Geezers chief

[East London Geezer]

This what has been keeping me busy.

Bought 2.4.11 in boxes, first started 11.11.11.

A few teething troubles, oil and fuel leaks, all sorted now, just got to finish running it in.

 

[ghiribizzo]

I'd never buy a Harley. An Indian is a very different beast. Love it.

 

[Richard A]

Respect!

 

[spen]

sweet

 

[theoneandonly]

it's all very well posting a pretty picture.......what you need is an " evaluation of the performance envelope " ........i'm free on sunday......anytime ...... call 0123456789

 

[East London Geezer]

If I can perform that well at 71 I'll be well pleased.

 

[Steptoe]

Tell us more about it.

 

[East London Geezer]

It's a 1940 Indian Chief,74 cubic inch (1200cc) flathead 42degree V twin, with a three speed gearbox.

It has a hand gear change on the right hand side of the tank and a foot clutch on the left foot board (which operates the opposite way round to the one on my Shovel Electraglide). The throttle is on the left and the right twistgrip controls the advance and retard. The front brake is in the conventional position but is mainly ornamental.

The front suspension is by leaf with trailing links which is pretty good and the rear is by springs above and below the axle bracket resulting in about inch and half of travel. I think the rear springs were developed(?) as one in the eye for arch rivals HD who soldiered on with rigid rear ends for some years after.

I've tried to keep mine pretty original but because I intend to ride it a lot I have carried out a few mods although I still have the standard parts. I have replaced the 6V generator with a 12v alternator from a Kubota dump truck and a CV carb from HD.

I have finished running it in now and it and its loosening up a treat cruising nicely at around 65 mph, very relaxing.

 

[johnnyboy]

Love it, a few more pictures would be appreciated.

 

[mherkin]

My brother's got a '48 Chief and he had it converted to throttle on left and retard on right. I think the shifter was also swapped over to the left. It makes it less interesting to ride though - especially when something happens and you have to put all the control inputs together in a hurry. He's also had the front brake modded to take a Triumph wider drum and is looking at the 4 speed box.

I've got a '57 Trailblazer (really a Royal Enfield Super Meteor) which I'm just getting to grips with. The front brakes are seriously rubbish and the back locks up really easily. It's a great looking bike though and not bad for 55 years old.

 

[East London Geezer]

More pics as requested. First two pictures are the bike almost completed in the conservatory (the shed is full up) thanks Shirl. The last picture is an action shot.

 

[dr nosh]

Noice.

Cool cruising with the left hand only.

 

[Robbo1200ADV]

Always loved these ,what sort of price would get a decent runner not concours ,but one you could use ?

 

[East London Geezer]

Minefield, different years different money. Middle years 45-49 have girder forks probably cheapest, early ones,40-42 with leaf springs a bit more and late ones with telescopic forks and 80 inch (1340) engine commanding highest prices.1953 dearest of all as last year for Indian. There are also some military and essential use models 42-45 with leaf springs and mudguards without the side valences.

Hardest job is finding one.

Probably £18K and up

 

[philthy]

bikes

Nice bike

I got offered one for 1500.00 about 20 years ago

I would have sold it at some time so is irrelevant really