Indian Motorcycle's Management on new Independence & future

As Indian Motorcycle prepares for its organisational transition and a new chapter as an independent company, three key figures — Joel Harmon (Vice President of Global Sales), Ben Lindaman (Director of Product Planning) and Ola Stenegärd (Director of Industrial Design) — sat down with Poky, 1000PS.

Poky, 1000PS: As Indian Motorcycle transitions within the organisation, how will design autonomy and creative freedom evolve now that you are no longer under the Polaris umbrella?

Ola Stenegärd: We recently met with our new CEO, Mike Kennedy. It was very exciting to sit down with him and talk about the products and the new product portfolio. He's truly a motorcycle guy through and through, with a long history at another well-known brand in a neighbouring state, as well as experience at PG and on the dealer side. When you sit down with him, you don't have to explain anything — you're on the same wavelength, headed down the same path. That makes everything much easier.

Poky, 1000PS: Ben, the 2026 Scout models — like the Sport Scout and Scout Sixty — open your brand to more entry-level riders while you also build very premium bikes. How do you prioritise which models to develop when you're addressing such diverse segments?

Ben Lindaman: That's a great question. We've prioritised both ends of the spectrum. If you go back to 2014, we started with no customers. So bringing in new and younger riders has always been important because once they enter the brand and have a good experience, they tend to stay.

We always keep that new rider in mind. As I said earlier today at the press conference, the Sport Scout Sixty is a great example — low seat height, very low centre of gravity, just extremely easy to ride. On the other end, premium cruiser customers have high expectations: high levels of finish, high performance, premium components, premium brands. These riders want different things, and we treat the segments differently. But at the end of the day, we want all of them to have a great time and stay with us.

Poky, 1000PS: From a marketing standpoint — is there anything different, or is it the same approach?

Joel Harmon: It's 100 percent the same. There will be no changes to our marketing plan. You heard me talk this morning about our "never finished" idea — that's our focus. We want the public, dealers, consumers and riders to know that we're pushing the envelope, moving forward into the next stage and next chapter of Indian Motorcycle. We're not letting off the gas. That's what you'll see in 2026.

Poky, 1000PS: Design-wise, some concept bikes from the last three years hinted at where Indian Motorcycle is heading. What design DNA from those concepts made it into today's models?

Ola Stenegärd: Concept bikes are very important. We do a lot of internal design studies that never get shown. Sometimes, like today, we find the right concept to bring outside so people can dream a little. The Bonneville project with Tyler's record run came together beautifully — literally following in Burt Munro's tracks. Celebrating the girder front fork is also a big thing for us. With the 125th anniversary next year, we won't have time to celebrate its 80-year heritage, so we decided to give a preview now. Of course, with every concept, we're curious what the audience thinks. Feedback can trickle into production if it resonates.

Poky, 1000PS: A follow-up on younger riders: are there specific aesthetic or ergonomic considerations you take into account?

Ola Stenegärd: Yes — especially on certain models. The Scout 101 is a perfect example. Younger customers come in with a more sporty riding background. Many come from motocross. We grew up with Jesse James — they grew up with Carey Hart. When you sit on Carey Hart's bike, it feels like a motocross bike: mid-mount pegs, taller bars. Young riders want that stance. They modify their bikes with motocross or sportbike components — better brakes, upside-down forks. The Scout 101 came from this insight: "Why don't we just give them what they want?" That's why it's been so popular. Riders like Aaron Colton show exactly how that younger demographic engages with the bike.

Poky, 1000PS: Looking two years ahead, which segments or engine sizes offer the most growth potential for Indian Motorcycle?

Ben Lindaman: A huge area of growth for us is the bagger segment. It's core in the U.S., but we've seen strong growth in Europe over the past years as well. Within baggers, performance is becoming more important. Traditionally, cruisers and customs weren't performance-driven. Now riders want Brembo brakes, Öhlins forks — components that make the bike perform better. That's a big reason the segment is gaining ground in Europe, and why we see strong potential there.

Poky, 1000PS: Is that also because European riding styles differ, or because other performance-oriented brands have entered the segment?

Ben Lindaman: I wouldn't say competition triggers us, but we certainly notice it. We've already taken a more performance-oriented approach in the cruiser world with many of our products. To us, it's more a sign of what customers want: performance in this category.

Joel Harmon: It also shows we're on the right path. We know where the market is going. We'll double down in key markets and take share.

Poky, 1000PS: You mentioned younger riders — Europe especially struggles with fewer new riders and a higher average age. How does Indian Motorcycle plan to attract younger riders?

Joel Harmon: We all talked about the 101 earlier. Its aggressive nature will draw younger riders in. The Sport Scout is another great example — a functional bike with a sporty feel that still has bags. Younger riders appreciate that practicality. We won't focus on marketing to a specific demographic. Instead, we market to a cruiser]/bagger/touring lifestyle and make sure we're in front of the right crowds with the right bikes.

Poky, 1000PS: When you say "right crowds", do you mean events, or also online approaches?

Joel Harmon: Both. Our Forged Custom Program is an example — working with the right builders who speak to the right audience. We'll continue being present at key events: Wheels & Waves, Verona, and many local events across countries. Our marketing team is also focused on broadening awareness in Europe. We know it needs to improve, and we're focusing on that in 2026.

Poky, 1000PS: Electric motorcycles are becoming more common. Is that something Indian Motorcycle is thinking about? Does it fit your approach?

Ben Lindaman: Let's say it's not our primary path. Our focus for the next 3–5 years is strongly on cruisers and touring — our core. Beyond that, the sky's the limit. We have a brand that can go into any segment if we choose. We'll watch where the market goes and act accordingly.

Ola Stenegärd: When I get that question, I often bring up the Chief. Everyone assumes you can't build a pure air-cooled motor anymore — but you can, if you put in the effort. It looks simple, but it's hard to do: no oil cooler, no liquid cooling, none of the easy solutions. A lot of brands take the easy route, but we work hard to make it happen. You need good engineers and a lot of effort, but it's absolutely possible. The complex simplicity of that bike is stunning. We just have to point out that you still can do it — if you really work for it.

Poky, 1000PS: That sums it up for me. Thank you so much for your time.

Joel Harmon, Ola Stenegärd, Ben Lindaman: Thank you!