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Indian Motorcycle Company has a long history as one of America’s most esteemed and iconic motorcycle brands. Born in the late 1890s—the age of Mark Twain, the Klondike Gold Rush, and the Progressive Era—Indian quickly established itself as a symbol of modernization and American ingenuity. Now, the century-old brand is making a comeback—appealing to younger motorcycle enthusiasts while still remaining true to its American-made roots.

1897: THE BIRTH OF INDIAN

In 1897, bicycle racer George M. Hendee created a bicycle production company, Hendee Manufacturing Company, which originally produced non-motorized bicycles. The brand name was changed to “Indian” in 1898, with the first Indian motorcycles sold to the public in 1902, after Oscar Hedstrom joined the company as a partner. The following year, Hedstrom broke the world speed record—reaching 56 mph—on an Indian motorcycle of his design.

Indian introduced its signature deep red color in 1904

EARLY 1900s: AN ERA OF INNOVATION

In 1906, the first cross-country trip on an Indian motorcycle was recorded; George Holden and Louis J. Mueller completed the trip from San Francisco to New York City in a record 31.5 days. (In 1903, the first cross-country trip in a Winton touring car—from San Francisco to New York City—had been completed in 63 days, 12 hours, and 30 minutes.) That same year, the first V-twin Indian factory race bike was manufactured. A modified version was available to consumers for the 1907 model year—and the 633cc V-twin was the first V-twin motorcycle engine to be mass produced in the United States.

THE 1910s: NEW ADVANCEMENTS

Indian continued to advance motorcycle design and function, including the development of leaf-spring front forks, 2-speed transmissions, automatic oil pumps, and the first electric start on a motorcycle, among other innovations. A record 32,000 units were sold in 1913. In 1914, Erwin Baker clocked a new record time for an East-to-West coast trip at 11 days, 12 hours, and 10 minutes.

K&N® PL-1814 air filter fits some Indian Chief Classic, Indian Chief Dark Horse, and other models

THE 1920s: ICONIC MODELS ARE BORN

Indian released several iconic motorcycle models in the early 1920s, including the first Indian Scout—which would become one of its best-sellers—followed by the Chief, Big Chief, Prince, and Ace. The 750cc V-twin engine was released in 1927, and would become one of the most iconic engines ever produced by Indian.

THE 1930s: THE GREAT DEPRESSION

From 1929 through 1939, the United States economy suffered through The Great Depression—one of the most impactful economic downturns in American history. The lowest point came in 1933, with nearly half of all banks in the U.S. failing—and retail sales dropped in almost every industry. However, innovations did not completely grind to a halt. Indian Motorcycle produced the model 203 Scout and Scout Pony in 1932, and the Sport Scout in 1934. In 1936, Indian introduced an exhaust over intake (EOI) design, and models that featured instrument panels atop the fuel tanks.

The following year, Ed Kretz won the first Daytona 200 on a racing model Indian Sport Scout.

THE 1940s: CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE WAR EFFORT

The early 1940s birthed WWII, and Indian Motorcycle Co. once again focused on the war effort—first by building units for the French government, and later producing the Model 841 for the United States Army.

WWII-era Indian model 741

THE 1950s: INDIAN CHANGES HANDS

From 1955 through 1960, Brockhouse Engineering (which had acquired the rights to Indian) imported Royal Enfield motorcycles and re-branded them as Indians for sale in the United States. Imported models included the Indian Chief, Trailblazer, Apache, Tomahawk, Woodsman, Westerner, Hounds Arrow, Fire Arrow, and Lance.

THE 1960s: A LAND SPEED RECORD

The K&N® PL-1115 air filter fits some Indian Scout, Indian Scout Bobber, and Indian Scout Sixtys

THE 1970s to 2000s: A WINDING ROAD

Following 1963, legendary motorcycle manufacturer Floyd Clymer attempted to reinvigorate Indian’s dwindling sales. After he passed away following a heart attack in 1970, his attorney, Alan Newman, maintained the Indian Motorcycle trademark and began selling motorcycles (mainly manufactured in Taiwan). Sales continued to decline, and operations ceased in 1977. Production resumed in 1998, following a merger which formed the Indian Motorcycle Company of America (IMCA). The IMCA produced Chief, Scout, and Spirit models, but went bankrupt in 2003.

K&N offers performance air filters for many Indian models and years

The 2010s to PRESENT: INDIAN MAKES A COMEBACK

Following Polaris Industries’ purchase of Indian in 2011, Indian’s production facilities were moved to Spirit Lake, Iowa. In 2013, Indian began to sell newly-designed motorcycles, including models featuring a new 111 cubic-inch “Thunder Stroke” V-twin engine; since 2013, Polaris has expanded Indian’s line to ten models, with seven based on the Thunder Stroke engine (including the Chieftain—which Motorcycle.com would name the 2014 Cruiser of the Year—Chief Classic, and Chief Vintage).

2018 has seen continued growth for the brand, with sales increases in the low double digits despite an overall market decline in motorcycle sales. In 2016, an official return to professional flat track racing, paired with the introduction of the Indian Scout FTR750, reminded consumers of Indian’s long history as a manufacturer of cutting-edge technology—and Jared Mees’ victory at the 2017 American Flat Track Championship solidified that faith. Today, a combination of classic styling with solid, high-quality engine options helps Indian appeal to younger quality-conscious consumers—as well as decades-long enthusiasts who have remained loyal.

The Indian Chief Vintage. Photo credit to Indian Motorcycles.

As motorcycle brands continue to explore methods of remaining relevant in difficult markets, Indian has found a strategy that works—delivering consumers quality engines, modern style, and engineering that translates from the track to the street.

Roland Sands designed a custom Scout as a tribute to Indian’s racing heritage

SUPER HOOLIGAN SERIES

K&N has been a long-term partner of Roland Sands Designs, and also sponsors the Super Hooligan Championship Series—a dirt track series created by Roland Sands Designs that often features the best of specialty motorcycles, including Indians. “It’s a no-holds-barred battle to the stripe on 500 pounds of fury,” Sands says. “With races across the country ranging from specialty bike shows and concerts to Pro American Flat Track events and beach-side racing, the diversity promises a unique experience at each event.” For the 2017 series, Indian Motorcycle offered a FTR750 Factory Indian Scout GNC-ready race bike as the championship prize.

Sands is known for his imaginative custom builds—including a custom Indian Scout and Scout Sixty in recent years. K&N has featured several of Roland Sands’ motorcycle designs, including the classic red Indian Scout, in editions of the K&N calendar. “The only filtration we put on our bikes is K&N,” added Sands. “That’s it. I’ve used K&N for a real long time. It’s always been a great product; it’s a product you can believe in. We put it (K&N) in all of our filtration products we sell through the RSD brand.”

Explore the chart below to explore K&N part numbers for popular Indian makes and models. To find the most up-to-date information on product offerings, visit the vehicle search page.

For motorcyclists dedicated to the iconic Harley-Davidson brand—and interested in a guaranteed increase in horsepower and torque—K&N® offers performance-enhancing air intake systems available in multiple styles and finishes for H-D motorcycles, now available and 50-state legal for hundreds of additional models. Protect your engine from most harmful dust, dirt, and contaminants, and reap benefits including a guaranteed increase in horsepower and torque, top-quality engine protection, and robust engine sounds on acceleration.

2010 FXDF Dyna Fat Bob with 1584CC engine is compatible with the RK-3931 intake system

[Please note that using a K&N replacement air intake system will not void your factory warranty; in the U.S., manufacturers must provide evidence that an aftermarket part is the cause of a necessary repair in order to void or deny warranty coverage. The Consumer Products Warranty Act of 1975 (also known as the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act) protects consumers’ rights to their warranty coverage.]

The 2008 FXDF Dyna Street Bob with 1584CC engine is compatible with the RK-3930X and RK-3952 intakes

RK SERIES INTAKE SYSTEMS

RK Series Intake Systems feature an oversized K&N® High-Flow™ Air Filter, dyno-tuned velocity stack, and integrated breather system—helping to provide a significant increase in airflow and engine performance. RK intake systems fit neatly behind the factory air cleaner cover to maintain a stock appearance, and come in either a standard capacity or large capacity style depending on your performance needs.

The RK Series RK-3943 after installation, hidden discreetly behind the air cleaner cover

• Custom aluminum backing plate provides solid mounting surface

• Built-in breathers replace external OE breathers

• Oversized K&N High-Flow™ Air Filter for excellent filtration and contaminant protection

• Built-in dyno-tuned velocity-stack to direct airflow to the throttle body

• Available in standard or large capacity

• 10-Year/Million Mile Limited Warranty

Chuck from Missouri says: “Best value I found on a great looking intake. Classic, clean, and well-engineered. Also get the quality and reliability that comes with K&N products. Thanks for recognizing the need to build a quality piece around your filter.” [Product #: RK-3932]

Brad from Texas says: “Absolutely love it. I was very much impressed on the increase in power and throaty intake sound.... highly recommended.” [Product #: RK-3930]

AIRCHARGER® INTAKE SYSTEMS

The 63-1137 Aircharger® intake system is available in both black and silver finishes

• Guaranteed to increase horsepower

• Custom aluminum throttle-body mounting plate

• Includes complete breather assembly and mounting hardware

• Available in bright mirror, textured silver, or textured black finish

• High-Flow™ Air Filter provides outstanding performance and protection

• 10-Year/Million Mile Limited Warranty

Bryan from New York says: “Absolutely love this setup. Substantial differences noticed. Acceleration, performance, engine sound. Would definitely recommend.” [Product #: 63-1125]

Thomas from Wisconsin says: “The instructions were easy to follow and it took about a half an hour to install. And I like the look. WOW! I was not expecting the engine to respond the way it has. I definitely feel the increase in power. Thanks K&N.” [Product #: 63-1125P]

STREET METAL™ INTAKE SYSTEMS

The Street Shaker in silver (RK-3950S) after installation

• Guaranteed to increase horsepower

• Aluminum backing plate with integrated velocity stack provides solid mounting surface

• Built-in breathers replace external OE breathers

• High-quality aluminum cover

• Oversized K&N High-Flow™ Air Filter for excellent filtration and long service intervals

• Built-in dyno-tuned velocity-stack directs airflow to the throttle body

• 10-Year/Million Mile Limited Warranty

The Street Sidedraft (RK-3953S)

Dalton from Virginia says: “This intake works very well, especially if you have any kind of work done to your motor to include cams or a tune. I have mid controls and I was worried about it hitting my knee but I have not had that problem, even when riding my bike to full potential. I would definitely recommend this intake to anyone who seriously wants to feel instant power.” [Product #: RK-3933XB]

Part numbers for various H-D models are listed below (all 50-state legal). Please visit www.knfilters.com to search for a complete list of products for your model and year.