1948 Indian Motorcycle with 8 original miles. What's it worth?

Question

Neighbor of a guy I work with is selling a 1948 Indian. He claims it has 8 original miles on it, which I find hard to believe but is supposedly true. Its unrestored, but has been garaged and is supposed to be in pretty decent shape. Anyone know what this is really worth? He's selling for $27k.

BTW - its the 74 cubic inch model - the Chief. Thats all I know.

Answer 1

If it's a Chief, and has 8 miles legit, it would be worth more than the $27k asking price, provided it's not in bad shape. Restored 48 Chief's go for that kind of money. A bike can be restored many times in it's life, it can only be orignal once, which is why I say it should sell for more than a restored bike. They didn't overheat either, they were low reving, understressed flathead engines. Parts are being remanufactured, and many parts are interchangable between different years making them easier to find too.

Newer Indians are not Indians at all. The company that made the newer ones bought the Indian name and just used S&S Harley clone engines, put on fender skirts, and reproduction Indian head fender lights to mimic the earlier design. The new company abruptly went out of business too.

Answer 2

Well, it depends on what kind of Indian, also. The Chief was the big boy, and it could easily be worth the $27K or more (depending on the condition it's in), but there was also the Scout (a smaller machine) which would be more in the $15-$18K range.
I, too, find the "8" miles to be a little suspicious. Sounds more like it has a new speedo-unit installed, possibly after an accident, or possibly just because age and corosion ate the original.
The bottom line is that you should take a good hard look at it, and determine its worth to you, personally. I would hesitate to buy an old motorcycle as an investment, since the market is running very high right now, but if you love the bike, and it seems good, go for it.
I would probably give it a miss, myself, because I like to ride my bike, and a 58-year-old bike is more suited to being a museum exhibit than a daily driver.
If you want a display piece, though, it could be a great deal.

Answer 3

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Answer 4

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RE:
1948 Indian Motorcycle with 8 original miles. What's it worth?
Neighbor of a guy I work with is selling a 1948 Indian. He claims it has 8 original miles on it, which I find hard to believe but is supposedly true. Its unrestored, but has been garaged and is supposed to be in pretty decent shape. Anyone know what this is really worth? He's selling for...

Answer 5

1948 Indian Chief Motorcycle

Answer 6

1948 Indian Motorcycle

Answer 7

LOLOL I'd get a BIG magnifying glass, for that situation...an original Indian with miles like that's a museum piece...look for anything that says it might have come from such a museum....
if it's legit, ownership papers and everything, snap it up like it was your last breath of air before diving in the pool. Mega mucho dinero, senor...

Answer 8

The absolutely free reverse vin check sites generally provide fake information. To get real information, money will have to be paid. The free searches provide fake information so they can get your email address to send spam.

Stay away from shady reverse vin check sites, most likely you won't get any information after you make the payment. Not to mention you won't get a report and you won't get an answer if you try to call for a refund. Stick with a reputable reverse vin check site like http://www.reversevincheck.net that has been around since 1995.

Answer 9

It's only worth what someone will pay for it. It's not worth more than a new one. You can buy a brand new one in Lake Charles, La. at the Harley Davidson/ Indian Motor Cycle shop. Price from 18k-23k out the door.

I would not buy a 1948 anyway, they use to over heat and burn up the heads. Also getting parts, not gonna happen.

Answer 10

Which one. 46 Indian Cheif in mint cond, to a collector would be worth between 12 and 18 thousand dollars I guess.