The Storied Legacy of Indian Motorcycles

The Birth of a Legend

In 1901, George M. Hendee and Carl Oscar Hedstrom, both former bicycle racers, founded the Indian Motorcycle Manufacturing Company, initially known as the Hendee Manufacturing Company. Their first motorcycle, a 1 ¾ horsepower machine, marked the beginning of a legacy. By 1903, Hedstrom set a new motorcycle speed record of 56 mph, showcasing the potential of their early belt-driven bikes.

Early Innovations and Achievements

The company's first significant model, the "Diamond Framed Single," introduced in 1902, featured an engine supplied by Aurora of Illinois. This model, painted in the rich red color that would become synonymous with Indian, saw sales rise to 32,000 units by 1913. In 1907, Indian introduced a V-twin engine, which, along with rider Erwin "Cannonball" Baker, set numerous long-distance records, including a San Diego to New York trip in just 11 days, 12 hours, and 10 minutes.

Notable Achievements:

• 1903: Hedstrom sets a speed record of 56 mph.
• 1911: Indian wins the Isle of Man TT race, securing first, second, and third places.

The Rise of the Scout and Chief

The 1920s saw the introduction of the Indian Scout and Chief, which became the company's flagship models. Despite the departure of founders Hendee and Hedstrom, these models gained popularity for their durability and performance. The saying, "You can't wear out an Indian Scout, or its brother the Indian Chief," became a testament to their robustness.

The DuPont Era and Expansion

In 1930, Indian merged with DuPont Motors, which ceased car production to focus on Indian motorcycles. This partnership led to a dramatic increase in color options, with 24 available by 1934. The iconic Indian head-dress logo also debuted during this period, and the factory became known as the "Wigwam."

Key Developments:

• 1934: Introduction of 24 color options.
• 1940: Introduction of skirted fenders and a sprung frame, enhancing performance and aesthetics.

World War II and Post-War Challenges

By 1940, Indian was nearly rivaling Harley-Davidson in sales. The company diversified, producing engineless bicycles, air conditioning equipment, and aircraft engines. However, post-war challenges emerged when Ralph B. Rogers acquired a controlling interest in 1945. Rogers discontinued the Scout to focus on new models like the 149 Arrow and the Warrior 250, which suffered from poor quality and lack of development. By 1953, Indian ceased production of all models and began importing Royal Enfield motorcycles from England, rebranding them as Indians.

The Struggle for Survival

The 1960s and 1970s were tumultuous for Indian. Floyd Clymer used the Indian name on imported Italian bikes without securing the trademark. After Clymer's death in 1970, Alan Newman acquired the brand and continued importing bikes from Italy and Taiwan. However, by 1977, the company declared bankruptcy. A legal battle ensued, and in 1988, the Federal Bankruptcy Court in Denver cleared the way for the production of "Gilroy Indians."

Revival and Modern Era

In 2006, a London-based company took control, establishing a new factory in Kings Mountain, North Carolina. Plans for a new Chief model were set in motion, signaling a potential return to Indian's glory days.

The Legacy of Burt Munro

No history of Indian Motorcycles is complete without mentioning Burt Munro from New Zealand. In the 1960s, Munro set numerous land speed records with a modified 1920s Indian Scout, a story immortalized in the 2005 film "The World's Fastest Indian."

Interesting Stats and Facts

• Market Share: As of 2021, Indian Motorcycles held approximately 10% of the U.S. heavyweight motorcycle market, a significant achievement considering its tumultuous history (source).
• Production Peak: In 1913, Indian Motorcycles produced 32,000 units, making it the largest motorcycle manufacturer in the world at the time (source).
• Speed Records: Burt Munro's modified Indian Scout set a land speed record of 183.586 mph in 1967, a record that still stands in the under-1000cc class (source).

Indian Motorcycles' journey from its inception to its modern revival is a testament to innovation, resilience, and a passion for motorcycling. As the brand continues to evolve, it remains a symbol of American motorcycling heritage.