American Pickers 1935 Indian Chief

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

Rick's Restorations in Las Vegas, NV did the restore.... I love this bike.

[R J]

Rick's Restorations in Las Vegas, NV did the restore.... I love this bike.

AW good ole mechanical brakes.

[Patrick]

Indians, love 'em, my favorite old motorbikes. I can get used to shifting anything, but, I can't get used to a right spark and left throttle. I have to switch them around. But, I like the reason Indian did that.

[old2soon]

Rick's Restorations in Las Vegas, NV did the restore.... I love this bike.

I've been good-sorta!!  And IF Santa thinks I've been good-sorta-he could put THAT under da twee for me!!  And that would make this old fart happy this CHRISTMAS.  RIDE SAFE.

[john]

parked on the side of the street with a FOR SALE sign on it ...       
the new owners of indian motorcycles took it home ... 

[MarkT]

Indians, love 'em, my favorite old motorbikes. I can get used to shifting anything, but, I can't get used to a right spark and left throttle. I have to switch them around. But, I like the reason Indian did that.

Yeah if I recall, it was so an LEO could use his handgun right handed while still controlling the throttle.

I remember back in the 70's & before, there was no standard for brake vs. shifter, left or right side and shift patterns varied.  I liked Nortons 'cause they were the same as my Ducati.  I recall, if I rode a friend's bike, the question was what's the pattern?  You could see which one it was.  It was still a challenge, you had to think to use the controls, forget muscle memory.  I'm not sure when they standardized it, but glad they did.  I would not ride one of those old bikes w/o changing it to the current standard now.  Too dangerous for me.  I think Leno is more a stickler for authenticity and just adopts himself for his old bikes.  I gotta think that's not a good decision.

BTW, Rick on that reality show is proud of his work.  Not that profit is a dirty word, but I get tired of him priming the pump with all the trouble he had with EVERY restoration, before he announces the generally shocking price way above his estimate, then states flatly that the now restored product will EASILY command half again the money now into it.  SURE it will.  If they don't mind waiting a LONG time for the right sucker to come along.  Annoys me enough to stop watching the show.  I hate reality shows anyway, but some of them, they actually can teach me something on processes etc. And they all have to have a trademark costume, and some drama.  What did Rick charge for his work on this Indian?  It's not like he isn't getting paid plenty by the show's producers already...

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

Indians, love 'em, my favorite old motorbikes. I can get used to shifting anything, but, I can't get used to a right spark and left throttle. I have to switch them around. But, I like the reason Indian did that.

Yeah if I recall, it was so an LEO could use his handgun right handed while still controlling the throttle.

I remember back in the 70's & before, there was no standard for brake vs. shifter, left or right side and shift patterns varied.  I liked Nortons 'cause they were the same as my Ducati.  I recall, if I rode a friend's bike, the question was what's the pattern?  You could see which one it was.  It was still a challenge, you had to think to use the controls, forget muscle memory.  I'm not sure when they standardized it, but glad they did.  I would not ride one of those old bikes w/o changing it to the current standard now.  Too dangerous for me.  I think Leno is more a stickler for authenticity and just adopts himself for his old bikes.  I gotta think that's not a good decision.

BTW, Rick on that reality show is proud of his work.  Not that profit is a dirty word, but I get tired of him priming the pump with all the trouble he had with EVERY restoration, before he announces the generally shocking price way above his estimate, then states flatly that the now restored product will EASILY command half again the money now into it.  SURE it will.  If they don't mind waiting a LONG time for the right sucker to come along.  Annoys me enough to stop watching the show.  I hate reality shows anyway, but some of them, they actually can teach me something on processes etc. And they all have to have a trademark costume, and some drama.  What did Rick charge for his work on this Indian?

I watched the show when they did the Indian but I don't remember the cost Rick charged... Best I remember they sold it to Indian for $ 38,000

[Patrick]

Indians, love 'em, my favorite old motorbikes. I can get used to shifting anything, but, I can't get used to a right spark and left throttle. I have to switch them around. But, I like the reason Indian did that.

Yeah if I recall, it was so an LEO could use his handgun right handed while still controlling the throttle.

I remember back in the 70's & before, there was no standard for brake vs. shifter, left or right side and shift patterns varied.  I liked Nortons 'cause they were the same as my Ducati.  I recall, if I rode a friend's bike, the question was what's the pattern?  You could see which one it was.  It was still a challenge, you had to think to use the controls, forget muscle memory.  I'm not sure when they standardized it, but glad they did.  I would not ride one of those old bikes w/o changing it to the current standard now.  Too dangerous for me.  I think Leno is more a stickler for authenticity and just adopts himself for his old bikes.  I gotta think that's not a good decision.

BTW, Rick on that reality show is proud of his work.  Not that profit is a dirty word, but I get tired of him priming the pump with all the trouble he had with EVERY restoration, before he announces the generally shocking price way above his estimate, then states flatly that the now restored product will EASILY command half again the money now into it.  SURE it will.  If they don't mind waiting a LONG time for the right sucker to come along.  Annoys me enough to stop watching the show.  I hate reality shows anyway, but some of them, they actually can teach me something on processes etc. And they all have to have a trademark costume, and some drama.

Yep, thats why Indian says they did it.
Most foot shift bikes, at least the ones I rode, shifted with the right foot. It bothered the heck out of me when our federal government in its infinite wisdom mandated in about 1975 [?]  that, they they took what I assumed at the time was the Japanese side, all bikes must shift on the left.

[DIGGER]

Indians, love 'em, my favorite old motorbikes. I can get used to shifting anything, but, I can't get used to a right spark and left throttle. I have to switch them around. But, I like the reason Indian did that.

Yeah if I recall, it was so an LEO could use his handgun right handed while still controlling the throttle.

I remember back in the 70's & before, there was no standard for brake vs. shifter, left or right side and shift patterns varied.  I liked Nortons 'cause they were the same as my Ducati.  I recall, if I rode a friend's bike, the question was what's the pattern?  You could see which one it was.  It was still a challenge, you had to think to use the controls, forget muscle memory.  I'm not sure when they standardized it, but glad they did.  I would not ride one of those old bikes w/o changing it to the current standard now.  Too dangerous for me.  I think Leno is more a stickler for authenticity and just adopts himself for his old bikes.  I gotta think that's not a good decision.

BTW, Rick on that reality show is proud of his work.  Not that profit is a dirty word, but I get tired of him priming the pump with all the trouble he had with EVERY restoration, before he announces the generally shocking price way above his estimate, then states flatly that the now restored product will EASILY command half again the money now into it.  SURE it will.  If they don't mind waiting a LONG time for the right sucker to come along.  Annoys me enough to stop watching the show.  I hate reality shows anyway, but some of them, they actually can teach me something on processes etc. And they all have to have a trademark costume, and some drama.

Yep, thats why Indian says they did it.
Most foot shift bikes, at least the ones I rode, shifted with the right foot. It bothered the heck out of me when our federal government in its infinite wisdom mandated in about 1975 [?]  that, they they took what I assumed at the time was the Japanese side, all bikes must shift on the left.

Spent my teen yrs on a Gilera 106.....made in Italy i think.   Had the brake and shifter on the wrong sides.    We also had a Honda 150 I think that was right the opposite.    If you rode both like I did it could get you ina  jam quick in a crash stop.    Was coming off our street onto a busier road once and instead of hitting the break I upshifted and before I could recover I lost control and slammed into a liquor store wall......ha......dad always told me that liqour could get ya killed.

[Hooter]

I'd like to see his work....I saw OCCs work here at a show. It might look great on TV but what they brought to the table here really sucked.
   It is said  he does (Rick) great work but his prices are very scary.

[Skinhead]

All these restorations are driving the prices of the old stuff up to the point that the average guy can't afford it.  Barret-Jackson, IMHO has done all old car enthusiest a disservice, because now everybody thinks their old car is worth a fortune.  I guess to some it is, not me.

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

All these restorations are driving the prices of the old stuff up to the point that the average guy can't afford it.  Barret-Jackson, IMHO has done all old car enthusiest a disservice, because now everybody thinks their old car is worth a fortune.  I guess to some it is, not me.

I agree I know where a 1951 Bullet Nose is and he wants $10,500 .... You can throw a cat through the side of it 

[f6john]

   We have to be careful where we place the blame for high prices. I can't afford a $100k restored car either but a lot of people can and do which helps set the market place. A lot of sweathog work goes into building a car from the ground up and not too many people do that kind of work for minimum wage. The one place where car guys have benefited from these high dollar builds is that the aftermarket has responded with a mountain of reproduction parts that just aren't available in the junk yards anymore. But since they are selling to a limited market their parts prices reflect the low sales volume they will likely encounter. It's a vicious circle!!

[R J]

I'd like to see his work....I saw OCCs work here at a show. It might look great on TV but what they brought to the table here really sucked.
   It is said  he does (Rick) great work but his prices are very scary.

Rick's old shop was just down the street from where my old girl friend in high school and her husband live.   When ever I stop in Vegas I usually stay with them.   Rick is VERY finicky, if it isn't correct, it is done over till it is picture perfect.    My friends husband drives a cab, and a few times I rode shotgun with him.    We would always stop at Rick's for coffee and donut's.

Somehow Rick's new wife (office girl on the show, and mother of the older boy on the show) is related to my friends husband.    He turns 97 on Christmas Day and has no intention of retiring.    His wife says he will die in that cab.

They stopped her to see her  two kids, and Hank came out and visited me.   He no likes her kids, I won't say what he says about the 2 of them.

YES, Rick is expensive, but it is done correctly.

If you want someone expensive, go to Danny for a rebuilt vehicle.    Danny, Rick and What's his face on the Pawn Stars are all real good buddies and party goers.
From what I'm told, the old man on Pawn Stars has bailed all three of them out of Clarke County Jail numerous times.

[MarkT]

I noted on Pawn stars, they just announced an Indian mini-bike he restored is still for sale at the pawn shop.  For $40,000.  WOW.  I don't see it getting a tenth of that.  An Indian MINI-BIKE?  I could see an authentic Chief from the 50's would get that much and more...

[mmurffy03]

if you look at this website for minibikes that little orange one that the pawn shop had restored by rick so the show  tells you was actually done by this company  so don't buy everything these shows tell you and remember its a TV show

[T-Bird]

Here I am with my Valkyrie and Dale Walksler with a 1936 Indian upside down four. This was taken on your Fall Color Ride this past October.

[BudMan]

Here's a fine looking Chief built by my old college roommate. Kent built a '53 pan head in our dorm room on the third floor at Mississippi State. 
He is no doubt one of the finest restorers I have ever seen, but I seriously doubt anyone would EVER get their money back from a serious renovation.

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

Here's a fine looking Chief built by my old college roommate. Kent built a '53 pan head in our dorm room on the third floor at Mississippi State. 
He is no doubt one of the finest restorers I have ever seen, but I seriously doubt anyone would EVER get their money back from a serious renovation.

That is one beautiful motorcycle Buddy 

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

Here I am with my Valkyrie and Dale Walksler with a 1936 Indian upside down four. This was taken on your Fall Color Ride this past October.

Great picture Terry ... I saved that one back in Oct. when you first posted it 

[R J]

Here I am with my Valkyrie and Dale Walksler with a 1936 Indian upside down four. This was taken on your Fall Color Ride this past October.

Great picture Terry ... I saved that one back in Oct. when you first posted it  

They must have swapped out the spark and throttle cables.  With the gearshift on the left is NOT standard.     Dad had one and I rode it some,   it was throttle left and gear shjift right.  

The 4 cylinder Indian of dad's I learned to ride on had a left hand throttle.   Then I went to BSA and it was right hand throttle.    The BSA had a left side brake, right side shifter.

When we raced it on the Dragstrip, we had the throttle lock screwed up tight enough you had to turn it down by hand, would take off and reach down with the right hand and bang gears like a dummy.     Blew the engine on it one time and lost a chunk of my right leg muscle.     O U C H.