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Indian Motorcycle 125th Anniversary: 125 Years of V-Twin Innovation

MINNEAPOLIS, Jan. 7, 2026 — The Indian Motorcycle 125th Anniversary marks over a century of American craftsmanship, grit, and performance. Since rolling its first bike off the line in 1901, Indian Motorcycle has been a benchmark for V-Twin motorcycles, combining timeless design with modern engineering and innovation.

To honor this milestone, Indian Motorcycle is launching the Never Finished campaign — a year-long celebration of the brand’s history, riders, and commitment to innovation.


Indian Motorcycle 125th Anniversary: The Never Finished Campaign

“The pursuit of innovation that drove our founders continues to drive us today,” says Nate Secor, Director of Marketing for Indian Motorcycle. “The Indian Motorcycle 125th Anniversary and the Never Finished campaign aren’t just about celebrating 125 years — they’re a promise to riders that we will always be pushing forward, always innovating, and always competing.”

The campaign spans 2026 and includes rider programs, product launches, and special promotions to celebrate the brand’s legacy and its future.


Indian Motorcycle 125th Anniversary: From Gasoline Bicycles to America’s First Motorcycle

Before motorcycles, George Hendee and Oscar Hedstrom were competitive bicycle racers. Early motorized pacers were unreliable, often stalling mid-race, but Hendee and Hedstrom built machines that worked. Their reliability and ingenuity caught attention, setting the stage for mass production of motor-assisted bicycles.

By 1901, they introduced America’s first motorcycle, marking the birth of Indian Motorcycle. By 1913, Indian was the market leader, producing 30,000 motorcycles annually in the world’s largest motorcycle factory. Innovation, reliability, and performance fueled its rise — a foundation that continues to define the brand today.


Indian Motorcycle 125th Anniversary: 125 Years Strong, Crafting Bikes with Purpose

As America’s first motorcycle company, Indian Motorcycle continues to build bikes with purpose, precision, and no shortcuts. Each V-Twin motorcycle is designed to stand apart, empowering riders to forge their own path and refuse to blend in.

The Indian Motorcycle 125th Anniversary is not just a milestone — it’s a testament to the riders, builders, and enthusiasts who kept the spirit alive through a 60-year hiatus and fueled the brand’s comeback over the past decade.


A Legacy of Innovation and Determination

Indian Motorcycle’s history is more than steel and engines — it’s about grit, determination, and a relentless drive to move forward. From hand-built V-Twins in 1901 to today’s precision-engineered machines, the brand has always pushed the limits of design and performance.

“The Indian Motorcycle 125th Anniversary celebrates every mile, every build, and every rider who has been part of this journey,” Secor adds. “It’s a legacy we’re proud of, and one we’ll keep building on.”


Celebrating 125 Years with Riders

Throughout 2026, Indian Motorcycle will host events, programs, and product launches in honor of the 125th Anniversary. To follow the latest updates, visit IndianMotorcycle.com and follow the brand on Facebook, X, Instagram, and YouTube.

From classic choppers to modern V-Twins, the Indian Motorcycle 125th Anniversary is a reminder that American motorcycling is about performance, craftsmanship, and riding your own path.

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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