Classic Car and Motorcycle Heritage: The Indian Motorcycle Company

The "Indian Motocycle Manufacturing Company" was founded in 1901 by George M. Hendee (1866—1943) and Swedish emigrant Carl Oscar Hedström (1880—1960), Both Hedström and Hendee had begun with the "Hendee Manufacturing Company" which produced bicycles in Springfield, Massachusetts, and both men had a background in bicycle racing, which led to their mutual interest in the motor-driven bicycle.
Indian was the largest manufacturer of motorcycles in the world during the early part of the 20th century, and the "Indian" brand was America's oldest motorcycle company, until its demise in 2003.

1906 Indian 'Camel Back IOE Single

Zoom: 1906 Indian 'Camel Back' IOE Single

The company built its first production motorcycle in 1904, the diamond framed "Indian Single." The engine for the Indian Single was built by Aurora in Illinois. The Indian Single's deep red color became a signature of the brand. The single-cylinder motor was modeled after the de Dion-Bouton vélocipède engine, which produced 1.75-horsepower. The Indian Single could reach a top speed of 25 miles per hour.

1911 Indian 580cc TT Racer

1915 Indian Twin 1000cc with side car

Indian built its first V-twin engine in 1907. In 1916, Indian added the so-called "Powerplus" 1000 cc engine, which was a side-valve, 42 degree v-twin that was capable of a 60 mph top speed.

1914 Indian Twin 1000cc Motor - Owner: Fred Johansen, California

Both of the principles left the company early in its history. Oscar Hedström resigned in 1913 after disagreements with the Board of Directors, and George Hendee resigned three years later.