1913 Indian 7-Horsepower Big Twin Is a Collector’s Dream
Motorcycles & ATVs
Motorcycles
A machine like this largely original 1913 Indian Big Twin rarely hits the market. But in 2024, this one showed up on eBay.
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1960s Restoration
The 1913 Indian 7-horsepower Big Twin appeared on eBay thanks to seller David Larson of Greenwood, Mo. He’s helping a good friend focus his collection before opening a museum. Larson said:
It was restored just once in the ‘60s. A lot of bikes from this era have been restored with reproduction parts, but they managed to save all of the key small parts with this one.
Will it run? Larson believes so. He said:
It should be quite easy to get running. The clutch will need attention to get it to engage, but all of the hard-to-find and very expensive pieces are all there.
Rare Reproduction
This brings us to the only known reproduction part on the machine. Even then, it’s cool. Larson explained:
I have a friend who is an Indian motorcycle expert. He pointed out that the tank is a very rare reproduction. Apparently, a guy made about 10 galvanized tanks in the ‘60s.
Compared to an original tank from 1913, you’d be hard-pressed to spot the difference. With an expert at hand, it was soon apparent. Larson said:
My friend pointed out that with the galvanized tanks, the paint tended not to stick so well.
Careful Inspection
Older bikes need careful inspection before being used in public. The expert’s scan of the 7-horsepower Big Twin revealed some good news. Larson told us:
The rear leaf spring was brand new for 1913. Some of the frames were known to crack around the forward mounting under the seat. This one is rock solid.
Since its beginning in 1901, Indian boasted a mighty single-cylinder motor. These proved to be a fine basis for the V-twins - opens in new window or tab. the firm became famous for. Introduced in 1909, the 998-cc Big Twin shone through until the end of 1915, when it was superseded by the flathead Powerplus V-twin.
High Point
The 1909 to 1915 era was a high point for Indian. Its four-valve racers were blazing a trail. Erwin “Cannonball” Baker - opens in new window or tab. rode across the country in a back-breaking 11 days, 12 hours, 10 minutes on an Indian. In 1913, production reached a record 32,000 motorcycles.
Also, in 1913, Indian introduced its cradle frame and innovative rear leaf spring setup. The seller said those leaf springs show no signs of stress on the bike on eBay. Indian proclaimed its Big Twin as the company’s “crowning achievement.”
What Next?
Restore or leave it as-is? Despite not being in its original condition, it still retains the vast majority of its original parts. It wears its patina beautifully. Either way, eBay can help: Keep it indoors and surround it with some Indian motorcycle memorabilia - opens in new window or tab.. Or scour vintage Indian motorcycle parts - opens in new window or tab. to help make it run and ride.
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This article is meant to provide general guidance only. Automotive maintenance, repair, upgrade, and installation may depend on vehicle-specifics such as make and model. Always consult your owner's manual, repair guide for specific information for your particular vehicle and consider a licensed auto-care professional's help as well, particularly for advance repairs.