1940 Indian Chief w/1947 Engine
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Buy it Now Price: SOLD Price Range: $27,500 to $29,500 Inquire About this Motorcycle
Overview
1940 Indian Chief w/1947 engine. Export model w/ metric speedometer from British Columbia. 3 year restoration with 37 break in miles. . . .This Indian Chief was purchased in Oregon in 2010 but leaked everywhere it could. Owner took the bike apart, sent the motor and trany to Kiwi and he did the remainder of the work. Very nicely done!
Complete history is unknown. Engine has brass emblem from “Otto Dragers Motorcycles, Seattle WA.” Otto opened his first dealership in 1935 and his grandson is still in business. He was a racer and specialized in police contracts in the northwest. He had a buyback program and rebuild and sell old bikes. His rebuilds had brass emblems on the engines. He founded the Jolly Rodgers MC club which sponsored races and the club is active today.
The cost of restoration far exceeds what this bike will sell for. Too many knee operations have made it hard for the owner to kick over this bike. But it is really fun to ride. and a real eye-catcher especially with the non-Indian paint color and finishing fit.
Mileage
37 miles on the restoration. Bike needs to be ridden in correctly.
Paint
All sheet metal rebuilt by expert body man w/ 45 years experience. Tanks and fenders are original. Gun metal finish is not a factory color.
Sheet Metal
Frame was sand blasted and a bad arc weld repair to the clutch casting was found. Arc weld repair on a brass brazed frame is prohibited. Frame was sent to Jeff Grigsby @ Indian Motor Works, the best Indian frame man there is. Frame was jig straightened and another clutch casting from a 1940 frame was brass brazed in. Frame was powdered coated and all new bushings pressed in. All other parts were powdered coated and exhaust was ceramic coated.
Chrome
All brite work has been nickel plated.
Mechanical
Engine was overhauled by Mike Thomas of Kiwi Indian. Built to stock specs including new flywheels. Old flywheels would not balance to his specs. This motor needs to be broken in correctly for 500 miles. All internals were replaced and the final parts list is 4 pages long with a cost of $11,200. Paperwork goes to the new owner. Motor was broken in by Kiwi on his engine stand.
Wheels & Tires
New 450 x 18 tires and tubes. Wheels and drums powder coated and spokes cad plated.
Title
Clean, clear, and Restored 1940 CA. plate registered to the bike.
Engine #: CDG7829
Frame #: 3401624
Valuation Resource Guide
This would be rated as a 2 because of the non Indian color.
Accessories
Original shift knob, chummy seat, crash bars and luggage rack. Also, aftermarket mirror, light switch, fender light, tools, manuals, receipts and photos.