The Indian Motorcycle Company, of Springfield, was at one time rated as
the largest and most influential of the motorcycle companies. It all
started when Oscar Hedstrom (racing bicycle builder), designed a new
engine-powered two-wheel bike for the purpose of training cyclists.
Because Hedstrom had a solid grounding in engineering, this was no
slap-bang job of loose parts lying around.
By thoughtful design and determination, the result was a reliable
machine that caught the attention of a Springfield associate, George
Hendee. The first operational effort led to a manufacturing plant, and
ultimately to the first single-engine machines coming out the door, in
the year 1902. Remember, this was just before World War One, when
machines, and especially motorcycles were to become the trademark of a
newer, larger, and bigger mechanized way of fighting.
By combining the skills of Hedstrom and the business smarts of Hendee, a
new V-Twin model was rolled out the following year. The Indian was
evolving, now with three-speed gearboxes and swing-arm rear suspensions.
The little machine could be electrically started and was ultimately
recognized as the industry leader by the early 1910s. Before the war,
Indian was the largest manufacturer of motorcycles, producing annually
in the tens of thousands. By their involvement in racing, they were
able to present their machines to the public and to continue to advance
the basic design and features. Indian machines became world-wide racing
winners. In 1913, Hedstrom left the company, as did Hendee a few years
later, the innovative invention rapidly declining in popularity as the
new owners failed to maintain the initial energy and brilliant marketing
of the founders. Early models still remain endearing to the collecting
market, including the original Indian Chief of 1920 and the Sport Scout
that was produced 15 years later.
Today, the machine rates the reputation of a fine classic wine, the
original of the sport and the touring crowd of today. Bigger better
hogs may have overrun the market place, with extreme loyalties to
individual machines, a trademark of the motorcycle world, but the Indian
remains first in the minds of many.
From online auctions you can often see accessories for Indian
motorcycles and you may even locate Indian motorcycle dealers in your
area. Most of the sales for Indians will be private, so you are
bound to get a deal. Additional direct links can include: Indian
motorcycle company, Indian motorcycle parts, new Indian motorcycle,
Indian Chief motorcycle, Indian motorcycles for sale, Indian motorcycle
reviews, Indian Scout Motorcycle, and Indian motorcycle news.
15hqqr.
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