9 THINGS YOU PROBABLY DIDN’T KNOW ABOUT INDIAN MOTORCYCLE
Indian Motorcycle, with its iconic headdress logo and rich heritage, is one of America’s oldest motorcycle brands. While many enthusiasts recognize its classic designs and powerful engines, there’s a wealth of fascinating history and lesser-known facts that even seasoned enthusiasts might not be aware of.
Dive into these 9 intriguing tidbits that shed new light on the legendary Indian Motorcycle.
1. It Was Originally Called the Hendee Manufacturing Company
Before it became the household name “Indian Motorcycle,” the company was founded in 1901 by George M. Hendee and Carl Oscar Hedstrom as the Hendee Manufacturing Company. Their first products were bicycles, and it wasn’t until 1901 that they produced their first motorized bicycle, which quickly evolved into the motorcycles we recognize today. The “Indian” name was adopted early on, primarily for marketing and to suggest a connection to Native American culture, which was a common practice for American brands at the time.
2. Indian Motorcycle Was the World’s Largest Motorcycle Manufacturer
For a significant period in the early 20th century, Indian Motorcycle was the largest motorcycle manufacturer in the world. By 1913, the company was producing over 32,000 motorcycles annually, a staggering number for the era. Their dominance was a testament to their innovative designs, powerful engines, and successful racing endeavors.
3. The First Motorcycle Twist-Grip Control
One of Indian’s most significant contributions to motorcycle technology was the use of the twist-grip control. This innovation allowed riders to control both the throttle and spark advance by twisting a handgrip on the handlebars, making riding much more intuitive and safer than previous lever-based systems. This design quickly became an industry standard. While Indian Motorcycle claims to have invented the twist grip, there were a number of prior motorcycle prototypes from others using some sort of a twist grip. Regardless of the true inventor of the twist-grip, Indian Motorcycle would the earliest to use it on production motorcycles.
4. Indian Motorcycles Played a Role in Both World Wars
Indian Motorcycle contributed significantly to the Allied efforts in both World War I and World War II. During WWI, the U.S. government ordered thousands of Indian PowerPlus models for military use. In WWII, Indian produced the 741B model for reconnaissance and escort duties, alongside the famous 841, a shaft-driven model designed for desert warfare, though it saw limited combat.
5. Burt Monroe Set Records On a Highly Modified Indian Scout
The incredible story of Burt Munro, immortalized in the film “The World’s Fastest Indian,” is a true testament to the Indian Scout’s potential. Munro, a New Zealander, spent decades modifying his 1920 Indian Scout. In 1967, at the age of 68, he set a land speed record of 184 mph at the Bonneville Salt Flats. His modified Scout, nicknamed the “Munro Special,” is a legend in motorcycle history.
6. The “Indian Red” Color Was Originally a Strategic Choice
The distinctive “Indian Red” color, often associated with the brand, wasn’t just a random aesthetic choice. In the early days, red paint was one of the most durable and colorfast pigments available. Using it on their motorcycles ensured that the bikes maintained their vibrant appearance even after prolonged exposure to the elements, contributing to their reputation for quality and longevity.
7. Indian Motorcycle Produced a V-Twin Engine Before Harley-Davidson
While Harley-Davidson is famous for its V-twin engines, Indian Motorcycle actually introduced its first V-twin in 1907, a year before Harley-Davidson’s first production V-twin. This early V-twin, initially used for racing, quickly found its way into production models, offering more power and smoother operation than the single-cylinder engines of the time.
8. The Brand Has Been Revived Multiple Times
Indian Motorcycle faced significant financial challenges and production ceased multiple times throughout its history, notably in 1953. However, the brand’s enduring legacy and the passion of its fans led to several attempts at revival over the decades. The most successful and lasting revival began in 2011 when Polaris Industries acquired the brand, leading to the highly successful modern Indian Motorcycle lineup.
9. They Once Made Automobiles
Lesser known is the fact that Indian Motorcycle briefly ventured into automobile manufacturing. In 1928, the company produced a few prototypes of a car called the “Indian Ace.” These cars were based on the Ace automobile company, which Indian had acquired. However, the venture was short-lived, and Indian quickly refocused solely on motorcycles.
From pioneering innovations to wartime contributions and incredible land speed records, Indian Motorcycle’s history is as rich as the machines themselves. These lesser-known facts add to the mystique of a brand that continues to captivate riders and enthusiasts worldwide.
THE ENDURING LEGACY OF GLEN ECHO RESORT
Nestled in the Cache La Poudre River Canyon, along Colorado Highway 14, lies Glen Echo Resort. For over a century, this delightful destination has welcomed travelers seeking solace, adventure, and a true taste of the Colorado mountains. Glen Echo has a rich and resilient history, having weathered economic downturns, fires, and floods, yet always emerging as a beacon of hospitality in the canyon. The Northern Colorado IMRG has frequently visited this establishment while riding through the canyon.
From Mining Headquarters to Mountain Oasis
The story of Glen Echo begins even before its official establishment as a resort. The land it occupies was once part of pioneer settler Norman Fry’s property, and served as the headquarters for the Racine Mining, Milling, and Power Company. After the mining company’s building burned down, the property found new owners with John and Carrie Cook, and H.L. and Edith Harris.
By 1921, a small store stood on the site, marking the humble beginnings of what would become Glen Echo. The Fort Collins Courier first mentioned Glen Echo in December 1921, describing it as “just the beginning of a summer resort” and noting its close proximity to the Rustic, another early canyon resort. The Cooks and Harrises envisioned a place where guests could enjoy meals, rent cottages, and find general supplies amidst the beautiful natural surroundings.
A Move Across the Road and Early Growth
Initially, the store was located on the north side of Poudre Canyon Road. In a testament to early ingenuity, the original store building was reportedly hauled across the road to its current south-side location by two teams of horses, likely between 1924 and 1925. Once settled, the store was joined by four rental accommodations, which were initially wooden platforms with tents, offering a rustic yet inviting experience for early visitors.
The resort began to flourish, providing a much-needed respite for those venturing into the canyon. However, the Great Depression brought challenges, and by early 1931, the Cooks and Harrises lost the property. It was then sold to Herman Welter, who would become a significant figure in Glen Echo’s history.
The “Blue Heron” Era and Post-War Changes
Herman Welter added living quarters to the back of the store for himself and his family, and undertook general improvements, including painting and fixing up the place. He expanded the lodging options by adding five rental cabins. Welter was known for his exceptional fishing skills, earning him the nickname “the blue heron,” and he famously guaranteed that every guest would catch their limit of fish, even if he had to lend a hand!
In 1946, Welter sold Glen Echo to Earl and Elizabeth Stonemets. The Stonemets constructed a new, larger store. The resort continued to be a popular destination throughout the mid-20th century, with photographs from the era showcasing its bustling store and cabins. Cabin #1, originally the Cooks’ home, became a rental cabin for larger parties before being taken down in 1984 to make way for a laundry and recreation center.
Resilience in the Face of Adversity
In April 2003, the main building burned down due to an electrical fire caused by mice seeking warmth. Thankfully, no one was hurt, and the current structure was built in its place a few years later, continuing to offer a restaurant, store, cabins, and campsites.
More recently, Glen Echo demonstrated its remarkable resilience during the Cameron Peak fire in 2020. The fire forced an evacuation and a 10-week closure, but miraculously, Glen Echo emerged unscathed. In 2021, devastating floods swept through the canyon, washing out the bridge to the island at Glen Echo, but this damage has since been repaired.
Glen Echo Today: A Century of Hospitality
Dean and Tami Mazzuca purchased the resort in 2015. They operated the park for 9 and a half years, until July of 2024, when they decided to retire. Today, under new ownership, Glen Echo continues its legacy as a cherished year-round destination. It offers a variety of lodging options, from rustic and modern cabins to a vacation home, RV sites, tent sites, glamping tents, and even covered wagons, providing an authentic Western experience.
At an elevation of 7,200 feet, Glen Echo is a central hub for outdoor activities in the Poudre Canyon, including fly fishing, hiking, and simply enjoying the serene mountain environment. Having weathered over a century of change, Glen Echo Resort stands as a testament to an enduring spirit, community, and appeal of Colorado wilderness.
OUR OZARKS ADVENTURE: A RIDE TO REMEMBER
With route plans programmed into our GPS devices, and an open road ahead, the NoCo IMRG embarked on an eight-day (which morphed into a 10-day) Ozarks adventure this past May. It proved to be a journey of scenic routes, spontaneous detours, and a whole lot of great memories.
The Long Road to the Ozarks
Our adventure kicked off with only one goal – get through as much of Kansas as possible. There was a certain satisfaction in watching the miles tick by, knowing that every mile got as closer to the real destination. We spent our first night in McPherson, just outside of Wichita, ready to hit the road bright and early.
On Day 2, the landscape began to transform. As we rode from McPherson to Springdale, Arkansas, the flat plains gave way to rolling hills and lush green scenery. You could feel the Ozarks calling to us, and the excitement was growing with every curve in the road. We arrived at our Airbnb located right on a beautiful lake that we would call home for the next few days.
Riding the Charm of the Ozarks
Day 3, our first full day in Arkansas, was all about discovery. We explored the countryside south and east of Fayetteville, took on the winding roads to Devil’s Den State Park, and cruised around the Ozark National Forest. The roads we traveled offered breathtaking views and were kind of pure riding pleasure you dream about. We even made a quick hop into Oklahoma just to add another state to our travel list—a testament to the simple joy of a road trip.
Day 4 was one ride we had all been waiting for: the famous Pig Trail. We started with a scenic detour, crossing the picturesque bridge by the historic War Eagle Mill and the smaller, but equally alluring, Little Golden Gate Bridge near Eureka Springs. We stopped at Legends for lunch before truly traversing the trail. The ride was everything we hoped for—twisty roads through dense forests.
No Ozarks trip would be complete without a stop at the iconic Oark General Store for a slice of pie and ice cream. It was the perfect reward for a day on the road.
The next day—Day 5—was a chance to slow down. We passed through the unique town of Eureka Springs and headed to Table Rock Lake for an afternoon of boating. Nothing beats the feeling of trading the rumble of an engine for the gentle lapping of water. Later, we found our way to the Short Stop General Store, known for their ridiculously tall ice cream cones—the perfect way to end a relaxing day.
Day 6 brought us back to the bikes to explore the Buffalo River region. We had lunch at the Cliff House, which boasts incredible views of what’s often called “Arkansas’ Grand Canyon.” The afternoon was spent riding the Arkansas Dragon, a challenging and exhilarating route that was a definite highlight of the trip.
A Scenic Detour and the Journey Home
Saying goodbye to our lakeside spot on Day 7 was tough, but the road was calling again. We headed north to Missouri, making a memorable crossing via the famous Peel Ferry on Bull Shoals Lake. We also made a stop in Monett to get a photo at the Freedom Silo before settling in for the night at a classic, authentic Route 66 roadside motel outside of Carthage, MO.
Day 8 was supposed to be the start of our ride home, but Mother Nature had other plans. After studying weather radars over breakfast at the Carthage Family Restaurant, it was clear that severe thunderstorms were heading our way. The plan shifted. We rerouted south across Oklahoma to try and skirt the storm, making it about 200 miles to Ponca City. As if on cue, a heavy downpour started just as we arrived for a late lunch. We decided to call it a day and check into a nearby hotel, watching the rain from the window at the indoor swimming pool. Sometimes the best-laid plans need a little flexibility.
After a shortened Day 8, we were back on track for a long ride on Day 9. We covered roughly 400 miles from Ponca City, OK, to Goodland, KS. The weather was on our side, with cloudy skies but no rain. We stuck to the backroads, enjoying the ever-changing landscape as we rode northeast. The day ended perfectly with a relaxing soak in the hotel hot tub.
Home, with a Story to Tell
Day 10 marked the final leg of our extended adventure. Leaving Goodland with a bit of drizzle, the sky quickly cleared, giving us a beautiful ride north. We stopped for a delicious lunch in Wray, CO, a location many of us remembered from a previous ride to Beecher Battlefield.
The final stretch home was a mix of dark skies and light rain near Greeley, but it couldn’t dampen our spirits. We successfully navigated the entire trip while avoiding any major storms and experiencing fantastic weather for the most part. It was a bittersweet ending—the kind of feeling you only get after an awesome road trip that will not soon be forgotten. The memories made on the road with good company are the best kind, and this trip was full of them.
THE NORTHERN COLORADO IMRG CELEBRATES—7TH CHAPTER ANNIVERSARY!
On July 30, 2025, the Northern Colorado Indian Motorcycle Riders Group celebrated its 7th chapter anniversary.
This past year has been a wild ride, packed with everything from multi-day road trips to thrilling day rides in the
Rockies. We’ve enjoyed dinner rides, dealership events, social gatherings, and even skills practice sessions.
This anniversary isn’t just about another year on the calendar—it’s a testament to the community we’ve built, the
friendships we’ve forged, and the incredible adventures we’ve shared. We’ve weathered storms and basked in the
sunshine, all from the saddle of our favorite bikes. From the winding mountain passes to scenic lakeside cruises,
every mile has been a memory in the making.
Look back at some of the best moments from our fantastic seventh year! The open road is calling, and we can’t
wait to see what next year brings.
The End of a Journey
The final leg of the Northern Colorado IMRG’s Glacier road trip last summer began with a mix of exhilaration and melancholy. As we departed Vernal, Utah, for the long ride back to Fort Collins, the feeling was bittersweet. We knew we had another day of outstanding riding with a great group of friends, but it also meant our wonderful 8-day excursion was finally coming to a close. Our last day’s journey started on the open roads leading to Maybell, Craig, and Hayden before ascending into the heart of the Rocky Mountains and the picturesque town of Steamboat Springs, each mile a tribute to the freedom and camaraderie we had enjoyed.
The final stretch of the journey was a breathtaking series of iconic Colorado passes, a perfect send-off to our adventure. We ascended the sweeping vistas of Rabbit Ears Pass, its majestic views a fitting ending to our travels. From there, we navigated the twists and turns of Cameron Pass, and finally, the winding road along the Poudre River. The familiar sights of the canyon marked the true end of our great excursion, a bittersweet final stretch before we all returned home with cherished memories that would last until our next adventure.
Watch the video of our adventure from Vernal, UT back home.
Ride. Seek. Explore.