The "Indian Motocycle Manufacturing Company" was founded in 1901 by George M. Hendee and Carl Oscar Hedström, of the "Hendee Manufacturing Company" in Springfield, Massachusetts. Both Hedström and Hendee had a background in bicycle racing, which led to their interest in the motor-driven bicycle.
Indian was the largest manufacturer of motorcycles in the world during the early part of the 20th century, and the "Indian" brand was America's oldest motorcycle company, until its demise in 2003.
Zoom: 1906 Indian 'Camel Back' IOE Single
The company built its first production motorcycle in 1904, the diamond framed "Indian Single." The engine for the Indian Single was built by Aurora in Illinois. The Indian Single's deep red color became a signature of the brand. The single-cylinder motor was modeled after the DeDion-Buton, which produced 1.75-horsepower. The Indian Single could reach a top speed of 25 miles per hour.
1911 Indian 580cc TT Racer
1915 Indian Twin 1000cc with side car
1914 Indian Twin 1000cc Motor - Owner: Fred Johansen, California
Indian built its first V-twin engine in 1907. In 1916, Indian added the so-called "Powerplus" 1000 cc engine, which was a side-valve, 42 degree v-twin that was capable of a 60 mph top speed.
1915 Indian Twin 1000cc Motor
Both of the principles left the company early in its history. Oscar Hedström resigned in 1913 after disagreements with the Board of Directors, and George Hendee resigned three years later.
1914 Indian Twin Speedometer
1915 Indian Twin Speedometer
1915 Indian Twin Throttle Linkage - Zoom
The Indian Four (1935 to 1943)
In 1935, the Indian Four began production, The Indian Four had an inline four-cylinder IOE, or inlet over exhaust" engine design. In the 1936 to 1937 models, Indian changed the engine design to an "EOI," or "exhaust over inlet" cylinder head configuration, but returned to the IOE design in 1938.
1941 Indian Four Inline-Four
The Indian Four was a cousin to the Ace Motor Corporation's four-cylinder motorcycle that was created by the late William Henderson. After Indian purchased Ace in 1927, Ace designer Arthur O. Lemon went to work for Indian developing the Indian Ace 934, and Indian 401/402.
Indian Four 1265cc IOE Engine
With its elegant skirted fenders and long wheelbase, the Indian Four was an large, and expensive bike by current standards, limiting its marketablility. 1943 was the Indian Four's last year of production.
The Indian 841 (1920 to 1945)
The 750cc Indian 841 'Military' was a somewhat revolutionary departure for the American company. Designed for the US Army during WWII, its 90º V-twin engine was transverse-mounted - à la the Moto Guzzi V-twin. The design was derivative of the German Army's BMW R71's transverse 'boxer' engine, which also influenced the transverse-mounted 1942 Harley Davidson XA 750. Very few models of the 841 were built, making them extreamly rare.
Indian Chief (1922 to 1953)
The Indian Chief began production in 1922, and by 1923 the Chief was fitted with a 1200cc Powerplus engine. The Chief's signature 'skirted fenders' were added in 1940, and along with the fringed saddle, they became symbolic design features of the "Indian" brand.
1947 Indian Chief - Owner: Tony Galatolo, California
The Indian Chief was discontinued in the late 40s, brought back by popular demand, then discontinued again when all Indian production was terminated in 1953.
Zoom: 1947 Indian Chief 1200cc V-Twin Engine
Indian Scout (1920 to 1945)
The Indian Scout was introduced in 1920, having a 596 cc engine. From 1920 to the mid 1940s the Scout was one of Indian's best selling models, but production was discontinued in 1946. The Scout was designed by Charles B. Franklin, Indian's Isle of Man winner in 1911.
Zoom: 1948 Indian Big Base 648 Scout
1948 Indian Big Base 750
Indian Arrow (1945 to 1953)
In another controversial departure for the company, Indian discontinued the popular selling 436cc Scout V-twin, for a smaller single-cylinder motorcycle called the "Arrow." The Arrow had a 218cc OHV engine, which was not well received by Indian's larger-displacement V-twin loyalists.
Throughout the late 1940s, and early 1950s a series of unpopular products were introduced under the guidance of Ralph B. Rogers, who purchased controlling interest in the company in 1945. This reversal of direction is attributed to Indian's final demise in 1953.
Vintage Indian Motorcycle Links
Indian Motorcycle - Pride of the American Road
Classic Indian Motorcycles, 1901-1953
Indian Chief Motorcycles 1901-1953
The Indian Classic American Motorcycle
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