for a ride like this.   Texted that to Rob this morning and it was on his cell phone waiting for him when he woke up.  Got a call from him not 10 minutes ago as this was typed up.  There will now be an Option 3; approximately $45 just for the ride.  Now, some of you are thinking .. “what !!?!  $45 for the ride?”   Rob shared info on the of bringing in the official Guinness dude.  Registering all this with Guinness.  The room and board costs of it all.   If you based this on a specific qty of riders (you have to come up with a perceived potential qty of registrants to figure up registration costs) and multiply that by 45.. guess what …   the dealer recoups his costs. He’s not here to make a profit. Simple as that.  So, $45 (approx) for those that want to participate.  Now, if you choose Option 3 don’t go asking folks where they got that hot coffee.  Or where they got that cold water.  Or what they had for lunch.  Or why the wives got to use the nice bathroom facilities in the air conditioned building we gathered for lunch in.    Still, THREE options covers the base for anyone .. ANYONE …  riding in.   Nothings free in life; this event has costs that need to be covered.  Okay .. enough about that!  No matter which option you choose, it’ll be a great weekend of riding, good times  .. and ..  bragging rights for breaking the record. And we will, break it . We will set the bar high!

Costs: let’s break it out a lil’ cleaner here

Option 1: Swag will include an event T-shirt, 34oz glass mug, 20oz coffee cup, event poker chip, event patch, admission to ride the world breaking event, and lunch for a cost of 125.00 per bike and the driver

Option 2: Admission to ride the event and lunch for a cost of 75.00 per bike and the driver.

Option 3: Ride the event ONLY:  $45 per bike and the driver

Rolling 2 up for the ride?

Option 1 for passenger will include everything in option 1 for the driver at a cost of 60.00

Option 2 for passenger will include the ride and lunch for 25.00

Option 3: for passenger: $5

That’s the latest info available for now.  We’ve got 9 months to go so few things might change up as we get closer but this is what we have to go on today.  There is a  lot of planning that goes on here.  They’ve spent months working it behind the scenes to get to where it is now.   It’ll take a large group of volunteers to pull it off  as well.   That all being said, looking forward to this.  Looking forward to seeing a lot of friends local to Hot Springs and from around the country rolling in.  Looking forward to riding Hwy 7.  Maybe scoot over to the  Oauchita mountains on the west side.  You know , the Pig Trail isn’t that far North if someone wanted to roll up that far.  Or stop short and hit Mount Magazine, tallest point in AR.  The dealership promoting this is not located in Hot Springs, but they are just to the East an hour away, via back roads for those that want to visit it.

Nine months to go ……………..

but sign up now!

 click here

Gregory’s Indian 500 Registration Registration

This is a subject that comes up over and over. You go in and see the list cost of the bikes and have a heart attack. Your buddy tells you what a great deal he got ‘elsewhere’. You go to trade in and get pissed off that the ‘value’ .. or lack of .. of the bike you want to upgrade from. Then there are the competing OEMs that supposedly ‘keep their value’ better ( but the buyer payed LIST). The ‘metrics’ that are cheaper. The list goes on and on. Many of us that ride the Indian Motorcycle brand do so for dozens of reasons; mainly that they are simply drop dead beautiful bikes! And, the SLs are solid well running bikes. Indian Motorcycle has been shipping them since September of ’13, give or take a month. The new Spirit Lake bikes (contrast that to Gilroy and Kings Mountain) have proven solid, selling like hot cakes and stealing market share.

Sooner or later, the subject of price comes up.. usually when you’re trying to ‘close the deal!’ for your new baby. If you saddle it with accessories, price goes up. Custom paint? Price goes up. Trade it in later; painful. But is shopping for the lowest price the best option. Well, we all want a low price. I want a fair price. And when the deal is done, I’d like to be handing my money to someone I trust. All this brings me to the below. I’ve taken the liberty of quoting (you know .. copy/pasting!) the words of a Dealer located 150 miles NE of the State to Texas. I’ve become so fond of this dealer that I take my bike(s) there whenever possible. I’ve purchased bikes from him. Yet, I’ve got multiple dealers closer to me within the Great State of Texas. Are they good? Maybe. Do I know the management staff of them? No. Do I know the owners? No. Are there other good / great dealers withing a 250 miles radius of me? Probably. The words from the dealer I’m referencing, from the owner… at some level apply to many.

If nothing else, our takeaway from this is .. understand the dealer has to keep the lights on. They have to pay their staff. These are not ‘non-profit’ entities. They are not run by corporate. They are franchises. They have families to take care of. Something to consider the next time you don’t agree with paying a fair price for a bike that seems too high. Do your research . Get educated on it all. But, my god… don’t throw the dealers under the bus because you don’t qualify for a loan or they won’t give you thousands and thousands off the bike … or .. your trade in value of your ‘perfect’ bike , seems to low.

Here is an excellent read from one of my favorites dealers.. and someone I consider a close friend

“ Ok Guys and gals. Here’s the facts of running a biz you should all consider if you want a dealership to survive. I will start out by saying I am probably not the cheapest and in some cases may just tell you I may be the highest. I do want all my customers to know they got a fair deal especially the repeat customers who in my opinion deserve being recognized for loyalty.
Things to consider about any dealership on this planet.
The building and land has a price. That was an expense.
The franchise has a price. And it was an expense.
The business has a license FEE to operate within city limits. Expense.
We all love electricity to a building. Expense.
We all need a bathroom toilet cleaned and water to flush it. Expense.
How bout toilet paper or will you bring your own. Expense.
When a truck arrives I’ve never driven a free forklift and trust me, the right lift with triple stacker and side shift along with extra outer tires aren’t just for the load capacity they are also safer. The right fork lifts are a huuuuuge expense and most dealers need at least 2.
Safety is an expense all the way down to legal and large fire extinguishers at each door of the facility.
Insurance is unnnnnbelievable because of gasoline , yep the sheer thought of a flash fire or threat of you touched it last when you did the spark plugs has to be why my tire went flat and I wrecked lawsuit possibilities in this biz.
Anybody added this process up in their heads yet cause we haven’t even hired the employees and their cost yet.
An employee makes an order, that’s an expense.
So a truck arrives without free freight. Expense, why because all the above has been paid for but wait, now we need an employee to drive a forklift and unload the freight. That’s an expense.
Now an employee needs to uncrate what appears to be a put together bike, and depending on the model it’s fairly quick or a Roadmaster which isn’t . During the unwrapping TWO yes 2 employees will go over the unit before it is removed from the crate to verify the condition report for any scratches, why because if a scratch is found, that is the no hassle warranty for this unit. This is an expense.
Now the unit is uncrated and a trained tech, yep I said trained, can you say expense.
The tech services the unit with a hot battery, gang chargers are an expense,but it won’t start, how could that be, it’s brand new.
The unit needs gas, how do we get gas at the store, now a vehicle and gas can and employee goes to get that or larger dealerships have a fuel tank station ( which requires more insurance) can you say expense.
The customer now enters the showroom nicely kept and air conditioned and a salesperson can give them attention and discuss the unit that magically appeared. More expense.
The salesperson works to get you a deal you are comfortable with and regardless of where it was sold your happy to be on your Indian. Expense.
There is still tons more after you leave, funding packet processed with lender, accounting for payoff of unit and trade ins, filing clerk for your deal jacket. Constant expense.
Please stop bickering amongst yourselves and let’s all be able to ride together and introduce ourselves to each other without wondering if your gonna be meeting the guy that just bashed you on a post. Trust me guys, the margins don’t allow us to have steak dinners everyday at your expense. “

Folks it’s just about here!   What does it have in store for us?   Options!

First out the chute is a Hill Country Ride.   Third week of April is the 5th annual Indians in the Hill Country

Next out the chute is IRIP in Branson

June brings us the IIRA annual reunion in Durango, CO

For the hardcore, June also bring us Republic of Texas Bike Rally.

Come August, a few Texans are headed to the IIRA The Gathering around the Lake of the Ozarks.

Farther north, over Labor Day weekend is the Indian Bike Rally timed with HD’s 115th anniversary in Milwaukee

Few miles NE of us Texans is the Bike Blues and BBQ rally in Fayetville, AR late September

November is always a great time for the LoneStarRally in Gavleston

Questions?  Comment and ask!