How Indian® Motorcycle Became an Icon of American History
Indian motorcycles are very popular in America today, but do you know how they became an iconic American motorcycle company? Unfortunately, the Indian Motorcycle® company endured many hardships and challenging obstacles to become what they are today. Stop by Loewer Powersports & Equipment in Alexandria, Louisiana, to browse our inventory of Indian® motorcycles for sale. Customers from Rapides Parish and Lafayette, Louisiana, are also welcome to check us out.
The Beginning
The Hendee Manufacturing company was started in 1897 with the Silver King and Queen motorcycles. Later the company’s name was changed to American Indian and again changed to Indian to re-brand and appeal to export markets. Hendee joined a collaboration with Oscar Hedstrom in 1900 to create three prototype model motorcycles. The 1.75 BHP single-cylinder engine motorcycle gained popularity in no time.
With innovation being their primary goal, the company continued to expand. They targeted customers by offering exceptional style and fantastic performance in their motorcycles. Their models provided chain drives and streamlined styling. Hedstrom broke the world motorcycle speed record of 56 miles per hour in 1903. This triumph made headlines, and they introduced a key part of their branding strategy, their iconic red color.
With its first V-Twin factory racer, there were many more race victories. Customers had an exhilarating riding experience in future street and roadster models that featured these elements. Indian motorcycles maintained their popularity as the number one motorcycle brand in the country until the first World War.
While the World Was at War
In both world wars, Indian Motorcycle produced many motorcycle models for the United States and British armed forces. The Chief®, Scout®, Junior Scout®, and 841 models were the main vehicles provided for the war. Unfortunately, because most of their efforts supported the war effort, their sales plummeted, forcing many dealers to close shop.
Ralph B. Rogers decided to begin obtaining control of Indian Motorcycles. The company underwent many names and design changes, including discontinuing many product lines. With many conflicting interests and ideas, production stopped in 1953. Then in 2011, Polaris® Industries decided to pick up the Indian Motorcycle® company. After moving their production facilities to Spirit Lake, Iowa, the company released ten new models, most of them with the Thunder Stroke® 11 1.82 liter engine.
As you can see, the Indian Motorcycle® company has a deep history of challenges and hardships. However, with determination and innovative ingenuity, they’re still considered a leader in the American motorcycle industry. Contact us at Loewer Powersports & Equipment in Alexandria, Louisiana, for more information on Indian® motorcycles. We proudly welcome customers from Rapides Parish and Lafayette, Louisiana, too!
