1918 Indian PowerPlus

Erwin “Cannonball” Baker made Indian Motorcycles a sensation.

Baker set down a skein of long-distance riding records, among them a 1914 jaunt across America (from San Diego to New York) in a record 11 days, 12 hours and ten minutes.

Baker’s favored ride in subsequent years?

The Powerplus; a side-valve V-twin, introduced in 1916. Its 61ci (1000 cc), 42 degree V-twin engine was more powerful and quieter than previous designs, and it cranked out an astonishing (for that era) top speed of 60 mph. The Powerplus was highly successful, both as a roadster and as the basis for racing bikes. It remained in production with few changes until 1924…