The motocycle’s (note that in 1919, as shown in this ad, the word was spelled without the r) effect on the bicycle is clearly apparent in this ad. One of the major distinguishing features is the tank, which may have housed a battery for the headlight. Also, compared to the pre-motocycle Columbia to the left, the Indian has wide fenders, upright handlebars with crossbrace, truss rods reinforcing the fork and a drop stand that swings beneath the rear wheel for parking the bike. Another difference is the thickly padded and sprung seat, which looks quite comfortable. Interestingly, if you found an Indian Motocycle of this era (I believe there’s one in the Smithsonian), the kick starter would be a bicycle pedal.


1919 Indian Motobike ad

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