Beschreibung:

Oscar Hedstrom and Oliver Hendee, both active in the cycle racing world, got together to found the Hendee Manufacturing Company and build the first prototype Indian motorcycle in 1901. That first machine was powered by a single-cylinder, ‘F-head’ (inlet over exhaust) engine that formed part of the ‘diamond’ frame, in the Indian’s case it sloped rearwards to act as the seat tube. An advanced feature in motorcycling’s early pioneering days, chain drive was used by Indian right from the start. The Indian single proved immensely successful and provided the basis for the first of the powerful, large-capacity v-twins for which the marque is best remembered. Indian’s first, 38.61ci (633cc) v-twin appeared in 1907 with an engine clearly derived from that of the single, though mechanical inlet valves - introduced for 1908 - were an early improvement. The twin’s rear cylinder continued to form part of the frame until 1909 when a loop frame of the type favoured by rivals Harley-Davidson was adopted. The Springfield company’s first ‘Big Twin’ debuted that same year displacing 60.32ci (988cc). In 1911 Indian broke new ground yet again with its ohv four-valves-per-cylinder racers. The firm achieved its famous 1, 2, 3 finish at the Isle of Man TT that same year, a remarkable achievement made possible by the advantages conferred by the use of all-chain drive. The Big Twin was up-dated in 1913 with Indian’s innovative, leaf-sprung, swinging-arm frame but time was running out for this ageing design, which was superseded at the end of 1915 by a new ‘flat head’ v-twin - the Powerplus - thus bringing to an end a noble line. Dating from 1912, this 7hp twin’s engine was purchased from Indian specialist Alan Forbes in 1982, remaining in storage until it was assembled into the machine we offer in 2005. The frame and cycle parts replicate those of the 1913 model, and were purchased from Christian Henn (Geloman’s Spares) in Germany. Refurbishment included new crankshaft bearings and crack testing by Alpha Bearings, new pistons from Antique Motorcycle Works; re-bored and re-plated cylinders; new G & S valves and lifters; re-sleeved carburettor; new replica clutch by Eclipse; new wheel rims/spokes; Corbin duplex band brake; and Coker ‘button’ tyres. Completed earlier this year, the machine is presented in immaculate condition and offered with a quantity of restoration invoices, Indian Motorcycle Club dating letter and Indian Motorcycles’ (Alan Forbes) letter authenticating the engine.