The 1947 Norton International from United Kingdom was powered by a 490cc OHV single producing 29hp at 6000rpm. Weighing 155.0kg (342 lbs) and with a seat height of 780mm, it was aimed at racing riders.
The 1948 Indian Chief, hailing from United States, by contrast offered 1311cc of SV V-twin power, delivering 40hp at 4800rpm. Tipping the scales at 260.0kg (573 lbs) with a top speed of 140km/h (87 mph), it offered a distinct riding experience. 1940s motorcycles, especially military-era models, hold strong collector interest with values reflecting their historical significance.
Specifications Comparison
| 1947 Norton International | 1948 Indian Chief | |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 490 cc | 1311 cc |
| Power | 29 hp | 40 hp |
| Torque | 35.0 Nm | 75.0 Nm |
| Cylinders | 1 | 2 |
| Top Speed | 145 km/h | 140 km/h |
| Quarter Mile | — | — |
| Dry Weight | 155.0 kg | 260.0 kg |
| Wet Weight | 168.0 kg | 280.0 kg |
| Seat Height | 780 mm | 670 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1370 mm | 1510 mm |
| Fuel Capacity | 14.0 L | 13.0 L |
| Gears | 4 -speed | 3 -speed |
The Verdict
These two machines serve fundamentally different purposes. The 1947 Norton International is built for outright circuit racing performance, while the 1948 Indian Chief targets relaxed highway cruising and long-distance comfort. On paper, the 1948 Indian Chief's 40hp trumps the 1947 Norton International's 29hp, but raw numbers don't tell the whole story in such different segments. Choose the 1947 Norton International if you value outright circuit racing performance; pick the 1948 Indian Chief for relaxed highway cruising and long-distance comfort.
About the 1947 Norton International
The 1947 1947 Norton International packs a 490cc OHV single engine with 29hp into a racing machine package from Norton.
Full 1947 Norton International Profile →About the 1948 Indian Chief
Introduced in 1948, the 1948 Indian Chief features a 1311cc SV V-twin engine producing 40hp, establishing itself as a notable cruiser.
Full 1948 Indian Chief Profile →