The online charity auction of a limited-edition Jack Daniels Indian Chief Vintage has raised $50,700 for the Black Dog Ride.
A standard Chief Vintage costs $31,995, but with only 150 of these bikes made, it’s probably a bargain for the successful bidder.
Indian also made 150 Jack Daniels Springfield models which sold out in one day, so they certainly are highly desirable bikes.
They feature special paint and unique numbering and were created to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Jack Daniel Distillery, which was registered in 1866.
The auction raised funds for the Black Dog Ride, a charity organisation founded by a passionate motorcyclist intent on doing something about the devastating suicide rate in Australia, which is twice the annual road toll.
Since 2009, Black Dog Ride has involved thousands of Australian motorcycle riders in dozens of local suicide prevention rides, raising over $2.2M for mental health services and fostering mental health awareness around the country.
Apart from raising funds for the Black Dog Ride, Indian Motorcycle and Victory Motorcycles has also helped raise awareness with a group ride last week to Alice Springs.
Ian Moss with Indian and Victory ridersStar of the trip was Cold Chisel guitarist Ian Moss who performed an exclusive VIP concert in his home town before the Finke Desert Race.
Ian also used the pilgrimage to launch his new album “Nashville Sessions” and his new single “Broadway”.
“This ride symbolically represents my life journey to some extent, always remembering my roots … my hometown. This is a spiritual ride that I am proud and excited to be doing for a good cause” says Moss.
Moss has had a long association with Indian since the simultaneous world re-launch of the brand in 2013.
He attended the Sydney launch to play some songs, but was interrupted by the live launch feed from Sturgis of the new Indian Chief models.
Peter Alexander, managing director of Polaris Australia and New Zealand, says the ride and concert event was part of their push to increase membership of their Indian and Victory motorcycle riders’ groups.
Every new owner receives membership to the groups as well as two-year roadside assist.
Peter says their challenge is to get those members to renew their membership when it expires.
Polaris Australia boss Peter Alexander“Renewal of membership is very important so we have to do something big, but it’s hard to get critical mass to do a big event so,” he says.
This was their first “big event”.