The first electric starter appeared on a Cadillac in 1913. Encouraged by their success, (Indian’s biggest ever year was 1913, when they built 39000 motorcycles), Indian brought out this model as their top line in 1914. It featured electric lighting, horn, and starter. Unfortunately, the batteries of the day were not up to the task, and Indian fitted no kick-start to the Hendee Special, and no magneto. They were recalled, after only 200 were built, and this is one of three known survivors. With modern Japanese batteries hidden in the battery boxes, it works as the factory intended. Electric starters didn’t become an accepted motorcycle accessory until the ‘60s. The starter is actually a 1 1/2 HP DC electric motor. On activating the starter switch, the two six volt batteries in series operate the motor to spin the engine. After starting, the wiring is switched to parallel, and the spinning motor charges the two batteries on six volts. Encouraged by the success of the previous few years, Indian had such faith in this system, they didn’t fit any other form of starting device, and when batteries failed, Hendee Special owners were left on the side of the road. This one was made in the Indian plant in Toronto, ON, and also features the famous Indian “Cradle Spring Frame”, the first production swing arm rear suspension. The Indian branch plant operated in Toronto from 1912 to 1916.

Impressions from the Saddle
Things are getting pretty deluxe here! After the usual drill of fuel tap on, retard spark, etc., (twisting the right grip), the lever on the front of the toolbox (atop the fuel tank) is pushed forward. The engine spins over, you twist the right grip to drop the de-compressor and advance the ignition as you release the lever, and its running. The throttle, in true Indian fashion, is on the left grip. The starter motor, which has run on 12 volts, now reverts to charging the two six volt batteries, and you are ready to go. The Indian has a clutch, and a two-speed gearbox, the former operated by a rocking pedal on the left, and the latter by a small lever atop the tank. Two brakes operate on the rear wheel, and its possible to lock it up if necessary, so stopping is possible on this one. The cradle spring frame gives a relatively smooth ride, and the handling is not too bad as all bushings are new. The swing arm bushing is very narrow, so rapid wear would no doubt have been a problem, and handling could probably have gotten dangerous, with this much power. Indian dropped the spring frame in the early twenties.

Listen to the Hendee Special.