In 1897 the Hendee Manufacturing Company, founded by George M. Hendee and Oscar Herdstrom, began life as a bicycle company. By 1901 they moved into a factory in Springfield, Massachusetts. Soon after, they sold their first motorized bicycle. In 1923 the new name “Indian Motocycle Company,” no “r” at first, was established. The company survived the Depression and became very important to WWII vehicle production, with over 35,000 motorcycles produced for the war. However, despite a rich race history in the 1940s, the company soon fell on hard times and stopped production in 1953. For the next 60 years, the name “Indian Motorcycles” went through multiple owners looking to revive the famed American brand. Finally, in 2010 Polaris Industries purchased the marque, and the company made an impressive comeback.
In 1897 the Hendee Manufacturing Company, founded by George M. Hendee and Oscar Herdstrom, began life as a bicycle company. By 1901 they moved into a factory in Springfield, Massachusetts. Soon after, they sold their first motorized bicycle. In 1923 the new name “Indian Motocycle Company,” no “r” at first, was established. The company survived the Depression and became very important to WWII vehicle production, with over 35,000 motorcycles produced for the war. However, despite a rich race history in the 1940s, the company soon fell on hard times and stopped production in 1953. For the next 60 years, the name “Indian Motorcycles” went through multiple owners looking to revive the famed American brand. Finally, in 2010 Polaris Industries purchased the marque, and the company made an impressive comeback.
FAQs
Compared to some other brands where new motorcycles can be found in that price range, it's safe to say that Indian motorcycles hold their value with the legacy and heritage that back up the brand.
How much is an old Indian Motorcycle worth? ›
Antique Indian Motorcycle Value Chart – Condition / Value
| Year | Model | *** |
|---|
| 1932-1937 | Standard Scout | 18,500 |
| 1934-1939 | Sport Scout | 24,500 |
| 1938-1939 | Four Cylinder | 49,000 |
| 1940-1942 | Sport Scout | 21,900 |
12 more rowsToday, the tradition of premium craftsmanship in American manufacturing lives on at the Indian Motorcycle factory in Spirit Lake, IA; the home of Indian Motorcycle and the birthplace of each new bike we make.
Why did Indian motorcycles go out of business? ›
The Gilroy, California company announced it would shut its doors on Friday, September 19, 2003, after failing to obtain necessary financing to continue operations. The announcement comes 50 years after the first Indian Motorcycle company ceased operations and five years after the current entity was created.
Which Indian bike has the most resale value? ›
List of Bikes Models with High Resale Value
| Bike Model | Resale Value |
|---|
| Hero HF Deluxe | High |
| Hero Glamour | High |
| Hero Super Splendour | High |
| Hero Xtreme 160R | Moderate to High |
6 more rowsJun 3, 2024
High mileage for a motorcycle can be anywhere from 15,000 miles to 50,000 miles depending on what type of bike it is, where it was ridden, and whether the previous or current owner kept up with maintenance requirements. However, don't just look at mileage when deciding whether a used motorcycle is a good purchase.
Does Harley own Indian motorcycles? ›
Indian Motorcycle (or Indian) is an American brand of motorcycles owned and produced by American automotive manufacturer Polaris Inc. Independent operations ended in 1953; resumed operations in 1999 in Gilroy, CA. Purchased by Polaris Industries in 2011. Polaris Inc.
Are Indian made motorcycles reliable? ›
It's reported that with regular service and adherence to break-in procedures, Indian motorcycles can achieve high mileage without major issues. However, there are always outliers based on use and maintenance. Indian's reputation for quality and reliability has been a significant part of its appeal.
What is the most popular motorcycle in America? ›
Most popular motorcycle brands
- Harley Davidson is an iconic American motorcycle brand known for its rich heritage and distinctive cruiser-style bikes. ...
- Honda is a globally recognized motorcycle brand renowned for its reliability, innovation and diverse range of bikes.
Indian Motorcycles, the iconic brand owned and revamped by Polaris industries, has rapidly expanded the global sales in the last decade, before to stop the growth in 2022, hit by production issues, constraints in the supply chain and attached by aggressive competition.
They love the motorcycle lifestyle as much as the motorcycle: the culture, the vests, the chaps, and the code of the road that has come with every Harley-Davidson ever made since the company was founded in 1903. Indian was founded in 1901 but had a few “interruptions” in production since then.
Where is the original Indian Motorcycle factory? ›
The Gilroy Indians represented a new era of Indian Motorcycle, with production based in Gilroy, California. The company had a strong focus on quality, with many parts made in-house and the bikes being hand-assembled.
Are Indian motorcycles selling well? ›
Indian Motorcycles, the iconic brand owned and revamped by Polaris industries, has rapidly expanded the global sales in the last decade, before to stop the growth in 2022, hit by production issues, constraints in the supply chain and attached by aggressive competition.
Are Indian motorcycles reliable? ›
It's reported that with regular service and adherence to break-in procedures, Indian motorcycles can achieve high mileage without major issues. However, there are always outliers based on use and maintenance. Indian's reputation for quality and reliability has been a significant part of its appeal.
Which motorcycle brand is the most reliable? ›
Unfortunately, there is no easy way to determine the most reliable motorcycle – although the Big Four Japanese brands (Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, and Kawasaki) tend to dominate the market for dependability. Luxury brands like BMW and Ducati tend to be less reliable not to mention more expensive to maintain and repair.
Is Indian Motorcycle made by Harley? ›
Indian Motorcycle (or Indian) is an American brand of motorcycles owned and produced by American automotive manufacturer Polaris Inc. Independent operations ended in 1953; resumed operations in 1999 in Gilroy, CA. Purchased by Polaris Industries in 2011.
