This is a true love for a classic machine that most bike people don't understand. Love what you are doing with her. Each piece of rust, dent, even bastardized part tells a story of this particular bike. Man, it's beautiful.
The first bike that I ever owned was a '48 Indian Chief. I bought it for $75. in 1962, and yes, I rode it home with a huge smile on my face! I'd so love to have it back agIn!!!
There is nothing wrong with standard maintenance to keep the bike safe such as new tires and brakes. It doesn't compromise the authenticity of the bike as long as you just replace them with newer, less worn but similar parts. Not on a moral high horse or anything but enjoying and riding a classic bike in regular traffic comes with a responsibility for other people's safety as well. Just saying.
Actually a good rider on that bike is most likely a LOT safer than todays LOUSY DISTRACTED wannabe race car drivers in new cars. I ride on the street on a daily basis on a 1989 Harley FXRS Low Rider, and it is the car drivers who need to take responsibility for THEIR lack of driving ability.
I totally appreciate your dedication to keeping it as is. My granddad left his 48 parked in his garage when he died in 1980. It looks like my dad and my uncle are ready to let me pull it up next to my shovel head and bring it back to life after all these years. Thanks for the rundown on your bike.
People telling you that you need to change or "restore" that bike don't understand or appreciate art. They need to mind their own business. Beautiful bike bro!!
I can't believe there are no comments here - pro OR con, for that matter! This is one of my favorite videos ever... getting a tour of this Kentucky barn survivor keeps the dream alive for so many of us that treasures are still out there, waiting to be found. "Kudos" doesn't begin to describe how much admiration I feel for Michael - you're a true motorcycle enthusiast and I appreciate your commitment to the proud patina this incredible machine has earned.
The bike is yours, you can do what you want with it. There’s always going to be commentators but you’re the boss. Besides, once you start taking it apart, it’s a long and arduous process. Stuff breaks and snaps and all the aftermarket parts are costly because they’re not mass produced. Back in the day, guys just used whatever they had to keep a bike running. They went into their tool shed or barn for it. The beauty about original Indian “Motocycles” is that it has all standard bearings and fine thread bolts and hardware, so stuff doesn’t rattle loose too easily. You can go to a standard bearing/ hardware supply store and pick up what you need. By the way I have a 47 Chief Roadmaster with Sidecar that I mostly run the bike as solo. I’m rebuilding it this year and have owned it since 1985. It’s nowhere near original, but it’s a runner. I’m a Charter member of the AMCA, and sometime I catch hell because it’s not authentic, but I just keep on riding….. Naw.. you should keep it the way it is if you like… because nobody, absolutely nobody has one like it. You could pick it out of a crowd at Sturgis 😅😊👍
Hi, Congratulations on the video. I had one here in Brazil, I had trouble restoring, gave small gear problem on main control valve and damaged two other . I gave up and sold for scrap. What caused all this was a washer that sits on the crankshaft. Sincerely. Carlos Direct from Brazil.
I like the fact it's original, only replace what absolutely needs replacing. You get to ride and see the same exact bits and pieces and paint and touch what the first owner did. Can't replace that.
I'm somebody who has always had funky un-restored vehicles, not because that's what I prefer,but because that's all I could afford. I'm close to finishing up a semi-custom restoration of a 50's BSA that has been near daily transportation for about 12 years. For years I took pride in having the funkiest dirtiest un-restored original bike at a meet. Now that I'm close to being done rebuilding, re-painting, and re-plating everything (yes it was original paint) I'm now enjoying it more than ever!
Original un-restored is something I usually expect of vehicles that were well kept and in continual use for most of there life or stored in well preserved condition. The story this motorcycle tells is as much from decay as it is wear. She was well worn for some time and then neglected for perhaps even longer. The decision whether or not to restore such a beast is very personal. The most important thing any one can do with such a relic is revive it. Which is what has happened here. Such machines are meant to ride and I think it is wonderful to see she gets ridden.
What a cool bike! Keeping it this way is very nice too. A nice patina and road wear is worth more a better-than-brand-new restoration, just like in a firearm.
What a great idea. Interesting to note how very little in the way of fundamentals has changed, in the 60+ years since this one got made. I had some old British bikes, and the real enthusiasts just polished the rust, it's a whole different way of looking at maintaining an old machine, and yes, to me it does retain more of the story - and hey, it could be restored anytime. Like the rear 'jampot' suspension, a tiny little BSA called the 'Bantam' had these, we found it literally buried up to its saddle in a small town in Scotland, and got it running. I dreaded taking the engine apart, having only done a 4-stroke Japanese OHC before? Then, I saw the little two-stroke on the bench in my bedroom (! thanks mum, you were great) and it amounted to about 6 pieces including the 3-speed gearbox. A lovely bike you have, in a world of samey copies, every bike now seems to have a 'Y' frame etc and no mudguards.
Has anyone else ever noticed that the true haters with no clue are the ones easily detected by the number of misspellings per number of words typed?This is a piece of American history-it has earned every dent , scratch and particle of dust. Kudos to the man who is too young to even know what an Indian Motorcycle even is.He is unique and he has a very unique and desirable machine of which there are so very few originals left.In part due to the high number of goofs with spray paint and unrealistic dreams.There are enough fools in the world.Thanks to vehicle restoration shows and auctions like Barrett Jackson and the parts installers of Orange County that have decided after watching a 45 minute reality show they can restore any vehicle and sell it for millions......oh if only they had the ways and the means LOL Leave this beautiful virgin alone and enjoy every moment of what she has to offer and respect her for being here this many years without a face lift , lipstick or red ruby shoes.Ride this glorious rusty yet sexy old bitch around town with your middle finger held high to salute those of us fans who deserve a big "F" YOU for not being lucky enough to have her and a special big "F" YOU to the haters as they putt along in their "ground up resto" , 82' Chevy Chevette complete with custom Bondo and aerosol can restorations.Hell maybe they should follow suit and refer to her as a 48' Native American while they are at it....Love the bike and admire the mentality and the ultimate respect the guy has for this incredible survivor.Good job man!-keep the rusty side up and keep on truckin !
Hi Michael.....your bike is awesome man...just bought my first Indian...a 1948 chief funny enough!....enjoyed the vid and its helped me see what an original one should look like....mines 3/4 built......mine like yours will be used......have fun m8....Rich (Essex, England)
I have a 1947 that is more or less original, at least the way my dad left it in about 1965. Just had the engine and transmission rebuilt and I'm getting ready to get back on the road. If I make it to California, I should look you up. Very nicely made video. I'm for keeping the bike like you have it. Nice job!
What's not to understand, how else can you ride a bike and imagine the previous owners. It's cool to be able to see, ride and touch the very same bike others before you did. As an earlier commenter said, don't worry about putting some new bolts and what not on there as you are the caretaker, years from now somebody else will wonder about you as an owner and who you were.
First I want to say what a true hero you are for appreciating history. The only thing i would have done is replace the cables to new cables and restored the maintenance parts with new ones. Reason being for safety and I would have restored the bikes functions back to the original positions. However I want to Thank you for being such an incredable guardian to such a beautiful piece of history and I wish you the best.
There's a product called "Liquid Tape" they sell at Autozone, it's like a quick dry black tar for patching wires, $10 a bottle. Nylons separate and shred before they blow out so I think you're cool cruising around
Restore it and keep the history alive! This motorcycle did not leave the factory in this shape, did it? Don't we do the same with everything, with our house and even tooth in the mouth? The important is to restore it to look as brand new, without changes.
rust is not a cancer once you take away the elements that cause it it stops and does not continue to spread , all my stuff is original unrestored and runs fine for the past 20 years or so . Hey nice bike by the way
This man is a philosopher! He's right. The bike tells a story, and keeping it as-is let's us see it and hear it as-was. "Like trading in your grandparents"...well said!
I agree 100%. Enjoy the classic Indian just like it is. They are only original once. If it was mine I would just keep it maintained and leave the beautiful patina.
I do the same thing to the two Indians I had I learned on a 1933 tank shift Harley so I swop the throttle to the right and my shifter to the left like a Harley so I didn't kill myself. I just picked up a 1946 Chief thata all there with all matching numbers. I got the motor and transmission all rebuilt now along with the forks. (As of Sept we 2022)
I agree with you on the restoration points. In almost all collectable circles its wrong to restore something, it destroys the value (art, coins, comics ,furniture etc). Its only a matter of time before they discover this point in the automotive world.
Yeah, thats right. I'm sure it needs more than just tires to make it safe. There's a lot of things there I would look at very closely & service before riding it. Personally I like the "barn find" look of this one the way it is. I've owned & restored all kinds of M/C's over the past 45+ years & still enjoy riding them today at 62. I think the owner is on the right track with the Indian. If he's mechanically inclined & has some pro assistance to keep it roadworthy he will be just fine.
When I was about 15 or 16 yrs old, I had a chance to buy an old Indian for about $500. I had mowed the old man's lawn for about two years when he asked me to buy it. But I didn't have the dough to buy her. She was a beaut & all original. Man, I'm kicking myself in the ass for not buying it!!!
I was given a 1948 Indian Chief in 1968. When my parents decided to split. My mother and sibling took off in the dark of night. I lost my bike (bicycle), my pets (two dogs) and the Indian. I often wonder what happened to any of it.
So he is keeping a total rusty no upkeep bike. Restoring a bike keeps everything in good running condition plus repainting it stops the deterioration of the metal parts. This bike is just going to keep rusting away. He eventually going to blow up the motor from heat and corrosion. The cables are going to snap while he is riding it.
I love it and understand keeping it original, its beautiful to me. That being said, having it burn down because of old naked wiring would be stupid.
This is a true love for a classic machine that most bike people don't understand. Love what you are doing with her. Each piece of rust, dent, even bastardized part tells a story of this particular bike. Man, it's beautiful.
I love how grungy it looks. Thank god someone realizes that shiny and clean is not always the most beautiful thing.
The first bike that I ever owned was a '48 Indian Chief. I bought it for $75. in 1962, and yes, I rode it home with a huge smile on my face! I'd so love to have it back agIn!!!
That bike is stunning, really, there's nothing better than a piece of history like this.
My Dad rode a '48 Chief "Back in the Day". I'm riding a 2016 Chieftain. Keep that old veteran just as she is, it's AWESOME!
I agree 100% Preservation over Renovation, especially for a classic with such a fascinating patina as this one. Bravo man.
There is nothing wrong with standard maintenance to keep the bike safe such as new tires and brakes. It doesn't compromise the authenticity of the bike as long as you just replace them with newer, less worn but similar parts. Not on a moral high horse or anything but enjoying and riding a classic bike in regular traffic comes with a responsibility for other people's safety as well. Just saying.
Actually a good rider on that bike is most likely a LOT safer than todays LOUSY DISTRACTED wannabe race car drivers in new cars. I ride on the street on a daily basis on a 1989 Harley FXRS Low Rider, and it is the car drivers who need to take responsibility for THEIR lack of driving ability.
I totally appreciate your dedication to keeping it as is. My granddad left his 48 parked in his garage when he died in 1980. It looks like my dad and my uncle are ready to let me pull it up next to my shovel head and bring it back to life after all these years. Thanks for the rundown on your bike.
Soooo pleased you didn't 'improve' the bike by restoring it. You get it. Ride safe sir.
Exactly. So many of these classic Indians have been completely ruined by so called "restorations." Making them look like new plastic toys. Just awful.
People telling you that you need to change or "restore" that bike don't understand or appreciate art. They need to mind their own business. Beautiful bike bro!!
This is without a doubt one of the coolest bikes I have ever seen
I can't believe there are no comments here - pro OR con, for that matter! This is one of my favorite videos ever... getting a tour of this Kentucky barn survivor keeps the dream alive for so many of us that treasures are still out there, waiting to be found.
"Kudos" doesn't begin to describe how much admiration I feel for Michael - you're a true motorcycle enthusiast and I appreciate your commitment to the proud patina this incredible machine has earned.
Kudos to you man. Great to see the younger gen. get into vintage bikes. Keep it unrestored....but safe.
absolutely beautiful machine Michael . it wears its age with pride . absolutely gorgeous bike
So much history behind that bike. Would love to know where it's been and who has owned it. .... Love it!!!!
If you change it, it will never be the same again.. What a great look!
The bike is yours, you can do what you want with it. There’s always going to be commentators but you’re the boss. Besides, once you start taking it apart, it’s a long and arduous process. Stuff breaks and snaps and all the aftermarket parts are costly because they’re not mass produced.
Back in the day, guys just used whatever they had to keep a bike running. They went into their tool shed or barn for it. The beauty about original Indian “Motocycles” is that it has all standard bearings and fine thread bolts and hardware, so stuff doesn’t rattle loose too easily. You can go to a standard bearing/ hardware supply store and pick up what you need. By the way I have a 47 Chief Roadmaster with Sidecar that I mostly run the bike as solo. I’m rebuilding it this year and have owned it since 1985. It’s nowhere near original, but it’s a runner. I’m a Charter member of the AMCA, and sometime I catch hell because it’s not authentic, but I just keep on riding…..
Naw.. you should keep it the way it is if you like… because nobody, absolutely nobody has one like it. You could pick it out of a crowd at Sturgis 😅😊👍
Hi, Congratulations on the video.
I had one here in Brazil, I had trouble restoring, gave small gear problem on main control valve and damaged two other .
I gave up and sold for scrap.
What caused all this was a washer that sits on the crankshaft.
Sincerely.
Carlos
Direct from Brazil.
Love the Seafoam Green paint!
this bike and your train of thought is inspirational!
i love it! especially the wire "rigged up with the zip-tie" to your battery! is epic.
I like the fact it's original, only replace what absolutely needs replacing. You get to ride and see the same exact bits and pieces and paint and touch what the first owner did. Can't replace that.
I'm somebody who has always had funky un-restored vehicles, not because that's what I prefer,but because that's all I could afford. I'm close to finishing up a semi-custom restoration of a 50's BSA that has been near daily transportation for about 12 years. For years I took pride in having the funkiest dirtiest un-restored original bike at a meet. Now that I'm close to being done rebuilding, re-painting, and re-plating everything (yes it was original paint) I'm now enjoying it more than ever!
Original un-restored is something I usually expect of vehicles that were well kept and in continual use for most of there life or stored in well preserved condition.
The story this motorcycle tells is as much from decay as it is wear. She was well worn for some time and then neglected for perhaps even longer.
The decision whether or not to restore such a beast is very personal. The most important thing any one can do with such a relic is revive it. Which is what has happened here.
Such machines are meant to ride and I think it is wonderful to see she gets ridden.
"I don't know how long the tires will last,"
Camera man zooms in on bald tire. haha
What a cool bike! Keeping it this way is very nice too. A nice patina and road wear is worth more a better-than-brand-new restoration, just like in a firearm.
It is a really cool bike. The video was well done, thank you for sharing this
What a great idea. Interesting to note how very little in the way of fundamentals has changed, in the 60+ years since this one got made. I had some old British bikes, and the real enthusiasts just polished the rust, it's a whole different way of looking at maintaining an old machine, and yes, to me it does retain more of the story - and hey, it could be restored anytime. Like the rear 'jampot' suspension, a tiny little BSA called the 'Bantam' had these, we found it literally buried up to its saddle in a small town in Scotland, and got it running. I dreaded taking the engine apart, having only done a 4-stroke Japanese OHC before? Then, I saw the little two-stroke on the bench in my bedroom (! thanks mum, you were great) and it amounted to about 6 pieces including the 3-speed gearbox. A lovely bike you have, in a world of samey copies, every bike now seems to have a 'Y' frame etc and no mudguards.
Has anyone else ever noticed that the true haters with no clue are the ones easily detected by the number of misspellings per number of words typed?This is a piece of American history-it has earned every dent , scratch and particle of dust.
Kudos to the man who is too young to even know what an Indian Motorcycle even is.He is unique and he has a very unique and desirable machine of which there are so very few originals left.In part due to the high number of goofs with spray paint and unrealistic dreams.There are enough fools in the world.Thanks to vehicle restoration shows and auctions like Barrett Jackson and the parts installers of Orange County that have decided after watching a 45 minute reality show they can restore any vehicle and sell it for millions......oh if only they had the ways and the means LOL
Leave this beautiful virgin alone and enjoy every moment of what she has to offer and respect her for being here this many years without a face lift , lipstick or red ruby shoes.Ride this glorious rusty yet sexy old bitch around town with your middle finger held high to salute those of us fans who deserve a big "F" YOU for not being lucky enough to have her and a special big "F" YOU to the haters as they putt along in their "ground up resto" , 82' Chevy Chevette complete with custom Bondo and aerosol can restorations.Hell maybe they should follow suit and refer to her as a 48' Native American while they are at it....Love the bike and admire the mentality and the ultimate respect the guy has for this incredible survivor.Good job man!-keep the rusty side up and keep on truckin !
PerZACTLY! If the WD is too weak, add some diesel or Marvelous Mysterious oil!!
I really enjoyed that sir...from a British bike owner.
Hi Michael.....your bike is awesome man...just bought my first Indian...a 1948 chief funny enough!....enjoyed the vid and its helped me see what an original one should look like....mines 3/4 built......mine like yours will be used......have fun m8....Rich (Essex, England)
Would Love To See More Vids On This Old Bike.
I am loving it the way it is and understand your thought, please keep on riding it.
Work of Art. Thank you !
I literally don’t even know how to ride a motorcycle but this is captivating haha
What nightmares motorcycles have become for tall guys. You look comfy and upright on this.
Wow man that’s epic have fun great video
So vintage it hurts!
I have a 1947 that is more or less original, at least the way my dad left it in about 1965. Just had the engine and transmission rebuilt and I'm getting ready to get back on the road. If I make it to California, I should look you up. Very nicely made video. I'm for keeping the bike like you have it. Nice job!
Now that's Pissah! Great video. Serious Patina. Please just watch you brakes and tires and any other safety related issues. Enjoy!
Beautiful! Like your video and bike
Glad you liked the video. Thanks for watching The Moto Channel! Please don't forget to subscribe.
What's not to understand, how else can you ride a bike and imagine the previous owners. It's cool to be able to see, ride and touch the very same bike others before you did. As an earlier commenter said, don't worry about putting some new bolts and what not on there as you are the caretaker, years from now somebody else will wonder about you as an owner and who you were.
It's YOUR rolling wreck! Usually you have one that runs good or either looks good. My vote is on the runs good. It's a CHAMP! A-PLUS!
Awesome what you're doing. Its earned its scars and wrinkles.
i love it, i would just do the same , old bikes look at their best when they look old and used.
awesome looking!!!
First I want to say what a true hero you are for appreciating history. The only thing i would have done is replace the cables to new cables and restored the maintenance parts with new ones. Reason being for safety and I would have restored the bikes functions back to the original positions. However I want to Thank you for being such an incredable guardian to such a beautiful piece of history and I wish you the best.
Is a Great Bike i like that you leave it like this,
There's a product called "Liquid Tape" they sell at Autozone, it's like a quick dry black tar for patching wires, $10 a bottle. Nylons separate and shred before they blow out so I think you're cool cruising around
magnificent!! they are only original once. you probably enjoy it more unrestored. awesome dude!!!
really nice !!! so cool .
That's the way to have the throttle clutch set-up.
Michael, i reckon you already know - "If it aint broke - don't fix it"
Completely agree with this, if restored it'll loose its personality. Amen brother
I just picked up a 1946 98% complete. I will restore it since it is put way restored now.
You are so right Bro!!
Beautiful.
Simply beautiful
That's just cool. I'm with you on keeping original. I would much rather rock the rust than a shiny paint job anyday!
Really nice.
Your philosophy of restoring that bike is right on - let it tell its story through the patina. I love it!!!
Absolutely love it!
Restore it and keep the history alive! This motorcycle did not leave the factory in this shape, did it? Don't we do the same with everything, with our house and even tooth in the mouth? The important is to restore it to look as brand new, without changes.
what a joy to see this. I applaud you for your choice in keeping it as is. Lovely old girl. Subscribed and a new fan .Regards.
Looks great as it is.
good video,,keep up the good work,,love it.
Great bike, just great.
rust is not a cancer once you take away the elements that cause it it stops and does not continue to spread , all my stuff is original unrestored and runs fine for the past 20 years or so . Hey nice bike by the way
Its perfect! I also bougtht one, made out of a 46- and 48...ignition from a tractor...or very old Fiat....original is cool!
Let's see it! Post a video and the link. Love these old Indians.
This man is a philosopher! He's right. The bike tells a story, and keeping it as-is let's us see it and hear it as-was. "Like trading in your grandparents"...well said!
Awesome!
Fan-tastic! Love the patina!!
I agree 100%. Enjoy the classic Indian just like it is. They are only original once. If it was mine I would just keep it maintained and leave the beautiful patina.
Please do a follow up video showing more of the bike being rode.
Glad you liked the video Mark. Thanks for watching The Moto Channel! Please don't forget to subscribe.
I’d love to ride that bike. I was born in 1948, and the bike and I would look great together. I still run like top also....sort of.
Glad you liked the video David. Thanks for watching The Moto Channel! Please don't forget to subscribe.
Amazing bike!
Thanks for sharing 1BSARoadRocket and glad you liked the video. Thanks for watching The Moto Channel! Please don't forget to subscribe.
Glad you enjoyed the video! Thanks for watching The Moto Channel! Please don't forget to subscribe.
I get it,wonderful find
I do the same thing to the two Indians I had I learned on a 1933 tank shift Harley so I swop the throttle to the right and my shifter to the left like a Harley so I didn't kill myself. I just picked up a 1946 Chief thata all there with all matching numbers. I got the motor and transmission all rebuilt now along with the forks. (As of Sept we 2022)
I agree with you on the restoration points. In almost all collectable circles its wrong to restore something, it destroys the value (art, coins, comics ,furniture etc). Its only a matter of time before they discover this point in the automotive world.
Yeah, thats right. I'm sure it needs more than just tires to make it safe. There's a lot of things there I would look at very closely & service before riding it. Personally I like the "barn find" look of this one the way it is. I've owned & restored all kinds of M/C's over the past 45+ years & still enjoy riding them today at 62. I think the owner is on the right track with the Indian. If he's mechanically inclined & has some pro assistance to keep it roadworthy he will be just fine.
Might be a good idea to change the tires
Perfect just the way it is.
When I was about 15 or 16 yrs old, I had a chance to buy an old Indian for about $500. I had mowed the old man's lawn for about two years when he asked me to buy it. But I didn't have the dough to buy her. She was a beaut & all original. Man, I'm kicking myself in the ass for not buying it!!!
Glad, someone FINALLY gets it, keep them "as is" ITS AMAZING! if you ever sell it, I WANT IT...(or help me find one!) Stay Classy
have you taken any long trips with it.. Awesome find.. and thanks for sharing her with us..
absolutely cool, I love your not restoring it ,,
I was given a 1948 Indian Chief in 1968. When my parents decided to split. My mother and sibling took off in the dark of night. I lost my bike (bicycle), my pets (two dogs) and the Indian. I often wonder what happened to any of it.
that shift arm is cool
Looks Beautiful :D
nice old bike , keep her going
So he is keeping a total rusty no upkeep bike. Restoring a bike keeps everything in good running condition plus repainting it stops the deterioration of the metal parts. This bike is just going to keep rusting away. He eventually going to blow up the motor from heat and corrosion. The cables are going to snap while he is riding it.
Very nice bike.
Love it
my older brother has same bike,it runs great
love it!