A Drifter hate letter to the editor of V-Twin. This oughtta make your blood boil

*trikebubble* · 02-13-2006

I started reading through my new March 2006 edition of V-Twin magazine and came upon this letter to the editor.
It was in response to "Metric of the Month" article a while back. A rider sent in pictures of his beautiful Vulcan Drifter.
Well I geuss it was too much to handle for one fella. His letter to the editor is below:

Indian Rant
Well, you convinced me to wine. Every month I’m reminded in Mything Links to tell V-Twin what’s bugging me. Here goes.
Back in August or September issue, your “Metric of the month” was a Kawasaki Drifter morphed into an Indian wannabe. Seeing that Drifter in an Indian Badge got my blood pressureup. I am still ticked off at you for calling it the “Metric of the Month” That bike should have angered not only all American-built bike owners, but foreiign owners as well. All of the guys and gals transforming the V-Stars do not hide the fact that they are still V-Stars. This Drifter dude hung every ornament he could find on Ebay on his bike to disguise it as an Indian. Mr. Hemdee must still be pummeling the inside of his casket.
Indain and HD were, and still are, icons to motorcycling around the globe, brand names admired and respected by riders and collectors the world over. Maybe someday Kawasaki, Yamaha, or Suzuki will be icons as well. I know this though, there are Indain motorcycles that were built opver 50 years ago still on the road and more valuable than most brand new bikes are today. Run another picture of that Drifter 50 years from now next to a 150 year old Indian Chief and let your readers deiced which one loos the part.
Lastly, Mr. Drifet, I have some advice for you – if you want an Indain, buy one!
Mike Rapp
Clinton, NJ

Personally, I am going to rerspond with my own letter to V-Twin, and at least let Mr. Drifter know that their is a home for him here, with no hatred.
And that will be about the last V-Twin i ever purchase.

V-Twin
PO Box 3000
Agoura Hills, CA
91301

SleekStreak · 02-13-2006

I wouldn't let an editorial or a reader submitted piece make me stop buying the magazine? It's that reader that's the schmuck. Of course, it doesn't say great things about the editor of the mag either that he would publish a letter that's pretty much just hate mail and lends nothing to the substance of the magazine. Oh well.

**Spok** · 02-13-2006

reading the indian rant, sound like somebody got his scalp in a twist.

*jukief* · 02-13-2006

Maybe there's a bit of rotten grapes involved, no?

centerpunch · 02-13-2006

To bad that guy has such a bad attitude. What is it to him if someone makes a bike that looks like an Indian and a guy that wants to doll it up the same. Life is too short to get your panties in a wad over something like that. I think he has bought the HD speal hook line and sinker.

The other thing is that Indian is no longer in business and you can't go out and just buy a new one. And what about parts?

uechi kid · 02-13-2006

The guy probably rides a total rat bike. If he owns one at all. I think he has “BLING ENVY”.

uechi kid · 02-13-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by centerpunch

The other thing is that Indian is no longer in business and you can't go out and just buy a new one. And what about parts?

I’m not so sure that is accurate. I was just at the Indian Motorcycle website. They have current models available.

cudaosix · 02-13-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by centerpunch

To bad that guy has such a bad attitude. What is it to him if someone makes a bike that looks like an Indian and a guy that wants to doll it up the same. Life is too short to get your panties in a wad over something like that. I think he has bought the HD speal hook line and sinker.

The other thing is that Indian is no longer in business and you can't go out and just buy a new one. And what about parts?

This is basicly what it all comes down too. Good post.

Billy D. · 02-13-2006

Someone has some serious issues,I guess I would be a little upset with myself if I paid alot of money for a one-of-a-kind when someone else got something like it cheaper and built just as good,or better in most cases.

SleekStreak · 02-13-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by centerpunch

The other thing is that Indian is no longer in business and you can't go out and just buy a new one. And what about parts?

Indian Motorcycles are in production again.

**2WheelFun** · 02-13-2006

Ford...Chevy...Dodge...

We talk about this alot here on the forums and here is a perfect example of someone who puts it in writing. While some guys can do this jokingly...there are some people in this world who are die-hards and cannot accept the idea of dressing up a motorcycle to look like another brand/model.

Maybe his supply of beer was low...and he already beat his dog...and kids...and wife...and figured it was the editors turn next?

SleekStreak · 02-13-2006

The dog was dead, the wife in rehab, and the kids in the custody of defacs. The editor was all he head left.

centerpunch · 02-13-2006

Glad to hear it. I was talking to a guy the a couple months ago that said he heard Indian was going to make another go at it with new investors. Hope it works out. Do the Indian owners have the same elitist attitude as a lot of HD guys? Are the bikes more reliable than HD?

cjjtulsa · 02-13-2006

I don't know, the guy may have a point - up to a point. I don't really see the value in sticking Indian identification all over a Kawasaki, much like I wouldn't think it to be cool to stick Harley-Davidson emblems all over my Suzuki, trying to pass if off as something it's not. To each his own, but I'm not ashamed that what I ride isn't made in America, nor am I ashamed of the brand and style. I'm a bleed-Ford-blue kind of guy car-wise, and I'll admit that I get a little nauseated when I see GM engines in Ford bodies. They paid the money and it's their car, but it constitutes a ******* in my mind. If the guy wants to identify his Drifter as an Indian, more power to him. I just don't see why he'd want to. The Drifter is an awesome bike, and doesn't need to have the name of a how-many-times-bankrupt company stuck on the side. I think it's better without it.

SleekStreak · 02-13-2006

Maybe the guy drifter owner was Native American.

**2WheelFun** · 02-13-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by cjjtulsa

I don't know, the guy may have a point - up to a point. I don't really see the value in sticking Indian identification all over a Kawasaki, much like I wouldn't think it to be cool to stick Harley-Davidson emblems all over my Suzuki, trying to pass if off as something it's not. To each his own, but I'm not ashamed that what I ride isn't made in America, nor am I ashamed of the brand and style. I'm a bleed-Ford-blue kind of guy car-wise, and I'll admit that I get a little nauseated when I see GM engines in Ford bodies. They paid the money and it's their car, but it constitutes a ******* in my mind. If the guy wants to identify his Drifter as an Indian, more power to him. I just don't see why he'd want to. The Drifter is an awesome bike, and doesn't need to have the name of a how-many-times-bankrupt company stuck on the side. I think it's better without it.

This is exactly what I was thinking. Why? The Drifter deserves to be recognized for what it is...an awesome Kawasaki motorcycle!

Constrictor · 02-13-2006

Maybe the guy does need to take a chill pill, but on the other hand, I think its pretty silly for a reputable magazine like that to award "Bike of the Month" to a Japanese bike posing as an Indian. I mean, could you imagine if Hot Rod Magazine awarded hot rod of the month if someone took a Honda Civic and put Mustang badges on it?

I agree everyone has an equal right to mod their vehicles anyway they want. After all, its their money. I love my Kawasaki, and I also think Indians are cool too. Although I didnt see the bike in question, it sounds like someone put real Indian badges on the bike. Whatever floats his boat...but as others have said, some people just like to complain. THe guy writing the letter probably doesnt even own a bike!

luvcycles2 · 02-13-2006

I think that the guy owns a kaw drifter and never thought of dressing it up to look more a indian .

Mr_Lycos · 02-13-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by centerpunch

heard Indian was going to make another go at it with new investors. Hope it works out.

Good luck, they'll need it.

Quote:

Do the Indian owners have the same elitist attitude as a lot of HD guys?

The one Indian owner I know is worse. he wont even ride with Harleys

Quote:

Are the bikes more reliable than HD?

Indians are Harley clones, S&S engines and all.

Cabo · 02-13-2006

This one of the reasons I will not debadge my bike. When people ask what it is I tell them very proudly,,, It's a Kawasaki Nomad. Don't get much response other than that's a nice bike...

02-13-2006	#1 (permalink)
trikebubble Back Home Again. Extreme Forum Supporter Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Okanagan Falls, BC Posts: 17,689	A Drifter hate letter to the editor of V-Twin. This oughtta make your blood boil I started reading through my new March 2006 edition of V-Twin magazine and came upon this letter to the editor. It was in response to "Metric of the Month" article a while back. A rider sent in pictures of his beautiful Vulcan Drifter. Well I geuss it was too much to handle for one fella. His letter to the editor is below: Indian Rant Well, you convinced me to wine. Every month I’m reminded in Mything Links to tell V-Twin what’s bugging me. Here goes. Back in August or September issue, your “Metric of the month” was a Kawasaki Drifter morphed into an Indian wannabe. Seeing that Drifter in an Indian Badge got my blood pressureup. I am still ticked off at you for calling it the “Metric of the Month” That bike should have angered not only all American-built bike owners, but foreiign owners as well. All of the guys and gals transforming the V-Stars do not hide the fact that they are still V-Stars. This Drifter dude hung every ornament he could find on Ebay on his bike to disguise it as an Indian. Mr. Hemdee must still be pummeling the inside of his casket. Indain and HD were, and still are, icons to motorcycling around the globe, brand names admired and respected by riders and collectors the world over. Maybe someday Kawasaki, Yamaha, or Suzuki will be icons as well. I know this though, there are Indain motorcycles that were built opver 50 years ago still on the road and more valuable than most brand new bikes are today. Run another picture of that Drifter 50 years from now next to a 150 year old Indian Chief and let your readers deiced which one loos the part. Lastly, Mr. Drifet, I have some advice for you – if you want an Indain, buy one! Mike Rapp Clinton, NJ Personally, I am going to rerspond with my own letter to V-Twin, and at least let Mr. Drifter know that their is a home for him here, with no hatred. And that will be about the last V-Twin i ever purchase. V-Twin PO Box 3000 Agoura Hills, CA 91301 __________________ 2005 V2K Ltd "I'll ride the wave where it takes me, I'll hold the pain release me"

02-13-2006	#2 (permalink)
SleekStreak Needs A Real Job BTK Expert Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 2,954	I wouldn't let an editorial or a reader submitted piece make me stop buying the magazine? It's that reader that's the schmuck. Of course, it doesn't say great things about the editor of the mag either that he would publish a letter that's pretty much just hate mail and lends nothing to the substance of the magazine. Oh well. __________________ 2002 Kawasaki Mean Streak 1500 http://bookmanstudios.com/bikediary

02-13-2006	#3 (permalink)
Spok Whatever Extreme Forum Supporter Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Mount Vernon, Washington Posts: 33,813	reading the indian rant, sound like somebody got his scalp in a twist. __________________ 2005 V2k Beartooth Kawasaki for all your needs 1-800-556-3098

02-13-2006	#4 (permalink)
jukief MSF instructor/Forum mum Extreme Forum Supporter Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Fort Collins, CO Posts: 17,898	Maybe there's a bit of rotten grapes involved, no? __________________ 2002 Vulcan 1500 Classic FI Proud member of Spok's Azz Club (SAC#1) and BamaBob's Nit Pickers Club

02-13-2006	#5 (permalink)
centerpunch Refrigerator Magnet Test Engineer BTK Expert Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: oregon Posts: 488	To bad that guy has such a bad attitude. What is it to him if someone makes a bike that looks like an Indian and a guy that wants to doll it up the same. Life is too short to get your panties in a wad over something like that. I think he has bought the HD speal hook line and sinker. The other thing is that Indian is no longer in business and you can't go out and just buy a new one. And what about parts? __________________ Ride Far and Prosper :) DJ 2005 "Vulcan" Nomad (Silver & Blue) Cobra light bar Kuryakyn Highway pegs Vistacruise throttle lock Custom built lowers Audiovox Electronic CC * 1977 Suzuki GS 550 *

02-13-2006	#6 (permalink)
uechi kid Forum Supporter Forum Supporter Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Antioch, Ca. Posts: 1,650	The guy probably rides a total rat bike. If he owns one at all. I think he has “BLING ENVY”. __________________ "Carpe Diem"

02-13-2006	#9 (permalink)
Billy D. Loves Burning Rice! Forum Supporter Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: SouthEast Georgia Posts: 3,286	Someone has some serious issues,I guess I would be a little upset with myself if I paid alot of money for a one-of-a-kind when someone else got something like it cheaper and built just as good,or better in most cases.

02-13-2006	#11 (permalink)
2WheelFun the "fun old" guy Extreme Forum Supporter Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Albion, Washington "Pacific Northwest" Posts: 30,214	Ford...Chevy...Dodge... We talk about this alot here on the forums and here is a perfect example of someone who puts it in writing. While some guys can do this jokingly...there are some people in this world who are die-hards and cannot accept the idea of dressing up a motorcycle to look like another brand/model. Maybe his supply of beer was low...and he already beat his dog...and kids...and wife...and figured it was the editors turn next? __________________ *KING KAHUNA* *2007 V2K LT* ****PICS** 2007 Brute Force 650i **PICS** I love the smell of SeaFoam in the morning**

02-13-2006	#12 (permalink)
SleekStreak Needs A Real Job BTK Expert Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 2,954	The dog was dead, the wife in rehab, and the kids in the custody of defacs. The editor was all he head left. __________________ 2002 Kawasaki Mean Streak 1500 http://bookmanstudios.com/bikediary

02-13-2006	#13 (permalink)
centerpunch Refrigerator Magnet Test Engineer BTK Expert Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: oregon Posts: 488	Glad to hear it. I was talking to a guy the a couple months ago that said he heard Indian was going to make another go at it with new investors. Hope it works out. Do the Indian owners have the same elitist attitude as a lot of HD guys? Are the bikes more reliable than HD? __________________ Ride Far and Prosper :) DJ 2005 "Vulcan" Nomad (Silver & Blue) Cobra light bar Kuryakyn Highway pegs Vistacruise throttle lock Custom built lowers Audiovox Electronic CC * 1977 Suzuki GS 550 *

02-13-2006	#14 (permalink)
cjjtulsa Bridal Boutique Manager BTK Expert Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Collinsville, Oklahoma Posts: 339	I don't know, the guy may have a point - up to a point. I don't really see the value in sticking Indian identification all over a Kawasaki, much like I wouldn't think it to be cool to stick Harley-Davidson emblems all over my Suzuki, trying to pass if off as something it's not. To each his own, but I'm not ashamed that what I ride isn't made in America, nor am I ashamed of the brand and style. I'm a bleed-Ford-blue kind of guy car-wise, and I'll admit that I get a little nauseated when I see GM engines in Ford bodies. They paid the money and it's their car, but it constitutes a ******* in my mind. If the guy wants to identify his Drifter as an Indian, more power to him. I just don't see why he'd want to. The Drifter is an awesome bike, and doesn't need to have the name of a how-many-times-bankrupt company stuck on the side. I think it's better without it. __________________ Under certain circumstances, profanity provides a relief denied even to prayer. - Mark Twain

02-13-2006	#15 (permalink)
SleekStreak Needs A Real Job BTK Expert Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 2,954	Maybe the guy drifter owner was Native American. __________________ 2002 Kawasaki Mean Streak 1500 http://bookmanstudios.com/bikediary

02-13-2006	#17 (permalink)
Constrictor Way Too Much Free Time BTK Expert Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Steger, IL Posts: 1,009	Maybe the guy does need to take a chill pill, but on the other hand, I think its pretty silly for a reputable magazine like that to award "Bike of the Month" to a Japanese bike posing as an Indian. I mean, could you imagine if Hot Rod Magazine awarded hot rod of the month if someone took a Honda Civic and put Mustang badges on it? I agree everyone has an equal right to mod their vehicles anyway they want. After all, its their money. I love my Kawasaki, and I also think Indians are cool too. Although I didnt see the bike in question, it sounds like someone put real Indian badges on the bike. Whatever floats his boat...but as others have said, some people just like to complain. THe guy writing the letter probably doesnt even own a bike! __________________ 2005 Magma Red Kawasaki Mean Streak 1600 1998 Bright Red Pontiac Trans Am 405.5 RWHP 385.1 RWTQ 2004 Nighthawk Black Honda Accord EX 6-speed Last edited by Constrictor : 02-13-2006 at 05:32 PM.

02-13-2006	#18 (permalink)
luvcycles2 Cruising In Fourth Gear BTK Intermediate Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Mastic Beach Long Island NY Posts: 204	I think that the guy owns a kaw drifter and never thought of dressing it up to look more a indian .

02-13-2006	#20 (permalink)
Cabo Can't find time to ride BTK Expert Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Dallas TX Posts: 591	This one of the reasons I will not debadge my bike. When people ask what it is I tell them very proudly,,, It's a Kawasaki Nomad. Don't get much response other than that's a nice bike...