125 Years Strong, America’s First Motorcycle Company Continues to Push American V-Twin
Motorcycles Forward with Timeless Designs, Leading Innovation & Proven Performance
MINNEAPOLIS, MN
January 7, 2026 – Since its first motorcycle rolled off the line in 1901 in
Springfield, Mass., Indian Motorcycle has embodied American craftsmanship, proven performance,
unwavering reliability, and trailblazing innovation. More than a century later, those same qualities fuel
America’s First Motorcycle Company to keep pushing American V-Twins forward with purpose and
precision.
In celebration of its 125 th anniversary, Indian Motorcycle today announced Never Finished, a year-long
campaign that pays tribute to the pioneering spirit of founders George Hendee and Oscar Hedstrom,
while declaring that Indian Motorcycle will never stop challenging limits. Never Finished is a reflection of
the Indian Motorcycle brand, which has been driven by progress and innovation since 1901.
“The pursuit of innovation that drove our founders continues to drive us today,” Nate Secor, Director of
Marketing for Indian Motorcycle. “Whether through design, engineering, or marketing, we push
ourselves every day to honor that legacy. The Never Finished campaign isn’t just a celebration of our
125-year history, it’s a commitment to our riders that we are always innovating, always competing, and
will always be pushing forward.”
Following successful careers as bicycle racers in the late 19 th century, Hendee and Hedstrom joined
forces to engineer gasoline-powered bicycles to pace competitive races. At the time, early motorized
pacers were notoriously unreliable, often sputtering to a stop and drawing laughs from spectators as
racers pedaled past. Hendee and Hedstrom, however, built machines that performed flawlessly, earning
respect and attention. Recognizing the potential, they set out to produce motor-assisted bicycles for
mass production.
In 1901, Hendee and Hedstrom introduced America’s first motorcycle, marking the birth of Indian
Motorcycle. By 1913, the company had become the market leader, producing 30,000 units annually in
what was then the world’s largest motorcycle factory. Indian Motorcycle’s rise was fueled by its
reputation for reliability, innovation, and technology.
As America’s First Motorcycle Company, Indian Motorcycle continues to push boundaries and move
forward. Across its entire lineup, each motorcycle is built with purpose and precision, crafted with no
shortcuts to take on every mile ahead. The brand empowers riders to forge their own path with
machines that stand apart for those who refuse to blend in. Reaching 125 years is a historic milestone
and a true testament to the riders who refused to let the spirit of Indian Motorcycle fade through a 60-
year hiatus and to those who helped fuel the brand’s return more than a decade ago. With 125 years of
road behind it, Indian Motorcycle’s legacy serves as a launchpad, shaped by its rich history and driven
forward by competitive spirit, grit, and determination.
Throughout 2026, Indian Motorcycle will celebrate its 125 th anniversary through a variety of products,
programs, and rider promotions. More information will be shared throughout the year. To stay
informed, visit IndianMotorcycle.com and follow along on Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube.
ABOUT INDIAN MOTORCYCLE
Indian Motorcycle is America’s First Motorcycle Company. Founded in 1901, Indian Motorcycle has won
the hearts of motorcyclists around the world and earned distinction as one of America’s most legendary
and iconic brands through unrivaled racing dominance, engineering prowess and countless innovations
and industry firsts. Today that heritage and passion is reignited under new brand stewardship. To learn
more, please visit www.indianmotorcycle.com.
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