-Story by Larry Surratt September 2010
An American tradition marked its return to the central valley recently with the opening of Indian Motorcycle Fresno. The franchise, one of only two in California, is offering the completely reengineered and redesigned exclusive models to the state for the first time this year. Owner Dan Herwaldt and his sons, general manager Matt Herwaldt and product specialist Josh Herwaldt, are no strangers to the valley. Their family has been involved in the auto industry for three generations, having opened their first dealership over 60 years ago, with a name well-known for quality and customer service. Being as passionate about motorcycles as their profession, the owners leaped at the chance when they were hand-picked by the factory to open the franchise.
The new dealership is located in Fresno on Blackstone Avenue, just north of Barstow Avenue. A first-class facility with a large showroom featuring the various 2010 Indian Chief dressed in the Vintage, Roadmaster, Bomber, Dark Horse ad Classic trim levels. The service department is managed by Luvern Blaszak. Being one of just a few Harley-Davidson Master Technicians in the central valley, Luvern can service and repair all Harley-Davidson, Indian, and V-Twin motorcycles.
After purchasing the company in 2004, the well-funded new ownership did not rush to put something on the market. They engineered, designed, and most importantly, extensively tested the new line. All of the 2010 models come with a proprietary 105 cubic inch Powerplus V-twin engine mated perfectly to a Baker Six Speed Transmission. The top of the line Brembo Gold Plus braking system stops you on a dime and the Brembo Hydraulic clutch provides effortless shifting between gears through the 1:1 final drive Baker Six Speed Transmission.
When you take a close look at the bikes, you can see an instant difference. Smooth triple-plated chrome, grain-leather saddles and saddlebags, vintage throw-back color schemes. Even the classic Indian-head fender light has been updated with a blown glass face and a 10,000 hour L.E.D. light. Each motorcycle is made of 80 – 90% American manufactured parts and is hand-built one at a time by a small team of craftsmen. That, in addition to the limited availability of around 750 Indian motorcycles worldwide this model year define the exclusivity of the models, underscoring the company’s commitment to strong resale values for their customers.
