KOUP's - The Good Times Store

 

In 1901 George Hendee and Oscar Hestrom founded the company Indian in Springfield (Massachusetts).  Worldwide Indian was the first producer of motorcycles in series and due to the accomplished technical developments they were able to keep the technological advantage for a long time.  The production was focused mainly on large scale V double cylinder engines with flathead steering.  Harley Davidson, who was the largest competitor at the time, had an almost identical concept.  Due to a major order by the US military, they were able to product considerably more motorcycles and survived until today. 

 

Indian, which had a superior technology and better brand image was inferior an in 1953 had to declare bankruptcy.  Afterwards different English motorcycles (Royal Enfield, AJS and Matchless) were sold under the brand name Indian.  After a number of unsuccessful tries, Indian was reopened in North Carolina in 2006 under the name of Indian Motorcycle Company.  At this facility classic styled Indian-Chiefs with V 2 engines and high cylinder capacity are produced.