There is nobody around from that time to remember, but back in 1904, Indian Motorcycle introduced a model called Camelback in its lineup. It was a bike suitable for its time, with a tiny (by today's standards) intake over exhaust single-cylinder engine, a diamond frame, and a chain. It was basically the same model introduced three years earlier, with a big difference: it was red.
The 1904 Camelback was the first Indian bike to be painted to wear this color in the bike maker's portfolio, and apparently a model so important for the company that it decided to celebrate the model's 120th anniversary with a special run of the mighty Roadmaster.
The bike is not mechanically different from the others in the range, as it sports the same Thunderstroke powerplant, frame, suspension, and everything else, but it does set itself apart through the color of its body and some unique appointments.
The 120-year-old red is offered on the 2024 in a candy version, something we've never had before. And it's a type of red that comes from two of the most appreciated paint suppliers for the custom industry, Gunslinger Custom Paint and Custom Painted Vehicles.
The bike is not solely red but more of a tri-tone affair that also bets on the cumulative effect on the onlooker of the dark red and black candy used to underline the two-wheeler's uniqueness. As a touch of class, Championship Gold pinstripes have been used here and there, especially as a surround for the letters that spell out Elite.
Special attention to paint and color detail has been given to other elements of the Indian as well. The dashboard comes in gloss black, the armrests for the passenger are in the same color, minus the shine, and backlit switch cubes have been installed. Even the stitching on the seat and the tint of the windscreen have been made to match.
As for the equipment that sets this model apart from the rest of the pack, it's worth mentioning first and foremost that it comes fitted with the PowerBand Audio with Bass Boost sound system: 12 speakers installed in the front fairing, saddlebags, and trunk that deliver 50 percent louder sound than before.
To make sure everybody understands this is a special kind of tourer, Indian installed exclusive badging, an individually numbered center console, and a silhouette of a 1904 Indian Camelback on the body.
Special wheels have been imagined for this kind of Roadmaster, with a ten-spoke design and a machine pattern that we haven't seen before on Indians.
Indian says that limited edition in this case means that only 350 units of these motorcycles will be made, each requiring a full day to paint. The bikes will be available on the global markets starting this spring, but pricing for them has not been disclosed. For reference, a regular Roadmaster Elite will set you back $32,999.
Daniel loves writing (or so he claims), and he uses this skill to offer readers a "behind the scenes" look at the automotive industry. He also enjoys talking about space exploration and robots, because in his view the only way forward for humanity is away from this planet, in metal bodies. Full profile
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