Indian motorcycle show in Daytona Beach Florida famous US company established in 1901

Indian Motorcycle is an American motorcycle brand controlled by the Los Angeles, California-based private equity firm Carolwood LP since February 2026.

The company from which its name originated was in operation in Springfield, Massachusetts between 1901 and 1953, although it was known as the Hendee Manufacturing Company until 1923. Its factory team took the first three places in the 1911 Isle of Man Tourist Trophy.

In 2011, Medina, Minnesota-based automotive manufacturer Polaris, Inc. acquired the Indian motorcycle brand after several organizations had attempted to perpetuate it with limited success.

The "Indian Motocycle Co." was founded as the Hendee Manufacturing Company by George M. Hendee in 1897 to manufacture bicycles. These were initially badged as "Silver King" and "Silver Queen" brands but the name "American Indian", quickly shortened to just "Indian", was adopted by Hendee from 1898 onwards because it gave better product recognition in export markets.