Classic and Vintage Bicycles: What's it Worth? Appraisals and Inquiries - Old Indian Scout

Anyone know what this bike is worth? Its supposed to be from around 1951, but im not positive. The owner wants 100 for it and its supposed to be all original. It sounds like a really good deal but i just wanted to be sure its not some cheap knock-off. Thanks for any info

http://i39.tinypic.com/2z7515f.jpg

I was not aware that Indian had done bicycles after the early 1900s.

1951 was about the period that the Indian name was sold to Royal Enfield in England. All American motorcycle production at Springfield had stopped. The bike looks like a typical English 3 speed of the era. I have no idea if of any value to Indian motorcycle colectors.

you might want to repost in vintage value inquires.you might get a better response.

It's kind of a hard area to research. If you start googling, you'll find all sorts of information about Indian-brand motorcycles. I found one tank-type bicycle they had produced in the 30's. But you don't find much on the bicycles. And of course, you start running in the made-in-India bicycles when you search as well.

There are a number of Indian motorcyle collectors, and I suspect they would be more of a market for this than bicycle people. The key is to confirm if that's actually the logo of the Indian motorcycle outfit, or just some generic Indian.

I would think if it's reasonably rideable, and connected with the motorcycle company, that it would be worth at least a $100. And possibly quite a bit more if you found the right buyer.

The chrome fork crown looks like what was on 50's/early-60's Hercules and Rudges during the time Raleigh was buying up their competition. I would guess this Indian came out of that environment. You will find the same frame with several different brands and different kinds of setups, but all came from the same factory.

those bars are janky. It would be worth more with the right set of bars. or turn those over JayJay style.

I'd give a C-note for it if I were looking for that sort of a rig.

In 1948 and for a couple of years after, Indian imported 3 speed bicycles from Britain and called them Indians. Obviously this venture was a failure as these bicycles are very rarely seen.

http://www.indianchiefmotorcycles.com/oldinjun.htm

http://www.nostalgic.net/bicycle819.htm
1950 Indian bicycle made by Phillips in England with same year Cyclemaster Motor Wheel.
http://www.nostalgic.net/User/UploadFolder/IndianCyclemasterR.JPG

I just googled up this:
http://www.copakeauction.com/bicycles/2004-bike-post2.html

45. 1937 Indian manufactured in Germany under license from the Indian Motorcycle Co., Springfield, MA and sold by American dealers. Head badge reads, “Indian Motorcycle Co. USA”. Unrestored with very good original black paint. Includes accessory leather saddle bags, tool pouch, speedometer and horn-light. Sold: $11,000

Doesn't show a pic of the headbadge.

Basically a standard Englsih 3-speed. Closer to a Phillips or Robin Hood than a Raleigh or Rudge.
It is missing the fenders, chainguard and original handlebars, plus is looks to be covered in housepaint.

For a few bucks more you could have a more original and complete cycle.

Also, no real value added by being an Indian.