As I’ve stated before, I really don’t know much about motorcycles, but I do know when I’m looking at something truly awesome! This 1940 Indian Sport Scout was built for racing. The seller believes it was professionally built for racing, but proving that might be difficult. I doubt the next owner will care too much about that, as they will probably be more concerned with what to do with it. As you can see, there is a lot of surface corrosion to be dealt with and the engine is stuck. You might be able to make it safe to ride without performing a complete restoration, but it will need the engine gone through, as well as the entire brake system. I’m going to guess it also wouldn’t hurt to go through the transmission and front suspension as well. Since I’m not particularly knowledgeable about these bikes, I will open it up to you guys to provide more information about the Sport Scout and things to look for on this one! Find it here on eBay in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida with bidding over $8k. So would you restore this bike or preserve its current look?
Went cheap enough.I would have gave them twice that much.
Anyone interested in vintage racing bikes (or old bikes in general) should watch a reality show called “What’s in the Barn” on Velocity channel. It follows the owner of a large motorcycle museum as he hunts down finds, and one episode has him finding a stash of Indian racing bikes (hill climbers in that case). The show is highly scripted but still entertaining.
It’s too far gone to try to preserve as is. The only thing that could be done is to perform a complete tear-down and restoration. This would be a good project for whoever takes it on. I’d almost be tempted to fit lights to it so it could be ridden (legally) on the street.