Description
Indian 1929 “Scout 45 Series 101” 750cc side valve V-twin frame & engine # DGP 6303
In 1928, Charles Franklin, the Indian engineer and former racer responsible for the original 1920 Scout made a number of substantial improvements to the design to create the 101 Scout. It incorporated numerous changes prompted by real-world racetrack experience with the original Scout, including a stronger frame, better suspension and steering, a 3-inch increase in wheelbase, increased fork rake, a low, 26¼-inch seat height and a front brake.
Unfortunately though, the 101 Scout had a much shorter production run. The model lasted a mere four years in the Indian line-up until the Depression forced the company to find ways to cut production costs. One way Indian did that was by putting the Scout engine into the larger Chief frame beginning in 1932. The result was a bike that was bigger, heavier, and many would argue, not as capable as the 101 was; many Indian enthusiast consider the 101 as the best Indian ever built. Stability is such that the machine can easily be steered into a side street by applying knee pressure only, hands in your lap. No wonder wall of death riders chose the 101 as their favourite mount! Scouts used for the home market were equipped with Splitdorf magneto in front of the engine and dynamo clamped to the seat post, but many (or all?) machines for the European markets had a combined Bosch magneto-dynamo placed in front of the engine.
This road-registered 101 has been restored and comes with the cream side panels that were available, among other contrasting colours, from mid-1929. She comes complete with 130km Corbin speedometer, side stand, André steering damper and original dashboard with amp gauge and light switch.