Indian Chief Motorcycle - America's First Motorcycle
"You can't wear out an Indian Scout, or its brother the Indian Chief. They are built like rocks to take hard knocks; it's the Harley's that cause grief."
The Indian Motorcycle Company, located in Kings Mountain, North Carolina, is the oldest motorcycle company in the United States. At one time, it was also the largest motorcycle manufacturer in the world. The company’s most popular models were the Scout – a pre World War II design, and the Chief which was hugely popular from 1922 to 1953. Indian was founded in Springfield, Massachusetts in 1901. The headquarters is also stationed in Springfield.
Former bicycle riders and founders of Indian Motorcycle Co George M. Hendee and Carl Oscar Hedström teamed up to make a motorcycle together. The first one had a 1.75 bhp and a single cylinder engine. Sales of these motorcycles increased in large numbers over the next decade. In 1902, the two men designed streamlined motorcycles that they set the worlds fastest motorcycle record with – 56 mph. They started selling these “Diamond Framed” motorcycles to the public. In 1904, the production of the bikes went from over 500 made per year up to a record breaking 32,000 in 1913! Indians first V-Twin motor was built in 1907 and set even more speed records. A man named Erwin “Cannonball” Baker rode from San Diego to New York in a record breaking 11 days, 12 hours and 10 minutes riding an Indian motorcycle.
Former bicycle riders and founders of Indian Motorcycle Co George M. Hendee and Carl Oscar Hedström teamed up to make a motorcycle together. The first one had a 1.75 bhp and a single cylinder engine. Sales of these motorcycles increased in large numbers over the next decade. In 1902, the two men designed streamlined motorcycles that they set the worlds fastest motorcycle record with – 56 mph. They started selling these “Diamond Framed” motorcycles to the public. In 1904, the production of the bikes went from over 500 made per year up to a record breaking 32,000 in 1913! Indians first V-Twin motor was built in 1907 and set even more speed records. A man named Erwin “Cannonball” Baker rode from San Diego to New York in a record breaking 11 days, 12 hours and 10 minutes riding an Indian motorcycle.
The Scout and Chief came out in the early 20’s, and quickly became Indians most popular models. The reputation for Indian Scouts and Chiefs was strength and reliability. In 1930, Indian joined forces with duPont Motors. duPont stopped making their automobiles in order to concentrate on Indians. Since duPont had connections in the paint industry, Indians were available in more than 24 colors. The motorcycles made during this time, had the head-dress logo on the gas tank, which led to most of the company’s Native American themed advertising. Also, Indian and duPont manufactured bicycles, boat and aircraft engines, and air conditioners
Indian Motorcycles Today
In July of 2006, Indian Motorcycle Company announced its new home in Kings Mountain, North Carolina. Indian is now trying to restore the old Indian Motorcycle Company to what it used to be. Focusing on quality, performance and craftsmanship, the new Chiefs are produced in small numbers. The new 2009 Chief features a new Powerplus V-Twin, 105 cubic inch engine. Everything about the new Indians is new and updated. Technology has improved so much that the motorcycles produced today are near perfection on every level. Indian plans to have 50 dealerships open across the United States and Canada by the end of 2011.
Check out the Indian Motorcycle Website here:
Indian Motorcycle
Here's the new 2011 Indian Motorcycle Line-up:
Information was partially stolen from www.hubpages.com
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