classic motorcycle forum
Motorcycle Discussions => American Bikes => Topic started by: gettingold on January 05, 2025, 08:09:20 PM
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I have had a 1949 Indian vertical twin Model 249 basket case sitting in the rafters for years. Dragged it out a couple of weeks ago and started to look it over, kinda a neat bike so I am going to put it together. Does anyone know of a any sources for parts and info on this model, besides E-Bay. Looks like I will be needing mostly small items like gaskets, suspension springs, etc. Any info would be appreciated.
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Try the Indian Owners and Riders group. Mostly Chiefs but verticals get mentioned often too.
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There was a fairly active Yahoo Group for these.
I think the Facebook group has taken over, since Yahoo bailed out of groups.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/152093191516017/
There are still a lot of these about when you take stock.
Inc some suppliers of parts.
https://www.indianvertical.com/
Hopethishelpshavefun. !
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They were supposed to have a weak bottom end ...or thats what Sucher claims ...........Ive never seen an engineering drawing of one,such as are easy to find for British bikes .........Ive also seen claims the original Edison magneto fitted was no good ,and most owners fitted a Lucas from a Triumph.
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A bit crap all round apparently. Under-developed and in response to the invasion of Triumph, Norton, BSA, Matchie and the rest.
Indian were thrashing around in their death throes by this time.
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A few little flaws, but nothing that couldn't be fixed.
Being sent out with no grease in the rear wheel bearings so the wheel seized or collapsed wasn't their finest moment.
Never heard the wash-up of how that was allowed to happen ...
One locally here has been adapted to take twin carbs - off an early BSA Star Twin was it ?
Made it quite a peppy rally performer, smart little twin.