Indian Scout Revived
When George saw this Indian on the highway, he had to take some photos straight away before it rode away.
I HAVE always had a love for Indians since my parents brought an Indian trail bike when I was 13. This bike is a Indian Scout 741 500 cc. The year of manufacture is 1940. I purchased it about five years ago from Robert in Western Australia where, I believe, it was in his family for about 50 years.
Robert had done some of the restoration on the bike and I have finished restoring the rest — motor, clutch, fuel system, brakes, paint, chrome work — over time until what it is today.
It did take some time to find and sort parts. I found Murray Morell very helpful for parts and Vic Maberley for information on Indians of any sort.
It is not the fastest Indian but it has been a challenge to ride, and it is a head-turner wherever it goes.
Interesting Facts
THE SCOUT was manufactured in the period between 1920 and 1949 rivalling Chief as the factory’s most successful model. It started at 596 cc at the beginning but in 1927 was increased to a respectful 745 cc to be in direct competition in the popularity of the Excelsior Super X.
The Scout was featured in the movie World’s Fastest Indian based on the true story of Kiwi Burt Munro and his modified 1920 Scout setting the World Speed Record back in the ’60s (1962 — 1967) that still stands today (if I am right).
Peter’s 500 cc Scout belongs to the models known as a Little Scout: aka Scout Pony, Junior Scout and Thirty- Fifty. They were made between 1932 and 1941 which means Peter’s bike is one of the late examples made by factory.
Indian tribes of North America were once mighty warriors roaming the prairies and instigating fear in the white invaders. The Indian motorcycle was named as a tribute to the Indian nation that now finds itself on the fringe of American society.
pics by George; words by Peter