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1946 Indian Chief
 

Jay’s 1946 Indian Chief is 100% stock with plenty of engine growl in a classic candy-apple red. This ride turns heads and is an iconic example of true grit American engineering. While Indian motorcycles are no longer in production, they are supported by a robust community of enthusiasts who continue to rebuild and restore them. However, the bikes were well made, so don’t be shocked if you see a stock Indian rolling down your local highway.

This chief still has a command of the road!

Jay’s Indian Chief is a three-speed bike with an 80 cubic-inch engine. While stock bikes like Jay’s are the real McCoy, restored Indians usually give their owners better reliability and more horsepower.

The Indian Motorcycle Manufacturing Company began in Springfield, Massachusetts at the turn of the century by two former cyclists - the first Indian had only 1.75 horsepower. The bike quickly caught on and a new legendary brand was launched.

While most Americans born after World War II think of Harley-Davidson as the quintessential American bike, it’s hard to believe that Indian once competed with Harley – or that Indian came first. Both engaged in a heated rivalry. While Harley had a market presence, Indian was the most popular, which may be due not only to the quality of the product, but to its success at the race track.

One of Indian’s most popular models was the Scout, made prior to WWII. The only model to rival the Scout was the Chief, which saw a production run from 1922 to 1953. The first Chief had a 61 cubic-inch engine with plenty of pop. Improvements were made over the years and included a front brake and large skirted fenders.

By 1953, strapped with numerous financial problems, The Indian Motorcycle Company ended its reign of innovation and success. Still, its fan base remains, and to this day, the Indian is a brand that avid collectors cherish.

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