THE STORY

The Indian Chief is a motorcycle that was built by the Hendee Manufacturing Company and the subsequent Indian Motorcycle Company from 1922 to the end of the company's production in 1953.

The Chief was Indian's "big twin", a larger, more powerful motorcycle than the more agile Scout used in competition and sport riding.

The now-legendary V-twin Indian Chief motorcycle emerged as Indian's flagship model after World War II and the popular design relegated the American company's four-cylinder and smaller V-twin models to history.

The 1947 model was similar to pre-war big Indians; the engine remained a 74-cubic-inch, 42 degree, air cooled side valve  unit. Tank graphics were unchanged. As always, "Indian Red" was a popular colour choice however owners could order a Chief in any Dupont colour they liked. Two-tone finishes were also available.

Production of Indian motorcycles ended with the last Chief made in 1953.

THE BIKE

Indian’s first and only production model after World War II.

Finished in stunning red and black, this 1947 Indian Chief  has its original, 1,205cc V-Twin 74ci flat head engine and three speed gearbox with foot clutch.

This is a number’s matching bike with the engine number matching the frame number – 3185.

This bike has new seat trim with tassels and re-chromed handlebars.

The bike has original girder-style spring forks which provided more wheel travel (5 inches) than pre-war models, coupled with rear plunger suspension on soft springs. The suspension setup was legendary at the time and earnt this model the title of the "world’s most comfortable touring bike".

Wearing white wall tyres she has a Corbin Indian speedometer and retains her original 6-volt power setup with battery and coil ignition.

This bike also has a locking toolbox and front crash bars.

A good example, she starts, runs and stops easily.

An extremely sought after Indian motorcycle.