Indian Motorcycle is one of the oldest and most legendary names in American motorcycling — synonymous with craftsmanship, power, and heritage. But after more than a century of ups and downs, many riders still ask: who owns Indian Motorcycle today?
In this article, we’ll explore who currently owns Indian, how the brand evolved over time, its rivalry with Harley-Davidson, and how modern engineering has brought this iconic company back to life.
💡 Quick Answer: Indian Motorcycles Is Owned by Polaris Industries
Indian Motorcycles is owned by Polaris Inc. (formerly Polaris Industries), an American company headquartered in Medina, Minnesota. Polaris acquired Indian Motorcycle in 2011 and relaunched it in 2013 with all-new, American-made designs.
Since then, Polaris has successfully revived the Indian name into a world-class motorcycle brand — competing head-to-head with Harley-Davidson through innovation, technology, and style.
🏍️ About Polaris Industries
Polaris Inc. is a Fortune 500 company best known for manufacturing powersports vehicles, including:
- ATVs (Polaris Sportsman, Scrambler)
- Side-by-sides (RZR, Ranger, General)
- Snowmobiles (Polaris RMK, Indy)
- Electric vehicles and Slingshot three-wheelers
Founded in 1954, Polaris has deep roots in American motorsports engineering. Its acquisition of Indian Motorcycles marked a major step into the heavyweight cruiser and touring motorcycle market.
Polaris also owned Victory Motorcycles from 1998 to 2017 but discontinued that line to focus exclusively on Indian’s success.
📜 A Brief History of Indian Motorcycles
Indian Motorcycle has one of the most fascinating and turbulent histories in the motorcycle world. Here’s a quick overview of its journey from pioneer to modern-day legend:
1901–1953: The Original Indian Motorcycle Company
Indian Motorcycle was founded in 1901 in Springfield, Massachusetts, making it America’s first motorcycle company — predating Harley-Davidson by two years. Its founders, George M. Hendee and Oscar Hedstrom, quickly gained fame for producing fast, reliable, and beautifully designed machines.
During the early 1900s, Indian dominated motorcycle racing and became a global symbol of performance. Iconic models included:
- Indian Scout (introduced 1920)
- Indian Chief (introduced 1922)
- Indian Four (introduced 1928)
Indian’s success peaked in the 1920s and 1930s, but World War II production demands and post-war competition from Harley-Davidson eventually led to financial trouble. The original Indian Motorcycle Manufacturing Company closed in 1953.
1953–2011: Years of Uncertainty and Revivals
After Indian’s closure, the brand changed hands multiple times. Several companies tried to revive it — with mixed results:
- 1950s–70s: British-owned Indian Sales Corporation marketed rebranded imported bikes under the Indian name.
- 1999: The Indian Motorcycle Company of America produced limited motorcycles in California but went bankrupt by 2003.
- 2006: British investors Stellican Ltd. acquired the brand and reintroduced bikes in Kings Mountain, North Carolina — but production remained small-scale.
The brand’s true revival didn’t come until Polaris Industries acquired Indian in 2011.
2011–Present: The Polaris Era
Polaris completely overhauled Indian’s lineup, starting fresh with new engines, designs, and manufacturing facilities in Spirit Lake, Iowa. In 2013, Indian relaunched with three core models — the Chief Classic, Chief Vintage, and Chieftain.
Since then, the lineup has expanded to include:
- Indian Scout and Scout Bobber
- Indian Chief and Chief Dark Horse
- Indian Challenger and Pursuit
- Indian FTR — inspired by flat-track racing
- Indian Roadmaster — luxury touring flagship
These modern Indian motorcycles combine classic styling with cutting-edge technology — including touchscreen displays, cornering ABS, ride modes, and LED lighting from the factory.
⚙️ Indian Motorcycle Manufacturing Today
All modern Indian motorcycles are engineered and assembled in the United States at Polaris’ facilities in:
- 📍 Spirit Lake, Iowa – Motorcycle assembly and testing
- 📍 Osceola, Wisconsin – Engine manufacturing (Thunderstroke & PowerPlus engines)
This makes Indian one of the few brands that can proudly claim “American-made motorcycles” in today’s global market.
Indian also partners with select U.S. suppliers for components like lighting, electronics, and performance accessories — ensuring every bike upholds its heritage of quality.
🏍️ Indian vs. Harley-Davidson: The Historic Rivalry
Indian and Harley-Davidson have been rivals since the early 1900s — often compared for design, performance, and cultural impact.
| Feature | Indian Motorcycles | Harley-Davidson |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 1901 (Springfield, MA) | 1903 (Milwaukee, WI) |
| Current Owner | Polaris Inc. (U.S.) | Harley-Davidson Motor Co. (Independent U.S. company) |
| Design Focus | Classic styling + modern performance | Heritage design + customization |
| Popular Models | Scout, Chief, Challenger | Sportster, Softail, Road Glide |
| Production | U.S.-based (Iowa & Wisconsin) | U.S.-based (Wisconsin & Pennsylvania) |
Today, Indian and Harley-Davidson continue to push each other to innovate — bringing riders world-class American motorcycles with distinct personalities.
💡 Interesting Facts About Indian Motorcycles
- Indian was the first motorcycle company in America (founded in 1901).
- In 1911, Indian took 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place at the Isle of Man Tourist Trophy race.
- The “Indian Scout” was used by U.S. military forces during World War II.
- Polaris’ Thunderstroke 111 engine was Indian’s first new engine in 70 years when introduced in 2013.
- Modern Indian bikes feature advanced LED lighting — similar to Eagle Lights LED systems for upgraded brightness and visibility.
🧠 Why Polaris Revived Indian Instead of Expanding Victory
Polaris launched its own motorcycle brand, Victory Motorcycles, in 1998 to compete with Harley-Davidson. However, Victory struggled to gain the same brand loyalty or recognition.
When Polaris acquired Indian, it saw an opportunity to leverage the brand’s heritage, emotional appeal, and global recognition. In 2017, Polaris officially ended Victory production to concentrate on Indian’s growth — a decision that paid off tremendously.
Indian now serves as Polaris’ flagship motorcycle brand, representing a blend of heritage, performance, and innovation.
🌎 Indian Motorcycle in 2025: The Modern Legacy
Today, Indian Motorcycles competes globally with Harley-Davidson, BMW, and Ducati in cruiser, touring, and performance segments. Its blend of craftsmanship and technology has made it one of the fastest-growing motorcycle brands in North America.
Modern features include:
- Touchscreen infotainment with Ride Command GPS
- Cornering ABS and traction control
- Custom ride modes
- LED headlights and adaptive cornering lights
- Premium finishes and advanced aerodynamics
Indian also continues to support racing through the Indian FTR lineup — inspired by its flat-track championship-winning designs.
💬 Frequently Asked Questions (People Also Ask)
Who owns Indian Motorcycles now?
Polaris Industries (now Polaris Inc.) owns Indian Motorcycles. The company acquired the brand in 2011 and relaunched it in 2013.
Where are Indian Motorcycles made?
Indian motorcycles are manufactured in Spirit Lake, Iowa, with engines built in Osceola, Wisconsin — both in the United States.
Did Harley-Davidson ever own Indian Motorcycles?
No. Harley-Davidson and Indian have always been separate companies and longtime competitors.
Who founded Indian Motorcycles?
George M. Hendee and Oscar Hedstrom founded Indian Motorcycle in 1901 in Springfield, Massachusetts.
What happened to Victory Motorcycles?
Polaris discontinued Victory Motorcycles in 2017 to focus on the Indian brand, which was gaining more global traction.
Is Indian Motorcycle still American-made?
Yes. Indian is proudly American-made and remains one of the most respected motorcycle manufacturers in the U.S.
🏁 Final Thoughts: The Spirit of Indian Lives On
So, who owns Indian Motorcycles? The answer is Polaris Inc. — a company that has revived and elevated Indian into a modern powerhouse of American engineering. Under Polaris, Indian continues to honor its 120-year legacy of innovation, speed, and craftsmanship.
From the legendary Scout to the high-performance Challenger, today’s Indian motorcycles embody timeless design with advanced technology — including factory-equipped LED systems that rival aftermarket upgrades from Eagle Lights.
Ride proud. Ride American. Ride bright.
