Motorcycle "Indian": specifications, photos, prices

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. Motorcycle "Indian" was first released in 1901 in an amount of 6 copies, of which only three were sold. And only in 14 years the company became the largest manufacturer of motorcycles all over the world. But the story of the "Indian" should be told in more detail.

History of the American company

George Hendy - one of the founders of the company Indian - seriously keen cycling. For him it was not just a business, but a peculiar way of life. Soon he had to meet a talented engineer Oskar Hedstrom, who introduced him to his new invention. Soon, under the leadership of George and Oscar, a joint venture was established in the state of Massachusetts. Not surprisingly, the creation of two Native Americans was given the name "Indian".

Initially, the company's affairs were not the best way, but over time, American motorcycles "Indian" began to enjoy incredible popularity throughout the world. For example, 15 years after the company was founded, the company produced 31,950 units of classic American motorcycles.

The evolution of the American legend is the motorcycle "Indian"

The first models of motorcycles were rather uncommon and were equipped with 1-cylinder engines with a small volume (215cm3), automatic flavor valves and a fully chain drive. It was not so easy to acquire wide popularity in those years, but the producers, with the help of a well thought-out advertising course, were able to achieve proper success.

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

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

Indian Powerplus model

Why this particular model of the legendary "Indian" deserves special attention? There are a lot of reasons. The first - this bike was equipped with a 1000-cc engine, whose capacity, according to the Society of Transportation Engineers, was 7 liters. With., And on a special scale of the dynamometer - from 16 to 17 liters. from. The second feature of this model was that it was because of this motorcycle that a well-known company nearly 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 $ 185,000. This was due to an incorrect calculation of the cost of the legendary Indian.

Later, motorcycles with a large engine capacity (from 1000 cubes and more) began to enjoy greater popularity, and already in the 20's they were bought with real pleasure by true connoisseurs of American classics.

Another model that deserves special attention is the Indian Single

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

The very first "Indian" - a motorcycle whose photo fully reflects the American classics - was painted, oddly enough, in a dark blue range. The classic color with which this legend is associated is red, it was in him that the subsequent models of this bike were painted. Yes, by the way, the first Indian Red was released in 1904. In addition, it was the last year when motorcycles were produced in a bicycle frame.

Everything new is a well-forgotten old

Retro bikes, photos of which allow you to plunge into the extraordinary atmosphere of the past for a while, are now gaining considerable popularity, in many respects exceeding the times of former glory. A new round of the history of motorcycles "Indian" came in the 90 years - it was at this time that true connoisseurs of two-wheeled vehicles began to buy this brand again. Of course, in many countries there are many prototypes of the American legend - with the company logo of the company and without it. Great Britain, Germany and France, Sweden and Australia - in all these and many other countries these tales began to reappear.

Moreover, some companies have directly expressed their readiness to start producing American motorcycles. However, everything was not so simple - the rights to the brand were in the hands of several owners. Nevertheless, 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 goods with brand names began to be produced in the same year.

The New Breath of American Classics

The first motorcycle "Indian" ("Indian Chif") was a rather heavy cruiser equipped with a 2-cylinder V-engine, transmission to the rear wheel and specific wings-skirts that covered most of the wheel and were one of the characteristic features of this motorcycle, Especially for the 1940s.

After only one year, a conglomerate of Canadian and American companies introduced a completely new model of Indian. Motorcycles had a more sporty design and wore a typical American name - "Scout". And in another year the manufacturers introduced another model, which was something between the Scout and the Chif. The Spirit model was released in 2000 and immediately gained special popularity among the fans of the legendary motorcycles.

Legendary motorcycles from America

To date, the company that produces the famous Indian, has its own plant, 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. Moreover, the conglomerate of American and Canadian companies openly stated that it plans to soon again gain the position of the largest motorcycle manufacturer in the United States of America.

The model, released in 2011, is a whole kaleidoscope of innovations that can not be overlooked even with the naked eye. Now parts for retro-motorcycles have become much more affordable and better. A special chic of the new model is attached to the completely chrome brake calipers, original tires, as well as the stainless steel exhaust pipe and much more. 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 worth adding about the famous American motorcycles? Prices of this pleasure in the United States fluctuate within 30 thousand dollars. Motorcycle Indian Chief Blackhawk Dark 2011 is equipped with a V-shaped engine with a working volume of 1720 cm3. Moreover, it is equipped with a 6-speed gearbox, modernized disc brakes, belt transmission. So, the modern Indian is equipped with a fuel tank with a volume of just over 20 liters and weighs this motorcycle almost 350 kg.

Pleasant news for fans of this bike - the company is preparing to release a new series of motorcycles in 2014, which, of course, will be a landmark event in the history of the American motorcycle industry. It remains only to hope and wait - but suddenly the company will regain its former glory and become the permanent leader in this industry?

Retro Motocycle or modern luxury

Certainly, motorcycles of this plan do not suit everyone. Reasons for the mass: the cost of this pleasure, especially the operation and specificity of the ride. "Indian" is absolutely not suitable for novice drivers - a powerful engine and a fairly large mass - a beginner with this is unlikely to be able to cope on the road.

But the true connoisseurs of classics and simply beautiful bikes, this American legend will obviously have to taste. Motorcycle "Indian" - a choice of those who completely dissolved in an atmosphere of freedom and headwind. This bike is the best suited for unhurried long distance driving. Although, it is worth noting, the power of the engine allows you to disperse this heavyweight and feel like the king of roads.

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