Indian Motorcycle recently launched its new Scout series in India, a bobber-style mid-weight cruiser bike designed to compete with brands like Harley-Davidson and Triumph. The company already sells its vehicles in India, but the recent launch is its most affordable bike yet. Despite its name, ‘Indian Motorcycle’ is an American brand. The company is known for producing premium cruiser motorcycles. Polaris Industries acquired the Indian brand in 2011 and began producing new generations of Indian motorcycles. Indian Motorcycle is considered one of the most famous and historic brands in America due to its racing heritage, engineering innovations, and numerous industry firsts. The Indian Motorcycle Company was founded in 1897 by George M. Hendee, a former bicycle racer, initially producing bicycles. Oscar Hedstrom, another former bicycle racer, joined in 1900. Together, Hendee and Hedstrom built a motorcycle with a 1.75 bhp single-cylinder engine. The American manufacturer originally produced motorcycles in Massachusetts from 1901 to 1953. The company ceased production a few years later due to declining demand. Polaris acquired the brand in 2011 and reintroduced motorcycles to the market. Polaris India launched the Indian Motorcycle brand in India in 2014. Polaris currently sells the entire range of Indian motorcycles in India, which are fully manufactured and imported. Its portfolio includes the Chief series, Springfield, Roadmaster, and Scout series. The name ‘Indian Motorcycle’ is not related to India. It was derived from George M. Hendee’s old bicycle brand, ‘American Indian,’ which he started in 1898 to increase product recognition, particularly in foreign markets. The brand’s name and its famous logo, which depicts a Native American (Red Indian), were created to honor the indigenous people of America.
