Indian Motorcycles is an American motorcycle manufacturer that produced motorcycles from 1901 until 1953. The company was recently revived in 2011 and continues to produce motorcycles to this day. The Indian Motorcycle Co. originally got its start back in 1897 as a bicycle company, and it was not until 1901 that they first produced their first prototype motorcycles. Two years later they would set the motorcycle top speed word record. Their production increased each year and in 1913 they were shipping 32,000 units. During World War I, the company received many government contracts to produce motorcycles for the war effort. This allowed them to survive the Great Depression and the time after. World War II brought more contracts for the company as they produced bikes for the U.S. government, however it would not be enough. After the war the company started to turn less of a profit, and struggled for the late 1940’s, and by 1953 they went bankrupt. Over their short run they produced they went from making the fast motorcycle ever, to loosing it tall. In 2011 the brand was purchased by Polaris Industries and they began to revive to company. Today Indian produces five motorcycles. While they have a small lineup the motorcycles are as cool as ever, and we are going to look at them.
The Indian Scout
This first motorcycle in the Indian lineup is the Scout, this is also their entry level motorcycle at $10,999. The original Scout was very important to the Indian brand and they have done a great job bringing the motorcycle into the present time. This American cruiser has Indians first ever liquid-cooled V-Twin engine that has a displacement 1,130 cubic centimeters and it. The bikes has a peak torque of 72.2 pounds-feet at 5,900 RPM. The bike is lightweight and well-balanced making the ride very smooth and comfortable. There are a variety of customizable options for this bike as well, like all Indians, and you can make this bike even more special with added saddle bags, a windshield, and they even will adjust the seat to accommodate your height.
The Indian Chief
The next bike in Indians line is the Indian Chief. This is easily their most iconic motorcycle. The original chief was unveiled back in 1922. This bike was extremely popular back then, and Indian has done a great job of honoring it with this modern rendition. The main defining features of this motorcycle are its massive engine and the stylistic curves reminiscent of classic American motorcycles. The bike has a 1,811 cc Thunder Stroke 111 engine. While looking like a classic and old fashioned motorcycles its has many modern features as well such as a keyless ignition, anti-lock brakes, digital gauges, and more. The bike starts at $18,999 and has a variety of customizable options as well.
The Indian Chief Vintage
The Indian Chief Vintage is a more updated version of the normal Chief. It has the same engine but is a more “authentic” of the original Chief. The Indian Chief Vintage has large real-leather saddle bags attached to the bike and a large windshield. The bike also has the same modern features as the normal Chief as well. This version starts at $20,999.
The Indian Chieftain
As we move away from cruising motorcycles and into grand touring bikes we get to the $22,999 Indian Chieftain. The bike also has the Thunder Stroke 111 engine that powers it along. The Chieftain is quite heavier and comes in at 848 pounds with a full tank of gas. his is due to its large modern windshield and its hard saddlebags. The bike has high-quality audio system, an improved exhaust, a pinnacle heal shifter, a 5.5 gallon fuel tank, electronic gauges, anti-lock brake support, cruise control, a keyless start, tire pressure monitoring systems, and much more. These combined features ensure you are comfortable on long motorcycle rides.
The Indian Roadmaster
At 930 pounds and $26,000 dollars the Roadmaster is Indians largest and their most expensive motorcycle. This is their flagship motorcycle currently and it offer the most amount of features. On top of the Thunder Stroke 111 engine is this massive bike. This really is a grand touring motorcycle. You have got heated leather seats (the back seat being very comfortable for a second rider), heated grips, a Horizon power adjusted windshield, adjustable floorboards, more luggage capacity which is also remotely lockable, Pathfinder LED lights, keyless ignition, anti-lock brakes, cruise control, and a 5.5 gallon fuel tank. If you want an Indian for long road trips, then this is the bike for you.
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