Indian Board Track Racer

Prepare for an electrifying journey into the exhilarating world of vintage motorcycles as Barrett Jackson unveils the remarkable 1913 Indian Board Track Racer – America's Original Superbike. Hold onto your helmets, folks, because this is a tale of speed, innovation, and a bygone era brought back to life!

Picture this: a 1913 Indian Board Track Racer, a true icon of its time and one of America's first bona fide superbikes. These board trackers, like the one before you, were the stuff of legends, capable of reaching blistering speeds exceeding 100 mph (160+ km/h) on the rudimentary race tracks that were springing up across the United States. And here's the kicker – these powerful machines had no brakes!

Indian And The Board Trackers

Indian, in the 1910s, stood as one of the world's premier motorcycle manufacturers. In 1911, Indian motorcycles took a triumphant 1-2-3 place finish at the iconic Isle of Man TT, leaving the world in awe. Their victories extended beyond the Isle of Man, as they dominated racetracks on the outskirts of major cities across North America.

The success of Indian can be traced back to the brilliance of its founders, George Hendee and Oscar Hedstrom. Both men were former champion bicycle racers from the late 1800s. In 1897, Hendee established the Hendee Manufacturing Company to craft bicycles, and by 1900, Oscar Hedstrom joined him. Together, they embarked on a journey that would forever change the world of motorcycling.

Their early creation, aptly named the "moto-cycle," took the public by storm when it was first introduced in 1902. By 1903, chief engineer Oscar Hedstrom had set the world motorcycle speed record at an astounding 56 mph, a feat previously deemed impossible.

The early years of the Hendee Manufacturing Company were a whirlwind of innovation. In 1905, they produced their first V-twin engine motorcycle,a groundbreaking move that would shape the company's destiny throughoutthe 20th century. This transversely mounted V-twin design not only fit neatly into the narrow motorcycle frames of the era but also delivered significant power.

Now, let's fast forward to the thrill-packed sport of board track racing. These early Indians went head-to-head with legendary rivals like Harley-Davidson, Flying Merkel, Cyclone, and more. Picture immense banked oval circuits made entirely of wooden planks, some stretching for a mile. The atmosphere was akin to a fairground, complete with food stalls, entertainment, and grandstand seating. Millions flocked to witness the spectacle, watching in awe as vehicles shattered the 100 mph barrier, all while being immersed in the roar of unmuffled racing engines, clouds of smoke, and the intoxicating scent of gasoline.

Here's the kicker – these speed demons of yesteryears had no brakes to speak of. Riders relied on their skill, rolling the machines to a halt with daring foot-dragging maneuvers. Accidents were tragically frequent, safety was practically non-existent, and helmets were little more than thin leather caps borrowed from the fledgling world of flight.

Indian's early V-twins dominated the racing scene. Jake DeRosier, a legendary rider, notched up a staggering 900+ victories on dirt and board tracks. He also set numerous speed records in both the United States and at England's illustrious Brooklands race track.

America’s Original Superbike

Now, let's get back to the star of the show, the restored 1913 Indian Board Track Racer. Powered by the formidable "Big Twin" 60 cu. in. (988cc) V-twin engine with an F-head design, it embodies the spirit of
an era when motorcycles were little more than bicycles with an engine in the frame. Suspension? None. Creature comforts? Non-existent. Lights, brakes, front fender, and wind protection were all stripped away. Riders had to crouch low, tuck in their knees, and pin the throttle wide open for a shot at victory. As Barrett Jackson proudly presents this remarkable 1913 Indian Board Track Racer, get ready to relive the glory days of American motorcycling. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own a piece of history and witness the legacy of Indian motorcycles, all in the electrifying atmosphere of Barrett Jackson. Don't miss out on this unique chance to own a piece of two-wheeled history!

This motorcycle is due to cross the auction block at Barrett Jackson Scottsdale, if you’d like to read more about it or register to bid you can Click Here to read the listing.

Barrett Jackson Lot #1250

- This Iconic 1913 Indian Board Track Racer motorcycle is something that dreams are made of! Meticulously & Extensively freshly restored with no expense spared is & powered by the Big Twin 61ci 988cc transversely mounted V-twin engine, it that features an F-head design with the inlet over the exhaust, famously used to spew still-burning gasoline out onto the right leg of racers. It is fitted with 8 valves (4 per cylinder) and a Hedstrom racing carburetor, the tires are 2 and 1/4 inches wide and it has a Mesinger racing saddle. The Indian Board Track Racers of the early 20th century are quite easily amongst the most beautiful motorcycles ever built. The bikes are the first real generation of motorcycles, they were largely based on bicycles with no rear suspension and very limited front springs. The rider only had 2 controls, a spark advance and a kill switch. This model uses the full loop frame that was introduced by Indian in 1909, and it uses a 2-speed all-chain drive - forgoing the belt final drives. As such these bikes had no suspension and a single down tube frame with the fuel tank mounted between the top two frame tubes. This beautifully restored Racer was one of America's first Superbikes. Board Trackers were capable of speeds more than 100 mph on the rudimentary racetracks, and they were even more impressive by the fact the bikes had no brakes at all and would instead rely on the riders rolling them to a standstill with some foot-dragging to help them come to a stop. Accidents were sadly commonplace & many riders perished, safety was almost non-existent and helmets were typically just thin leather caps. An Original Vintage Leather Racing Cap is included with this Sale! With a museum-quality restoration by Dick Shappy of the East Coast Motorcycle Collection, this Indian was restored using period-correct race parts as much as possible. In 1911 Indian motorcycles took 1st, 2nd & 3rd First-, Second- and Third-Place finishes at the infamous Isle of Man TT motorcycle race against the best in the world! This Stunning piece of History excellently embodies Indian’s glory years as the largest & most iconic motorcycle manufacturer in the world

RYAN SMITH FINE ART & BARRETT JACKSON

Indulge in the captivating world of artistry with Ryan Smith, a distinguished artist deeply intertwined with the prestigious Barrett Jackson community. Discover his mesmerizing collection online and experience the
magic in person at Barrett Jackson's exclusive gallery. Welcome to the enchanting realm of Ryan Smith Fine Art!



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