KIWI INDIAN ORIGINS
Long ago, far away, in a mountain country near Antarctica, winds whipped by the foaming surf whirled around tops of volcanoes. Deep mud puddles bubbled and popped with sulphureous gases. In the bowels of the earth, a warrior people tinkered, fixing machines. Machines that were valuable to them, junk to anyone else. Kiwi Mike was one of these: still a young 'un, shouted and ordered about, he lived in terror of black-clad ogres of the forge. Out, they'd shout, and he'd go to work outside, ramming pink, scarred fingers into freezing cold iron jugs, grinding and filing for all he was worth. Which wasn't much, in Kiwi land. Machines they valued more than people, especially sprogs who'd yet to prove themselves. Outside the shelter, in the freezing darkness, Kiwi Mike eavesdropped on tales of the awesome, the all-conquering Indian. He knew, to gain the respect of his elders, he had to find and tame this beast. One day, lying in a heap in a farmer's barn, he found just such an Indian, an old and decrepit model 741.
Mike took all the skills he'd learned in his time around the forge and beat, hammered and wrenched the sad old wreck back into shape. Soon, his Indian would run so fast and so far that it would beat even the Hardleedee Milwaukee machines the elders lusted after. Swearing Mike to secrecy, an elder passed on the talisman of the Kiwi tribe, saying "Armed with this device, you will detect the false and untrue, and identify the right parts for Indian motorcycles". From beneath his tattered coveralls he brought a shining object, a Rockwell Hardness Tester, and gave it to Kiwi Mike. Mike knew his time was done there, and he would have to cross the Pacific Ocean to find more Indian challenges.
Armed with his knowledge and his Rockwell Hardness Tester, Mike arrived in America, and discovered many of his idols of Indian restoration were false. The cheap parts - even many expensive ones - were weak as putty, and would quickly fail. With the help of his fair wife Carolyn, Mike started to make parts that were strong and long-lasting. Together, they built Kiwi Indian Parts from tiny beginnings into the modern business it is today, dedicated to keeping Indians alive.
Kiwi Mike and Carolyn settled in their warm riverside home, determined to raise a family who would never know the terrors of volcanoes and freezing mountains. Indian owners became satisfied customers. Maybe there is such a thing as a happy ending?
4183 Fairgrounds St.
Riverside, CA 92501
951-788-0048
"Vintage Indians"
Kiwi girl Kelly
Kiwi girl Kelly
Kiwi Indians at Chopperfest
Indian rides Kelly!
Whittney on a Kiwi 1930's Retro
Whittney on the Kiwi Rocket
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Kiwi Kelly
Kiwi Kelly
Kiwi LeafSpring front end
Kiwi 1930's Retro Chief
Kiwi Replica
Kiwi Ross Tomas youngest Indian rider record holder
The Kiwi's Kicking it at 50 mph
Kiwi at Bonneville
Kiwi Ross
Kiwi Ross
Kiwi Ross Tomas
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Kiwi custom Chief
"Classy Rides"
TimKuglin, 10 months ago| FlagI have spent a lot of time with Mike and Carolyn & the rest of the Kiwi team. They are great people who really know their product. They get our highest praise. If you are looking for a Modern Indian with a vintage look, or need help restoring your vintage Indian, give them a call.
Robin_Hartfiel, 1 year ago| FlagKiwi is a class act. Check out the January 2009 issue of V-Twin News if you are in the industry, or just go to Kiwi's website for the straight scoop!
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