I built this site to keep track of reference material related to my 1947 Indian Chief.
Some info may apply to other years as well.
General Info:
Owner: Derek Kelly of Massachusetts
Refurbished 2010 by Jeff Grigsby of Indian Motor Works in Bayfield, CO
Frame/Engine matching numbers (Frame: 3471999 / Engine CDG1999B)
74" CI (1200cc) 42° Side-Valve V-twin
Linkert Carburetor - M344
6 volt system
Battery ignition
Left hand manual spark control (right standard, left was factory option)
Right hand throttle (left standard, right was factory option)
Left hand shift (right standard, left was factory option)
Rocker foot clutch
Shared lubrication between trans/primary (standard)
Leather solo seat with chrome scuff guards (standard, "Chumee" two passenger seat optional)
Indian Red (Dupont 0-94-658-M) & Fallon Brown (Dupont 93-2174) two-tone paint (single stage acrylic enamels)
Cast iron-oil pump (standard for 1947, went to aluminum in 1948)
Cycle Electric IN-5006 generator/regulator
Shorai Lithium-Ion Battery LFX18L2-BS06
Raceway J-slot Indian Script air cleaner (optional accessory, became standard in 1952)
K&N Air Filter with Greer adapter plate
Jerry Greer oil quick drain tube & valve
Parts Suppliers:
The Manual Guys: Reproduction Manuals
Indian Web Forums:
Indian Motorcycle Club of America
Procedures:
Cold start - key off, petcock on, choke full (position 5 - bottom), retard timing full, 1/2 throttle, two full compression kicks, choke position 3, key on, one full compression kick to start, advance timing and reduce choke until warm, check oil circulation before riding.
Warm Start - key on, retard timing full, 1/2 throttle, one full compression kick, check oil circulation before riding.
Oil Change (every 500-1000 miles)
Maintenance parts/supplies:
Spark plugs: Autolite 4093 (non-resistor type)
Air filter element: K&N E-3180
Engine oil: Castrol Power RS V-Twin 20W-50 Full Synthetic (post break-in only, use straight 50w dino for first 1000 mi)
Primary/trans oil: Spectro Heavy Duty Platinum STL 75w140
In-tank oil filter: KIWI KI-10605
Generator drive belt: NBH 4L210
Chain lube: Maxima Chain Wax
Chassis grease: Mobil 1 Synthetic
Headlight bulb: 102493 (Motolamp type) 6v
Spotlight lamp: JG-3019 (sealed beam unity type) 6v
Tail light bulb: NAPA 1154 (offset pins for repro socket) 6v
Fender lamp bulb: NAPA 63 (bayonet type) 6v
Speedometer/instrument bulb: NAPA 51 (bayonet type) 6v
Fuel: 87 octane - preferably ethanol free, higher octane is not better, fresh fuel trumps all else
Fuel stabilizer: Sta-bil marine (green) or a quality 2 stroke oil
Tires: Avon Safety Mileage MKII AM7 500-16 T
Tire Tubes: 878006 5x16 side valve, rubber stem
Rim strips: JG-2492 16" rubber, side valve hole
Wheel bearings: 40446 / 36-535205-2RS1 (brand: SKF)
Brake drum bearings: 44046 / 5205 (brand: SKF)
Frequently used specs & capacities:
Spark plug gap: .025
Tank only oil change: 2 quarts 8 oz
Tank and crankase oil change: 6 oz in crankcase to prime sump + 2 quarts 8 oz in tank
Primary/Trans oil change: 16 oz total (half a quart)
Wheel offset from face of hub on non-brake side to rim center: 2-5/16"
Grease Zerk fittings: 5/16"-32
Fuel tank oil fittings: 1/4" NPT