The Indian Scouts and Arrows of 1949-1952 received a lot of unjustified fault for the downfall of the famous Indian Motocycle Company where the real problems could be traced to the untimely devaluation of the British pound and the takeover of the company by J. Brockhouse & Company, Ltd. Production of traditional Indians was extremely limited in 1949.
source/image(PrtSc): yesterdaysnl
And for example, no 1949 Chiefs are known to exist. Manufacture of all products was halted in 1953. In retrospect, the vertical Indians were visionary, just a decade too early as the Japanese factories accomplished what Indian president, Ralph Rogers, believed as the future for his company.
And the new Indians weren’t really frail in the hands of regular riders. Many put on extensive mileage through the years. Such is the case of the 1949 Indian Scout presented here. This motorcycle was used for many years for club runs and summer holidays pleasure.
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This Indian Scout features the 440cc (26.6 cubic Inch) vertical twin engine, set in a rear sprung frame with telescopic front forks. Weighing just 143kg (315 lbs). fully serviced, the diminutive Indian could attain speeds of 85mph and was competitive with larger British motorcycles of that period. This Indian Scout features an older restoration and is still going strong./yesterdaysnl
