All those legendary Indian motorcycles begin with the Indian Single. True to its name, it had a single-cylinder motor, mounted on what was essentially a bicycle frame. The motor’s cylinder also doubled as the seat mount. Imagine the heat. The Indian Single did bring one vital change to the motorcycle market: the carburetor. Using an air intake valve and a mechanical exhaust system, the Indian Single’s carburetor design allowed the rider to regulate speed. By 1905, a twist-grip handle controlled the carburetor: the throttle was born. In the same year, Indian implemented a “cushion fork” shock system, improving comfort and safety.
The result of these early innovations was a handsome motorcycle that could reach up to 25mph. The Indian Single cost $200 in 1905, about $7,000 in today’s money, which was worth every penny compared to walking — at least for those who could afford it.
[Image by JJonahJackalope via Wikimedia Commons | Cropped and scaled | CC BY-SA 4.0]
