The last Indian to feature the F-head engine in a cradle-spring frame, the Big Twin is one of the milestone bikes of Indian’s long history. 1913 was the first year of the cradle and 1915 was the last year of production before Indian stopped racing efforts to help with the war, replacing Oscar Hedstrom’s design with their first flat head (called the Powerplus).
Indian’s marketing for the Big Twin called it “the predominant all-round machine…the crowning achievement of a company known the world over for the superiority of its product.” This was a time of rapid change for Indian – 1913 saw the introduction of the cradle frame which had a swingarm connected to leaf springs, 1914 saw the introduction of a luggage rack, and 1915 was when the company introduced options like a three-speed transmission, Schebler carb, electric lighting, and more. 21,000 Big Twins were built – who knows how many are left now.
This example (VIN: 72E263) has been restored “from a very complete original motorcycle.” The seller doesn’t have much more to add to it and I am very much not an expert when it comes to early Indians so you’ll have to ask him or her plenty of questions before you commit to such an expensive acquisition – but it sure is a beauty!
Find this Big Twin for sale in Los Angeles, California with a BIN of $86,000 or best offer here on eBay.