Sales figures indicated this year was low ebb for the two remaining motorcycle manufacturers. Excelsior permanently closed its doors in 1931. These were difficult times in America. Reeling from the Great Depression, Harley Davidson realized survival depended on a new approach. Improved engineering, skilled labor and an updated style recruited new buyers to the market. The dealer network, which had suffered greatly, was supplied with new advertising material to bolster sales.

This combination proved successful, the profits were put to use in development and by 1936, a new light was on the horizon.

Written by Harry Sucher, motorcycle historian, from his book “The Iron Redskin”: The story of the ill-fated Crocker motorcycle, while an entirely unrelated make of machine, deserves mention in connection with Indian history, as its design was based on Indian lines. Its originator and many of the people connected with its manufacture were at one time or another involved in Indian affairs.  The story of the ill-fated Crocker motorcycle, while an entirely unrelated make of machine, deserves mention in connection with Indian history as its design was based on Indian lines and its originator and many of the people connected with its manufacture were at one time or another involved in Indian affairs.

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