Lot 111: 1912 Indian 7hp ‘Big Twin’

Oscar Hedstrom and Oliver Hendee, both active in the cycle racing world, got together to found the Hendee Manufacturing Company and build the first prototype Indian motorcycle in 1901. That first machine was powered by a single-cylinder, ‘F-head’ (inlet over exhaust) engine that formed part of the ‘diamond’ frame, in the Indian’s case it sloped rearwards to act as the seat tube. An advanced feature in motorcycling’s early, pioneering days, chain drive was used by Indian right from the start.

The Indian single proved immensely successful and provided the basis for the first of the powerful, large-capacity v-twins for which the marque is best remembered. Indian’s first, 38.61cu in (633cc) v-twin appeared in 1907 with an engine clearly derived from that of the single, though mechanical inlet valves - introduced for 1908 - were an early improvement. The twin’s rear cylinder continued to form part of the frame until 1909 when a loop frame of the type favored by rivals Harley-Davidson was adopted. The Springfield firm’s first ‘Big Twin’ debuted that same year displacing 60.32ci (988cc). At the end of 1915 the Big Twin, by this time equipped with 61ci (998cc) engine, leaf-sprung frame and three-speed countershaft gearbox, was superseded by a new ‘flat head’ v-twin - the Powerplus - thus bringing to an end a noble line.

This Big Twin dates from 1912, a year in which Indian sales benefited considerably from the firm’s famous 1-2-3 finish at the 1911 Isle of Man TT, a remarkable achievement made possible by the advantages conferred by the use of all-chain drive. The machine was restored by renowned Indian specialist Pete Bollenbach and bought by Mike Corbin in August 1995. Presented in excellent condition, this superbly restored Big Twin is offered with condition report, Bill of Sale and State of Illinois Certificate of Title.

Without reserve