Top Ten Best Indian Bikes Ever Made

Indian bikes epitomize today’s free spirit of highway cruising, especially in America. Although these are among the most excellent bicycles available, the Indian brand has a checkered past, and success has never been assured. Indian Motorcycles were among the best-selling motorcycles before World War II, and the business was responsible for many early developments. After World War II, things began to fall apart, and the company went through several owners and bankruptcies. Nevertheless, some of his early motorcycle styles continue to define the American cruiser in modern times, and some of these models are among the most expensive motorcycles ever made. So, here is the list of the Top Ten Best Indian Bikes Ever Made.

Top Ten Best Indian Bikes Ever Made – Top Rated

1901 Indian F-Head Single

Although the early 1900s motorcycles weren’t the fastest, most comfortable, or the most advanced, they could be considered all those things for the era. More importantly, it was the first and the beginning of the Indian story. George M. Handy founded the Handy Manufacturing Firm in 1897 to produce bicycles, one of which was known as the American Indian. Later, he teamed up with Oskar Hedstrom to create Indian Motorcycles, named to make it clear that they were American-made, by developing motors for their bicycle frames.

Four prototype Indians were built in 1901 to show investors what the company could do as a full-fledged manufacturer. Hendee and Hedstrom built an engine based on the existing model but using the current bicycle frame with some of their additions. The 1.75 horsepower power output was described as smooth and reliable. Some of the innovations used were using a chain drive instead of the leather belt of other early motorcycles and removing the down tube from the bicycle frame, and mounting the engine as a pressure part. In 2011, a 1901 specimen fetched $133,500, nearly $30,000 less than the auction held just five years earlier. Regardless, it’s evident that in the current market, if it were to go up for auction again, the price would be pretty high.

1930 Indian Scout 101

In the 1920s, the Indian Scout line was developed as a more compact counterpart to the Chief line. While the Scout could be ordered with either a 37-cubic-inch V-twin or a 74-cubic-inch V-twin, it was later expanded to 45 cubic inches by 1927. A large part of it was completed to compete. In various AMA racing classes, participation aimed to help sell motorcycles.

The Scout 101, which debuted in 1928, featured a 3-speed transmission, hand shifter, foot-operated clutch, shorter wheelbase, and lower seat height than previous versions. Charles B. Franklin, one of the most famous designers in India at the time, created the Scout. It was one of the most sought-after models of the time and was praised for its 50/50 weight distribution, excellent handling, and a top speed of nearly 80 mph, making it the 1930s supercar. One of the most sought-after models among collectors, the Scout 101 recently sold at auction for almost $40,000. It is a beautiful machine that heralds the beginning of classical Indian aesthetics.

1953 Indian Chief

India resumed the production of consumer motorcycles after World War II. The firm reused the pre-war side-valve V-twin engine, but the new Chiefs offered a more sophisticated suspension than its rivals. Beginning in 1950, the Chief’s forks were hydraulic tubes, and a “double-action” spring frame supported its rear wheel. While its primary competitor, the Harley-Davidson, had flexible frames and only sprung at the front, the rear suspension used a spring at the top to smooth the road and another at the bottom to ease the ride. From having a hand-operated shifter on the left side of the tank and a left-foot-operated clutch, these bikes were standard for the time.

2023 Indian FTR

Indian Motorcycles is best known for making the traditional American V-twin cruiser, but the contemporary business is moving forward and trying to attract more customers. The latest FTR model is the perfect example. The FTR, developed by vintage flat-track racers, uses an Indian V-twin engine housed in a fashionable and undeniably athletic frame. FTR declares that the Indian won’t be boxed in, eschewing the decorative aesthetics of big bikes in favor of a light and agile package more suited to current sportbikes.

The Indian debuted in flat-track racing in 2016 with the FTR750, primarily aimed at competition. Indian unveiled the FTR1200 for public purchase in 2019 after taking inspiration from the bike and stealing several technical features, such as the trellis frame. Since then, the Indian has changed the brand to FTR while retaining the bike’s 1,200cc liquid-cooled V-twin engine. Racer features have been toned down to make the FTR a manageable street bike suited to tackling some hilly turns and backroad rides. According to Cycle World, the V-twin’s strong 111 horsepower and suspension’s firm but forgiving ride make it feel grounded on curves and comfortable on straights. The FTR proves that an American business can produce a sportbike that competes with Japanese models and can even keep up with Ducati.

1941 Indian Model 441

According to Silodrome, Indian Motorcycles bought Ace Motor Corporation when its founder died. As a result, Indian acquired the rights to the design of the inline 4-cylinder engine and added it to its portfolio under the name Indian S. Indian initially produced its models with minor modifications but, after a few years, started making design changes. The Ace would eventually evolve into the Indian 402, the brand’s first motorcycle with a 4-cylinder engine.

The Indian 441 Four, which would also be the last 4-cylinder bike produced in America, marked the end of Indian 4-cylinder production in the 1930s. When introduced, the 442 had deep-skirted fenders and just the right amount of chrome, adding an Indian flair. While it may not be faster than V-twins, the engine was remarkably smooth, according to Hemmings, and it was the largest motorcycle engine available at the time at 77 cubic inches. These bikes are among the most spectacular vehicles available now due to their elongated engine, which gives them a distinctive look unmatched by anything else on the road. Moreover, the sound of these bikes’ 4-cylinder engines is so different from other modern motorcycles that an impending Indian could easily be mistaken for an old MG.

2023 Indian Pursuit

Indian has delivered some of the biggest and most spectacular motorcycle cruisers in the market over the years, and the current venture is reviving that tradition admirably. The Pursuit is currently the largest, most luxurious, and most expensive model in India. The Pursuit, at the top of the lineup, is a fully equipped touring motorcycle with all conceivable options and accessories. Although big and heavy, its 1,800cc liquid-cooled V-twin engine provides enough power to get you anywhere without a hitch.

Stylistically, the Chase is a bit dated, especially compared to vehicles like the Goldwing or BMW. They are entirely contemporary in terms of technology. The Indian’s massive engine has been modernized by being liquid-cooled and equipped with overhead cams. However, it uses the same monumental V-twin engine architecture as its main rival, according to Rider magazine, which translates to more than 100 horsepower and a healthy 128 lb-ft of torque at the crank. It also has heated seats and grips, cruise control, an audio system, and adjustable ride height, plus a large touchscreen with digital controls and navigation. While it’s a fitting heir to the giant heads of the early 20th century, all that heritage comes at a premium price of around $30,000.

1999 Indian Chief

Indian endured a long period during which the only thing sold under its name was made elsewhere. From the 1950s to the 1970s, Indian trademark owners negotiated import contracts, mainly with Italian producers, to distribute small-displacement single-cylinder bikes as new and entry-level vehicles. None were highly profitable, and by the 1980s, no Indians were being sold. However, in 1999, the Indian Chief, the company’s first major V-twin motorcycle since 1953, went on sale.

After some legal battles over the right to use the Indian name, the business was reinstated as an American manufacturer, and the New York Times reported that it produced 1,100 motorcycles in its first full year of operation. The new Chief featured a larger V-twin engine and the return of longer-skirted fenders. The bike’s engines were from S&S, best known for producing the V-twin engine used as a replacement for Harley-Davidson motorbikes. However, the bikes were being manufactured at a new facility in the United States. According to Auto Evolution, these Indians were straightforward cruisers with generous power, 75 horsepower, and vintage design. The rest of the bikes were generally regular models, although an alternative American cruiser was available for the first time in decades. These models, especially the 1999 models, as they had the most limited production run, are coveted by collectors even though the company would not survive.

1949 Indian 249 Super Scout

The Chief was the first and only model offered by India after the war. It changed in 1949 when, to attract new customers, a new, smaller model was introduced to the inventory. Thousands of motorcycles were donated to the war effort by Harley-Davidson and Indian, but British manufacturers produced 400,000, according to Ride Apart. Due to the amount of war surplus bikes, GIs took up riding, and British bikes became as popular on the scene as American v-twins. The Indian owner decided to diversify by providing a variety of bikes with vertical twins and singles that matched the Indian, one of which was the Indian Scout SuperSport 249.

Contrary to what you might think based on its name, the 249 was equipped with a 440cc parallel twin engine. It will face competition from the newly released BSA, Norton, and Triumph motorcycles. Indian had bought the Torque Manufacturing Company, which produced the engines, but dealers accustomed to large V-twin motorcycles were reluctant to accept the new models. The 249 Scouts were respectable motorcycles with stylish designs. This style combined the best British and American bikes and featured the same rear suspension as the Big Chiefs. According to a reputed bike magazine, shortly after production began, the UK devalued the pound against the dollar, and bikes were being shipped to dealers, causing import bike prices to drop by a third. Due to a lack of competitiveness, Indian stopped making all bikes in 1953.

2010 Indian Chief Vintage

India’s 1999 comeback was short-lived as production ceased after bankruptcy in 2003. Indian manufacturing resumed in 2006 under the direction of British investment company Stilican. These wagons, sometimes known as Kings Mountain Indians, were manufactured in Kings. Mountain, North Carolina. Stilican made significant production investments and released completely redesigned motorcycles with all-new, fuel-injected engines. The 2010 Chief is a stylish vehicle beyond traditional Indian design and chrome. It has standard skirted fenders, wide saddles, and large headlights. Front and rear disc brakes, one of the review’s high points, are among the other improvements. These hand-built, custom motorcycles were designed for high-end, luxury vehicles, with a 105 cubic inch engine and 6-speed transmission providing power. Style is this model’s strong suit.

A closer inspection reveals the meticulous attention to detail in its creation, which is said to be stunning in every way. It also works well, and its only drawback is an excessive amount of vibration, which is probably caused by a lack of balance and a weak engine. For others, however, the beat on a big V-twin cruiser is a benefit rather than a drawback. The Indian was incredibly expensive in 2010 at around $35,000. However, it launched during the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression, and the company collapsed shortly after its relaunch.

1942 Indian 741

India contributed its entire productive capacity to the war effort during WWII. According to Ultimate Motorcycling, the War Department hired Indians and Harley-Davidson to design and build motorcycles to meet military needs. Indian eventually shipped around 44,000 of these motorcycles overseas. An Indian device known as the 741 was awarded the contract. It featured India’s 45-cubic-inch V-twin engine, detuned with lower compression for easy starting, better reliability, and lower fuel efficiency. Other improvements included raising the seat stays and forks to increase ground clearance, adding luggage racks and jerry can fittings, and swapping simple mudguards for complex skirted fenders.

Although the factory that produced these bikes was usually out of business, dedicated employees continued to place orders and deliver goods to the front as everyone was ready and able to supply their warriors serving overseas with what they needed. I tried my best. Since canceled motorcycles could be purchased cheaply and used for civilian purposes after the war, more and more Indians contributed to developing motorcycle culture at home and abroad. The 741 may not have been the best Indian creation of all time, but it helped end fascism and earned a place among the heroes who stood up for freedom and against tyranny.

Top Ten Best Indian Bikes Ever Made – Top List