1918 INDIAN TWIN BOARD-TRACK RACER... and a few more
This original 1918 Indian Twin Board-Track Racer is a good reminder that back in the early 20th century, American motorcycle manufacturers were one of there world-leaders in the design and construction of racing bikes.
In 1911 the Indian factory racing team took 1st, 2nd, and 3rd at the Isle of Man Tourist Trophy – beating the best in Europe at their own game, on their own turf.
The Indian Motocycle Co. originally started out in 1897 manufacturing bicycles like the “Silver King”, “Silver Queen”, and the “American Indian”. Company founder George M. Hendee was joined by Oscar Hedstrom in 1900, the two men were accomplished bicycle racers and manufacturers, and they teamed up in Middletown, Connecticut to build a prototype 1.75 bhp “moto cycle”.
The popularity and sales success of this simple motorized bicycle was immediate, and in 1903 Hedstrom set the world motorcycle speed record of 56 mph – triggering global newspaper headlines and doing absolutely no harm to Indians sales figures.
More can be read ----------->
HERE
AND, off course, a video :
Heroes from back then :