1911 Indian single build
Posted: Wed Mar 16, 2011 2:30 am
Hi, this is my first post.
I wanted to own a turn of the century motorcycle but was shocked at the price of one, so I decided to make one myself fabricating everything I could and using off the shelf low cost bicycle components whenever possible. I also wanted to make it California emissions compliant and legal to register as a moped. The reason for the moped is the one time fee for the lifetime plate. $18.00 and never again. Very inexpensive moped insurance. A M2 license is required however. CA defines mopeds as being 50cc's or less, 2 hp or less, peddle assisted power, and not able to go over 30 mph. I liked how ancient motorcycles were simple and a lot like modern mopeds, so I combined them. The engine is a Grubee Skyhawk at 50cc, with 2hp, and the bike is geared for 30 mph. You ride around 10 mph and dump the clutch and the engine fires up, just like the original. The 1911 indian single was a 500cc engine and had 4 hp. Very inefficient design due to low technology. The power, top speed, and look is virtually the same. I took liberties such as adding a front brake, which the original did not have. The headlamp is a 100 year old carbide motorcycle headlamp that I purchased on Ebay. I converted it to LED. Everywhere I go this thing draws crowds. It is unbelievable. Everyone likes a old motorcycle, even one that emulates one. I took it to the local HD dealership and got a lot of praise from the bikers. That felt good. The reasoning is simple. If you had a 100 year old Indian you would not ride it. It would be in your garage or in a museum. Too expensive, too fragile. It's a shame. This is a bike you can ride every day and is simple, inexpensive, and easy to work on. I'm toying with the idea of selling these on the side if someone really wants one. Gets about 130 mpg. I also posted a video on youtube under "1911 Indian ride" , thanks.
I wanted to own a turn of the century motorcycle but was shocked at the price of one, so I decided to make one myself fabricating everything I could and using off the shelf low cost bicycle components whenever possible. I also wanted to make it California emissions compliant and legal to register as a moped. The reason for the moped is the one time fee for the lifetime plate. $18.00 and never again. Very inexpensive moped insurance. A M2 license is required however. CA defines mopeds as being 50cc's or less, 2 hp or less, peddle assisted power, and not able to go over 30 mph. I liked how ancient motorcycles were simple and a lot like modern mopeds, so I combined them. The engine is a Grubee Skyhawk at 50cc, with 2hp, and the bike is geared for 30 mph. You ride around 10 mph and dump the clutch and the engine fires up, just like the original. The 1911 indian single was a 500cc engine and had 4 hp. Very inefficient design due to low technology. The power, top speed, and look is virtually the same. I took liberties such as adding a front brake, which the original did not have. The headlamp is a 100 year old carbide motorcycle headlamp that I purchased on Ebay. I converted it to LED. Everywhere I go this thing draws crowds. It is unbelievable. Everyone likes a old motorcycle, even one that emulates one. I took it to the local HD dealership and got a lot of praise from the bikers. That felt good. The reasoning is simple. If you had a 100 year old Indian you would not ride it. It would be in your garage or in a museum. Too expensive, too fragile. It's a shame. This is a bike you can ride every day and is simple, inexpensive, and easy to work on. I'm toying with the idea of selling these on the side if someone really wants one. Gets about 130 mpg. I also posted a video on youtube under "1911 Indian ride" , thanks.
to the community!