Submitted by: Dave Clements
Classification: Chopper/Bobber
Make, Model & Year: 1940-1950 Indian Scout
Fondly known as: Nakaiye Western Apache for Mexican
Motorcycle cost: $200 for the cases
Money spent: Way too much
Engine: Indian 741 military scout 30 cid. bored and stroked to 42 cid. using sport scout 45 cid. flywheels and rods, Suzuki GS850 pistons Indian Bonneville cams. All new guides, valves, bearings.
Intake: Linkert M741 carb with a repop Indian raceway air filter
Exhaust: Drag pipes that I hand bent by filling them with sand and heating small areas with a torch
Transmission: Indian 3 speed crash box
Frame: 1950 vertical Twin Scout frame up 4 1/2 inches raked 42 degrees
Suspension: Original Indian freight train plunger rear suspension with new shafts and bushings. I left the covers off to show off the powder coated die style flat sided springs. The fork is an Indian 741 girder extended 12 inches and powder coated
Wheels, tires and brakes: Rear wheel is a Sporty 16 inch with a 750 Honda rotor and a offset sprocket that I made It is proof that you can get 5 pounds of shit in a 3 pound sack. I originally planed on just the disc in back and a spool in front, but got to thinking about Northern New Mexico drivers and went with a 18 inch Yamaha duel leading shoe brake wheel in front
Finish – Paint: I painted it out on the veranda ( the table in front of my shop by the acequia under a tree ) the base red is International tractor red and the darker red is a pint of the international red with 8 drops of black. that is topped with 3 coats of clear.
Accessories: The headlight was stolen off a snow plow, the tail light is a fleebay find, the peanut tank was in my junk and proly a swap meet find. the risers came off a 47 knuckle basket that I sold in the 70s, the rear fender came off a Suzuki dirt bike. The bars came out of my junk. The locking Indian 4 clutch pedal that allows my left foot on the ground when stopped on a hill was a fleebay find. The oil tanks were a chemical injection tank stolen from a snow plow truck. 80 year old generators make me walk home too often, so I used an alternator from a Toyota Forklift
9 Comments
I have seen this bike up close. The attention to detail, specifically the wiring, is amazing. And it runs great!
I’m not at all surprised by Dave’s absolutely stellar success, given his skills and imagination. I’ve provided some machining support for him, and we’ve shared a lot of ideas. Dave has a wealth of knowledge and practical perspective. I sincerely believe there’s nothing he could not do.
I love the concept of the ‘vintage custom’ style build. A great idea and a great job building it!
In the 50 years I’ve known Dave, I’ve never met such a natural engineering mechanic. This bike – a phoenix risen from the ashes of cast offs and left overs – a combination of old and modern – is an inspiration. A true chopper – equipped only by necessity. A fantastic project.
In the 68 years I’ve known Dave I’ve seen him do some truly interesting things, mechanically.
As his little brother I know for a fact he also strongly adheres to our Dad’s favorite line.
I CAN do anthing you can GET me to.
I have seen this Chopper up close at a bike show in Raton, NM. It is amazing, he has ridden the bike to the show a couple times I know for sure.
In my post yesterday, I kind of never made it to where I was going.
It’s a nice bike.Well built, looks good. More importantly, it runs good and rides right.
Dave, ya done good. Just don’t admit who talked you into streching the neck,
so it rides right.
As an old still life painter, all I can say is: it’s a stunner, it’s a gorgeous piece of sculpture, Dave. You’re a brilliant “bricoleur.” Look it up. I had to . . .
Solid work as always and the details can be seen in his Chop Cult posts.