A design of Indian engineer Charles Franklin, the Indian Scout was one of Indian’s best designs on the street and track. Franklin became most famous for his work on Indian’s 42 degree V-Twins including the Chief. The first Scouts appeared in 1920 as 37 cubic inch motorcycles, later became 45’s. Where most motorcycles of the era used chain primary drives, Scouts are unique for their strong gear primary drives which did not require adjustment.
Through the years starting with the first V-Twins around 1910, Harley and Indian focused on larger bikes with 1000 cc or 61 cubic inch displacement and small singles. With Franklin’s Scout, attention was given to a mid-size machine, in this case with 37 cubic inches or 600cc displacement. The machine served police departments and the military well. Frame, engine, braking, lower seat height and other revisions made up the 101 Scout for 1928, widely regarded as the best Indian ever made and next week’s Featured Bike.
An unusual and wonderful part of this particular Indian Scout is the amount of “paper” that is still with it. In 1926 Indian celebrated its Silver Jubilee so the owners manual has that special graphic on it, and the original owner kept the Parts List and Lubrication booklets as well. Heywood’s interesting “library” label is attached and alongside is a hand written note regarding Robert C. Cole, second owner, receiving the bike in 1952. More recently, the restoration shop’s invoice itemizes the work performed.
Indian celebrates its Silver Jubilee with special graphics noting, “Half Way to a Half Century.”
Notes:
First Owner (owned 26 years)
Alfred L. Heywood, Worcester MA
Purchased on May 15, 1926 from Indian Motorcycle Dealer in Worcester, MA
Second Owners (owned 49 years)
Robert C. Cole, Sr. and Jr., Chadds Ford, PA
Purchased on July 4, 1952 from Alfred L. Heywood (next door neighbor)
Third Owner (owned 4 years)
Charles V. Murray, Winston-Salem, NC
Purchased on July 3, 2001 from Robert C. Cole, Jr. for $5,000.
Charles V. Murray had Ed Rich. Only Indian bike Rich had restored.
–from the National Motorcycle Museum
