Indian file patent that hints a possible new bike
Called the Raven, the name might hint at a future sporty cruiser from the American brand
THIS WEEK Indian Motorcycle has filed a patent for the name Raven, which could potentially be used on a future bike.
With nothing more than a name to go by we can only speculate as to what the new model could look like but it’s safe to say it’s likely to be based around the firms latest V-twin as seen in the FTR1200 unveiled earlier this year.
Historically though, motorcycle names associated with birds, Hayabusa means falcon, Super Blackbird and so on, normally go hand in hand with a high-speed mile muncher – could this be the path Indian wish to tread?
The chances are the bike is going to be using the same basic platform as the flat track inspired FTR1200 we saw at INTERMOT in October, which in itself is a punchy set up putting out a claimed 120hp and 115Nm of torque. The FTR also features a low-slung fuel tank that resides beneath the seat, again adding weight to the argument of a future sporty cruiser or naked. And as it’s named after the Raven, it’ll more than likely be a triple black colour scheme with very little chrome in site.
What was clear from the reveal in October is that Indian want to use the FTR1200 as a springboard to develop and build a range of bikes that can help the firm expand its global reach. In fact, Indian filed a patent recently for a modular designed motorcycle, that could be adapted to suit a variety of applications. With that in mind, and the apparent demise of the old-school cruiser market in favour of more sporty offerings like the Diavel and recently leaked Triumph Rocket III, you’d have to agree that a run of the mill cruiser is unlikely.
Simon (AKA Toad) has been working within the motorcycle industry for more than twelve years, and a member of the motorcyclist family since birth. Growing up around British-built single and twins, it was inevitable that a life on two wheels was on the cards, from a very early age!
