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A superb and rare photo of the Indian8-valve 61 ci (1000cc) V-twin factory racer Bernard before the start of the1919 Paris-Reims-Paris race.
The absolutely magnificent Indian8-valve (!!!) 61 c.i. (1,000cc) V-twin racer was introduced in 1911 andwas produced until 1918. Indian placed it on sale to the public at theastronomical price of $350. It featured overhead-valve heads with four valvesper cylinder, and was easily capable of speeds of over 120 mph. In various forms, it was raced on the dirttrack as well as on the boards with very great success. It is unknown how manyof the 8-valve racers were manufactured, but production was very small indeed;most machines were ridden either by factory riders or were "loaned" topromising privateers. Like the other board track bikes of its era, it lackssuch amenities as brakes, a clutch, or even a throttle (carbs were run wideopen, with the only control of the engine speed being an ignition cut-out). TheIndian 8-valve V-twin racers were very successful on the wooden board tracksthat ruled racing in the beginning of the 20TH century in the USA and Europe. Bicycle racing onbanked, wooden velodromes was enormously popular at the turn of the 20thcentury. Many of the very first machines identifiable as motorcycles were builtby bicycle mechanics, and were used as "pacers" to train bicycleracers. The first race probably occurred the first time that two of themhappened to be on the track at the same time. Indian’s Oscar Hedstrom was oneof these enterprising young mechanics, and his design was so elegant andreliable that it was produced in quantity by the Hendee Manufacturing Companyas the first Indian motorcycle. Timber was cheap, labor was plentiful, andboard track racing offered a level of spectacle not seen since Roman times.With the help of an engineer from New Jersey by the name ofJack Prince -- who sought to build a chain of large tracks from coast to coast-- board track races spread across the nation like wildfire. The Coliseum inLos Angeles, over a quarter mile long, was opened in 1909, followed immediatelyby a one-third mile bowl in Springfield, Mass., and in 1910 by full mile-longtracks in Playa del Rey, California (a suburb wedged between Los Angeles andthe Pacific ocean) and Salt Lake City, Utah. Tracks up to two miles in lengthwere thrown up in 1911 in Oakland, Denver, Buffalo, Cleveland, Chicago, and Detroit. 1912 broughttracks to Milwaukee, Omaha, Houston, Cleveland and Atlantic City. Race promotersmade wads of money, with $10,000 daily gate receipts a common draw. Very highspeeds and a complete lack of safety precautions lead to spectacular wrecks onthe board tracks in the 1910s, often killing a half-dozen competitors andspectators at a time. Controversy over safety had already caused the nationalsanctioning organization to switch the 1913 National Championship Races overfrom the boards to the safer, but less profitable, dirt ovals. True to form,racing improved the breed. Motorcycles went from able-to-keep-up-with-bicyclesin 1900 to the first 100-mph average lap, turned by Lee Humiston on a"Big-Valve" Excelsior at the Playa del Rey track in 1912. Technicalcompetition among the manufacturers was just as fierce as the racing itself.The race for prestige led famous manufacturers like Indian, Excelsior, Cyclone,Thor, and Flying Merkel to develop purpose-built racing equipment with thehighest attainable horsepower they could squeeze from their motors. Few were assuccessful in doing this then Indian was!
The Indian V-twin racerswere legendary machines. In 1907, Indian built its first V-twin, and in followingyears made a strong showing in racing and record-breaking. One of the firm'smost famous riders was Erwin "Cannonball" Baker, who set many long-distancerecords. In 1914, he rode an Indian across America, from San Diego to New York, in a record 11days, 12 hours and ten minutes. Baker's mount in subsequent years was thePowerplus, a side-valve V-Twin, which was introduced in 1916. Its 61ci (1000 cc),42 degree V-twin engine was more powerful and quieter than previous designs,giving a top speed of 60 mph (96km/h). The Powerplus was highlysuccessful, both as a roadster and as the basis for racing bikes. It remainedin production with few changes until 1924. Competition success played a bigpart in Indian's rapid growth and spurred technical innovation, as well. One ofthe American firm's best early results came in the Isle of Man TT in 1911, whenIndian riders Godfrey, Franklin and Moorehouse finished first, second andthird. Indian star Jake De Rosier set several speed records both in America and at Brooklandsin England, and won anestimated 900 races on dirt and board track racing.
This is a very nice and very rare photo that reflects a wonderful era ofIndian motorcycle history in a wonderfulway. This is your rare chance to ownthis non period photo, therefore it is printed in a nice large formatofca. 8" x 10" (ca. 20 x 26 cm). It makes it perfectly suitablefor framing!
Contact us for more Indian and other motorcycle photos of the old andfamous American and European motorcycle brands and save on shipping!
Shipping costs will only be $ 7.00 regardless of how many photos youbuy. For 5 or more photos, shipping is free!
(Note: A. Herl, Inc. does not appear onphoto, for purposes only)
No copyrightexpressed or implied. Sold as collectable item only. We are clearing out ourarchives that we have gathered from various sources.
All items always sent wellprotected in PVC clear filesand board backedenvelopes.
We havephotographs that came from professional collections and/or were bought from theoriginal photographer or press studio! They are all of professional andexcellent quality.
After many decadesof professionally collecting photographs and posters we are clearing out ourarchives. They make the perfect gift and are perfectly suited for framing. Theywill look gorgeous unframed and will be a true asset nicely framed with aborder. They are a gorgeous and great asset in every home, workshop, workplace,restaurant, bar or club!
First come -first served. And you can always contact us for your requests. Please ask anyquestions before the sale ends.
