1935 Indian Chief
The 1935 Indian Chief motorcycle competed directly with the Harley-Davidsons of the day and was one of Indian's top sellers.
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The 74-cubic-inch Chief was anything but graceful in slow-paced maneuvers, its suspension design, long wheelbase, and 480-pound curb weight conspiring to make it feel clumsy around town.
Once up to speed, however, these same features provided exceptional stability. Buyers of a 1935 Indian Chief motorcycle were faced with a wide variety of options. Color choices were reduced that year to 13, though an extra $5.00 would buy any hue DuPont offered.
Even the fuel and oil tanks were available in three different trim variations. An optional "Y" engine featured 56 aluminum cylinder heads, heavy-duty valve springs, and a modified muffler.
A four-speed transmission could be ordered to replace the standard three-speed. New to the 1935 version were redesigned fenders with larger valances to smooth out the styling, and a rebound spring for the ungainly front leaf suspension that helped smooth out the ride somewhat.
Chiefs still lacked any form of rear suspension, though they did offer a spring-loaded seatpost.
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1935 Indian Chief pictures
Though the 1935 Indian Chief could be clumsy and heavy at low speed, its power and high-velocity stability were assets once the throttle opened up.
The 480-pound Chief had no rear suspension, but did offer a spring-loaded seatpost.
A variety of options were available on the 1935 Chief, including three types of trim for the fuel tank.
The rather awkward front suspension gained a rebound spring for 1935, and fenders were restyled with larger valances to smooth out the Chief's styling.
For more great motorcycle articles and pictures, check out:- Classic Motorcycles
- How Motorcycles work
- Indian Motorcycles