But thanks to Mike Tomas, of Kiwi Indian Motorcycles in Riverside, Calif.You see, Tomas builds an exact replica of the big Chief.Today, collectors love the big art deco Indians of the 1940s, with their torquey motors, tractor seats and swoopy, valanced fenders.But the engine that made Indian famous was the flathead.Tomas, a transplanted New Zealander, builds brand-new flathead Indian motors.Some modern technology is used internally, like new pistons and rings, to make them better than the originals.Then he began making cylinder heads and improved crankcases.Now, his is the only company that manufactures a truly proprietary Indian engine–the first one since the factory closed in 1953.Mike has a licensing agreement so he can use the Indian name too.
Tomas will build you a brand-new, turnkey Chief, just like the 1953 model, for about 50 grand.Mike even builds a 4-speed Indian gearbox that looks just like the old factory 3-speed, so now you can have that extra gear Indians always needed.I feel we should reward people like Tomas, who do things more out of a labor of love than for making lots of money.Mike and his staff find bits and pieces, the DNA if you will, of legendary bikes.I also was presant when kawasaki first came to the u.We now have the 1948 Chief, all black with chrome wheels.org just a reminder to all you Indian fans, inn November 2008 the Springfield museums in Springfield ma will be opening the history of Springfield museum, there will be a huge collection of original Indian motorcycles on display, you need to see the collection to really appreciate the bike.
If you have aline on some parts or are interested in the pocket bike please contact.Have been in contact with Mr, Tomas about a Scout basket case.Neither you nor Popular Mechanics has the ability to make your e-mail address public.However, we ask that you submit your e-mail address to us just in case we need to contact you.. For some cool bike games you should check out bike games
