Black Hut

The 1911 TT is dubbed 'the Indian Summer' for good reason. This was the debut of the 'Mountain Course' circuit, which took in the epic mountain section - a challenge that would hasten motorcycle development and profoundly shape its future forever. But in 1911, few motorcycle marques could live up to the challenge - except Indian. While the majority of motorcycles at that time were belt-driven, Indians had a chain drive and a two-speed transmission, which proved pretty handy over the mountain. Indian finished first, second and third that year at a time when TT wins significantly aided sales in stores. As one commentator said: 'Motorcyclists were the horseback riders of the gasoline age:

I've always loved the story of the victorious, highly innovative, Indians and Oliver Godfrey's Senior TT win in 1911 and had attempted creating this image before, alas to no avail. But this time, with Ian at the helm and a much better Indian headdress, we finally did it.

Left: If at first who don't succeed, try, try, again. The Indian image was some years in the making.

Above: Charles Franklin was second for Indian in the 1911 senior TT, behind teammate Godfrey. Dubliner Franklin was to later design the Indian Scout, among others.