Particularly interested in the German-made Vindec, Charles made the acquaintance of William H. "Billy" Wells, a one-time high wheel bicycle competitor. Wells became a dealer in London and a pioneer distributor of the Vindec among other products.
Wells, who frequently competed in and won various motorbicycling speed and endurance contests, had an important role in Franklin's growing activities.
Motorcycle enthusiasts through the United Kingdom generally kept in touch with similar developments in other countries, and especially in America. What with his ongoing interest in competition, Wells was at once made aware of Indian's early prowess in competition.
The Indian make was developed by George M. Hendee, a nationally known bicycle racing star and U.S. High Wheel champion in 1886, who later manufactured Silver King bicycles in Springfield.
In 1903, Charles obtained a civil service position in Dublin's city government as the assistant engineer at the newly-constructed coalfired electric generating plant on the shores of the River Leffey. Two years later, Charles was promoted to head the operation as chief engi�neer and moved into an office on the second floor of Dublin's municipal building.
Charles Franklin became an early Indian enthusiast when interest in the marque surged in Ireland. While working as a professional during the week, Franklin continued to ride Indians in competition during the racing season, his interest heightened by the fact that Wells was now a prominent shareholder in the Hendee Manufacturing Company.
As the official UK importer, Wells held a seat on Hendee's board of directors, traveling to Springfield once or twice a year to attend board meetings.
Indian's reputation in Great Britain Was enhanced when T.K. Hastings, a New York motorcycling enthusiast, went to England in 1907 and 1908 and won the prestigious Thousand-Mile Reliability Trial both years. Attracted to Indian's design features, Wells wrote to Hendee to try to secure import rights and concluded the deal with Springfield in 1909.
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