Indian Springfield: a glorious American cruiser

Indian, the famous old bike marque, was recently reborn after a half century-long hiatus, says Roland Brown in The Daily Telegraph. A vital part of its appeal is a rich heritage dating back to its foundation in 1901, two years before old rival Harley-Davidson. But the relaunched marque has until now lacked a competitor for Harley's popular Road King: a tourer with hard panniers, plus a screen that can quickly be removed for fine weather or short trips. The Springfield fills that gap.

It is an imposing machine, says Brown, with huge fenders,acres of chrome and a studded leather saddle. But it also handles very well for a bike that weighs more than 350kg.It manoeuvres well at low speeds, cruises comfortably and delivers a delightfully strong performance. For such a big luxurious bike, it's also fun to ride. Beautifully finished, bursting with character and comfortable over distance, this is an impressively versatile motorbike.

As the Springfield is intended as a premium, touring machine, it's well "specced up", says Motorcycle News. You get cruise control, adjustable pillion footboards, ABS brakes, tyre pressure monitors and even central locking. It is expensive, being a couple of grand more than its basic Harley rivals. But then it is impressively well equipped and beautifully finished too, all of which goes a long way to justifying the price tag.

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If you're in the market for the most lavish, most glorious, best-performing American cruiser, then this is currently it. The price will make buying one far from a casual decision, says George Petras in USA Today. But those who love the style, performance and heritage of Indian Motorcycles will find the Springfield hard to resist.

Price: £19,599Engine: 1,811cc, four-stroke V-twinPower: 90bhpTop speed: 110mph