1944 Indian Scout Motorcycle

The legendary Indian Scout motorcycle was first seen in 1922 and was, along with larger Chief model, the most successful model ever made by the Springfield concern. Designed by Charles B.Franklin, who joined the company after emigrating from Ireland and ultimately rose to the position of Vice-President, the mid-sized Scout utilised a 600cc V-twin engine and proved a great success through the 1920s and 1930s. Later, an enlarged 750cc model version was offered and the combination of good handling and plenty of usable power meant the Scout was popular with racers and sports riders alike. A new, lower frame was adopted in 1928 and in a cost cutting move due largely to the Depression, the Scout adopted the heavier Chief frame in 1932 but the negative reaction was such that Indian released a new Sport Scout in 1934 using a lighter frame, Girder forks and improvements to the carburettor and an alloy cylinder head. With the outbreak of war, civilian production ceased in 1940 and Indian turned to filling orders from the military instead. The rugged mechanicals of the Indian Scout were well suited to the task of military use and are, today, rare collector's items.