1953 INDIAN CHIEF

I f your taste in classic motorcycles leans toward flowing lines, brilliant chrome and lots of metal, the 1953 Indian Chief fits the bill. That year also marks the demise of the motorcycle maker, which introduced its flamboyant Chief in 1922.

The sheer size of the bike leaves an instant impression. But, says Marks Mederski of the American Motorcycle Association, “they’re no bigger, clumsier or heavier than a Gold Wing or ST 1100 (both made by Honda).”

On the other hand, “Anyone who is used to a present day machine would have a little bit of a learning curve.”

Along with drum brakes and a plunger-type rear suspension, the Indian featured a three-speed, hand-shift suspension. Indians were powered by 1300 cc, or 80 cubic inch, engines.

Expect to pay $18,000 to $25,000 for a running Indian Chief, and more if the bike has been restored by an expert.

“One interesting thing about Indians and for that matter Knuckleheads and Vincent Black Shadows is that unlike some other makes you can buy every piece of all three of those motorcycles brand new. So you no longer need new old stock,” Mederski says.

It would cost a fortune to build a new bike from new parts, but the availability of new parts makes Indian ownership a lot more inviting.

For those preferring to buy an original Chief and restore it, rather than buying a concours model, there are examples out there, Mederski says. But he also advises that would-be buyers be patient when shopping.