These 10 Amazing vintage Indian motorbikes are authentically American

Indian motorbikes are as American as Harley-Davidson, yet they don’t get the recognition they deserve. Indians have always had more trouble than their opponents, which is remarkable. As a result, its sales and popularity have undoubtedly been affected. On the other hand, modern Indian bikes are attractive and competitive even with Harley-Davidson. Although they have a strong history to back them up, contemporary versions like the Indian Chieftain, Dark Horse, Scout and FTR 1200 almost dominate their respective niches.

Indian is one of the oldest motorcycle manufacturers in the world, even though contemporary Indian motorcycles have only recently become available. In addition to cruisers and baggers, it has its hands in world championship flat track racing, stunts, motocross and Much more including wars. Even now, the 1920 Indian is the fastest sub-1000cc Indian ever! These ten vintage Indian motorcycles perfectly reflect the work ethic, progress and tenacity of the American people.

These 10 vintage Indian motorbikes are authentically American

1901 Indian F-Head

The Prototype That Set The Stage For Modern Bikes

The engines of contemporary KTM, Ducati and other high-end superbikes are stressed components. However, Indian manufacturer F-Head was the first to implement this technology. This particular model was also the first Indian motorcycle with a chain final drive system instead of the more common shaft or belt, and the first motorcycle with a dedicated engine. However, this bike was only meant to be a prototype – it was to help the brand raise money so that they could introduce the Indian Single, their first production bike. You may be lucky to see one in person, much less own one, as they are so rare.

1910 Indian Single Model A

The First Indian Motorcycle Chassis

ndian has always been an innovative American company, and single models feature both the A and F-head. Before this bike was released, all Indian bikes had a pedal-first design and were based entirely on a bicycle frame. However, in 1910, Indian introduced its first model with a motorcycle frame. A built-in gasoline tank, engine frame area, and pedals where the pegs of modern bikes would normally sit made the single Model A very original for its time. Today we take many features of a bike for granted. It also used a new pedal method for engaging the clutch.

920 Indian Scout Streamliner Munro Special

The Fastest Indian Even Today

If we told you that a bike broke the world land speed record in the late 1960s you would assume a sophisticated racing vehicle would be used, but it was actually an Indian Scout from the 1920s! A mad genius, Burt Munro worked on his scout for decades. When Munro was done with the engine, it was a 950cc V-twin that set a world land speed record of 205.67 mph at the Bonneville Salt Flats. The engine was originally a 610cc V-twin that rarely exceeded 55 mph. It’s hard to see the 1920s Indian under the aerodynamic shell, but this bike is an example of how fact can be stranger than fiction.

1921 Indian Power Plus

The Granddaddy Of The Chief

In less than ten years, the Indians made significant progress, developing an 8 horsepower 1,189cc V-twin engine, which was plentiful at the time, and gaining an Indian identity in the British Isles. Because of his abilities, stunt performer Cannonball Baker was able to run the 1,600 miles from Vancouver to Tijuana in just three days! While it was undoubtedly a state-of-the-art Indian masterpiece and the best money can buy in America, we love it for another reason: It’s the granddaddy of the famous Indian Chief, an American cruiser that gives Harleys and non-American cruisers a run for their money.

1927 Indian Four

The Duesenberg Of Motorcycles: Performance And Luxury

Four-cylinder engines were popular in the United States before World War II, and when the Indians purchased Ace Motor Corporation, one of the company’s four-cylinder engines was properly installed in a motorcycle. The result was the Indian S, which changed to the Indian 401 in 1928. With some modifications, this model started production of motorcycles for the Indian armed forces in 1942 and also in Steve McQueen’s garage. Sadly, the Indian four were never heard from again. While it’s hard to picture a traditional American cruiser with a four-cylinder engine these days, Indians are probably producing four-cylinder cruisers for the common man in a parallel reality!

1927 Indian Scout BGE 45

The Indian With A Sporty Feel

The Scout BGE 45 was probably the largest pre-World War II Indian-made motorcycle; It was a risky venture to bring the company’s racing heritage to a wider audience, and it paid off. The lightweight motorcycle was powered by a 745cc V-twin engine, the most advanced engine available at the time, thanks to a side-valve intake in the transmission case and a gear prime drive, which was mounted directly to the engine. The bike’s hardtail shape and engine combination gave it a racy vibe as the Indians described it, making it a track beast. It was replaced by the Scout 101 the following year, but it was a stunning and powerful machine that paved the way for later “sporty” Indian bikes.

1940 Indian Chief

The First True Chief And Oh-So-Beautiful

The Indian chief was born in 1922, but it wasn’t until the 1940s that he developed into the beloved figure we know today. This was the year the Chief got its distinctive flowing flyline and decorative fenders. It also received a slight modification to the frame, unusual at the time, to make room for a saddlebag or bench seat. And the Chief was no slouch—it had a top speed of 80 mph—which explains why the military and police used it! It was arguably one of the finest Indian motorcycles of all time, a high-performance vehicle, and one of the earliest touring cruisers in American history.

1942 Indian Model 741

Indian’s Contribution To The War Efforts

Apart from Harley Davidson, one of the companies that helped the army during World War II was an Indian company, with its model 741. This motorcycle was equipped with the same V-twin engine as the Scout, but with lower compression, so it could run on regular gasoline and in all weather conditions. It also used the Chief frame, but added improved suspension, ground clearance and additional connection points for the war effort. Of the 44,000 motorcycles ever made, most ended up in veteran garages and reignited the American Indian craze, allowing the company to survive for another ten years.

1949 Indian Silver Arrow

An Arrow That We Wish Flew Farther

After discussing the inline-force and V-twins, it’s time for the American muscle car, the Indian Silver Arrow. Its lightweight construction, new styling that deviated from the pre-war look, and a new single that rivaled British singles of the era made the bike one of the most sought-after bikes of its time. Although they were attractive, many of the expensive, poorly performing Indian motorcycles built during these years never sold. Although the Silver Arrow didn’t go far and the platform struggled to gain traction, the motorcycle world was lucky enough to witness it in action.

1953 Indian Chief

The Last Of The Classics And The First Of The New Age

The Indian flagship of 1953 ushered in a new era for the company and owes its existence to all its contemporary motorcycles. Although it had a side-valve V-twin engine from before the war, the bike was by no means revolutionary, but it had better suspension than its rivals of the time. Big fenders and classic Chief styling set this bike apart; It was shocking and dramatic.

Only 600 of these outstanding machines were made before Indian losses made it impossible to survive in the late 1950s, but this flagship version is perhaps one of the most valuable Indian models available today. It is not surprising that contemporary heads try to emulate someone’s charm and personality, but are limited in what they can do.

READ | Top 10 Bikes in India: Honoring the best bikes in every category