1941 Indian Scout 741 Military Motorcycle (Project)

Description

Based in Springfield, Massachusetts, the Indian Motorcycle Company was the only motorcycle manufacturer able to compete on equal terms with Harley-Davidson for the first half of the 20th Century. With its origins as a producer of bicycles, the partnership of George Hendee and Oscar Hedstrom followed the familiar practice of building a powered version in 1901, using a proprietary Thor single horsepower engine, and from the emergence of the first V-twin in 1907, Indian quickly established itself as a maker of quality motorcycles. The growth in sales, combined with success on the racetrack, prompted an expanded model range, with a smaller 221cc two-stroke, then a flat twin, helping Indian secure the number one position ahead of archrival Harley Davidson. The legendary Indian Scout motorcycle was first seen in 1920 and was, along with larger Chief model in 1922, 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, then in 1930 a larger more comfortable and better handling frame was introduced. In 1934 the Sport Scout was introduced in 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 any of these Scouts are, today, considered rare collector's items.