The Indian had a sprung seat but no suspension and a steel frame. Note the chain drive: a more durable alternative to leather belt drives popular at the time.
Indian is the oldest American motorcycle company, predating Harley-Davidson by six years. While the company is best known for the classic Chiefs, earlier twin-cylinders such as the 1911 model currently listed on eBay Motors were some of the most technologically advanced bikes of their day.
Museum-Quality Restoration
The 1911 twin was restored to its factory original condition, with 10 miles on the bike since its rejuvenation. The current owner found the bike in the attic of the original owner’s house. The motorcycle appeared to be in perfect condition, but to be sure, the owner disassembled the engine and confirmed that it met all factory tolerances. Because the original paint showed some damage, he decided to do a complete restoration.
The motorcycle received a 97.5 rating at the 2014 meeting of the Antique Motorcycle Club of America (AMCA) in Dixon, Calif. Two years later, the Indian won “Best of Show” among 100-year-old-plus motorcycles.
TT Champ
In 1903, Oscar Hedstrom, the Indian company’s chief engineer, set a world speed record of 56 miles per hour—and won an endurance race riding his Indian round-trip between New York and Springfield, Mass. Four years later, T.K. Hastings rode an Indian motorcycle to victory at a 1,000-mile reliability trial in England.
Also in 1903, motorcyclists gathered for inaugural Isle of Man TT race, originally called the Tourist Trophy. The Isle of Man race quickly became the gold standard for TTs, thanks in part to its challenging climb up Snaefell Mountain.
A rear drum brake gave the motorcycle stopping power.
At a time when most motorcycles still used direct-drive leather belts, Indian’s two-speed transmission and final chain drives were cutting edge and provided a huge competitive advantage. Indian produced its first V-twin race bike in 1906, introducing a production model a year later.
So, it is no surprise that Hedstrom entered five bikes in the 1911 TT—the first Isle of Man race over the entire 37.5-mile circuit, including the climb up Snaefell. The factory team included three professional motorcycle racers and two privateers. One of whom was Oliver Cyril Godfrey, a 23-year-old machinist from London who won the five-lap, 189-mile race in three hours, 56 minutes and 10 seconds. He set a new course record of 47.63 miles per hour.
A carburetor delivers fuel to the 39 cubic-inch air-cooled engine.
According to the seller, the 1911 Indian Twin-Cylinder offered on eBay Motors runs perfectly and is ready to ride. It’s a prime example of one of the best-performing motorcycles of its day, providing thrills in competition and on the open road.
About the author
Share your feedback
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.