Indian’s specifications. The Single was made available
in one color, deep blue. Indian also increased its
production to over 500 bikes by the close of 1902,
making Indian a strong competitor for Triumph. Along
the way, Indian pushed the evolution of the motorcycle
in several ways…in 1902 Indian produced the first
chain driven bike sold to the public, as well as released
the first American V-Twin in 1906 (which remains the
most popular motorcycle engine today).
1907 brought the first police unit to NYC (Indian bikes
were chosen by all), and by 1914 Indian had created
the “loop frame” positioned gas tank, swing arm and
leaf spring suspension, and the world’s first electric
lights and starter. No more need for a flashlight, or
parking your bike at dusk; diehards could now ride all
night! Indian would continue to rise in the production
game as well, up to 32,000 units per year, their best
year ever in 1913.
1901 also brought an eager young man by the name
of William S. Harley into the biking world. At the age of
21 he completed his first blueprint of a bicycle engine.
In 1903, William and his partner Arthur Davidson
produced their first motorcycle in their meager 10 by
15 foot factory. Henry Meyer of Milwaukee bought the
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original 1903 model directly from the founders. Meyer
obviously had no idea how lucky he was!
1904 marks the year that the first Harley dealership
was opened in Chicago, Illinois by C. H. Lang, where
one of the first production models was sold. In 1907,
Harley-Davidson was incorporated and builds a new,
larger factory. 1908 saw the first Harley-Davidson
motorcycle delivered to the Detroit Michigan Police
Department and Detroit’s first motorcycle patrol unit
was created. The following year, for the first time ever,
spare parts for the Harley-Davidson V-twin were made
available for sale—I wonder what you the hell you did
before that if your bike broke down? By 1914 Harley
had introduced the world to the renowned bar and
shield logo, begun production of the “F-Head”, and
brought us sidecars and the beginning of the tag-along
ride.
By this time, mass production was in full swing, and
competition was in full force. Experimentation and
innovation were taking over and being further driv en
by the growing sport of motorcycle racing. A powerful
incentive to produce tougher, faster, more reliable
machines was on the rise. While initiated for the racing
world, these enhancements were to quickly infiltrate
December 2015
Thunder Roads Magazine® Colorado 9