Vehicle Description
Overview This a 1945 Indian Chief, civilian model. This is a
factory original matching number motorcycle. 1945 was middle of the
war and not a lot of production by most factories including
Indian.� Those civilian models that were produced went to the
Police force contracts.� This 1945 Indian Chief is currently in the
possession of the 4th owner. Originally sold to NYPD (see carb
body) this motorcycle moved to Minnesota and then on to Texas. The
bike was restored in Texas by the 3rd owner's family.� The
restoration occurred in 2000 with power plant completed by Krumm
Motorcycles, an Indian motorcycle specialist. This 1945 Indian
Chief civilian is now an 80 inch assembly with 12 volt system
including electronic ignition and a Cycle-Ray generator. The
sheet-metal and paint are outstanding! There is just under 3000
miles on the engine since the restoration. This motorcycle was
built for show and go and was correctly prepared for both. The gas
tanks were taken off by the current owner and sent to Florida for a
special coating to prevent rust and damage to the paint by the new
grade gasolines.� Although not painted and accessorized as the
factory would have done it, this hard to find 1945, factory built,
matching number, civilian model, Chief, is a real value investment
and ride ready for the next curator to show and go. �� Mileage
2,887 miles showing on the working odometer. This odometer was rest
to 0 in the restoration in 2001 so it indicates actual break in
miles on the new power plant. Paint Pearl White with Silver panels.
Outlined in a beautiful gold paint pinstripe with Indian feathers
on both sides of the front fender tip, Feathers are above the clear
coat for easy removal if the new owner wishes.�
Paint is of excellent product quality and applied by a professional
painter. Excellent application and preparation. Sheet Metal The
sheet metal is believed to be all original. The restoration was
excellently completed with final fit and finish of top quality. No
dings or dents noted.
Gas tanks were sent out for special epoxy lining in 2004 and they
are in excellent condition for the long term. Chrome The chrome on
this motorcycle is not factory correct for the year. What you see
was completely replated during the restoration by a quality plating
shop. It is without pits or surface rust and carries a superb
shine. The overall look of this chrome on this paint is excellent.
Mechanical New motor by Krumm Motorcycles of Austin, TX. during the
2000 restoration. The power plant was completely rebuilt. The
engine was moved up to 80 inch and it has been correctly broken in.
Of course there is a small amount of oil leak which is correct. The
motorcycle was converted to 12 volt in 2004 and includes electronic
ignition and a Cycle-Ray generator. This 1948 Indian Chief starts,
runs, and shifts smoothly.�
Carburetor is an M544 with NYPD stamped on the side of the body.
Correct for a civilian model of this year.
� Wheels & Tires Front tire -- 500x16 Coker 4 ply nylon
Rear tire --- 500x16 Coker 4 ply nylon
New chrome rims with stainless spoke at time of restoration. Title
TEXAS BLUE TITLE (This means that the Title is clear.)
Engine # CDE 1119
Frame # 345 1119 Nada Nada Value guide suggests $44,185 for
Excellent and $24,350 for Good. This motorcycle is below excellent
because oif the paint scheme only and could/should evaluate at a
value near excellent because it is a factory correct 1945.
Hagerty Value guide suggests Concourse at $ 35,000 and Excellent at
$28,000 Accessories Luggage Rack, restoration invoices and Engine
and transmission build invoices.�