With the collaboration of many of the key people who made the Gilroy chapter of the long history of Indian-branded motorcycles happen, author George F. Paul has written Gilroy Indians: The Indian Motorcycle Company of America, 1999-2003, the definitive book on the subject.
To explain why forming a company to resurrect the Indian Motorcycle brand was so significant, Paul covers the brand’s checkered history from the original company’s demise in 1953 to the formation of the Indian Motorcycle Company of America (IMCOA) in 1999. That trail included everything from outright brand piracy and fraud by some to oversold, underdelivered attempts by others to build motorcycles.
The Powerplus was the IMCOA’s snakebit 100-cubic-inch V-twin engine. After being rushed through development and into production, it was hobbled by numerous bottom-end failures.
Drawing on the archives of the Gilroy operation, Paul presents images of prototype components, completed models, advertising art, and specification sheets from the 1999 model year to the 2004 models that never reached dealers.
Starting with a Foreword by Rey Sotelo, the first President and CEO (1999 to 2001) of IMCOA, Gilroy Indians includes in-depth insights from key members of the IMCOA leadership team. This includes IMCOA President and CEO Frank J. O’Connell (2001-2002) and President and CEO Louis Terhar (2002-2003). O’Connell is the author of the book Jump First, Think Fast, which includes a chapter on his experiences in his role with the IMCOA.
Paul documents a wide range of problems that beset IMCOA. From the very beginning, parts shortages had to be dealt with on the fly with locally sourced, non-spec items. There was poor vendor product quality, heavy reliance on outsourced parts, the disastrous roll-out of the company’s 100-cubic-inch Powerplus engine, and a range of other problems.
The end of the line for the Gilroy Indians came in the form of a live, online auction of parts, tools, the factory building, and complete bikes. When the end came, a total of 43 complete 2004 model year bikes had been built.
Information from these executives and many of the leaders involved in design and manufacturing operations sheds light on the many accomplishments achieved during the IMCOA years as well as on the problems that hammered the company’s bottom line and led to the ultimate end of operations on September 19, 2003.
Gilroy Indians: The Indian Motorcycle Company of America, 1999-2003 makes fascinating reading from a strictly narrative standpoint, even for readers who are not specifically interested in Indian Motorcycle history, industrial operations, or business management. But for those who are, it is a gold mine of insight and a cautionary tale about how tough—and expensive—trying to build a manufacturing company can be, even with a legendary brand with worldwide recognition in hand.
Gilroy Indians Book Fast Facts
Title: Gilroy Indians: The Indian Motorcycle Company of America, 1999-2003
Author: George F. Paul
Published: 2026
Format: hardcover, 208 pages, 258 color and black-and-white images plus illustrations and specification sheets.
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After a dozen years in limbo, the Super Glide is resurrected as a member of the Softail Cruiser family. The 2026 Harley-Davidson Super Glide arrives as a limited edition of 2500 units to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States of America. The new Super Glide proudly wears the iconic red, white, and blue of the 1971 original, and Don Williams tells us how this latest Softail feels on the road.
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We’ve all heard the old saying, how you never see a motorcycle parked outside a psychiatrist’s office, right? Well, if you struggle with addiction and/or your mental health, then yes, you’ve probably figured out that motorcycles can be a big help. The Remix Racing Project is a California-based nonprofit and motorcycle racing team dedicated to raising awareness for mental health and addiction recovery. Founded by Jeremy Taubman and Shanea Makinson, Jeremy competes in the MotoAmerica Super Hooligan class and hosts fan-zone activities to provide resources and get conversations started. In this guest segment this episode Teejay and Jeremy chat candidly about going racing a little later in life, how it’s helping his own recovery, and what the Remix Recovery non-profit is achieving in helping others. Jeremy has published a book “Remix Recovery—Leading a Brave Space” and you can find it on Amazon. Needless to say, if you’re struggling with life’s challenges—and believe me—we understand, then visit The Remix Racing Project, click on the resources tab, and you’ll find help that’s just a phonecall or text away.
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