Right from its arrival, the 1948 Indian Chief motorcycle worked as an outstanding American chopper. With the appealing appearance from the skirted fenders trademark and the ideal gold-like finish, this bike looked majestic on the road. A systematic motorcycle collector absolutely had the right to be boastful of having the 1948 Indian Chief. Its sparkling chrome and black look was remarkable. The Indian Chief was made as a preliminary version of the American chopper that was popular during the middle of the 20th century.

The 1948 Indian Chief motorcycle contained a foot clutch, a gear-changer on the left side, and the throttle positioned on the right. To make a skilled rider, one has to create proper co-ordination. Once this is attained, the bike would provide an astonishing ride, as described by those who have experienced it.

It was among those bikes that you’d hear before you first viewed it, with its low, thundering sound. It had a 1,200 cc (74 cubic inch) flat head engine, and was sadly Indian’s last attempt to save the company from the troubles it experienced after World War II. Though Indian failed in 1953, the 1948 Chief had the style, power, and technology to be the finest motorcycle on the earth for the time.

At the commencement of the1940s, Indian Motorcycle Company was actively involved in manufacturing for the war activities and also for providing and repairing bikes for the Police Department. The decade was therefore, difficult one for the company. While the World War II was going on, the company performed heroically. After the end of the war, it was very difficult to regain its position.

Symbolizing an Indian classic, the Indian motorcycles that were marketed in 1940 had the deep skirted fenders as the trademark icon. Even so, the Torque Engineering Company bought the Indian Motorcycle Company in the year 1945.

Some years later, the company was split in two, with manufacturing becoming part of the Atlas Corporation and distribution going to the Indian Sales Corporation. This proved to be a historical event too, but the depth of the troubles was not yet completely obvious in 1948.

The 1948 Chief, apart from being classical, remained a winner race- bike even almost thirty years after its entry into racing. It is well-described as the soldier-like Indian Scout.

The success achieved by Floyd Emde in the Daytone 200 was a characteristic accomplishment. He rode the factory-built Indian 648 and maintained the leading position from the start till he finished successfully. He also made a fresh course record speed attaining eighty-four miles per hour.

1948 was, to borrow from Dickens, the best of times and the worst of times for Indian Motorcycle. Everyone could see that they knew making amazing bikes, but the business decisions after the end of World War II would ultimately be more than the brand could get over.

Naveed Mustaghfar is the founder of smarter-moves.co.uk, a Bromley Lettings Agent specialising in Lettings. A lot of info outside the scope of the above article can be obtained at our page on Residential Sales Around Crystal Palace.