|
Chief at last? 
Things may be heating up over at Indian Motorcycle - the company finally held a groundbreaking ceremony last October in Lowell, NC at the site of one of its future dealerships. A release stated that this will be the first of 50 dealerships the company plans to have in place by 2010. The new building will feature interior and exterior designs that Indian Motorcycle Dealers across the country will integrate into every shop. The Lowell location is just off I-85 and visible from the interstate. Other info on the site has been slightly updated as well, with new entries about Indian's history, the head honchos behind the current firm and updated images of the plant and the bike. Along the way, you're still reminded that Indian Motorcycle remains America's oldest and most iconic motorcycle brand. Also, that the 106 year old company's new manufacturing facility is in Kings Mountain, NC. A Brief History Of The Indian Motorcycle Company
 The original Indian Motorcycle Company was founded in 1901 in Springfield, Massachusetts. It was and created by bicycle racer George M. Hendee and Sweedish immigrant Carl Oscar Hedstrom. The 1904 Indian Single introduced the signature red color along with the company to the United States. In the years that followed, the Indian's popularity increased. The earliest models looked like mopeds (bicycles with small single cylinder engines) and only 3 were made in 1901. Interestingly, Triumph began production the next year (1902) and Harley-Davidson the year after (1903). So the order was Indian, Triumph, Harley-Davidson. This "Big Three" are still around a century later, while many other brands which started later died off years ago. Indian made 143 motorcycles in 1902.
The Indian soon become known for its racing ability. In 1911, Indians placed first, second, and third at the Isle of Man TT. Erwin "Cannonball" Baker rode one across the United States in 1914, setting a record of 11 days and 12 hours. Other riders set additional records in the early twentieth century with the bike.
The Scout and the Chief V-Twins were introduced in the early 1920s and would become the company's best selling models. The two cycles had reputations for reliability and strength over other motorcycles of the time, including Harley Davidson's. Models of the 1930s often featured the head dress logo on the gas tank which became a much sought after logo.
Indian motorcycles were used in both world wars to help soldiers navigate quickly through various terrains. The company kept up production during the wars, although racing was suspended. The company also manufactured airplane engines, boat motors, and bicycles during the early twentieth century.
During the late 1940s, the company experienced a decline under new leadership. All manufacture halted in the early 1950s. Some imported motorcycles were given the name Indian, but the legitimate trademark rights became mired under competing claims.
A company in Gilroy, California began manufacture in the late 1990s of motorcycles under the Indian name after they purchased the trademark. The motorcycles have been known as the Gilroy Indians. However, the company folded in 2003.
According to the motorcycle company, the 2009 Indian Chief, and additional models to be introduced in subsequent years, will continue Indian's tradition of technological innovation, mechanical excellence, quality construction, rock-solid reliability, and exquisite styling. The 2009 Indian Chief Preview  The launching time of the new Indian Chief has been postponed several times. The reason? Indian Motorcycle chairman Stephen Julius explains that he didn’t want to buy an engine from a 3rd party, and no surprisingly it takes longer than anticipated. We all know that without a proprietary engine, the new Indian Motorcycle company would have no credibility. Indian Motorcycle is right now testing the 09 Chief prototype equipped with a new in house produced Powerplus engine with fuel injection (the last rendition of the PowerPlus was a 100ci, 1638 cc 45-degree V-Twin). Launching date is now set to be fall of 2008. It is clear that the company is not in a hurry to release new models without being certain to meet the high expectations of all Indian motorcycle fans. The released prototype picture shows that the company intends to keep the traditional look, skirted fenders, a studded comfortable seat, and the trademark headdress logo on the gas tank. The company says many customizing options will be offered through a wide range of factory designed accessories like wheels, saddlebags, fenders, etc. These limited edition bikes can be reserved at www.indianmotorcycle.com Sell Your New or Used Motorcycle For Free Here at Motorcycles4SaleOnline.com
|
