Description
Indian 1915 7 HP Big Twin “Model C3” 994 cc IOE V-twin
By 1913 Indian was the largest motorcycle manufacturer in the world; the 1913 production was almost 32,000 machines.
There were 2,000 dealers all over the world and Indian controlled some 42% of the domestic motorcycle market in the USA, according to a company claim.
For 1915 about a dozen models were offered, designated by the letters “A” till “E” and in variations from single speed to three speed.
Interestingly the domestic American catalogue doesn’t mention the “A” models but in the British and French brochures we see that this letter refers to a 498cc twin model, in the French brochure labelled “Baby”.
Top-of the-range model was the 994 cc Model C, labelled “Big Twin”.
The “Model C” was available in single speed and with 2 or 3 speed countershaft gearbox.
This sturdy vintage 3-speeder is fitted with magdyno and electric front lamp, not often seen nowadays on a Big Twin.
For a complete electric lighting system with horn the extra price was $30, quite an outlay if you consider that the price of the standard motorcycle was $260.
This machine is fitted with a Schebler carburettor and a luggage rack, which was available for an extra $2 when ordered with the machine.
The machine has been in regular use lately and comes in authentic patina condition.