The History of Indian Motorcycle

The story of Indian Motorcycles is one of innovation, passion, and vision. George M. Hendee and Oscar Hedstrom’s journey from bicycles to motorcycles exemplifies the spirit of American ingenuity.

Hendee’s background in bicycles laid the groundwork for what would become one of the most iconic motorcycle brands in the world. His deep understanding of the mechanics of two-wheelers, combined with his entrepreneurial spirit, allowed him to see an opportunity in the emerging motorcycle market. He brought his expertise to the Hendee Manufacturing Company, which he co-founded with Hedstrom in 1901.

Hedstrom, who was a brilliant engineer, designed the first Indian motorcycle, which became a hit almost immediately. The company quickly grew, thanks to their commitment to quality and performance, helping make Indian Motorcycles a household name. The Indian motorcycle was celebrated for its innovation, style, and power, and became a symbol of American craftsmanship.

Indian Motorcycles was founded in 1901 by George M.Hendee and Oscar Hedstrom.

Hendee was born on July 4, 1866, in Sturbridge, Massachusetts.

Before venturing into motorcycles, he had an interest in bicycles, which laid the foundation for his later work. Hendee was deeply involved in the bicycle business, starting a company that built high-quality bicycles. This experience helped him gain the technical and business knowledge that would later prove essential in motorcycle manufacturing.

In 1901, Hendee and his business partner Carl Oscar Hedstrom founded the Hendee Manufacturing Company. The company was established in Springfield, Massachusetts, and quickly became one of the leading motorcycle manufacturers in the world.

George Hendee passed away on September 7, 1943.

Oscar Hedström (1871–1960) was a Swedish-American engineer and inventor, known for his work in the motorcycle industry.

Before founding Indian Motorcycles, he had a background in mechanical engineering, which helped him develop his expertise in engines.

Alongside George Hendee, co-founded Indian Motocycle Manufacturing Company.

Hendee Manufacturing Company initially produced bicycles. However, when they began producing motorcycles, the company initially adopted the name "Hendee Manufacturing" for their new motorcycle division. The company later became known as Indian Motocycle after they introduced their first motorcycle in 1901.

The name "Indian" was chosen for several reasons, including:

1.      Symbolism of Strength and Power: The name "Indian" was associated with the Native American imagery of strength, power, and endurance. This aligned well with the company's ambition to create a powerful, reliable, and competitive motorcycle.

2.      Marketing Appeal: The name had a strong, exotic appeal, which was seen as an attractive marketing tool. It stood out among competitors and gave the brand an air of prestige and ruggedness.

3.      Founder Influence: George Hendee himself is often credited with the inspiration for the name. It was a nod to the company’s connection to American history, as the name "Indian" evoked the spirit of the American frontier, making it appealing to customers at the time.

The company officially became "Indian Motocycle" in 1923, solidifying the brand name that would become iconic in the motorcycle world.

The spelling of "Indian Motocycle" without the "r" in the word "motorcycle" is actually a historical quirk tied to branding. In the early 1900s, when the Indian Motocycle Company was founded, the word "motorcycle" was often spelled in a variety of ways, including "motocycle" or "motorcycle."

Also it paid homage to its beginnings as a bicycle manufacturer who fitted an engine to produce a moto-cycle.

There is also a story that at that time a manufacturer in Spain called ‘Motosacoche’ who was also producing motorcycles and left the ‘r’ out as well which was seen as a unique promotional edge but may have just been a translation error.

At the time, the spelling of words wasn't as standardized as it is today, and companies would sometimes choose unique spellings to differentiate their brands or simply because it was a common variation in the industry. The Indian Motorcycle Company, under the leadership of founder George Hendee, likely adopted the "Indian Motocycle" spelling as part of their unique branding strategy. It helped give the brand a distinctive identity that set it apart from other motorcycle manufacturers.

Around 1929 the spelling of "motorcycle" became standardized with the "r" as the common form, but Indian continued to use the original form for a while longer.

Early Beginnings:

• Founded in 1901 by George M. Hendee and Oscar Hedstrom, Indian Motorcycles started in Springfield, Massachusetts. Hendee, a former bicycle racer, and Hedstrom, an engineer, worked together to develop the Indian motorcycle.
• Indian's first motorcycle, produced in 1901, was a single-cylinder, belt-driven machine with a 1.75 horsepower engine. It quickly gained attention due to its innovative design and reliability.

Expansion and Popularity:

• By 1903, Indian had already become one of the first motorcycle manufacturers in America, and the brand quickly grew in popularity. By 1904, they were producing thousands of motorcycles each year.
• In 1907, Indian introduced its V-twin engine, which became one of the most important innovations in the motorcycle industry at the time.
• Indian's reputation for performance grew during the early 1900s, with the company winning numerous races and establishing itself as a leader in American motorcycle manufacturing.

World War I and Post-War Expansion:

• During World War I, Indian, like many other manufacturers, switched to military production. They built motorcycles for the military, which were used for various purposes, including reconnaissance and messenger duties.

• After the war, Indian enjoyed an era of growth in the 1920s. The company made significant advancements in motorcycle design, including introducing electric start, hand-operated brakes, and hydraulic suspension.

Financial Troubles and Decline:

• Despite its successes, Indian faced financial difficulties in the late 1920s and early 1930s, largely due to competition from Harley-Davidson and other manufacturers.
• The Great Depression further worsened the situation, and in 1930, Indian went into bankruptcy for the first time. It was sold off to various owners over the next few decades.

Post-War Struggles and Closure:

• In the 1940s and 1950s, Indian struggled to keep up with newer designs and a changing market. The brand tried to revive itself with new models, but it was no match for the competition.
• By 1953, Indian Motorcycles ceased production altogether after years of financial struggles. The brand became a distant memory in the motorcycle world.