1928 Indian 101 750cc Scout Motorcycle

Description

Based in Springfield, Massachusetts, the Indian Motorcycle Company was the only motorcycle manufacturer able to compete on equal terms with the might of 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. Indian steadily evolved over the next decade, with developments like a steel cylinder head in place of the original cast iron one, sprung front forks and the first ever use of a twist grip sealing the company’s reputation for technical innovation. Starting in 1906, Indians were powered by engines built in-house by the Hendee Manufacturing Company, using Hedstrom’s own carburettors, while the first Indian V-twin appeared the following year. The Indian Scout was built from 1920 through 1949 and it became, along with the Chief, Indian’s best-known motorcycle. Designed by Charles B. Franklin, the Scout had its gearbox bolted to the engine and was driven by gears instead of by belt or chain. The engine originally displaced 610cc, but the Scout 45 with a 740cc (45 cu in) engine was introduced in 1927. Later in 1928, the Scout and Scout 45 were replaced by the Model 101 Scout. Another Franklin design, the 101 Scout had a 750cc engine, a longer wheelbase and a lower seat height and was well known for its handling. The 101 Scout was replaced by the Standard Scout for 1932.