Source: motorcycledaily.com
United States - It is the oldest motorcycle brand founded in the
United States. It invented the v-twin motorcycle engine, but it also
manufactured in-line fours. It swept the podium at the Isle of Man TT, and had
an unparalleled racing record among American manufacturers during the early part
of the last century. We are talking about Indian Motorcycles, and 2013 is the
year everyone will talk about Indian, from cruiser enthusiasts to road racers,
and everyone in-between. Why?
Let's start from the beginning. The first Indian motorcycle was manufactured
in 1901, a single cylinder. Indian built its first v-twin motorcycle in 1905,
not for the street but for racing. That's right, racing. It was racing Indian
was known for, not cruising or strolling. Great characters like "Cannonball"
Baker set records, and Indians swept the podium at the Isle of Man TT in 1911.
Indeed, Indians found the podium nine times at the Isle of Man, and dominated
board track racing with riders such as Jake DeRosier, who won at least 900 races
before his death from injuries at the age of 33.
After purchasing the Ace Motor Corporation in 1927, Indian manufactured a bike it called the 401 for the 1928 model year, featuring an in-line, four-cylinder engine. Indian manufactured at least one four-cylinder model through the 1942 model year. The four-cylinder received many innovative technical changes during its lifespan, and was eventually honored with a US commemorative stamp in 2006.
When new ownership took over Indian in 1945, operations went downhill, and the company eventually went bankrupt in 1953. The next several decades saw many attempts to revive the brand, but none of them had the resources necessary to duplicate the cutting-edge, state-of-the-art machines that were so successful racing early on. Heavy cruisers with heavily valanced fenders were the theme of these mostly underfunded efforts.
Less than two years ago, Polaris Industries acquired Indian Motorcycles. Polaris owns Victory Motorcycles, and now has extensive experience manufacturing two wheelers. Victory Motorcycles have topped JD Power quality ratings more than once, and have a well earned reputation for innovation, particularly when it comes to styling, in the cruiser category. Although less than 15 years old, Victory Motorcycles has also earned a reputation for quality engine design and manufacture, and high performance within the cruiser category.
Polaris industries is the first owner of the Indian brand in modern times to have the financial resources to return the brand to its roots, i.e., class leading technology and design. Polaris made its name in the snowmobile industry, and as a manufacturer of ATVs. Now, however, in addition to motorcycles, Polaris has entered the electric automobile segment.
After purchasing the Ace Motor Corporation in 1927, Indian manufactured a bike it called the 401 for the 1928 model year, featuring an in-line, four-cylinder engine. Indian manufactured at least one four-cylinder model through the 1942 model year. The four-cylinder received many innovative technical changes during its lifespan, and was eventually honored with a US commemorative stamp in 2006.
When new ownership took over Indian in 1945, operations went downhill, and the company eventually went bankrupt in 1953. The next several decades saw many attempts to revive the brand, but none of them had the resources necessary to duplicate the cutting-edge, state-of-the-art machines that were so successful racing early on. Heavy cruisers with heavily valanced fenders were the theme of these mostly underfunded efforts.
Less than two years ago, Polaris Industries acquired Indian Motorcycles. Polaris owns Victory Motorcycles, and now has extensive experience manufacturing two wheelers. Victory Motorcycles have topped JD Power quality ratings more than once, and have a well earned reputation for innovation, particularly when it comes to styling, in the cruiser category. Although less than 15 years old, Victory Motorcycles has also earned a reputation for quality engine design and manufacture, and high performance within the cruiser category.
Polaris industries is the first owner of the Indian brand in modern times to have the financial resources to return the brand to its roots, i.e., class leading technology and design. Polaris made its name in the snowmobile industry, and as a manufacturer of ATVs. Now, however, in addition to motorcycles, Polaris has entered the electric automobile segment.
