Vehicle Description
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.