Lonnie Isam, Jr. was a pillar of the antique motorcycle community. Isam, who passed away in 2017, had an encyclopedic knowledge of vintage bikes. That enabled him to take run-down two-wheeled relics and inject them with new life. The 1915 Indian Single, recently offered on eBay once belonged to Isam.
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Coast to Coast in 11 Days
Isam believed that old motorcycles should be ridden, not hidden in a private collection. That’s why he founded the Motorcycle Cannonball Run in 2010—a coast-to-coast endurance ride across America on pre-1929 motorcycles.
The event’s name (and its premise) are a nod to Erwin “Cannonball” Baker. He’s famous for trailblazing runs across the United States on a two-speed Indian Motorcycle in 1914. Baker rode from San Diego to the East Coast in a record time of 11 days, 12 hours, and 10 minutes.
The trek across this country on beautiful back roads aboard 100-year-old motorcycles is a life-changing event for many Cannonballers. This 1915 Indian on eBay was restored to run in the Cannonball.
A Durable 107-Year-Old Frame
Thanks to Isam’s skills, the Indian’s little single-cylinder F-Head engine keeps thumping along. In 1915, most motorcycles made by Indian were twin-cylinder. But the company also produced a single-cylinder Model E available with a single speed, two speeds, or three. The one on eBay is the two-speed version.
The weathered 107-year-old frame has held up well. In 1915, Indian Motorcycle started using chrome-vanadium steel alloy tubing. It also has a full leaf-spring suspension. Indian introduced its leaf spring fork in 1910, but the dual leaf springs anchoring the rear were state-of-the-art tech at the time.
The fenders of the centenarian Indian have a splendid patina blended with patches of original Indian red paint. The Indian script is still visible on the motorcycle’s floorboards. The iconic logo debuted in 1910.
Shop now for Indian motorcycle partsThe toolbox built into the frame’s backbone is original. But the tank is a reproduction. Of course, to compete in the Cannonball, the tires are new, too, as is the taillight. However, the bike is remarkably similar to how it was when it rolled out of Springfield, Mass. more than a century ago.
On the Road, Where It Counts
Lonnie Isam, Jr.
Isam spread his love for old bikes until cancer claimed his life in 2017. His legacy lives on. The seventh Motorcycle Cannonball Run is slated for 2023.
Isam’s spirit also lives on in this running 1915 Indian Single. As collectible as it may be, its new steward will hopefully have the same rugged mindset as Isam.
Isam said:
Let the old machines spend their geriatric years living as they were intended: on the road.
