The more and more I see of these classic Indian motorcycles, the more I want to ride around on one. They are timelessly cool, especially if they have a history like today’s bike. This is a one-owner original that has been raced and wears all of its battle scars with some of the best patina I have seen. What I also like is the history behind the bike, including photos of the bike back in the 1940s, newspaper clippings, and the original purchase receipt – let’s dive in and take a look at the story behind this bike, located in Miami, Florida. Or you can head over to eBay here to bid yourself, with bidding at $10,900, with just over one day to go and no reserve!
So this Indian Scout was purchased in 1941 in Upper Sandusky, Ohio and the seller includes the original title with the bike. Keen-eyed sleuths will see that the engine stamping is the same as the engine on the bike, meaning its a numbers matching bike. Following this, the bike was raced and there are newspaper clippings showing it was ridden by Tommy Thompson. There is a black and white photo of a baby sitting on the bike, who inherited the bike and sold it to the current owner who is selling it on their behalf.
The bike is running and has been started by the seller. It has a lot of upgrades, including big cams, a professional port, and polish with racing carbs too. Whilst this has been sat in a barn in Ohio for a number of years it will need a professional overhauling of the high-performance motor in order to ensure no damage is caused when starting. However, this is all I would get refurbished, given the amazing patina the bike has – really telling the history of the bike.
Whilst it may not have an illustrious history, it has a great story behind it, and this is half the fun of buying a bike like this – you get to become part of the story too. I would refresh the mechanicals and then touch nothing else and take it out on long trips around the canyon roads. So how would you like to become part of this bike’s history – by taking it racing again, or turning it into a road-going cruiser?
Honest question for those who might know: What’s the deal with three caps on the gas tank?
The forward cap on the right side is an oil tank. The other 2 are gas caps.
Soooo Cool !!!
Note the right-hand throttle.
Why?
American Pickers
American pickers is why you can’t buy anything anymore unless you are very financially well off.
Them, Mecum and Barrett-Jackson have ruined the old car/bike hobby imo
Flattracker or hillclimber?
I’m curious as to why this is being advertised as a ONE OWNER when it clearly has had at least 4 according to the story….?????? Still….a very kool ol’ sickle…!!
Thought the same thing!
plastic number plate?
This is the smallest Indian motorcycle I have ever seen, but really cool too.
maybe not but its set up for dirt track
p
I had a 1951 Indian Warrior V Twin Racing bike, The frame was actually twisted for round track racing. Sold it back in the day to a man that used the motor & trans for a midget race car, and won races with it.
I love these flat track bikes. When I was in the military, stationed in Cheyenne, WY, my boss and I came across a bike that had been repossessed by a bank. It was advertised as a 50cc Triumph that didn’t run. For $150.00, it was ours. It turned out to be a 500cc flat track screamer. All we did was check the plug and add gas. I had so much fun on dirt tracks.
Sold it when I went to Vietnam.
Mike Wolfe would want to purchase this at 1/4 of its asking price, knowing the Pickers’ negotiating skills and his love of bikes like this.
Call Dale @ Wheels through Time. He always in the market for an antique.
If i owned it….I’d go all “BURT MONROE” on it……
I’m not into bikes, but this is awesome.
Ended:Aug 26, 2022 , 4:20PM
Winning bid:
US $25,100.00
[ 51 bids ]