One Year Only – 1916 Indian Model K

In America, Cruiser, Vintage by AbhiLeave a Comment

Older Indians are best known for their four-stroke V-twin powerplants, though the company did try their hand at other designs like the Indian Four or the two-stroke single found in the Model K. Designed to be low cost transportation (MSRP was $150), the Model K lasted all of one year before it was replaced by the Model O, which got a four-stroke boxer twin.

One Year Only - 1916 Indian Model K - Engine

The single in the Model K displaces 221cc, and the open cradle frame utilized the engine as a stressed member.

The sellers say the bike had been repainted before they got it 40 years ago, and there’s some other issues: there’s some paint peeling near the gas cap, one of the engine fins is chipped, and the tires are flat. In the seller’s words, “we had it running when we first bought it, we push started it, it ran, leaked a little from carb…we never tried again.” These bikes aren’t impossible to fake, and very few remain – so an inspection by someone more knowledgeable than me is in order. The asking price is also a bit steep (Bonhams sold a restored example in 2010 for $17,198), but you don’t see these every day…or year…or decade.

One Year Only - 1916 Indian Model K - Seat

Find this Model K for sale here on Craigslist for $20,000 in Danielsville, Pennsylvania.

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