My Uncle bought an Indian Motorcycle just after the 2nd World War.
He bought it from a Military Dump Store for 550 Dutch Guilders, with is about 250 Euro’s nowadays.
Matching numbers: Frame number 741 15151, Engine Number GDA 15151.
They were made
from 1941 -1944
741 GDA101-up, 741101-up, Military 741(b)
lightweight 30.50ci
All Export 741's GDA101 & up were supplied with
blackout lighting as standard.
I wonder if this
bike is still “alive” If somebody has seen this bike just let me know please…..
As World War II
loomed, the United States military set about drawing up specifications for a
useful, universal motorcycle, and put its construction out for bid.
But though
several manufacturers submitted bids, ultimately designed and manufactured
motorcycles to sell, there’s little doubt that the US Military preferred
Harley-Davidson’s WLA to any other brand or style of motorcycle in the WWII
era.
Offering several
machines based on production bikes, Indian tried to compete but initially
without much success.
The sales
success came when Indian offered the 741 based on the civilian Thirty-Fifty
model.
The US Army favored
the 45 cubic inches of the WLA Harley-Davidson, and this Indian was but 30.5
cubic inches, or 500cc.
However, the
little twin proved to be very durable and reliable and ultimately some 35,000
were produced, mainly for the Allies.
Incidentally, Harley riders in the
military had difficulty with the Indian’s foot clutch operated with the heel;
Harley’s required the toe.
Engine
performance is about 15 HP at 4,800 rpm. Ignition is by battery and coil, (the
B in the model designation points to battery /coil ignition) weight is 450 lb.,
top speed 65 mph.
Transmission is
3 speed hand shift, tires 3.50 x 18.
After the war
many thousands of these sturdy machines became available for civilian use and
they were subsequently dressed up in civilian guise.
