This a 1945 Indian Chief. This is a customized original 1945 Indian, matching number motorcycle. 1945 was middle of the war and not a lot of production by most factories including Indian. The non-military Chief models that were produced went to the Police force contracts. The carb on this motorcycle is marked NYPD. This 1945 Indian Chief is currently in the possession of the 5th owner. The bike was restored in Texas by the 3rd owner’s family. The restoration occurred in 2000 with power plant completed by Krumm Motorcycles, an Indian motorcycle specialist.

This 1945 Indian Chief is now an 80-inch assembly with 12-volt system including electronic ignition and a Cycle Electric rebuilt generator. The sheet metal and paint are outstanding! There is just under 3000 miles on the engine since the restoration. This motorcycle was built for show and go and was correctly prepared for both!

The gas tanks were taken off by the 4th owner and sent to Florida for a special coating to prevent rust and damage to the paint by the new grade gasolines. Although not painted and accessorized as the factory would have done it, this hard-to-find 1945, matching number Chief, is a real value investment and it is a great ride ready for the next curator to show and go.

The current owner has put over 1000 miles on the bike during his stewardship over the last 4 years. He has also mechanically upgraded the bike to enhance rideability and dependability, See the upgraded item list below.

MILEAGE:
4135 miles showing on the working odometer. This odometer was reset to 0 in the restoration in 2001 so it indicates actual break in miles on the new power plant.

PAINT:
Pearl White with Silver panels. Outlined in a beautiful gold paint pinstripe with Indian feathers on both sides of the front fender tip, Feathers are above the clear coat for easy removal if the new owner wishes.

Paint is of excellent product quality and applied by a professional painter. Excellent application and preparation.

SHEET METAL:
The sheet metal is in great shape, albeit from a different year. The restoration was excellently completed with final fit and finish of top quality. No dings or dents noted.

Gas tanks were sent out for special epoxy lining in 2004 and they are in excellent condition for the long term.

CHROME:
Chrome on this motorcycle is not factory correct for the year. What you see was completely replated during the restoration by a quality plating shop. It is without pits or surface rust and carries a superb shine. The overall look of this chrome on this paint is excellent.

MECHANICAL:
New motor by Krumm Motorcycles of Austin, TX. during the 2000 restoration. The power plant was completely rebuilt. The engine was moved up to 80 inch and it has been correctly broken in. Of course, there is a small amount of oil leak which is correct. The motorcycle was converted to 12-volt in 2004 and includes electronic ignition and a Cycle Electric rebuilt generator 12-volt. This 1945 Indian Chief starts, runs, and shifts smoothly.

Carburetor is an M344 with NYPD stamped on the side of the body. Correct for a Chief model of this year.

RECENTLY UPGRADED ITEMS:
– Jerry Greer rear brake hub has been turned w/ new shoes
– Rear plungers have been rebuilt w/ new chrome
– R K O-ring chain (new)
– New kick arm
– Cast oil pump has been rebuilt by Kiwi
– Bonneville cams, new valves & high compression springs from Kiwi
– cylinders have been honed w/ new rings on pistons
– new ignition, new plug wires and coil
– new Firestone tires by Coker
– new manifold
– Cycle Electric rebuilt generator 12-volt
– new generator belt
– new clutches from Kiwi
– M344 Linkert has been rebuilt and has no leaks
– new fuel petcocks in each tank from Kiwi

WHEELS & TIRES:
Front tire — 500×16 Coker 4 ply nylon
Rear tire — 500×16 Coker 4 ply nylon
New chrome rims with stainless spoke at time of restoration.

TITLE: Clear Louisiana Title
Engine # CDE 1119
Frame # 345 1119

VALUE GUIDES:
NADA: https://www.nadaguides.com/Motorcycles/1945/Indian/CHIEF-CIVILIAN-74ci/Values
Excellent    $50,110
Very Good $26,205
Good           $17,980

Hagerty Value Guide: https://www.hagerty.com/valuation-tools/indian/chief/1945/1945-indian-chief?id=aCn1I000000D2enSAC&vbeSqlId=69366&catalog=yes
#1 Concours condition   $45,400
#2 Excellent condition   $34,000
#3 Good condition          $27,500*
#4 Fair condition            $17,600

This is a limited production, matching number, 1945 Indian Chief, Customized. This would value just below the top posted rate because of its non-production custom changes including the tins, beautiful paint scheme, and mechanical upgrades. This investment motorcycle is ready for show and go.