Indian Bicycles

[highship]

Does anyone here know anything about Indian bicycles? I am going to look at and "make an offer" on one tomorrow. It is not complete, missing wheels and bars for sure and will have to look and see what else... I guess I am curious about placing an age on it and of coarse some ballpark guidelines as to the value.
This is the one picture I have seen so far...

Any hooo, just wanted to see what you know.
Thanks

 

[Ratfink1962]

That looks like an early Indian... maybe from the 20's?

I do know they made some from 50-53 but those are a diamond frame lightweight made by Phillips (England)

If indeed it is an early Indian, it could bring in some serious bucks.

 

[highship]

I am certain it is an early Indian made in Springfield MA not one of the English ones.

 

[Anonymous]

Some Indian bike info...

http://motorcyclemuseum.org/asp/classics/bike.asp?id=12

 

[highship]

Thanks for the link.
I have been reading all night trying to figure something out.
From what I read Indian did not change to Indian Motocycle Co. (the 'r' is missing on purpose) untill 1923 so based on the badge it would be a '23 or newer.
You all know what I know so how much cash would you bring with you???

 

[highship]

Oh ya...
It seems that it may not have actually been built in Springfield MA. There headquarters was in Springfield and they built motorcycles there but the motorcycle production took up so much of there resorces that they farmed out the building of there bikes to someone in Ohio.
Who was the bicycle company in Ohio, maybe it was them??

 

[KZ1000]

Kind of strange to have a Motocycle badge on a bicycle, I know of a Hendee Bicycle that was made by the indian motocyle co. and labeled Springfield Mass, I would do some good research on that headbadge to see if it indeed a Bicycle headbadge. As far as cash to bring, I would take $300. and check it out good 1st.

 

[KJV]

"Who was the bicycle company in Ohio, maybe it was them?"... Cleveland Welding Company.

 

[highship]

here is some more pictures. it's the real deal. oh i'm so nervous!

most i can walk away from but i really want this one

 

[axsepul]

Even though its a desirable bike its still missing a lot parts. Don't make an offer, ask the seller for a price and in my opinion I would not pay a penny over $200. Have in mind the money that you need to spend to restore it.

 

[Anonymous]

Be Very Carefull about those headbadges...

I put This One on my Silent Grey Fellow.

http://ratrodbikes.com/forum/viewtopic. ... rey+fellow

 

[highship]

Be Very Carefull about those headbadges...

I put This One on my Silent Grey Fellow.

http://ratrodbikes.com/forum/viewtopic. ... rey+fellow

What's the warning? Nice bikes by the way.

 

[highship]

Even though its a desirable bike its still missing a lot parts. Don't make an offer, ask the seller for a price and in my opinion I would not pay a penny over $200. Have in mind the money that you need to spend to restore it.

I asked him to name his price a few times and he wouldn't. Now I know generally the first one to make an offer loses but I had to start it somehwere, he was ready to let me leave and think about my offer I stalled so long. I started so low I was afraid he might drag me of his property but he was cool. He came back with what he wanted and I felt it was good so I agreed.
I ended up buying it for what I think was a good price Merry Christmas to me!!
It looks to me like its only missing the wheel, bars, and drop stand. What else do you think might be missing?
I'm still on the fence as to whether or not I think it had a tank.
It will be in Fresh finds soon with some good pics so check back. I'll put a link here to the fresh find topic.

 

[Anonymous]

Congrats on the Score!

 

[Wildcat]

Nice bike. Usually when they say make an offer, they look at you funny and say they are expecting 3 or 4 times your offer.

 

[Ratfink1962]

here's a 1924 for reference...

http://www.oldbike.eu/museum/?page_id=4420