Sucher on Franklin 1911-1923 - Page 8
During that Spring and Summer, several prototype machines were tested under varying conditions of road and weather, in central and western Massachusetts, the testers sometimes venturing into Connecticut and Maryland. The Engineering Department and company officials were well pleased with the results. The small capacity engine was rated at 5hp on the then standard SAE rating, but it actually developed about 12 actual hp. The torque characteristics were such that there was adequate power for serious hill climbing and for top speeds of from 53 to 55mph.


After a few detail changes were made, plans were made to put the Scout into full-scale production for the 1920 sales year, the first machines coming off the assembly lines in late September of 1919.



Powerplus popular in Britain

Billy Wells continued his importation of Indian machines into the United Kingdom, under the original agreement made with President Hendee in 1908. The big standard twins were popular with both solo and sidecar riders, the former often fitting sports type handlebars for the TT effect. In anticipation of expanding postwar sales, and in need of larger quarters for both showroom and repair facilities, Wells moved from the original Great Portland Street building to larger premises at 368 Euston Street.

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