I am always amazed at rusty Indians, how many have survived”Walking Wounded” you may say although the one on the right is along way off walking. I have in the past owned a 1921 Scout in similar condition, that took little to get running again, some people call them “time capsules” maybe they are but are they representing neglect or a era that they were never in eg: when they were new, only problem is they never looked like this new!
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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 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.
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