1931 Indian 45ci 101 Scout

• Purchased in the USA in 2005
• Fully rebuilt to standard specification
• Meticulously maintained

First seen in 1901, the Indian single proved immensely successful and provided the basis for the first of the powerful, large-capacity v-twins for which the marque is best remembered. Indian's first, 38.61ci (633cc) v-twin appeared in 1907 with an engine clearly derived from that of the single, though mechanical inlet valves - introduced for 1908 - were an early improvement. The twin's rear cylinder continued to form part of the frame until 1909 when a loop frame of the type favoured by rivals Harley-Davidson was adopted. The Springfield firm's first 'Big Twin' debuted that same year displacing 988cc. At the end of 1915 the Big Twin, by this time equipped with a 998cc engine, leaf-sprung frame and three-speed countershaft gearbox, was superseded by a new 'flat head' v-twin - the Powerplus - thus bringing to an end a noble line.

A smaller Indian v-twin model, the 37ci (600cc) Scout, joined the existing 61ci (1,000cc) Powerplus twin for 1920. In a somewhat unusual departure, this new smaller Indian twin featured primary drive by helical gears, rather than the more usual chain, and soon gained a reputation for indestructibility: "You can't wear out an Indian Scout," claimed the company's advertising. In other respects the 'flat head' v-twin motor followed the successful Powerplus formula. Detachable cylinder heads were the Scout's big news for 1925 and two years later a 45ci (750cc) variant arrived, to be followed in April 1928 by the 101 Scout. The latter featured a revised 750cc engine in a new, longer-wheelbase frame, and this medium-weight sports model would prove an immense success for the Springfield firm, so much so that its replacement in 1931 by a heavier Chief-framed model was greeted with dismay.

The vendor advises us this 1931 Indian 101 Scout has been fully rebuilt to standard specification and meticulously maintained. He reports that it runs beautifully and retains its classic character, making it an exceptionally enjoyable machine to ride. Purchased from Arthur Woods in the USA in 2005, the Scout comes with a North Carolina Certificate of Title; a V5C document; and a copy of the original workshop manual. It should be noted that there is a secondary stamp on the top tube: '2 35D9'.
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