Racing

From the beginning, Indian motorcycles were used to entertain. Racing motorcycles on steeply banked wooden tracks -much like the old bicycle velodromes- offered fans the most exciting and dangerous entertainment. The motordromes spawned evocative nicknames, inflated rivalries and probably a few rigged contests. But by 1913, public sentiment turned against the motordromes after many deaths of riders and spectators. Undaunted by the demise of board track racing, Indian riders continued to test the limits of motorcycling for the next 40 years. The Factory and dealers supported teams and sponsored races throughout the country. Each new win solidified the Indian motorcycle’s reputation for being sleek, well balanced and fast.

CARTOONS & EDITORIALS SUCH AS THESE HELPED SWAY PUBLIC OPINION AGAINST DANGEROUS BOARD TRACK

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