The Origins of Indian Motorcycle

Indian Motorcycle has been on the market for over a hundred years. Its reputation has made it a popular motorcycle brand that refuses to die. The rich history of this motorcycle highlights just why it is well-loved even today. Langston Motorsports has some great motorcycles to choose from. Located in Perris, California, we serve both Temecula and Orange County, California. 

Company Beginnings

Indian Motorcycle is a classic brand of motorbikes that has now become popular again. The manufacturer is even making new motorcycles. In 1897, George M. Hendee established the Hendee Manufacturing Company. 

This company began to produce bicycles under the names Silver Queen, Silver King, and American Indian. In May 1901, Hendee made the first motorized bike for a motor-paced bicycle race.

First Motorcycle

The first motorcycle under the brand name Indian Motorcycle was purchased in 1902. This motorcycle had a single-cylinder engine and a chain drive. That same year, it won a race that started in Boston and ended in New York City. 

The next year, cofounder Oscar Hedstrom broke the world speed record by riding at a speed of 56 miles per hour on an Indian® Motorcycle. In 1916, Hendee produced an engine that could reach a top speed of 60 mph. In 1923, the Hendee Manufacturing Company became The Indian Motorcycle Company. 

World War II and Consumer Production

At the start of World War II, 5,000 Indian® Motorcycles were produced to help the French with the war effort. The company also produced Model 841 for the United States Army. 

After the war, Indian Motorcycle started producing for regular consumers. However, in 1953, production stopped. The rights to the company and the brand name went through a few hands up until the late 70s.

Today's Production of Indian® Motorcycles

In 1998, nine companies came together to create the Indian Motorcycle Company of America (IMCA). As a result, IMCA resumed the production of Indian® Motorcycles. The production of the motorcycles stopped once again when IMCA went bankrupt in 2003.

A few years later, Stellican Ltd, bought the assets to the company, and from 2008 to 2010, there was a small number of motorcycles produced. In 2011, Polaris Industries continued manufacturing the motorcycles.

When you look back on the history of Indian® Motorcycles, you will see that it spans many decades. It survived and even thrived during World War II. The number of different companies that took over the production of the famous motorcycle didn't kill the brand. Instead, the motorcycle has become even more popular today. If you want to buy a nice motorcycle today, come to Langston Motorsports in Perris, California. We serve Temecula and Orange County, California as well.