There are few machines in motorcycling’s long and storied history that carry themselves with quite the same quiet authority as the Indian Four. Born at the height of the Art Deco era, when engineering ambition and aesthetic elegance went hand in hand, the Four stood apart from its contemporaries through sheer refinement and presence. In 1930, as the world teetered on the edge of economic collapse, Indian doubled down on the indulgence, producing a machine that would go on to earn the moniker “the Duesenberg of motorcycles.” Elegance, speed and sophistication, in one simply stunning package.
The Type 402 model marked a critical evolution of the platform. Introduced in late 1929, it addressed shortcomings of its predecessor with a suite of meaningful upgrades. Chief among them was a five-main bearing crankshaft, a significant leap forward in durability for the long inline-four. Alloy pistons, a revised crankcase, and a larger generator rounded out the mechanical improvements, transforming the Four from an already impressive machine into a genuinely robust long-distance tourer. Added in was a stronger twin-downtube frame based on the highly regarded 101 Scout, which seriously improved the handling.
At its heart sits a 77 cubic-inch (1,265cc) F-head inline-four, with inlet-over-exhaust valve configuration, a layout that speaks to a time when engineers weren’t afraid to experiment in pursuit of smoother, more refined power delivery. Paired to a three-speed transmission, the result is an engine that prioritises effortless torque and mechanical grace over outright speed. It’s a riding experience defined less by urgency and more by a kind of dignified momentum. But it wasn’t slow; the car-like power pushed the Four close to 100mph.
This particular example carries that legacy with poise. Reportedly restored during its time in Australia, it has since crossed the Tasman to Auckland, where it now resides following its registration in New Zealand in 2025. Before that, it saw use in the way these bikes were always intended, on club runs, stretching its legs on open roads rather than sitting idle as a museum piece.
Visually, it’s nothing short of striking. Finished in a deep blue with gold detailing, the paintwork leans into the period-correct elegance that defined Indian’s premium offerings. The tan leather saddle and matching panniers add a layer of warmth and authenticity, while the 18-inch wire-spoke wheels, shod in Dunlop tyres, anchor the bike firmly in its pre-war roots.
The details only deepen the appeal. A 100mph speedometer sits proudly on the dash, a powerful statement for its time, accompanied by period lighting, gauges for oil and amps, and a stunning light switch. These are the kinds of features that remind you this was once the cutting edge of motorcycling technology, a flagship machine designed for riders who demanded the very best.
Mechanically, the bike presents as a well-maintained example of a nearly century-old machine. While the odometer reads 1,287 miles, who knows whether that’s accurate or whether it’s been around the clock a few times. But showing the mechanical might of the Four, it had an oil change and brake adjustment in August 2024, which was all that was needed to keep the old girl humming along beautifully.
Today, examples like this are seldom seen, let alone offered for sale. The Indian Four occupies a unique space in motorcycling history, equal parts engineering milestone and rolling sculpture. For collectors and enthusiasts alike, it represents more than just a motorcycle; it’s a tangible link to an era when craftsmanship, innovation, and ambition combined to create something truly extraordinary, even in the most desperate of times, like the Great Depression. Sold just last week in New Zealand for $130,000 of their Kiwi dollars, nearly a century on, people are still prepared to pay top dollar for the pride of owning an Indian Four.
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