Ray thanks for the link to Indian bikes and parts. I'd lost the link when I upgraded laptops. I'd share way too much about growing up with these classic Indians before they really were, but they were quite common around here and one machine shop was quite well known in the collector community of the '70's & '80's for one off reproduction parts and as a source for original parts and complete restored cycles...Indian primarily & HD to a lesser extent.Hi Rick!
These guys have lots of Indian motorcycles. Wish I did
They make new parts and and do the machine work. Here's a Indian parts store.
https://www.starklite.com/indian-motorcycles/motorcycles-for-sale/
I saw your tribute bikes and their awesome!
I'm still looking for my Crocker motorcycle
38 or 41 will be ok.
A Fella's gotta have a vision right?
If you ever get into Whizzer, look me up. I got parts and stuff.
Ray
Sorry Neil....Rick gets first crank at the Whizzer store .Damn, those pics made me Whizz in my pants. lol
Ray all those parts gave my brain a kick start, somewhat painful and potentially expensive, yet maybe worthwhile. I've been somewhat myopic in selecting candidate engines for my builds & not once did I consider a Whizzer 4 stroke for any of my bikes. While I've had nothing but great experiences with the China girl engines; I do spend a lot of both time and $$ preparing each to reach that point of performance & dependability that I can live with. That stated I'd think the Whizzer engine would be a practical & cost effective alternative to the kit engine build up & build out. I've only one CG bike that has both the speed and dependability to keep the pace with by buddies on Whizzers during extended rides of 30 to 40 miles, but if they really pushed it I'd not be able to keep up...though top speed isn't that different, the Whizzer motors seem not to push as hard & are more relaxed on cam; they seem to cruise there whereas I'm turning serious rpm's and the 2 stroke is quite busy at the same point. I'm not hating here, as stated I really like my China girl (much modified) but I can't ignore the reality of my experiences riding along side Whizzer Schwinn's ( both stock) they rock!
I'll make a couple more statements: 4 stroke sounds really great at all speeds & Whizzer motor looks fantastic in frame. The crankcase is so narrow when viewed head on & the side exhaust outlet allows mounting closer to the down tube. I've absolutely no objection to belt drives though I haven't used them for any of my builds.
Also Ray I failed to comment on the fish tail pipe...beautiful finish to the graceful long exhaust! ?
Can the Whizzer engine be mounted with the jug vertical and still lubricate, with the necessary mods made to engine mounting, carb angle etc.?
Rick C.
Hi Rick, I know what you mean about being able to spend time with the older ones (guys)Ray the simplicity is a huge part of the appeal, though looks, performance and nostalgia also enter into it for me. Flat head L and F's are what I grew up wrenching on as a pre teen and teen, graduating to V-8 Ford's and Merc's before attempting overhead valve small blocks. Every small 4 cycle engine was a flathead if not mounted in a real motorcycle. Lot of memories...
One of the old mechanics that I hung around as a child just turned 105 years of age and his mind is sharp. I visit him every Sunday in the local nursing home & he regals me with stories of the really old guys, his twin brother who was also a great mechanic passed a few years back, but their last major car restoration was a model A Coupe that his niece now cares for & it's as close to perfection as they get and a real treasure. They were both in their 80's when they started the restoration.
Your photos are real eye candy for me so thanks!
Rick C.
Thank you!Ray that's some car show ambiance! I've gone through your photos several times this morning picking out detail & will for sure continue more of the same this p.m. Though it's a show built around '40's it's not exclusionary and the open invitation to show your beautiful bikes along with an assortment of classic cars & trucks as well, adds depth and significance to the overall display. As to the Whizzers: they should beg you guys to show up & your flamed, yellow fellow really pops among the really outstanding examples displayed.
I noticed a red, road tractor, Peterbilt, that looks as though it's been pickup bed modified...can't see the back half so I'm guessing here. If I'm correct it could have been, or not, one I modified in the '80's to pull my 34 foot center console offshore fifth wheel rig. My design looked like a Chevy short step side bed circa 1955 or so, with working tail gate. My ex wife, bless her, has all my old photos, or has burned them, so photo evidence is lacking. I don't think any vehicle I've ever owned drew a crowd quicker or larger.
Thanks again for posting photos and you're very close on the age of the last Indian shown. They did a marvelous job on the rebuild. She shows the character of dusty miles ridden and past owners pride in a prized possession...some history should not be painted or plated over.
Rick C.