When it comes to vintage American motorcycles, there’s not much cooler than a full-fendered 1947 Indian Chief attached to a full-fendered Indian sidecar.
The Pick of the Day is a “Sidecar Chief” in apparently immaculate condition, with matching numbers and coming out of long-term ownership by a committed rider who “sourced and loved and restored (it) over a long period of time with very little concern for budget.”
Image Credit: Classic Cars Journal.
Previous owner
“The previous owner felt that he had invested well over $75,000 dollars and countless hours of ‘free labor’ to get the bike to this level,” says the seller, an Elyria, Ohio, dealer advertising the motorcycle on ClassicCars.com. “This is one stunning, correct and excellent running/riding Chief.”
Every effort was made to restore the bike to correct stock condition, including the correct appearance of the V-twin engine, the seller notes. But inside the engine are upgrades that include an S&S flywheel, Carillo rods and custom machining that resulted in essentially no oil leaks.
Image Credit: Classic Cars Journal.
Transmission
The transmission with its classic tank-mount shifter was upgraded to 3-speeds plus overdrive, making the bike a relaxed cruiser at 80 mph, the dealer says.
The restoration was done on a bike that was virtually rust free, having been found by the owner/restorer in “an old place in the desert.”
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“For sheetmetal, all three fenders are real, old-stock Indian fenders – no reproductions here,” the seller says. “The sidecar is all-original Indian steel.”
Image Credit: Classic Cars Journal.
Authentic look
From the photos with the ad, the Indian appears to be absolutely magnificent, with vintage-hued paint colors and brown-leather seats with matching leather saddlebags. It looks extremely attractive and authentic.
The speedometer shows just 4,594 miles, most likely put on since the restoration.
“When I had my conversation with the previous owner, I could certainly tell he was committed to this as a labor of love,” the seller says in the ad. “His intentions were to keep it forever and he built it just that way. He owned this bike for years.”
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Image Credit: Classic Cars Journal.
Asking price
The asking price for this cherished and coveted motorcycle is a reasonable $42,900.
To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.
This article originally appeared on Classic Cars Journal and was syndicated by MediaFeed.org.
Image Credit: Classic Cars Journal.
