By the time the Power Plus appeared, Indian motorcycle riders had been roaming the dirt trails and wagon-wheel ruts of America for almost two decades. Wildly innovative, the Indian designers were strong believers in the theory that racing improves the breed and the factory attained the most comprehensive competition programme in the business. With that mindset, Indian was the first to offer such innovations as the first-ever V-Twin, the hard-wired twist grip throttle, the first two-speed transmission gearbox, the first adjustable front suspension unit and the first electric lights and starter systems. The Power Plus also offered such advanced equipment as leaf spring suspended pivotal fork rear suspension, all chain drive and a proper kick-start. Arguably the most influential motorcycle engine design in history, the Power Plus forced other V-Twin makers, including Harley-Davidson, to abandon their OHV designs and develop side-valve motors to compete with the Indian's power and reliability. Introduced in 1916, the Power Plus offered a 1000cc 42 degree V-twin engine which was more powerful and quieter than were previous designs. Delivering a solid 100mph, it was not or the faint-hearted. 'Cannonball Baker' rode the Power Plus in his successful transcontinental record-breaking attempts in the USA and Australia in 1919. It was this design, more than any other, that placed Indian and Harley-Davidson into one of the most public and competitive death rolls in the history of the industrial age. Fitted with the original extendable axle sidecar (this enabled the machine to span the deep ruts and wagon tracks) this sophisticated and speedy example is a well-known New Zealand machine that was been restored by a father and son team.