The name and logo would eventually come under fire as native groups fight to restrict the use of native-related items. But first there is the glorious beginning to discover.

Leading up to World War I, Indian was at the head of the pack as the largest motorcycle manufacturer in the world, producing over 20,000 bikes per year. Harley-Davidson was a mere speck in the dust as legends such as the Twin and Racer rolled off the production line. By the end of the depression as other bikes landed in the junkyard, the only manufacturers left standing were Harley-Davidson and Indian.

Indian had individual consumers but also the endorsement of organizations such as the French and US governments during the war years and the New York City police who appreciated the left hand throttle system, which allowed the rider to shoot and drive at the same time. But Indian didn’t just stop at two wheels. It manufactured airplane engines, outboard motors, air conditioners and even bicycles.

But the war years were difficult for Indian and mismanagement threatened to destroy the famed brand altogether. The following years represent a laundry list of reasons why through mismanagement and uncontrollable circumstances, Indian eventually discontinued production in 1953. Unforeseeable events such as declining import taxes for foreign competitors only contributed to the internal woes of debt, an inability to meet production demands, poor management techniques and bad marketing decisions.

For the next 45 years, Indian remained in the garage swathed in grease rags as, periodically, enthusiasts would try to buy the rights to the name only to see negotiations fall through in nasty court battles.

In the late nineties, a US$30 million merger between the Indian Motorcycle Company, American Indian Motorcycle Company and California Motorcycle Company along with six related companies paid over US$17M for the rights to the mark and began production again. Shortly afterwards, the 1999 Limited Edition Indian Chief rolled off the line.

But active production doesn’t mean an end to the lawsuits. This time the name itself is in question. A native tribe is joining with several native organizations to sue Indian for allegedly deceiving the American public. The reasoning here is that the name and logo falsely imply that it is a product made and sold by native peoples. Although the list of organizations with native names in the US is endless, this is not a suit to take lightly. Previously, native groups won a suit to have the federal trademark for the Washington Redskins, an American football team, revoked because of its name and logo. The decision is being appealed but meanwhile, the league is in danger of losing millions in merchandising revenue. The same could happen to Indian should it similarly lose its case with the native groups who take issue with both the name and logo.

The road ahead may be unknown for Indian, but the brand is famed for its endurance. As the legend goes "you can’t wear out a Scout," and after all Indian’s been through, it appears to be true.

Robin D. Rusch lives and works in New York City.