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Indian Big Chief
American enthusiasts have always held to the
belief that bigger is better. It's a philosophy which is not always shared by
the rest of the world, but it does explain the sheer bulk and weight of the
typical American motor cycle of the interwar years
Strictly speaking, the 74 cubic inch (1213cc) Indian Big Chief existed from 1923
to 1928 only, although a 74cu in engine had been available as an alternative to
the standard 61 cu in power unit of the Chief from 1920 onward.
The emergence of the Big Chief as a model in its
own right came about because Indian dealers were clamouring for still more
speed, power and stamina. Dublin-born chief engineer Charles B. Franklin set to
work to give them what they wanted. Instead of boring-out the Chief engine to
provide the extra capacity he enlarged the bore by only 1/8in but lengthened the
stroke considerably.
The outcome was an L-head side-valve with a
loping stride and a top speed of nearly 90 mph.
The performance improved still more when in 1927 detachable cylinder heads
incorporating
combustion chambers designed by Harry Ricardo were fitted. In 1928, the Big
Chief (marketed in England as the Super Chief) received 19 x 3-85in low-pressure
balloon tyres for a more comfortable ride, and restyled handlebars which gave a
more relaxed riding position.
From the first, the Big Chief was equipped with
helical-tooth primary gears and an integral three-speed gearbox. The Splitdorf
magneto was gear driven and while European motor cycles still made use of the
archaic lever throttle, Indians controlled the Schebler carburettor by means of
a twistgrip.
In earlier years, Indian twins had enjoyed a moderate following in Britain, but
coincidental with the introduction of the Big Chief came the imposition of a
33-1/3 per cent import duty on USA-made motor cycles (in fact, a retaliation for
the American tariff wall against British goods). As a result, the machine was
listed on the British market at £97, well above the cost of home-built models,
and very few were sold.
Already the machine weighed a hefty 425 lb, and
as time went by it was to grow weightier still. Another point in its disfavour
was that, like most American makers, Indian fitted a rear wheel brake only.
By way of diversion, around 1928 the factory was experimenting with a light car
carrying a very English-looking bodywork. Under the bonnet however, was the
familiar 74cu in Big Chief engine, driving by chain to a rear axle differential.
Why Indian should have been pursuing such a course at this time is hard to
understand, because the air-cooled cyclecar had long since had its day. Anyway,
the project was dropped before getting beyond the prototype stage.
Not until 1929 did Indian fit a front brake, but when that season's models were
revealed it was seen that—in name at least—the Big Chief was no more. In truth
it was the 61 cu in twin that had been phased out, but the Chief name had been
transferred to the bigger machine.
That was the way it was to be on into the 1930s
when, for a time, the big solo was partnered by a Chief-engined three wheeled
delivery van. In the final years of producion at the Springfield, Massachusetts,
works, the 74cu in twin adopted deep-flared mudguards and even plunger-type rear
springing, but by 1950 it had died.
Specification
(1923 model)
engine frame
Air-cooled, four-stroke, Single tubular cradle
twin-cylinder. suspension
83 mm (325in) boreX Front - Trailing-link fork with
113 mm (4-44in) stroke = leaf springing
1213cc (74cu in). Maximum Rear - Solid unsprung
power 24 bhp at 3000 rpm. brakes
Two side valves per cylinder Front - none
operated via rockers by two Rear - Drum 6.8in
camshafts. weight
Single carburettor 425lb (193kg)
transmission performance
Three-speed gearbox. Chain Maximum speed—90 mph
drive to rear wheel
Source Super by Bikes Loure Caddell |
