Unrestored Running 1915 Indian. A Fire Breathing Monster.

This bike was found dismantled in an Australian collection. Starting a 1915 Indian 61 boardtrack racer. It was a time when when men were racing with wide open throttle, no brakes and a strong faith in God…. See the flames coming out of the ported cylinder heads.

15 Responses to “Unrestored Running 1915 Indian. A Fire Breathing Monster.”


  1. 1 chopmonster66 Jun 2nd, 2011 at 8:35 am

    man i wish i could find one like that, maybe some day . always looking…

  2. 2 Delski Jun 2nd, 2011 at 8:52 am

    Amazing what a treasure !

  3. 3 John K. Endrizzi Jun 2nd, 2011 at 9:32 am

    Just think what the Indian brand might have come up with had they followed this type of technology rather than the staid flathead format.

  4. 4 nuno maroco Jun 2nd, 2011 at 10:06 am

    Simple incredible.

  5. 5 Toby Jun 2nd, 2011 at 10:37 am

    Unrestored? It is at the very least well maintained. Gleaming springs and pistons.

  6. 6 Dave Blevins Jun 2nd, 2011 at 10:50 am

    Sounds fantastic. Bet it would be great fun to ride!

  7. 7 Luis Jun 2nd, 2011 at 10:50 am

    Whenever I see bikes w/ exposed valvetrains like that I love it. Its great to see how it works whie its in operation.

    Although in the back of my mind I think of all the liability issues. :p Guess I’m a product of a litigious society.

  8. 8 burnout Jun 2nd, 2011 at 12:07 pm

    Coolest thing I have seen OR heard in a long while! peace

  9. 9 Hondo Cat Jun 2nd, 2011 at 12:28 pm

    Great. Thanks Cyril!

  10. 10 Keith Stone & Kiki Jun 2nd, 2011 at 1:44 pm

    AWESOME !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Sounds like such a BEAST ! !

  11. 11 Richard Jun 2nd, 2011 at 2:55 pm

    I’ve been around awhile but don’t “get” the ported cyl. heads. I see the flames but….why? Possibly cam timing overlap? I also see flames coming out of the exhaust….due to short pipes, unburned gases etc? Anyone know?

  12. 12 nicker Jun 2nd, 2011 at 10:26 pm

    Cool flick.

    RE:
    “…don’t “get” the ported cyl. heads. I see the flames…”

    That’s gotta be the top of the exhaust valve guides.
    And without lead in the gas to lubricate-em i’m guessing they have loads of clearance.

    Great web site ref. at the end of the flick:
    http://www.yesterdays.nl/

    -nicker-

  13. 13 Wiz Jun 3rd, 2011 at 5:49 am

    Got to get a little warm on the knee. On the plus side, ya got a coupla nifty onboard cigarrette lighters! Wiz

  14. 14 Conrad Nicklus Jun 4th, 2011 at 10:30 am

    That is truly amazing! It is absolutely awesome to think that back in 1915 bikes like that were being produced and people were riding them! I would LOVE to own that bike!!

    How does the oiling system work for the top end? Actually, for the pistons as well, you can see the pistons moving! I dont get it!!!! Phenomenal machine!
    !

  15. 15 nicker Jun 4th, 2011 at 10:10 pm

    Conrad,

    RE:
    “…How does the oiling system work for the top end? Actually, for the pistons as well…”

    Probably total loss oiling off a rider operated hand pump.
    No guide oiling. Air cooled valve springs.

    -nicker-

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Cyril Huze