Various Indians Classic Indian Motorcycle Discuss Various Indians in the Classic Harley Motorcycles forums; From what I've read old Indians came in 1, 2 or 4 cylinder set ups. Harley did 1 and 2 cylinder engines. Why did Indian make an inline 4 but ...

[JayDee]

From what I've read old Indians came in 1, 2 or 4 cylinder set ups.

Harley did 1 and 2 cylinder engines.

Why did Indian make an inline 4 but Harley never did?

[shovelmike]

The Indian 4 cost them a lot to make. I don't think it was much of a money maker for them. I have seen some nice running examples..very nice bikes.
I guess H-D figured it wasn't profitable.

[47knuck]

Can't say about Harley, but I do know the original Indian Fours were rebadged Ace Fours when Indian bought Ace. The first year Indian Four was an Ace Four with Indian painted on the gas tank. I think they later switched the front end over to a more traditional Indian set up.

[tagrat]

The Indian square four was originally built by Aeriel, a British company. Indian bought Aeriel late in their history because they were trying to diversify to save the company. During World War II, Indian only produced bikes for the military while Harley-Davidson produced bikes for both the military and the civilian markets. By the end of the war the riders who had been Indian riders were riding Harleys and never went back so Indian lost a large share of their ridership. The purchase of Aeriel was a case of too little too late and Indian folded in 1950.