Flashback. 1927 Indian Scout 45

Originally designed by Charles B. Franklin, and introduced as a 1920 model, the Scout rivaled the Chief as Indian’s most important model. In 1927, with the Scout 45, the engine went from 37 cubic inch or 610 cc to 45 cubic inch or 740 cc. The reason for engine displacement increase was the strong competition from the Excelsior Super X model.

In print ads, Indian’s Springfield factory was promoting the Scout 45 using a test made on March 2, 1927 by a certain Bob Armstrong who performed 2 times in a row an acceleration from 5 to 65 mph in just 10 seconds.

in 1928, the Scout 45 was replaced by tanother Charles B. Franklin design, the Model 101, the first Indian model equipped with a front brake. It became legendary for its exceptional handling.

Model featured displayed at the National Motorcycle Museum, Anamosa, Iowa. (photo @ Doug Mitchel 630.605.6276)

7 Responses to “Flashback. 1927 Indian Scout 45”


  1. 1 Kurt Emerson Jan 13th, 2017 at 11:04 am

    Always a pleasure to see one, even if it’s only a photo.

  2. 2 James just another crazy kiwi Jan 13th, 2017 at 1:07 pm

    And then someone highly modified one to go 200mph.
    When you look at what he started with it seems impossible

  3. 3 SIGFREED Jan 13th, 2017 at 1:23 pm

    James..,

    With enough time and/or money you can modify an Indian Scout 45 to be a Hayabusa.

  4. 4 KneesintheBreeze Jan 13th, 2017 at 4:03 pm

    Still looks better than the current ugly, red-headed step-child that is the new Scout

  5. 5 James just another crazy kiwi Jan 14th, 2017 at 1:14 am

    Sigfreed,
    you are completely right , but he didint have any money . He did live in the shed with his bikes.
    It was time, dedication and just being totaly driven beyond normal human endeavour.
    Plus a good dose of eccentriciy 🙂
    Allot of things are still acheived over here without money……………

  6. 6 James just another crazy kiwi Jan 14th, 2017 at 1:17 am

    I do note your and/or though, I guess some would see money as time rather than a source of acheivement and joy

  7. 7 Chris Jan 14th, 2017 at 9:44 am

    A REAL Indian!

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Cyril Huze