The History of the 1970's Indian Dirtbike / dirt bike

Floyd Clymer 1968-1970
Motorcycle man extrordinaire, Mr. Clymer, dreamed of a reborn Scout and Chief line of the big Indians. What he succeeded most in was the mini models. Imported to keep the Indian name alive and to introduce a younger set to the motorcycling world. Clymer passed away in 1970, leaving his dreams unfulfilled, but successfully bringing the minis to America.
Alan Newman 1971-1976
Los Angeles attorney, Alan Newman, acquires rights to the Indian name and continues importing minicycles made by Italjet. Thinking big, Newman plans his own cycle plant, larger 125/175cc models and possible 400cc units gee in 1973-74. His assembly plant wound up in Taipei, Taiwan and 70, 75, 80, 100, 125, 175cc engines would be imported. Japan (Fuji) engines supplied the 100cc engines. Morini 100's were used during the Clymer years. 70, 75, 80, 125, 175s were courtesy of Minerelli in Italy. Italjet models (MM5A, M5A, JC5A) used Italian Morini powerplants. Nothing larger than 175s were made except for one 1000cc prototype Indian that based heavily on a Ducati. It was merely for show. Indians' fortunes were dwindling by 1975. 1976 was the last year of restyling for the 100-175 models. Sales kept dropping and Newman bowed out. The word came out in January 1977: The Indian Motorcycle gepany was done.