Motorcycle "Indian": characteristics, photos, prices

2024 Author: Erin Ralphs | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-19 11:42

The history of the world famous company began in the summer of 1900 in a small American town. It is worth noting - long before the advent of Harley-Davidson. The Indian motorcycle was first produced in 1901 in the amount of 6 copies, of which only three were sold. And in just 14 years, the company became the largest motorcycle manufacturer in the world. But the history of the Indians is worth telling in more detail.

History of an American company

George Handy, one of the founders of Indian, was seriously into cycling. For him, it was not just a business, but a way of life. Soon he had to meet the talented engineer Oscar Hedstrom, who presented him with his new invention. Soon, under the leadership of George and Oscar, a joint production was established in Massachusetts. No wonder the creation of two Native Americans has received such a name - "Indian".

Initially, the company did not do well, but over timeAmerican Indian motorcycles have become incredibly popular all over the world. For example, 15 years after its founding, the company produced 31,950 units of classic American motorcycles.

The evolution of an American legend - Indian motorcycle

The first models of motorcycles were quite extraordinary and were equipped with 1-cylinder engines with small displacement (215cm3), automatic delicious valves and full chain drive. Gaining wide popularity in those years was not so easy, but manufacturers, with the help of a well-thought-out advertising move, were able to achieve due success.

It was simple - they took an active part in all the ongoing cycling races and exhibitions. Of course, they were soon noticed, and after that, orders for motorcycles fell like a cornucopia.

Of course, every year the Indian motorcycle has improved more and more. Currently, the word "Indian" is associated with models such as the Scout, Four and Chief, but the 1915 Powerplus deserves special attention.

Indian Powerplus model

Why exactly this model of the legendary "Indian" deserves special attention? There are actually many reasons. First, this bike was equipped with a 1000cc engine, which, according to the Society of Transportation Engineers, was 7hp. s., and on a special scale of the dynamometer - from 16 to 17 liters. With. The second feature of this model was thatit was because of this motorcycle that a well-known company almost went bankrupt. The fact is that the first 20 thousand motorcycles were produced exclusively for the government of the United States of America at a not very attractive price - about $ 185 thousand. This was due to incorrect calculation of the cost of the legendary Indian.

Later, motorcycles with a large engine capacity (from 1000 cubic meters or more) became more popular, and already in the 20s true connoisseurs of American classics bought them up with pleasure.

Another model that deserves special attention is the Indian Single

The first models of motorcycles from the legendary company had clearly visible features of bicycles with a diamond-shaped frame mounted on them and a humpbacked fuel tank, which, in turn, was located on the rear wheel. Nevertheless, even the first models were not deprived of a variety of innovations and innovations. So, for example, a chain drive was increasingly used instead of a belt drive, motorcycles began to be equipped with carburetors instead of a primitive wick or torch.

The very first "Indian" - a motorcycle, the photo of which fully reflects the American classics - was painted, oddly enough, in dark blue. The classic color with which this legend is associated is red, and it was in this color that the subsequent models of this bike were painted. Oh, by the way, the first Indian Red was released in 1904. It was also the last year that motorcycles were built in a bicycle frame.

Everything new is a well-forgotten old

Retro motorcycles, whose photos allow you to briefly plunge into the extraordinary atmosphere of the past, are currently gaining significant popularity, in many respects surpassing the times of its former glory. A new round in the history of Indian motorcycles fell on the 90s - it was at this time that true connoisseurs of two-wheeled vehicles began to purchase this brand again. Of course, many prototypes of the American legend appeared in many countries - with and without the company logo. Great Britain, Germany and France, Sweden and Australia - in all these and many other states these bikes began to appear again.

Moreover, some companies have directly announced their readiness to start producing American motorcycles. However, everything turned out to be not so simple - the rights to the brand were in the hands of several owners. However, in 1999, everything was decided in favor of a conglomerate of American and Canadian companies, which, in turn, specialized in the restoration of Indian. Motorcycles and other branded merchandise were launched in the same year.

New breath of American classics

The first motorcycle "Indian" ("Indian Chief") was a fairly heavy cruiser, equipped with a 2-cylinder V-engine, gearing to the rear wheel and specific wings-skirts that covered most of the wheel and were one of characteristic features of this motorcycle, especially for the 40s.

After alljust one year, a conglomerate of Canadian and American companies introduced a completely new Indian model. Motorcycles had a more sporty design and had a characteristic American name - "Scout". And one year later, the manufacturers introduced another model that was a cross between the Scout and the Chief - the Spirit model was released in 2000 and immediately gained particular popularity among fans of the legendary motorcycles.

Legendary motorcycles from America

Today, the company that produces the famous Indian, has its own factory, which is located in Gilroy (California). It is worth noting that the modern manufacturer has big plans - the company is going to start producing its own engines in the near future. What's more, the conglomerate of American and Canadian companies has openly stated that it plans to reclaim its position as the largest motorcycle manufacturer in the United States of America in the near future.

The model, released in 2011, is a kaleidoscope of innovations that cannot be missed even by the naked eye. Now spare parts for retro motorcycles have become much more affordable and of better quality. Full chrome brake calipers, original tires, a stainless steel exhaust pipe and much more give a special chic to the new model. Of course, this model will not leave indifferent any connoisseur of the legendary motorcycles of America.

The Cost of the American Dream

What else is worthadd about the famous American motorcycles? The prices of this pleasure in the United States fluctuate within 30 thousand dollars. The 2011 Indian Chief Blackhawk Dark is powered by a 1720cc V-twin engine. Moreover, it is equipped with a 6-speed gearbox, upgraded disc brakes, belt drive. So, a modern Indian is equipped with a fuel tank of just over 20 liters and this motorcycle weighs almost 350 kg.

Good news for fans of this bike - the company is preparing to release a new series of motorcycles in 2014, which will certainly become a landmark event in the history of the American motorcycle industry. We can only hope and wait - what if the company regains its former glory and becomes the undisputed leader in this industry?

Retromotorcycle or modern luxury

Of course, motorcycles of this kind are not suitable for everyone. There are many reasons: the cost of this pleasure, the features of operation and the specifics of the ride. "Indian" is absolutely not suitable for novice drivers - a powerful engine and a fairly large mass - a beginner is unlikely to be able to handle this on the road.

But true connoisseurs of classics and simply beautiful bikes will definitely like this American legend. Motorcycle "Indian" is the choice of those who completely dissolved in the atmosphere of freedom and headwind. This bike is the best suited for leisurely riding long distances. Although, it is worth noting, the power of the engine allows you to disperse this heavyweight and feelking of the roads.

Already now we can confidently say that the Indian is not just a motorcycle, it is a full-fledged legendary bike, whose name is on everyone's lips. Certainly, the company, founded in 1900, will now achieve its goals and very soon become the leader in the production of motorcycles in the United States of America.