Indian Motorcycle Show 2001 - 2002
The 2001 International Bike Show, Manhattan
December 30, 2001
Founded by George W. Hendee in 1901 in Springfield, Massachusetts, Indian predates even Harley-Davidson, and was once the world's most prolific producer of motorcycles. Before the factory shut down in the mid-1950s, it had run up an enviable record for innovations, including an electric-start machine in 1914 and a number of different 4-cylinder designs.
In 1907 Indian introduced what was probably the world's first twist grip throttle after using a front fork suspension system as early as 1905. Then, also in 1907 Indian began using a V-twin engine for more power. This use of a V-twin predates Harley's by a couple of years. A specially built 500cc Indian V-twin was in the 1909 Isle of Man TT , ridden by Guy Evans, it led the race for the first half but finished second behind Harry Collier's Matchless.
Indian was also the first American motorcycle to have an electric starter, this in 1914. The first electric starter was a flop however because the batteries of those days were not up to the task.
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