Relive the evolution of the pioneers of American motorcycling

Contrary to popular belief, Indian Motorcycles was in fact America’s first motorcycle manufacturer, and now a new book promises to reveal even more fascinating detail about the historic brand’s rise.

Indian Motorcycle: America’s First Motorcycle Company gives readers the chance to find out everything about the US manufacturer from way back when they started out making bicycles right up to the present day as part of a multi-billion dollar company.

Author Darwin Holmstrom reaches back to the turn of the last century to relive the story of Indian’s foundation, documenting their move from bicycles, to being purchased by Polaris Industries in 2011 and subsequently becoming the new Indian Motorcycles.

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Launched in 1901, two years before Harley-Davidson, Indian’s turbulent ups and downs over the years are broken down into Holstrom’s 224-page book. 

With 227 colour and 76 black and white photos, the hardback also shows how the brand earned worldwide reputation in the motorcycling industry, but also how the original company fell into hard times in 1953 and was forced to file bankruptcy.

Holstrom then goes on to revel in how Indian grew their financial stability to become one of the well-known manufacturers in the game.  

The book costs £35 and is available from good bookshops.

 

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