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Early Years
The original Indian motorycle company was founded in 1901 in Springfield Massachusetts
USA, by bicycle racer George Hendee and Oscar Hedstrom. The first bike was a huge
success and by 1913 32000 motorcycles were being produced annually. Indian brought
out their bikes in a deep red color which later became one of their trademarks.
In 1907, Indian built its first V-twin and within a few years made a strong showing
in racing and record-breaking. In 1914 an Indian went across America, from San
Diego to New York, in a record 11 days, 12 hours and ten minutes. Powerplus was
produced, a side-valve V-Twin, which was introduced in 1916. The Powerplus was
highly successful for both road and racing bikes. It remained in production with
few changes until 1924.
Indian Chief
In 1922 the Chief had a 1000 cc engine based on that of the Powerplus which
was still being produced. 1923 the engine was enlarged to 1200 cc. Several improvements
were made over the years including breaks. In 1940, all models were fitted with
the large skirted fenders that became an Indian trademark. The 1940s Chiefs were
lovely machines to ride capable of 85 mph in standard form and over 100 mph when
tuned.
Indian Scout
The Scout was introduced in 1920 with a 596 cc engine and the size was increased
to 745 cc by 1927. The most famous version was the 101 Scout of 1928 which featured
improved handling. The negative reaction in 1932 to heavier frames lead to the
creation of the Sport Scout of 1934 with a light frame.The Sport Scout won the
first Daytona 200 in 1937. Many Scouts were used in the Second World War, but
the model was dropped when the civilian production restarted in 1946.
First Failing
In 1945 a group headed by Ralph B. Rogers purchased a controlling share of the
company. In late 1945 they formally turned the operations of Indian over to Rogers.
Under Rogers' the Indian and Scout were discontinued and began to manufacture
lightweight motorcycles. These bikes suffered from poor quality and a lack of
development. Manufacture of all products was halted in 1953. Brockhouse and Royal
Enfield bikes were imported from England and badged and sold as Indians through
the rest of the 1950s. After this the Indian name passed to the company that imported
Matchless motorcycles into the US, however it did not attach the name to any motorcycles,
and it went into liquidation in 1962.
1999-2003 A
new company with factories in Gilroy California began manufacturing motorcycles.
Badged under the famous "Indian" name after they purchaced the 'Indian' name in
the yearly stages of 1999. These motorcycles are often refered to as "Gilroy Indian"
motorcycles. The model was based around a newer version of the Chief. Scout and
Spirit models were also manufactured starting in 2001. The bikes were made from
standard parts but nearing the completion of an all-new engine design, the 100
Powerplus, the company went into bankruptcy again in late 2003.
New Start
In July 2006 the newly formed Indian Motorcycle Company owned largely by Stellican
Limited, a London-based private equity firm, announced its new home in North Carolina.
The plans to resurrect the iconic Indian Motorcycle Brand. New Indian has visions
of producing a new Chief using a modern fuel-injected, V-Twin engine which they
are building in-house. The "new Chief" will have the classic valanced
fenders. New Indian are going to offer several variations of the Chief including
a more modern style without the valanced fenders. They also plan on offering an
accessory line for both the New Indian and the Gilroy Indian motorcycles.
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