The Story of Indian Motorcycle: From American Roots to the Indian Market

The Indian Motorcycle brand has recently launched the Scout series in India. This bobber-style, mid-weight cruiser bike is designed to compete with Harley-Davidson and Triumph. Indian Motorcycle already operates in India, and the latest launch is its most affordable model. The name ‘Indian Motorcycle’ may be misleading, as it is an American company that specializes in producing premium cruiser motorcycles. Polaris Industries acquired the Indian brand in 2011, and then the company began the production of new Indian motorcycles. The company is one of the most famous and historic American brands due to its rich racing history, innovative engineering, and numerous industry firsts. The Indian Motorcycle Company was established in 1897 by George M. Hendee, who initially produced bicycles after being a bicycle racer. In 1900, Oscar Hedstrom, another former bicycle racer, joined him. Hendee and Hedstrom collaborated to create a motorcycle featuring a 1.75 bhp single-cylinder engine. The American manufacturer produced motorcycles in Massachusetts from 1901 to 1953. The company discontinued production after a few years due to declining demand. However, in 2011, Polaris acquired the brand and reintroduced motorcycles to the market. Polaris India launched the Indian Motorcycle brand in India in 2014. Polaris currently imports and sells the complete range of Indian motorcycles in India, which are fully manufactured elsewhere. The range includes the Chief series, Springfield, Roadmaster, and Scout series. The name ‘Indian Motorcycle’ is not associated with India. The name came from George M. Hendee’s older bicycle brand, ‘American Indian,’ which he created in 1898 to boost product awareness, especially in foreign markets. The brand’s name and its well-known logo, which includes a Native American (Red Indian), were created to honor the original inhabitants of America.