Unblocked By Enterprise Radio

Bicycles 1919 Indian Military Powerplus



This is the bike that helped the U.S. win the first World War.

Unfortunately, it is also a bike that Indians back significantly in its battle with Harley-Davidson. But then, that's the kind of story that is common in Indian history, "two steps forward and one step back."

It certainly can not blame the motorcycle itself. The military model was closely based on famous Indian Powerplus Big Twin, who, according to engine sales literature, "the most powerful and cost effective ever mounted on a motorcycle.''



Hyperbole aside, this 61 cubic inch (1,000 cc) engine has been a significant improvement over the previous generation F-head engine. pumping out 18 horses, which could push the car to 60 mph and remain reliable. It 'was a pretty good package for the legendary Cannonball Baker, who used the machines Powerplus to set many of its record of resistance to the Indian factory.

Versions Military bikes like this owned by David Uhl and now on display in the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum at AMA headquarters in Pickerington, Ohio, shared the same three-speed, rear brake only, and the leaf-spring front fork as the model civil. But even sported rear suspension, a light gas instead of the simple electrical and functional fenders dishes instead of curved versions.



The army has loved the bike so much he bought about 50,000 of them during the war years. As a result, India spent almost its entire production to the war effort from 1917 through 1919. In hindsight, Indians did not realize the damage such a strategy would impose its dealers civilians, which have remained almost motionless for sale.

In contrast, Harley built some 20,000 military motorcycles during World War I, while maintaining a small stream of cars flowing to dealers. With products for sale, Harley dealers fared better than their Indian counterparts during years of lean. And when the war ended, Harley-Davidson was able to return immediately to the sale of motorcycles to civilians.



Meanwhile, with only a remnant of the once dominant network of dealers, the Indian was forced to spend time and effort to re-establish its position in the market and has lost serious ground. Indian would rebuild and continue for another three decades, but the company never regained its leading position.

In the end, India won the war but lost the battle.