1947 Indian Chief With Sidecar

1947indianchiefsidecarSeen on the floor of Indian motorcycle Charlotte this 1947 Indian Chief Sidecar. A rare 74”, with all matching numbers, correct 3-speed transmission and completely rust-free.

As you see, the sidecar is primed, ready for a matching paint job in coral red/cream. And I hear that it is for sale for under appraised value…Indian Motorcycle Of Charlotte.

13 Responses to “1947 Indian Chief With Sidecar”


  1. 1 Bobfather Apr 8th, 2009 at 10:19 am

    Under $25k is a really good deal for that bike. Now that’s an Indian worth more than $20k.

  2. 2 Lyle Apr 8th, 2009 at 10:49 am

    Yes, that bike is worth it. It must be a carry over from when they used to sell them. After all, their site says they are “America’s First Indian Dealer.” I wonder what else they have in the bowels of that old building?….

  3. 3 BadMonkeyMW Apr 8th, 2009 at 10:58 am

    Hey! They finally have a real Indian in that place.

  4. 4 Lyle Apr 8th, 2009 at 11:12 am

    That real Indian was there when I first looked at their site awhile back. Say, maybe Indian should consider having a model with a hack on it. And with a mechanical reverse gear. That’s what America needs. And it would set them apart from HD where you don’t see any hacks on the showroom. They are only special order. There is a small and dedicated hack following in the US. It may be the market Indian should tap into knowing they are only producing a 1000 or so bikes a year. It’s working for Ural. Indian could “outsource” the chairs to Liberty who already makes a good looking Indian style sidecar and keep the outsourcing within the US!

  5. 5 ian Apr 8th, 2009 at 12:00 pm

    i must admit – I don’t “get” Indians – there is a mint condition 1946 Chief for sale at a local vintage dealer here (www.verralls.com) maybe they will give me a test ride!

  6. 6 Nicker Apr 9th, 2009 at 2:41 am

    I’m telling-ya ….. “Old” is “New.”
    Be there or be square.

    -nicker-

  7. 7 Rodent Apr 9th, 2009 at 8:08 am

    Real, yeah!

  8. 8 Mike Kiwi Tomas, Kiwi Indian M/C Co Apr 9th, 2009 at 8:48 am

    To really appreciate a classic Indian one has to ride it. For some fun workout riding shots we created a short video clip http://www.kiwiindian.com/new_products.html click on “How to Rebuild your Indian” DVD and watch just the 1st bit of the intro.
    While many non vintage riders misbelieve that they are unreliable, they are totally wrong. Classic Indians are all I ride everyday plus it’s my only ride from coast to coast. If some of the modern manufactures could only understand what is so cool about the build of these old bikes and build some of the same characteristics into their current day bikes I think we’d all be better off. I’m not refering to style but more in the ease of handling dept and just plain fun factor. Indian was known for its style, engineering (in the early days), craftsmanship and elegance. Something that is not found in today’s motorcycles. Indians had sex appeal and had it going on in their day. Long live master designer Briggs Weaver. He was the man!!! May you rest in peace.

  9. 9 ian Apr 9th, 2009 at 10:55 am

    Mike – i just spent half an hour going over your website – its quite amazing what you have achieved – maybe I get Indians a bit more now.
    PS i have one of your leaf spring forks on my bobber – we are going on a 2000 mile ride next month – i hope my arms can take it!

  10. 10 Mike Kiwi Tomas, Kiwi Indian M/C Co Apr 9th, 2009 at 11:57 pm

    Ian,
    You’ll be surprised as to the ride of our forks plus if need be you can adjust the ride by cutting the length of the leaves but generally straight off the way we ship them they are good to go. Glad you liked our site, Indians are cool, try and get a chance to ride one as they ride and handle extremely well.

  11. 11 Kiwi Steve Apr 11th, 2009 at 2:59 pm

    Ian,

    Nice scoot!! Have fun on your run, like the boss said, the ride is surprisingly nice!

  12. 12 Grayhawk Apr 13th, 2009 at 10:17 am

    Original Indians are pretty fine ole scoots I have a few along with my old HD’s, just like them all new and old. While your looking at all these new old flatheads take a look at what Mike is putting out as well, check out his site as ian referred to above. He and his company have come a long way. Keeping it living. His bobbers/retros areTrue old style with modern metalurgy and Engineering. Mike chooses to keep it real just making it better with todays tools and resources if you will, he also chose to be an American. Congrats. No I do not work for Mike just watched him and his business grow over the years and appreciate the effort.

    Grayhawk

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Cyril Huze