Indian 4

[Oldfishguy]

My buddy just picked up a 1939 Indian 4; an incredible machine!  He has more than a few Scouts but this is his first 4. He is a wizard in his shop usually buying basket cases across the country. To buy a road worthy sweaty machine is a treat.

The Honda is mine i’ve been tinkering on (1968 CL175). Picked it up a short time ago and working through a few issues.

https://youtu.be/nJI1DsM5LWg

[Oldfishguy]

And if your curious as to the value of these machines in fully restored condition:

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1940-indian-four-2/?utm_source=dm&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=2022-04-27

[Patrick]

They are great bikes. Sold mine about a year ago. Hated to but its time to downsize.

[..]

Wheels Through Time in Maggie Valley have a few Indian 4s. I like them.

[Valkorado]

And if your curious as to the value of these machines in fully restored condition:

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1940-indian-four-2/?utm_source=dm&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=2022-04-27

Yup, that's a pretty machine.  From my standpoint, not $89,000 pretty but more power to the successful bidder.

[DIGGER]

I was at a family dinner at my home about 10 yrs ago and an attendee that was 92 at the time was there.  After talking with him I learned that he had an extensive motorcycle life back by in by the 30's and 40's and 50's.    I went into my wifes antique room and brought him a picture of a Restored Indian 4 and asked what he thought of them.   He replied that they didnt work out in the southern Texas area as it was so hot the rear cylinder would burn up.    Bursted my bubble as I have drooled for years over the Indian 4.   

[Patrick]

I was at a family dinner at my home about 10 yrs ago and an attendee that was 92 at the time was there.  After talking with him I learned that he had an extensive motorcycle life back by in by the 30's and 40's and 50's.    I went into my wifes antique room and brought him a picture of a Restored Indian 4 and asked what he thought of them.   He replied that they didnt work out in the southern Texas area as it was so hot the rear cylinder would burn up.    Bursted my bubble as I have drooled for years over the Indian 4.   

I've always heard the rear cylinders ran hot, wasn't an issue here in NYS.

[Jess from VA]

Don't take no wooden nickels Indians.

[Patrick]

Don't take no wooden nickels Indians.

hey, hey, hey. I've got 3 wooden Indians. They are 1:6 or 1;8 scale and sitting all over the house. Even with all our downsizing in the move, the Indians are coming with me.
And so is the Valkyrie model, i think that is 1:6 scale.

[GWS]

Rear cylinders running hot is always an issue with an air cooled engine oriented in the same plane as the frame. The rear cylinder never gets any cool air. Most V-twins have the same problem. Indian and Harley have rear cylinder deactivation kits that shut off fuel to the rear cylinder when it gets above a certain temperature. Idling in traffic on a hot day usually triggers it. Harley markets it as a means of rider comfort after many complaints about excess heat from the rear cylinder. In fact, it's an attempt to correct a fundamental design flaw.

[LTD]

My Victory never seemed to have a problem with the rear cylinder overheating, Victory was right up there with the japanese bikes in reliability too bad they went away.

[f6john]

Wonder why not a shroud with a new pancake electric motor and fan for blowing across the cylinders. Electric motors were too bulky I imagine back in the day but now  seems like it would be feasible. You would have to have some skills but it could be done.