Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-10-11
SUCCESS OF THE INDIAN.

The development of the Indian motor
cycle business within the last three years
has been remarkable. Charles E. Miller
& Bro. received their first Indian motor
cycle February -. 1905. at which time
comparatively few people were using mo-
tofcycles in this country, although abroad,
and especially in England. there were
large quantities of them used. principally
by people employed in the cities who live
In suburban localities. In the first year
OF their business. Mr.. Miller states, there
were about ten motorcycles sold by him
In this city. In 1906 the business more
than doubled. and during that year they
sod twenty-five motorcycles. all Indians.
In 1907 this same firm sold fifty-seven
mo torcycles. and since January 1 of this
year they have sold seventy-three. or a
total up to date Of 1856 Indians.
Most Of these motorcycles are used for
pleasure and due to their economy Of
gasoline consumption and the small cost
for repairs, IL is possible for a rider to 60
trife Of expense. The people living in the
suburbs have not yet realized the posi-
bflities of a motorcycle for their use in
transportation. 1t IL possible. for in
stance. for party living in Chevy Chase
or other suburb of equal distance to reach
the heart Of Washington In fifteen min
utes at a cost of about I cent for gas
oltne.
The cost of up-keep Of an Indian is tri-
Ming compared with the similar expense
attached to a horse and wagon. It IL al
ways ready: requires no stable and very
Little attention; and II may be operated
by any man or boy able to twist his wrist.
No mechanical understanding 10 required.
] -.
IT is very evident from the large in
crease in motorcycles sold and used each
year that the business is still in its in
fancy. AS people learn the exhilaration
derived from a spin on a motorcycle. the
humiliation Of time in reaching far-off
places. the ease with which the machine
isoperated and controlled, its unique SIM
p1tcity as we'll as its dependable service
while on the road, many more Of these
machines will be used They are now
used for all sorts OF purposes. Banks are
using them for their runners: contractors
to- inspect their various lines of work. the
laboring man to quickly reach his place
OF occupation and return home In the
evening. Those inclined to sport are u.s.
ing the motorcycle for pleasure touring
thu country and for racing purposes.
A new feature of the Indian Is the de-
livery van for quick deliveries. which sur
passes the automobile ana the horse.
Those enterprising merchants who real
lie its utility In quick and economical de-
nyeries are beginning to investigate the
van The merchant who can make three
orr four deliveries where but one was made
before or make one special delivery IN
orie-third or one-fourth of the usual time.
and at a cost that - almost too sman to
calculate. is the one who will hold his
patrons by pleasing them and constantly
develop his business. These vans are now
used by the post office In the coliection OF
The mails, by large Libraries, by florists.
caterers, shoe houses and numerous
ca sses of merchants who have small
packages to deliver and must make Spe-
ci4l deliveries.
Ar. Miller Is very much pleased with
the success of the Indian and predicts
that next year will quadruple the sales OF