America has always been enthralled by four cylinder motorcycles, and has been the market for both short lived brands to ones that endured. First on American roads was the Belgium-made F.N., manufactured by the famed arms maker, Fabrique Nationale D’Arms DeGuerre. On these shores, the Pierce Cycle Company manufactured an expensive shaft driven motorcycle from 1909 to 1912. This was followed by Henderson in 1912, Gerhart in 1913 and later in 1925 the Cleveland. The Henderson lived a twinned existence. The Henderson brothers sold out to Excelsior in late 1917 which carried on into the Depression years before Schwinn shut down production to protect his bicycle empire. Bill Henderson worked for Schwinn then abruptly left to form the Ace Motor Corporation in Philadelphia in 1919. The company was in and out of receivership several times and in February of 1927, Indian Motocycle Company purchased the Ace outright. The first Fours rolling out of the Wigwam were nothing more than Aces, but immediately were made a finer machine for riding conditions, which had changed in the years since the Ace was first made. The forks were strengthened and brakes improved. The engine received pressure feed lubrication, and included upgrades in cylinders, pistons, tappets and valve gear, all to improve gas flow. In July of 1928, Indian announced the first true Indian Four, the Series 401 as the company then stated they would make only running changes and would not recognize model years. The 401 was designed to have the appearance of the popular Series 101 Scout. The new Four received a 101 fork with an additional leaf spring to handle the extra weight and the streamlined gas tank and fenders of the Scout. The frame was still Ace with a single front down tube. A year later, the Series 402 was announced. The frame was now a double front down tube giving the appearance similar to other Indians. The engine reaped most of the benefits. It gained a five main bearing crank and babbitt was bonded to the case and rod journals instead of using removable bearing inserts. Significant changes were introduced for the 1931 model year but the machine was still referred to as the 402. Effective from mid-year, the crankcases were revised with a central drain plug and additional ribbing on the bottom case. Newer special alloy pistons reduced clearances, producing less noise. The frame gained the more notable improvements. DuCo lacquer replaced enamel, and heavier cadmium plated spokes were used in the wheels. Finally, an effective brake was used in rear wheel. An Autolite generator replaced the smaller Splitdorf unit. The ineffective bullet headlight was replaced by a John Brown Motolamp and centrally mounted on new handlebars with a revised shape and a crossbar. Chrome made its first appearance on Indians this year providing an enhanced level of brightness and corrosion protection. This motorcycle received a thorough restoration and engine rebuild in 1987 by Bart Boyd. It is finished in a dark Indian Blue and is offered with a Kansas Certificate of Title. The motorcycle was restored with exceptions and shows normal wear of use from that period. It carries an earlier rear fender and tailpipe, and handlebars and headlight newer than its date of manufacture. This Indian Four, however, could easily be refitted properly or simply enjoyed on the road.
America has always been enthralled by four cylinder motorcycles, and has been the market for both short lived brands to ones that endured. First on American roads was the Belgium-made F.N., manufactured by the famed arms maker, Fabrique Nationale D’Arms DeGuerre. On these shores, the Pierce Cycle Company manufactured an expensive shaft driven motorcycle from 1909 to 1912. This was followed by Henderson in 1912, Gerhart in 1913 and later in 1925 the Cleveland. The Henderson lived a twinned existence. The Henderson brothers sold out to Excelsior in late 1917 which carried on into the Depression years before Schwinn shut down production to protect his bicycle empire. Bill Henderson worked for Schwinn then abruptly left to form the Ace Motor Corporation in Philadelphia in 1919. The company was in and out of receivership several times and in February of 1927, Indian Motocycle Company purchased the Ace outright. The first Fours rolling out of the Wigwam were nothing more than Aces, but immediately were made a finer machine for riding conditions, which had changed in the years since the Ace was first made. The forks were strengthened and brakes improved. The engine received pressure feed lubrication, and included upgrades in cylinders, pistons, tappets and valve gear, all to improve gas flow. In July of 1928, Indian announced the first true Indian Four, the Series 401 as the company then stated they would make only running changes and would not recognize model years. The 401 was designed to have the appearance of the popular Series 101 Scout. The new Four received a 101 fork with an additional leaf spring to handle the extra weight and the streamlined gas tank and fenders of the Scout. The frame was still Ace with a single front down tube. A year later, the Series 402 was announced. The frame was now a double front down tube giving the appearance similar to other Indians. The engine reaped most of the benefits. It gained a five main bearing crank and babbitt was bonded to the case and rod journals instead of using removable bearing inserts. Significant changes were introduced for the 1931 model year but the machine was still referred to as the 402. Effective from mid-year, the crankcases were revised with a central drain plug and additional ribbing on the bottom case. Newer special alloy pistons reduced clearances, producing less noise. The frame gained the more notable improvements. DuCo lacquer replaced enamel, and heavier cadmium plated spokes were used in the wheels. Finally, an effective brake was used in rear wheel. An Autolite generator replaced the smaller Splitdorf unit. The ineffective bullet headlight was replaced by a John Brown Motolamp and centrally mounted on new handlebars with a revised shape and a crossbar. Chrome made its first appearance on Indians this year providing an enhanced level of brightness and corrosion protection. This motorcycle received a thorough restoration and engine rebuild in 1987 by Bart Boyd. It is finished in a dark Indian Blue and is offered with a Kansas Certificate of Title. The motorcycle was restored with exceptions and shows normal wear of use from that period. It carries an earlier rear fender and tailpipe, and handlebars and headlight newer than its date of manufacture. This Indian Four, however, could easily be refitted properly or simply enjoyed on the road.
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.jpg "Quelle: Christie's")
.jpg "Quelle: Christie's")
