1948 Indian Chief

mark-h-5
mark-h-3
mark-h-4
mark-h-6
mark-h-7
mark-h-8
mark-h-9
mark-h-1
Mark H - click this image to see my build

What was your intended objective when you started the build?

A genuine, plain and original bobber – nothing pretty and shiny.  Must be a motorcycle I can ride all day.

 

What motivated you to start your project?

My bond with motorcycles, especially vintage Indians. wanted to have an old as-is original bobber, nothing pretty & shiny, just to ride and preserve.

 

What was the most unique and creative thing you did to the bike?

Had that old crusty headlight bucket and yellow seal beam in my parts stash for a long time. When this Indian came along, I figured it was time to bring out that old headlight setup.  Makes more sense than the shiny chrome Indian Chief repop light that was on the bike when I bought it.

 

What are you most proud of?

The low down, pure bobber vibe this motorcycle has down to the 30’s spare tire cover rear fender I made.  The bike is original Indian except the 12 volt conversion it came to me with and the leather Drag Specialties seat I’m running until I have the bucks for an original Indian seat.
This is a one kick bike that runs strong.

What do other people say about your motorcycle?

  • It’s an authentic 40’s bobber is and they’ve never seen anything like it other than old pictures.  Sounds like an American V-Twin should.

10 Comments

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Rate this build

- (0 ratings)
Submitted by: Mark H

Submit your email to win fantastic prices. This is completely optional. Visit our email submission page to enter.

Specifics

Make, Model & Year: 1948 Indian Chief
Fondly known as: Geronimo
Time spent: less than 100
Money spent: less than a grand
Engine: Original 1948 Indian Chief 74 cubic inch flatty. Full rebuild by the legendary Charlie C. in Austin, TX.
Intake: Original 48 Indian Chief stock Linkert updraft carburetor.
Exhaust: Original 48 Indian Chief.
Transmission: Original 48 Indian Chief Hand Shift 3-speed non-synchro rebuilt by Charlie C.
Frame: Original 48 Indian Chief.
Suspension: Original 48 Indian Chief plunger rear and girder front end.
Wheels, tires and brakes: Original 1948 Indian 16 X 5 front and rear wheels with vintage style Avon tires. Original “large” drum brakes.
Finish – Paint: Original paint. Flat back on repop Indian Chief tanks.

Share