1940 Indian Chief

Frame no. 40841 Engine no. CDO365

Previewing in Bedford Hills, New York by appointment. Please contact [email protected] for scheduling.

Entering the new decade of the 1940's, the Indian Motorcycle Company debuted new styling that would become their signature and define the company into the present day. They added skirts to the front and rear fenders of the graceful streamlined fenders from previous years.

The new fenders were applied to all Indian models across the board, from the Four, Chief, Sport Scout and even the Thirty-Fifty. Another important change was a new Spring Cradle Frame for the Fours and Chief that provided a small amount of rear suspension while a longer spring fork served the duties up front. Some riders lamented the changes as moving the Indian from a good all-around motorcycle and making it more of a touring only machine. But no doubt about it, the Indian Chief was a very comfortable motorcycle whether it was used for every day riding or going for the long haul across state or the country.

Aesthetics aside, there were many improvements on the Chief. The engine gained larger cooling fins in the cylinders and heads, and new 4.50 x 18 tires were standard to help improve comfort. For a short time, a new Purolator oil filter was mounted in front of the engine but early on was deleted because if they were installed wrong, oil would become blocked resulting in an engine failure. The generator was now mounted behind the seat post, clamped to that section of the frame and used a belt to drive the unit. Gone were the stamped steel footboards that were a left over from the Ace motorcycle, and replaced with new boards with bonded rubber tops. A new padded saddle improved comfort and also heightened the seat a little.

A longtime East Coast motorcycle, it was restored to concours condition in 1992 and was the recipient of numerous awards including second place at Hershey in 1995. Finished in Indian Maroon, it was acquired by the seller at a Bonhams auction in 2004 . A few years ago, this proud Indian was the subject of a shop fire that put it into the condition we see today. Lightly charred, the machine appears to still be very salvageable with the metal appearing to be singed by not badly warped and melted. Certainly an exciting phoenix project for someone eager to bring it back from the ashes, it would make a lovely basis for a restoration or a unique 'objet d'art' for the corner of one's garage or living room.