Indian twin?

[Greybeard]

I found this picture of an Indian motorcycle. This bike appears to be a twin with a rather British look to it. I've only seen Vee-twin Indians before. Was this model influenced by the UK experience do you think?

[Greybeard]

Just had a quick shuftie on Wikipedia.

Rebadged imported Royal Enfields

Brockhouse Engineering acquired the rights to the Indian name after Indian went under in 1953. From 1955 through 1960, they imported English Royal Enfield motorcycles, mildly customized them in the US, and sold them as Indians. Almost all Royal Enfield models had a corresponding Indian model in the USA. The models were Indian Chief, Trailblazer, Apache (all three were 700 cc twins), Tomahawk (500 cc twin), Woodsman (500 cc single), Westerner (500 cc single), Hounds Arrow (250 cc single), Fire Arrow (250 cc single), Lance (150 cc 2-stroke single) and a 3-wheeled Patrol Car (350 cc single).

In 1960, the Indian name was bought by AMC of England. Royal Enfield being their competition, they abruptly stopped all Enfield-based Indian models except the 700 cc Chief. Their plan was to sell Matchless and AJS motorcycles badged as Indians. However, the venture ended when AMC itself went into liquidation in 1962.

[unclerob]

I think they did the same with Velocettes as well, I remember seeing one in a bike shop years ago and thinking how much better it looked than the original version!

[RichardL]

Wow. I thought that picture of my mother was lost forever.

[chaterlea25]

Hi Greybeard,
I think that photo is of of one of Indians own parallel twin offereings and not the enfield based ones

The Velo /Indians were a much later offering (1970 ish) when Floyd Clymer owned the Indian name
To the best of my knowledge they were actually build in Italy

Richard,

Wow. I thought that picture of my mother was lost forever.

Did you get her good looks   

Cheers
John

[Greybeard]

I think that photo is of of one of Indians own parallel twin offereings and not the enfield based ones

I've been looking at pictures of 50's Enfields. None of them seemed to have the same rear plunger design as that Indian. Now I understand why.

[duTch]

 

I've only seen Vee-twin Indians before.

 You've never seen their in-line-fours...? Or do mean twins other than 'V'...( 'V'/Parallel)? 

[orabanda]

The Indian designed parallel twins were a disaster for the company; an inferior design with a fragile engine.

[Butch (cb)]

Left foot kicker and gear shift. You'd think the pic is reversed, but the Indian legend reads right. Thoughts?

[WozzA]

Reading this post reminded me of a old friend who has a long history with Indian motorcycles.
Some years ago I wrote a story about the 1927 Harley Davidson Christmas Tour Over the Australian Alps, which was published in a well known Motorcycle magazine..  When researching information we came in contact with the librarian of the Bairnsdale Library Darryl Woodhouse. Darryl's grandfather was Ivor Dennis a well known motorcycle racer, & the 1st Indian dealership in Australia.
Darryl has documented his family's history on the web, so PLEASE take the time to read his web blog,
You'll be happy you did...     

http://indianmotocycle.webs.com/