Synopses & Reviews
What began as a motorized bicycle dreamed up between a young machinist named George Hedstrom and a champion cyclist named George Hendee, became one of the most popular motorcycles in the world: the Indian. Out of production for half a century, Indian retains the loyalty and admiration of motorcycle riders and enthusiasts everywhere. This book recounts the marque’s story from its earliest single-cylinder “motocycles” of 1901 through the bitter day in 1953 when the company shuttered Wigwam, its Springfield, Massachusetts, plant—with a nod to the trademark disputes that continue to this day. Text by noted Indian historian Jerry Hatfield, and more than 125 specially commissioned photographs and 25 black and white historical pictures, capture the seductive power and grace of the great models—the Scout, Chief, and Four, —and recreate the thrill the Indian generates to this day.
Synopsis
What began as a motorized bicycle dreamed up between a young machinist named George Hedstrom and a champion cyclist named George Hendee, became one of the most popular motorcycles in the world: the Indian. Out of production for half a century, Indian retains the loyalty and admiration of motorcycle riders and enthusiasts everywhere. This book recounts the marque's story from its earliest single-cylinder "motocycles" of 1901 through the bitter day in 1953 when the company shuttered Wigwam, its Springfield, Massachusetts, plant--with a nod to the trademark disputes that continue to this day. Text by noted Indian historian Jerry Hatfield, and more than 125 specially commissioned photographs and 25 black and white historical pictures, capture the seductive power and grace of the great models--the Scout, Chief, and Four, --and recreate the thrill the Indian generates to this day.
Synopsis
The history of one of the world’s best-loved motorcycles—in words and pictures—with special attention to the great Indian models: the Scout, Chief, Four, and the Iron Redskin.
Synopsis
From its earliest single-cylinder “motocycles” of 1901 through the bitter end of production in 1953, Indian inspired a fierce loyalty in its riders. And with good reason. Indians were handsome, dependable, good handling and, in the right hands, plenty fast.
Indian Motorcycles recounts the fascinating history of the marque from the bicycle-racer beginnings of founders George Hendee and Oscar Hedstrom through the company’s unfortunate demise in 1953, wrapping up with a review of post-1953 Indian activity. Along the way, author and noted Indian historian Jerry Hatfield discusses all the great models, including the Scout, Chief, and Four, as well as the men that designed, engineered, raced, and rode the Iron Redskin.
More than 125 specially commissioned color photographs by Hans Halberstadt and 25 black and white historical photos accompany this fun and fascinating look at one of America’s best-loved motorcycles.
About the Author
Jerry Hatfield is a long-time Indian enthusiast and the author of numerous motorcycle histories including Illustrated Indian Motorcycle Buyer’s Guide, Indian Scout, and Indian Motorcycle Restoration Guide.
Hans Halberstadt is a freelance writer and photographer and a fan of all things mechanical. He is the author of several titles including War Stories of the Green Berets and Battle Rattle: The Stuff a Soldier Carries.