DIY Network

Indian Chief History Discover the roots of the classic 1948 Indian Chief ride! From "Classic Rides" episode DCLR-301

Host Craig Reynolds discusses the history of the Indian Chief motorcycle.

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	A little known fact is that the first motorcycle actually evolved from the world of bicycle racing.
	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C

Indian Chief Motorcycle History

Self-taught engineer Oscar Hedstrom, a Swedish immigrant, was a bicycle racer wanted to develop a motorized pacer bike that could be used to train bicycle racers. The result was a modest, single-cylinder machine (figure A) that was so reliable that it attracted the attention of bicycle manufacturer George Hendee.

The original Indian motorcycle company was founded in 1901 in Springfield, Mass., by Hendee and Hedstrom. Building on the success of their powerful and dependable motorcycles, Indian introduced the V-twin Scout (figure B) in 1920 and the Chief, the larger counterpart, in 1922.

Throughout the next decade the Chief and Scout continued to evolve.

In 1936 a new model called the "Indian Upside-down 4" (figure C) was introduced, but it experienced less-than-desired sales. It was considered the ugly duckling of the Indian series, and its slow sales signaled the beginning of the end for America's oldest motorcycle brand and one-time production leader.

In 1953 Indian was forced to shut their doors! While their reign may have been short, the interest of vintage collectors has been long — and to this day owning a classic Indian Chief is a motorcycle collector's dream.

Did You Know?

• In Italy all motorcycles have names that begin with "moto" (Moto-Ducati, Moto-Laverda, etc.), and the earliest models of motorcycles looked like mopeds.

• Indian, Triumph and Harley were the original Big Three of motorcycle production, and bikes from all three are still around a century later.

• In 1914 Indian was the first with both an electric lighting and electric starter system.

• Prior to WWI, Indian produced more than 20,000 bikes per year.

• There have been various attempts through the years to revive the Indian cache — the most successful venture being imported Italian mini-bikes in the early '70s. The most recent attempts, however, have resulted in bankruptcies and lawsuits.

• In 1967 an Indian motorcycle broke the land speed record by going 183.5 miles per hour.

RESOURCES :

Welders
Lincoln Electric
Website: www.lincolnelectric.com

Kiwi Indian
Website: www.kiwi-indian.com

V-Twin Mfg.
Rims, Spokes, Hubs, Tire Irons and Truing Stand
Website: www.vtwinmfg.com

Various Tools
Eastwood
Website: www.eastwoodco.com

Motorcycle Lift
Handy Lift
Website: www.handy-lift.com

Hepavac Asbestos Vacuum
Bullseye
Website: www.bullseyecorp.com

Parts Washer
Safety Kleen
Website: www.safety-kleen.com

Chrome Polish
G & H Metal Finishers
282 Dakota St.
Paterson, NJ 07503

Belt Grinder
Ellis Manufacturing
Website: www.ellissaw.com

Historical Photographs
Motorcycle Hall of Fame
Website: www.motorcyclemuseum.org

Indian Motorcycle Photographic History
Contact: Jerry Hatfield
E-mail: beemer73@sbcglobal.net