1929 TYPE 401

While Indian initially produced the Ace virtually unchanged, the 1929 Model 401 adopted more of the parent company’s trademark features. As well as deleting the Ace name, the tank became a compact teardrop design. Indian’s famous leaf-spring fork replaced the Henderson-ace plunger type and a drum front brake was fitted, complementing the contracting-band rear. The 401 initially shared the Ace’s single downtube frame, but vibration issues prompted a twin-tube design based loosely on the Scout models but using heavier tubing. The new frame was fitted to the Model 402, available from spring 1929, which also featured a fivebearing crank to replace the Ace’s three-bearing unit, along with a better oil pump, redesigned cylinder heads and alloy pistons. The 402 gained 50lb, so riders needed all the available 30hp to stay with the old Ace.