Golden Valley, Minnesota, is now home to the headquarters of Indian Motorcycle, America’s first motorcycle company. The move, finalized at the conclude of February 2026, marks a new chapter for the iconic brand following its acquisition by Los Angeles-based private equity firm Carolwood LP. This shift comes after Polaris Inc., which had owned Indian Motorcycle since 2011, agreed to sell a majority stake in October 2025.
The relocation, approximately 40 miles east of its previous headquarters in Medina, Minnesota, is a direct result of the change in ownership. Carolwood LP has secured a seven-year lease on a 37,832-square-foot property in Golden Valley to house Indian Motorcycle’s operations, product development and prototyping efforts. New CEO Mike Kennedy stated in a press release that the new headquarters “represents an exciting next step for Indian Motorcycle,” emphasizing the company’s commitment to remaining in Minnesota and fostering innovation.
Indian Motorcycle’s roots stretch back to 1901, when George M. Hendee founded the Hendee Manufacturing Company in Springfield, Massachusetts. Initially focused on bicycle production, the company quickly pivoted to motorized pace bicycles, collaborating with Swedish-born engineer Oscar Hedstrom to develop a groundbreaking 42-degree V-twin engine. This collaboration effectively birthed the American motorcycle industry. The company was later renamed the Indian Motocycle Company in 1923 (note the intentional spelling), and quickly became the largest motorcycle manufacturer in the world during the 1910s.
A Legacy of Innovation and Racing Success
The early years of Indian Motorcycle were marked by a relentless pursuit of speed and innovation. The company’s factory team achieved a historic victory at the 1911 Isle of Man Tourist Trophy, claiming the first three places. Models like the Scout (produced from 1920 to 1946) and the Chief (produced from 1922 to 1953) became legendary, defining an era of American motorcycling. However, the original Indian Motorcycle Manufacturing Company ultimately declared bankruptcy in 1953.
The brand experienced a tumultuous history in the decades that followed, changing hands multiple times. In 2011, Polaris Inc. Acquired the Indian Motorcycle brand, revitalizing it and transferring operations to Minnesota and Iowa. Polaris focused on designing and manufacturing motorcycles that honored Indian’s traditional styling while incorporating modern technology. The decision to transition Indian into a standalone business and sell a majority stake to Carolwood LP signaled a new phase in the company’s evolution.
Celebrating 125 Years of American Motorcycling
2026 is a particularly significant year for Indian Motorcycle, marking its 125th anniversary. The company is commemorating this milestone with a range of special merchandise, paint schemes, and a limited-edition 2026 Indian Chief Vintage. This reimagining of the classic 1940s Chief boasts a 116-CI engine producing 115 lb-ft of torque and is available in black metallic or Indian’s signature red. Early reviews of the 2026 Chief Vintage have been overwhelmingly positive, with SlashGear calling it a “show-stopper” after a recent test ride.
Despite the changing ownership and headquarters location, Indian Motorcycle remains committed to its American manufacturing roots. While some components, such as electrical parts, tires, and brakes, are sourced internationally, the motorcycles themselves are designed and assembled in the United States, primarily at the company’s factory in Spirit Lake, Iowa. According to SlashGear, Indian continues to build its motorcycles domestically.
Looking Ahead
The transition to Carolwood LP ownership appears poised to build on Indian Motorcycle’s recent success. The new headquarters in Golden Valley will serve as a hub for innovation and growth, as the company continues to develop and refine its iconic motorcycle lineup. Indian Motorcycle’s 125th anniversary celebrations are a testament to its enduring legacy and its continued relevance in the American motorcycle landscape. The company has not yet announced specific plans beyond the anniversary celebrations and the headquarters move, but further details regarding future product development and strategic initiatives are expected in the coming months.
Readers interested in staying up-to-date on Indian Motorcycle’s developments can visit the company’s official website at indianmotorcycle.com.
What do you think of Indian Motorcycle’s move and its future under new ownership? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
