In response, Harley-Davidson introduced the WLA, while Indian submitted a modified version of the “Thirty-Fifty” Scout, equipped with a 741cc V-twin engine with lower compression and smoother running, a longer fork, increased ground clearance, chunky-profile tyres and mudguards set further from the wheels to prevent mud build-up. Although capable of reaching 96 km/h, the project’s priority lay in reliability and off-road capability.
A total of more than 35,000 units were built, but unlike the rival Harley-Davidson WLA—widely used by the U.S. Army—the production of the Indian 741B was largely directed to the European, African and Asian theatres of war through the Lend-Lease Act, which allowed the United States to supply military equipment to its allies. As such, the armies of the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and the Soviet Union became the main users of this American motorcycle, typically employing it for dispatch riding, escort duties and reconnaissance.
With the end of the war, many of these Indians were demobilised and sold on the civilian market, where, owing to their demanding maintenance needs, they declined more sharply than their Harley-Davidson counterparts. Today they are therefore rarer and, consequently, more valuable. The marque itself failed to adapt to the competitive post-war market, ultimately closing its doors in 1953, only to be revived in the early 21st century.