Indian Motorcycle, now under new ownership (see BDN November 2025 p34), has announced the first of (presumably) many changes. The American bike manufacturer has signed a multi-year deal with tuning and parts firm Vance & Hines Motorsports, primarily aimed at supporting its factory racing efforts. Indian has a strong presence in flat-track racing, and the ‘Bagger’ racing class in the US – though it’s missing out on the Harley-Davidson-only Bagger support class in MotoGP this season – and Vance & Hines is set to continue managing that side of the business.
“Indian Motorcycle is entering a new era in its historic journey, and the first place we plan to prove it is on the racetrack,” said Mike Kennedy, Indian Motorcycle CEO. “This partnership is a reminder of what American performance looks like when you refuse to back down. As the leading aftermarket supplier for V-Twin performance, with nearly 50 years of innovation and racing success, Vance & Hines is the ideal partner.”
Indian has signed up some new staff in the UK as well, and there are some familiar names amongst them. The British arm of the firm has taken on Gina Evans as marketing specialist and James Tonks as district sales manager. Evans worked at the MCIA for more than 20 years, helping manage marketing and communications. Tonks brings 18 years of experience from the powersports industry.
“Having been a part of promoting motorcycling in my role at the MCIA, the chance to make the move to a manufacturer, was an opportunity I couldn’t ignore,” said Evans. “It comes at an exciting point in the brand’s history as we celebrate the founding of Indian in 1901, and I’m really looking forward to being a part of the next chapter.”
“Representing such a legendary brand as Indian Motorcycle is a real privilege,” said Tonks. “I’ve already had the pleasure of meeting owners at the national rally in Cornwall, and their passion for Indian is infectious. I’m looking forward to working with the network as we implement plans to strengthen and expand our presence in the UK market over the coming months.”