American Racing Operations (ARO) —The all-new performance division for Indian Motorcycle — launched today. ARO (pronounced “arrow”) exists to push Indian Motorcycle forward through a comprehensive portfolio of performance parts, accessories, future technologies and rider-focused solutions.
“Our brand was founded by two racers who built a legacy pushing performance and driving American motorcycle innovation literally through racing,” said Mike Kennedy, CEO of Indian Motorcycle. “As stewards of Indian Motorcycle’s 125-year history, we’re proud to continue this legacy of innovation with our new race-inspired, factory-backed performance halo brand. ARO represents our commitment to performance, authenticity, and the continued evolution of American motorcycling, driven by and inspired by our historic investment in racing.”
The tip of the ARO launch is a dual slip-on exhaust system for select bagger and touring models. The ARO GP Slip-On Exhaust was designed by Vance & Hines Factory Indian Motorcycle race team principal, Terry Vance. Pulling design inspiration from roadracing, the ARO GP Slip-On Exhaust amplifies both performance and emotion, delivering a commanding sound profile that embodies the racing heritage of Indian Motorcycle.
Beginning this weekend at MotoAmerica King of the Baggers at Road America, the Vance & Hines Factory Indian Motorcycle race team will be running an ARO two-into-one exhaust system developed exclusively for the factory racing program. The team goes into Road America with significant momentum, having won all four races and claiming 9 of 12 podium spots over the series’ first two rounds.
“There are so many things I love about my role and working in the motorcycle business. However, towards the top of that list are product launches. But it’s not everyday that you get to launch an entirely new brand. That’s incredibly exciting. A performance brand under the Indian Motorcycle brand umbrella has been a long time coming, and I can’t wait to share this exciting new platform with the industry and V-twin riders across the globe.”
Kennedy even volunteered to do the R&D on the GP Slip-On. “Our all-new slip-on exhaust system is really special, as it represents the first in what we expect to be a long line of performance products we will develop,” he claimed. “I’ve been running a prototype on my own Indian Challenger since Daytona, and I can say wholeheartedly that it sounds absolutely amazing and truly elevates the experience of riding an Indian PowerPlus bagger.”
