Jones Cycles - The Affordable Alternative

The Chief was introduced in 1922 as Indian's top of the range model. It was based on the Indian Scout frame but had a larger, 61 ci V Twin engine. The added power gave the chief instant appeal to consumers and was an immediate success. The larger 74 ci engine was introduced in 1923 and in 1940 the trademark full skirted guards appeared. The Chief was at its most popular between 1946 and 1948 due to the post war boom but by 1949 the factory considered it obsolete and there was no Chief that year. The Chief's absence did not last long and it was back by popular demand in 1950 although production finally ceased in 1953.

Here we have a 1948 Indian Chief that has the Optional Left Hand shifter and right hand throttle. Virtually all of the parts on this bike are the ones that the factory assembled it with. All of the sheet metal, ignition switch, speedometer, horn, generator (6 volt), engine, transmission etc. is original to this bike! Chrome has all been redone. The frame and fork were checked, stripped and powder coated. All of the wheel internals were gone through and SS spokes installed at the same time. The repop items are the usual minor things such as wiring, rubber parts, rear rack, exhaust and seat.

The original miles on the Chief were about 14,000 when the bike was down for the refurbishing. The pistons are only at +.010 oversize and it has not been sleeved. Virtually nothing on the bike showed any sign of abuse or any sort of rough use. The sheet metal had no damage and no filler at all. The key is even original and fits both the ignition and toolbox. The fender light and lens are also original. Engine number is CDH6696 and frame number is 3486696.

Bike has some upgrades to the original factory equipment such as King clutch kit, spin on oil filter and electronic ignition which can all be easily removed without causing alteration to any of original parts.

The paint that was applied at the same time is duPont Prism (3 color) paint that "morphs" from deep blue (almost black) to green to purple, and is in awesome condition and makes this a stunning looking Chief. The original speedometer was restored later and currently shows less than 900 miles. I'd say the total mileage on the bike since new is around 16,000.

Specs on Bike

1948 Indian Chief

74 Cu Inch V Twin

51 BHP

1212CC

Three Speed Transmission

Drum Brakes

Length 93 Inches

Width 37 Inches

Height 40 Inches

Weight 675 Pounds