Old Photo - Model T era re-purposed Motorcycle

[Rich Eagle]

One of my favorite photos is this Indian motorcycle conversion for track use. It shows the ingenuity and genius of tinkerers of that era.

[Dallas Landers]

Very cool Rich! I think the brake return spring is big enough? Looks like braking would be as effective as a T or better.

[RajoRacer]

Absolutely a fabulous photo !!!

[Kevin Pharis]

Here’s one I keep around to remind me how original speedsters were built...

[Ruxstel24]

1911-12 Indian V-Twin ?
Cool pic !!

[perry kete]

So everything old is NEW again!

[Rich Eagle]

Those long, straight tanks form that era are especially nice. Harley had those cute little pockets for the vale rockers.

[Rich Eagle]

This looks very similar to me. It is a 1914 Indian “Hendee Special” 7- HP Twin "expected to bring in a bid between $140,000 and $160,000".
https://www.vikingbags.com/blog/5-vinta ... es-4-sale/

More photos:
http://worldofclassiccars.blogspot.com/ ... -1914.html
"The extraordinary 1914 Indian presented here is among less than a handful of Hendee Specials known to exist today. It has been preserved in unrestored condition, with its original paint. It also still retains its electric starter, which was commonly removed from most examples. Most importantly, the present caretaker has maintained the bike in running and fully operational condition, and except for its tires, all components remain original."

[Ruxstel24]

Rich, the OP looks like a gas H/L, that's what led me to earlier than 14. The 14 looks like electric lighting.
They are all works of art !!

[Rich Eagle]

That is an electric light. Apparently the 61" Twin came with electric starter, and lighting. One account of that bike says "It still retains it's electric starter, which was commonly removed from most examples". I was not up on that.
Thanks
Rich

[thom]

I can't help thinking " what a waste of an Indian motorcycle" . But then that's what I think every time I see a cut down T, or tractor conversion, or speedster.

[Rich Eagle]

Think what that bike was worth in the '40s. Probably less than a $10 Model T.
The 1913 looks as similar. "...1913 Indian Twin Cylinder Single Speed for Less than $40K" 18 Mar 2015 from "autoevolution".
http://www.autoevolution.com/news/grab- ... 93403.html
Think of all these bikes wasting away in the fifties and the lucky guys who stumbled on them.

Schebler carburetor.

[Tiger Tim]

I can't help thinking " what a waste of an Indian motorcycle" . But then that's what I think every time I see a cut down T, or tractor conversion, or speedster.

If all were kept then they wouldn’t be special today.