Description Indian 1916 PowerPlus 998 cc side valve V-twin In the spring of 1915 Indian’s top management decides that the Hedstrom-type of engine has by now undergone its maximum economical development. It’s a relatively expensive engine to manufacture and the company is under pressure to cut production costs. Another point of consideration is that the latest models of competitors Excelsior and Harley-Davidson have shown a higher power development. Chief designer Charles Gustafson is of the opinion that a well-designed, robust and reliable side valve engine can be the solution: it will deliver more power and will be more economical to produce. Various prototypes are tested and for the 1916 model year the new Indian PowerPlus is presented. The engine is built with the same crankcase dimensions as the last Hedstrom type, so that it can be fitted to the current frames and engine plates without major changes in the standard big twin models. The only other modification is the fitting of a slightly improved three-speed gearbox and a heavier clutch. The PowerPlus is an immediate success and nowadays this model is one of the most coveted American vintage motorcycles. That goes especially for the first-year PowerPlus, still equipped with the old-style one-piece petrol tank and controls with rods, bell cranks and universal joints. This restored specimen comes with acetylene lighting fed by a handlebar-mounted Prest-O-Lite tank, Stewart speedometer, Luxor headlamp and Perfection rear lamp.
