Indian Motorcycle was founded in 1901, and Harley-Davidson two years later. Both companies built groundbreaking bikes, delivering motorcycles to police forces, racing them on the dirt track, providing a simple alternative to the automobile, and serving in both world wars.
Is Indian made by Harley?
Indian is the vintage motorcycle brand that its parent, Medina, Minnesota-based Polaris (NYSE: PII), has positioned as a competitor to the big bikes from Milwaukee-based Harley-Davidson Inc.
What year was the first Indian motorcycle made?
The first Indian Motorcycle was sold to a retail customer in 1902 but it was two years later that the company introduced a deep red called Vermillion, which became better known as “Indian Red.” Racing victories and records helped to solidify its popularity.
Is Indian outselling Harley?
Indian’s parent company, Polaris Industries, released its Q1 2020 sales figures recently, RideApart reports. Numerically, however, Harley-Davidson is still out-selling Indian. … Statista reports that, as of March 2020, Harley has a 30.6% share of the US market.
What’s the oldest motorcycle company?
In 1898, Peugeot Motocycles presents at the Paris Motorshow the first motorcycle equipped with a Dion-Bouton motor. Peugeot Motocycles remains the oldest motorcycle manufacturer in the world.
What came first Indian or Harley?
Indian Motorcycle was founded in 1901, and Harley-Davidson two years later. Both companies built groundbreaking bikes, delivering motorcycles to police forces, racing them on the dirt track, providing a simple alternative to the automobile, and serving in both world wars.
Are Indian Motorcycles good quality?
Indian Motorcycles are worth the money because, with Polaris behind them, Indians are among the highest performing bikes on the market and have a unique style with attention to quality. With routine maintenance and regular service, Indian motorcycles are reliable and hold their value.
Is Harley better than Indian?
When it comes to overall comfortable riding, the Indian is preferable to Harley-Davidson. Comfort ergonomics really comes down to suspension quality, seat design, and handlebar placement.
Are Indian Motorcycles 100% American made?
Yes. All motorcycles sold by Indian are made in America. Polaris Industries, the parent company of Indian Motorcycle, does have a factory in Opole, Poland. It opened in 2014 and has 500 employees.
Why are Indian motorcycles called Indian?
A young designer named Oscar Hedstrom built his own American pacer. He met up with a racer named George Hendee who had his own bicycle manufacturing plant in Springfield, MA. … Thus was born the Hendee Manufacturing Company and the Indian motorcycle. They chose the name Indian since it would signify an American product.
Do Indian motorcycles hold their value?
By brand, according to data compiled by the Kelley Blue Book Official Motorcycle Guide, Harley-Davidson motorcycles retained an average of 84% of their value over a five-year period. BMW was not far behind, at 81%, with Indian, Ducati and Triumph trailing slightly at 77%, 73% and 72%. Yes they do.
Do Indian motorcycles sound like Harleys?
Indians sound as good as any Harley side by side with the same exhaust. Yes it’s a bit different but not that much. Cams are what gives it more of that loping sound nothing else.
Who owned Indian before Polaris?
In 1960, the Indian name was bought by AMC of the UK. Royal Enfield being their competition, they abruptly stopped all Enfield-based Indian models except the 700 cc Chief.