For British bike builder Alan Forbes, a big part of his love for motorcycles comes from something that was truly American in its origin.  Recently, we talked to Alan to see what drives him toward restarting a legendary name in American Motorcycling.

“I have a passion for Indian Motorcycles because I saw them as a kid.  There were plenty of ex-military bikes around.  A friend of my father’s had one and I knew that one day that I wanted one too,” Alan told us.  Well, he has definitely exceeded his original desire, for today Alan owns a personal collection of Indians ranging from 1909 to 1953!  Alan went on to tell us that he restored his first Indian when he was 18 year old.  He also said that he had to fabricate many of the parts for that bike, and then he began making parts for his friend’s bikes as well.  Consequently, his hobby and his passion turned into a business!  You see, Alan is recreating a new line of Indian Motorcycles, particularly a modern version of the original Indian 4!

To gain just a bit of perspective on this legendary bike, Alan told us that the original Indian 4 was produced from the late 1920s until 1942 and to this day, no other company has ever produced a straight four-cylinder engine!  Alan told us that in its day, the Indian 4 was the most expensive motorcycle produced!  He also went on to tell us a bit more of the company’s history, stating that in 1953, Indian Motorcycles went out of business and a British firm then acquired the rights to the name and logo.  And, up through the 1970s several different British bikes were marketed under the trademark.

Concerning his own reproduction of the bike under the model name of the Indian Dakota 4, Alan has juiced up this modern day warrior with electronic fuel injection and improved handling.  And where do Alan and his crew produce these bikes?  Well, the parts are custom-cast and machined in a variety of shops in England and Scotland including a centuries-old foundry in Edinboro where metal casting has been carried on for generations!  Also, these motorcycles are custom made-to-order so there aren’t any problems with storing inventory!  “People from everywhere come to buy these bikes,” Alan told us.  He also stated that this approach keeps the quality at its highest.  “Instead of making motorcycles and trying to sell them, we sell them and then build them.”  Concerning the other motorcycles that have been marketed as Indians, Alan said that these bikes have basically been assembled from after-market parts.

For Alan Forbes, this business is an issue of passion and credibility.  “It’s about the heart and soul of what Indian Motorcycles should be,” Alan proudly added.  With this type of commitment coupled with his life-long love of these bikes, we can tell that he will take the “new” Indian as far as it can go.  In addition, on the company website it states that they are proud to be able to service any Indian built from 1901 to 1953!  So, if you would like to learn more about the new Indian Dakota 4, or if you have questions about your vintage Indian, give them a visit on the web at www.indian-uk.com. That’s it from across the pond so until our next ride, “keep the shiny side up and Ride On!”                        

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