Just found what Im told is a 46 but may be 48 Indian Chief with hack! All appears to be there but when they took it apart somone stole the motor and trans! Also need title...How can I determine the value of this treasure? Thanx!
NADA and others have appraisel guides for vintage and antique bikes.
There are only minor differences between those years- things like speedo drive and the '48 would have a better oil pump that doesn't wet-sump (as fast). A lot of the value would depend on the condition; what are the little pieces that are missing, original or repro parts (steel or plastic if repro), paint, etc. I would check with the Antique Motorcycle Club, and maybe write to folks at Walnecks (Buzz Walneck), Starklite, and KIWI Indian. Someone here local might be a good source, too; Dale at Wheels Through Time in Asheville NC. Don't have the # right now, but I'm sure they'd come up on Google.
Without seeing it, assuming it hasn't survived any catastrophies, I'll guess about $15-$18K.
Forgot the most obvious dif is the dash is a different shape.
Also- WTT is in Maggee Valley, not Asheville
Motor and trans on e bay right now for a 48. Never been run sat on a dealers shelf all these years. LOL
Check out Antique motorcycle club of america
they have experts who can help you out.
Thank you for the kind reply. You sound quite knowledgabe about this old iron...I or my father I should say, has a 43 scout military bike. Not near as fancy but much better condition.
I wonder if I could email you some pics of the chief basket project and see what you think?
Thanks again!
Jeff
Would a 48 motor work on a 46?
Just looked on ebay...cant find motor anywhere...
you dont have the item # do ya?
Check out Kiwi motorcycles.(that is all you have to google)They make reproduction motors, and I believe -now-transmissions. Thay have been around for awhile, and I have read much good about them.Better castings, newer materials in valve train etc.,and engine displacement options. Also Ziggy in WA state-he had an Indian Cargo Hack/ box on eBay recently. He has lots of Indian spares. I just googled it is: ziggysmotorworks. Would like to see a picture if you've got the time email fine. Thanks, Bob
Mr Man- Can't tell who you're "talking" to, but if it's to anyone; I am no expert. I've only owned a couple of Chiefs. That said, I don't see why a '46 frame and engine shouldn't be interchangeable with anything from a '48. The frames are the same and the engine as a whole mounts the same. As I mentioned, some parts do not enterchange, but whole components should (if that makes sense). You are certainly welcome to e-mail pix of anything your heart desires. My address is in the user profile dept. As I mentioned, Starklite and KIWI are good places to talk shop. Personally, I feel that ever since Starklite hired a certain person to take phoine orders they never get anything right anymore, so I use either Jerry Greer or KIWI.
If you have a Barnes and Noble or other major book store in you area
try to buy the magazine titled
The Antique Motorcycle
This is the official magazine for the AMCA
Lots of info and vendors for indian bike in it.
