Who Owns Indian Motorcycles?- Full History

WHO OWNS INDIAN MOTORCYCLES

Evolution is one key feature that has always helped in the survival of humans. Through different times and eras, humanity has constantly been evolving in every field. In the ever-evolving and moving world, one of the most important things is communication and transportation. Over the years, humans have advanced themselves in the field of communication through numerous methods. They have finally reached a point where it is now possible to communicate from one part of the world to another in a matter of seconds. Similarly, the field of transportation is critical as without it, the survival of humans is not possible. Today, we’ll know Who Owns Indian Motorcycles?

Throughout the history of humanity, humans have evolved various means of transport to reach from one place to another. We have come a long way in this field, from traveling through the foot to using animals as a means of transportation and then finally using modern technology like bikes and cars. We have utilized many things over the period. Amongst them also bikes stand especially for young and single people whose lives are fast-paced and who usually have less money to spend.

Cycles become a perfect vehicle whose maintenance is also less costly, and people can use bikes more roughly. Many companies have established themselves as the pack leader globally, such as Harley-Davidson or Ducati. They are famous all over the world, and they were considered to be elites. One such name among the bike purists is Indian. The motorcycle was one of the most prominent brands and showed signs that it could reclaim its long-lost glory of the past. 

HISTORY OF INDIAN MOTORS

Founded in 1897 by George M. Hendee as Hendee Manufacturing Company to manufacture bicycles. Initially, badges were given as Silver Queen and Silver King. Still, the name Indian ( from the earlier “American Indian”) was adopted in 1898 because it better recognized the product and the brand. Later, the company was assimilated by Hedstrom, who, along with George was a former racer. They teamed up to produce the first bicycle of 1.75 bhp in Springfield which was a success and brought with it increased sales and fame to the company.

In 1901 the company successfully tested the production units and the prototypes, and it was finally in 1902 Indian motorcycles, having chain lines and streamlined design ( for faster speed), were sold to the public. In fact, in 1903, Oscar Hedstrom even set the record for the fastest motorcycle at that time by clocking an astonishing speed of 56mph. In 1904 the deep red color was introduced, which became a trademark for the company itself. Engines of the Indian we’re built by Aurora

Firm.

In 1905, the company built its first V-twin factory racer and, in 1907, introduced its first street version. Again, competition success played a big part in the company’s growth. Many high-speed records were broken using these motorcycles by the likes of Jake DeRosier in the USA and Britain.  In 1930 Du Pont motors combined with Indian and ceased its existence. Due to the paint connection of Du Pont, not less than 24 color options were available by 1934.  1940 was a big success for Indian as it sold as many bikes as we’re sold by its main rival Harley Davidson and that, but the company was also producing and expanding in other ventures such as boat motors, aircraft engines, air conditioners, etc. 

The downfall of the Company 

Though being reasonably successful, it hasn’t always been sunshine and rainbows for the company; the company went through its share of struggle. The business of the company was very successful, and the sales of the bikes were booming; however, in the era of the First World War, the company lost the trust of many dealers as in During that period, it was selling the bikes mainly to the US government, which starved the dealers and reduced the domestic availability of the company’s products.  While the sales were still high and the bikes were popular in the military, it was replaced by Harley Davidson was the no 1 in the country by 1920 because of those severed connections with the market and the dealers.

It started to lose its ground among ordinary people. Even during the great depression, when the world was in chaos and people had no money to spare luxuries, Indians continued to produce bikes. It made one of its most famous bikes at that time, which was discontinued in 1942. During World war, two bikes such as the Chiefs, Scouts, and junior scouts were used in small numbers not only by the Us army but also by the Britishers and other Commonwealth countries under various programs such as the lend-lease program.

However, none of them could unseat the Harley Davidson from the top spot as it was costly or it was just too heavy, or a combination of both. They even made unique models such as the 841 on the request by the army for desert fighting.  In 1945 a group by Ralph. B Rogers purchased the controlling interests of the company and after some time Du Pont turned the operations of the company to Rogers. Rogers resumed the production of the company with only one model, The Chief. Also, Rogers introduced some lightweight motorcycles.

INDIAN MOTORCYCLES: PAST AND PRESENT OWNERS

Carrying a century-long legacy with it and is the largest manufacturer in the world during the period the 1910s, the company discontinued all of its operations in 1953 after suffering heavily from the impacts of world war 2 in which it served the allied forces. Brockhouse Engineering purchased the rights of Indian Motorcycle in 1955 and imported Royal Enfield bikes that sold under the brand name of Indian Motorcycle until 1960. For the following 50 years, several attempts to revamp the brand sold, although all of them ended up in failure. 

Finally, in 2011 Polaris enterprises purchased the brand and started the operations from North Carolina State. After taking over the company, Polaris has somewhat begun to make once again Indian Motorcycle a successful brand.  Polaris CEO Scott Wine has a proven track record as well as deep pockets to help the brand to be back at the top and once again give competition to its foe Harley Davidson. Polaris is also famous for make snowmobiles. 

The results have started to come with Indian Motorcycle registering it’s the best decade and not only that, the sales have tripled in the last years.  And even with the pandemic in the background, Indian Motorcycle fared well and even registered to make profits selling more than 20,000 units in the year.  Sales as improving every year and the company is growing not only in the USA but also in Europe Australia, New Zealand, Russia, and other parts of the world.  With Scott Wine’s vision and experience, the future certainly looks bright for the company as the efforts are now starting to show the results, and the company is getting rewarded by the sales of the bikes. 

Current status 

In 2013 the company announced three new motorcycles with the traditional styling of company. Additionally, Thunder Stroke 111 V- twin engines were subsequently fitted in the new motorcycles. The company introduced many more new modifications, such as the triple-cam design with a chain-driven center cam. Since 2013, Indian has expanded its lineup into five models and has much more to come in the future.

Some of its models, such as the Chief Classic and the Chief Vintage, have been a massive success, along with Springfield, Chieftain Dark Horse, and many more. All of them come with more powerful engines and with a more traditional styling of the Indian Motorcycles. All of them come with elite features such as six-speed transmission quick-release windshield adjustable rear air shock. Some even come with stereo with speakers, Bluetooth, media, tire pressure sensors, etc. The public’s response has also been positive, with positive comments from both the customers and the critics, which are also reflected by the increased number of units being sold (growing year by year) that too in the US and the world.

It would suffice to say that a long drive on your motorcycle with friends, family, or even someone, in particular, makes the best memories and helps you to enjoy some of the best times of your life. Indian Motorcycles is one brand that has always given loads of moments to its fans to celebrate and has never disappointed in coming up with various variations of their motorcycle. Moreover, it is one of the most reliable motorcycle brands in the country, and some of its models are highly famous, making it something that is a must-have for every bike lover. 

Who Owns Indian Motorcycles?- Full History

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