1941 Indian Chief

This 1941 Indian Chief was acquired as a non-running project in 2014 by the seller, who subsequently began a six-year refurbishment that was completed in 2022 and included refinishing the bodywork in red and overhauling the 74ci flathead V-twin, hand-shifted three-speed transmission, primary, and 18″ wire-spoke wheels. Additional work performed during the refurbishment included fitting a distributor ignition system, refinishing the frame and other components in gloss black, and replacing the wiring harness, horn, headlight, tires, hardware, and sprung leather solo saddle. Features include a leaf-spring front end, skirted fenders, a two-into-one exhaust system, a six-volt charging system, plunger shocks, and both center and side stands. This Chief is offered by the seller in New Jersey with a removed magneto and a Vermont registration in the seller’s name. The bike is said to have been refinished in DuPont urethane Classic Indian Red during the refurbishment while the frame, fork, handlebar, and other components were refinished in gloss black. Features include a side stand, a locking toolbox, a taillight, a rear fender guard, footboards, skirted fenders, center and side stands, and a replacement sprung Indian-embossed cognac leather solo saddle. The horn, sealed-beam headlight, and hardware were replaced, though the seller states that the fuel tank is missing trim. The hubs and 18″ rims were painted black, the spokes were re-plated, and the wheels were mounted with Firestone ANS tires under current ownership. Suspension consists of a leaf-spring fork as well as dual plunger shocks mounted on both sides of the rear axle. Braking is from drums at both ends. A Corbin 110-mph speedometer, a keyed ignition, and an ammeter are mounted in a chrome tank-top dash panel. The five-digit odometer shows six miles, although the seller estimates having ridden approximately 40 miles. Total mileage is unknown. The twist-grip throttle is located on the left side of the handlebar. The wiring harness, horn, and switches were replaced, and the seller notes that the front brake lever is from an earlier model while the speedometer cable is from a later model. The 74ci flathead V-twin was overhauled by the seller and is said to be equipped with a Bonneville carburetor, higher-compression cylinder heads, cylinders, pistons, cams, and followers. The bike has been converted to a distributor ignition system, and additional features include a kick starter, a six-volt charging system, an Indian-branded chrome air filter, and a two-into-one exhaust system with heat-resistant gloss and flat black paint. The chain guard and cam cover are from a later Indian, per the seller. Power is routed to the rear wheel through a three-speed transmission that is shifted using a tank-mounted hand lever mounted on the right and a clutch pedal mounted on the left. The seller states the transmission and primary drive were overhauled in the refurbishment. The removed Edison magneto will accompany the motorcycle. The bike is registered by its engine number CDA1094, and a photo showing the number 3411094 stamped in the frame can be viewed in the gallery. The frame number reportedly decodes as: 3 – Chief 41 – year of manufacture (1941) 1094 – the last four digits in the engine number The bike does not have a title, as it is registered in a state that does not issue titles for a vehicle of its age. It is being sold on its registration.