Buying Indian number 2

The powerplant is basic and rebuilt to within an inch of its life – which is just what I wanted.

Not sure how this happened, but I am in the throes of buying Indian number 2 (I already have a Gilroy Chief Vintage). It’s a 1947 Chief.

The process started at the 2012 Great Race, when I borrowed Black Bastard (RIP) from webmaster Pilgrim and had a great weekend. Though tempted to make an offer at the time, it wasn’t going to happen.

What led me into the latest folly was I just loved Black Bastard, a 1948 Chief in solid if not perfect condition. It was comfortable (more so than the vast majority of modern cruisers) and, unlike many bikes its age, would hold modest highway speeds without stress.

It could get a little unruly at times, but that’s fine – it’s just a matter of keeping your nerve.

Okay, it was also a little quirky to ride and was in no danger of setting lap records. But it felt damn near unburstable.

Some months down the track, I’ve agreed to buy a 1947 model. Phil Pilgrim is putting it together for me – which is both game and kind, given he knows I have the attention span of a rat on speed and absolutely no patience when it comes to coping with mechanically ‘challenged’ motorcycles.

The decision has led to me selling many bikes from a hopelessly over-grown fleet, which is not a bad thing. (And, in an attempt at rank commercialism, if anyone out there wants an exceptional GSX1100SXZ, aka a wire-wheel Katana, now is a good time to shoot me an email.)

In the meantime, I’ve booked in to the next Great Race. Hopefully this time I’ll feel less like an imposter, if I’m riding my own bike.

Despite all sorts of recommendations and offers, I’ve stayed with a basic 74ci (1200cc) powerplant in stock trim, with the standard three-speed transmission and kick start. The poverty pack. (Though it’s a definition of poverty that was previously unfamiliar…) That’s enough for a reliable 60mph, which is fine. If I want to go fast, I have an expertly modified 220hp Hayabusa. Or a few other modern rockets from Italy and England.

The only issue so far has been selling enough motorcycles to pay for this one – but it looks like we’re getting there. Wish me luck…

In the meantime, here’s a pic of the ‘new’ engine.

Guy ‘Guido’ Allen

Weird bikes, are Weird!

The Roper Steam-bike

It is a bike whose inventor was once arrested for riding it but later released when police couldn’t work out what crime he had committed.

And with a record like that it’s not hard to see why it didn’t catch on.Now though this steam powered motorcycle is set to enter the record books, as the most expensive bike ever to be sold at auction.The 117-year-old ‘Roper Steam Powered Motorcycle’ was designed by Sylvester Roper and is now expected to reach £325,000 when it is sold in Las Vegas in January.

Under the hammer: This steam powered motorcycle designed by Sylvester Roper is to be auctioned in the New Year and is expected to fetch £325,000Rudimentary: The piston rods connected to a crank on the rear wheel axle and the solid wheels made for a very uncomfortable rideModern way: The rider of the 'Roper Steam Powered Motorcycle' could accelerate by turning the grip on the handles that acted as the throttle - in the same way as today
Under the hammer: This steam powered motorcycle designed by Sylvester Roper is to be auctioned in the New Year and is expected to fetch £325,000 Enthusiasts from across the globe are expected to bid for the machine which had a top speed of 40mph and consisted of a boiler, steam engine stuck onto a hickory velocipede bicycle frame. Roper connected the piston rods to cranks on the rear wheel axle and the solid wheels made for a very uncomfortable ride It also appeared that the machine was dangerous – as Roper actually died while riding it during 1896.The bike worked by using a firebox and boiler suspended on springs from the frame between the wheels.A charcoal fire heated the water to generate steam to power the engine. The exhaust steam was carried by tubing into a chimney behind the saddle.Water was supplied from a reservoir that was part of the seat using a feed-water pump operated by the left-cylinder crank.The rider could accelerate by turning the grip on the handles that acted as the throttle – in the same way as modern motorbikes.Rudimentary: The piston rods connected to a crank on the rear wheel axle and the solid wheels made for a very uncomfortable ride. Following Roper’s death the bike went through a number of owners who displayed it to the public until it was bought by its current owner in 1996. Glenn Bator, head of Auctions America by RM’s Vintage Motorcycle Division, said: ‘Roper built two steam motorcycles and this one dates from 1894. Both of them exist and the other, earlier one that was based on a boneshaker cycle, is in the Smithsonian museum.’At the time the internal combustion engine was in its infancy so no one knew that steam wasn’t the way forward.’When Roper invented his machine the word motorcycle hadn’t even been conceived. It is amazing the machine has survived for this long. Modern way: The rider of the ‘Roper Steam Powered Motorcycle’ could accelerate by turning the grip on the handles that acted as the throttle – in the same way as today’Not only was it one of the very first motorcycles, but it was involved in the first ever motorcycle accident’Roper came off the bike and died and although it was shown he died from a heart attack it is not known whether he had it before or after he came off.’The bike is still in working order and although the present owner hasn’t issued steam, he has put pressure in it and the piston still works.’It really was like riding with a locomotive between the legs just hoping it doesn’t blow up. It is a significant piece of Americana and arguably one of the world’s most important motorcycles.’

 

Gypsie Tour 2013

After many repeated requests for the Gypsie Tour 2012 article to be produced, I have placed it on the  Victoria Section News Area this is a great adventure article written by our esteemed contributor Phillip White (pictured above), over 7 pages the 295 pictures are there to download as well if you like. The Gypsie Tour 2013 is being planned as we speak, Chris Horner has given me a hint that it may follow the Murray River, later in the good weather next year (Sept-October) “keep your eyes peeled” for the Expression of Interest forms that will be out in the Upcoming Events Area early next year this means all the International Visitors that have asked Chris Knoop on the Cannonball Run about coming over to Aussie, start emailing now

Smoke Signals is out this week

The latest copy is out on line to some members who wish it that way, the hard copy version will hit the mailbox hopefully later in the week Aust Post is always pressed this time of year. The picture above is of “OXO’S” 2001 Chief taken at the recent successful Crazy Horse Rally last month, I like this picture as it is a typical High Country Shack of the old days, looks straight out of the “Man from Snowy River” movie some years ago. I am starting to assemble a 1944 Chief at the moment should be on the road probably February or March as there is’nt a rush on it like the Vincati & it is easier to do as the engine is finished already. I believe Daryl Colt posted a online video of member James Lambert’s (Breed Flathead) in the sprint, click on the FaceBook Logo above to view this it certainly does sound great & is very,very quick

Lakes & Craters Rally is on again

Camperdown Clock tower

Ian Rhook’s famous Lakes & Craters Rally is on again next February 16-17,  I suggest you call Manifold Motor Inn (Rosie) 55932 666 to book your accommodation early, this is a great motel & they “chuck” in a fully cooked breakfast at a reasonable room rate Rosie has held back 8 twin share rooms for us although other types are available on request, be sure to mention the IIRA. Entry forms & ride itinerary will be posted on the Upcoming Events Area soon don’t miss out

www.manifoldmotorinn.com.au

Does anyone View our YouTube Area?

Oscar Hedstrom

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I have been loading a few new YouTube links on our site recently one of Mark at Iron Horse Coral’s 1948 Chief Outfit, man what a gem of a chair it has all the bells & whistles, the other is the World’s Fastest Indian as it is today, Burt would’nt recognize it as it is in concours condition far & away from the way it was when it was at Bonneville. The picture above is of Oscar Hedstrom, as a Boardtrack racer he liked the product so much he raced it,George Hendee is a more conservative gentleman on one of his first creations a 1904 Camelback, both of these blokes were the founders of the largest motorcycle firm in the world till 1923 and laid the foundations of all Indian’s up till today. The Milwaukee Tractor Company may have more famous Founders, but I like the Indian name better than a Hendee-Hedstrom

George Hendee 1904

Ski-Doo & Amanda water scooters

Whats a Ski-Doo(Can-Am), Indian & Vincent got in common, heaps it seems going on the above toboggan which is Indian Scout powered, this is at least 20 years before Ski-Doo invented such devices which are so popular today. Vincent Motorcycles invented a Amanda Water Scooter in 1956 which was the fore-runner of the personal watercraft popularity today. Indian & Vincent could’nt take a trick with both these idea’s failing, then we look at them both trying to build the Vindian & the Indian-Vincent together, seems that fate in the end sent them both bust.

 

 

160,000+ Hits & are you still legal?

160,000+ Hits is another milestone, for the IIRA website, since the last review 10,000 ago the Americans 19% have overtaken India 16%, in viewing our website, the rest of the worlds countries (150) about take up the balance. Christmas is fast approaching, if you were alive 80 years ago you would probably be thinking of a ideal gift for the kids, the brochure above from the Indian Company might just be the answer to have sitting in the garage next to your Hedstrom or Powerplus by the way these Indian’s & the bicycle range are welcome in the IIRA if you are lucky enough to still have yours from when Santa dropped it down the chimney. The burning question of non-financial members, those who hav’nt paid their annual subs,are they are riding un-registered motorcycles? YES  if they are Red Plate Permit Machines with our Association! Please contact Peter Kime immediately  to renew or join another Club so you will then at least be legal.

“Be Gently with me Darling”

This photo was “pinched” from the Indian Club of West Australia’s magazine, they kindly let us reproduce their monthly news letter in our Section News I have loaded 8 editions on already they are a great read, I mentioned “Soft Porn” in the blog previously some would say no great loss of the Tractor but I still feel sorry for the guy

I’LL be Back

I'll be back...

Arnie is always a popular character on his 2003 Chief Vintage, similar to the model he rode on Terminator 3. Later this week I have some soft porn for you all a M.A.N Truck having anal sex with a WLA Harley-Ferguson, the owner looking quite helpless about it all, not very often you see a Tractor on these pages, so it will be worth a look