Chevys and Indians

[TerryB]

This Indian motorcycle is surrounded by 1930s Chevys and other makes of cars from that era.  The motorcycle is from the 1940s I think but I'm not  sure of the exact year.  Another photo I have shows the cycle with a 1948 PA license plate mounted on it. A classic twist on cowboys and Indians!

Terry

 

 

[intimeold]

OK, The Indian Motorcycle year

 

1946 Indian Chief

 

Here is how I narrowed it down

 

1. Tank emblem was used on Chiefs, 4-cylinder, Sport Scouts, Scouts starting in 1942. When production started up after the war, in 1946, only the Chief was offered; so the earlier mentioned models were not made when this bike was new . The 1947 emblem is different.  Also the front suspension shown, on the bike didn't start until 1946. Earlier bikes had a leaf spring suspension in front. 

 

2. The front fender curves just a bit farther forward/downward at the front than the 1947. That is a 1946 front fender

 

3. The front fender light shown was used 1941-1946

 

4. That is a Chief engine, with cast oil pump shown 

 

5. When production started up after the war, in 1946, only the Chief was offered; so the earlier mentioned models were not made when this bike was new

 

6. 1946, 1947, 1948 Chiefs have small differences, that determine the model year, I only mentioned a few that determine this is a 1946  

 

There are a few period add-ons, such as the smaller lights on the front fender

 

I bought my first Indian Chief in 1968, it was a  black 1946, as the one shown 

 

intimeold

 

 

 

 

Edited March 27, 2017 by intimeold (see edit history)

[TerryB]

Thank you for the information on the bike!

Terry

[TerryB]

Here is the back view of the bike.