1942 Indian Sport Scout
Introduced in 1942, the 1942 Indian Sport Scout features a 745cc SV V-twin engine producing 30hp, establishing itself as a notable standard motorcycle.
Specifications
Engine
- Type
- SV V-twin
- Displacement
- 745 cc
- Cylinders
- 2
- Power
- 30 hp @ 5000 rpm
- Torque
- 45.0 Nm
- Compression
- —
- Bore × Stroke
- 73.0 × 89.0 mm
- Cooling
- Air-cooled
- Fuel System
- Linkert carburetor
Chassis & Transmission
- Frame
- Steel double loop
- Front Suspension
- Girder fork
- Rear Suspension
- Rigid
- Front Brake
- Drum
- Rear Brake
- Drum
- Front Tyre
- —
- Rear Tyre
- —
- Transmission
- 3-speed
- Final Drive
- Chain
Performance
- Top Speed
- 145 km/h (90 mph)
- ¼ Mile
- —
Dimensions & Weight
- Dry Weight
- 195 kg (430 lbs)
- Wet Weight
- 212 kg (467 lbs)
- Seat Height
- 690 mm
- Wheelbase
- 1430 mm
- Ground Clearance
- —
- Fuel Capacity
- 12.0 L
History & Story
The 1942 1942 Indian Sport Scout was introduced by Indian as a standard motorcycle aimed at riders seeking standard motorcycle performance and style. Manufactured in United States, it represented Indian's vision for the twin-cylinder standard motorcycle market during the 1940s.
The 1942 Indian Sport Scout is motivated by a 745cc SV V-twin twin-cylinder unit delivering 30hp at 5000 rpm. Breathing through Linkert carburetor and kept cool by air-cooled, the engine drives through a 3-speed transmission with chain final drive.
The chassis employs a steel double loop frame with girder fork up front and rigid at the rear. Stopping power comes from drum front and drum rear brakes. Tipping the scales at 195 kg (430 lbs) dry, the 1942 Indian Sport Scout offers a manageable riding experience with a 1430 mm wheelbase.
Performance-wise, the 1942 Indian Sport Scout achieves a claimed top speed of 145 km/h (90 mph). With a fuel capacity of 12.0 liters, it offers reasonable range for standard motorcycle duties. The seat height of 690 mm makes it accessible for most riders.
Today, the 1942 Indian Sport Scout is considered a desirable collector motorcycle that has appreciated significantly in value over the decades. Parts availability is rated as difficult, making ownership a dedicated pursuit. It remains an icon of Indian motorcycling from 1940s.
The 1942 Indian Sport Scout is motivated by a 745cc SV V-twin twin-cylinder unit delivering 30hp at 5000 rpm. Breathing through Linkert carburetor and kept cool by air-cooled, the engine drives through a 3-speed transmission with chain final drive.
The chassis employs a steel double loop frame with girder fork up front and rigid at the rear. Stopping power comes from drum front and drum rear brakes. Tipping the scales at 195 kg (430 lbs) dry, the 1942 Indian Sport Scout offers a manageable riding experience with a 1430 mm wheelbase.
Performance-wise, the 1942 Indian Sport Scout achieves a claimed top speed of 145 km/h (90 mph). With a fuel capacity of 12.0 liters, it offers reasonable range for standard motorcycle duties. The seat height of 690 mm makes it accessible for most riders.
Today, the 1942 Indian Sport Scout is considered a desirable collector motorcycle that has appreciated significantly in value over the decades. Parts availability is rated as difficult, making ownership a dedicated pursuit. It remains an icon of Indian motorcycling from 1940s.
Known Issues
- Parts extremely scarce — reproduction parts essential
- Magneto ignition needs rebuilding
- Leaf-spring fork maintenance (on older models)
- Generator output limited for modern accessories
- Period-correct fasteners and hardware hard to find
Fun Facts
- The 1942 Indian Sport Scout is considered one of the most collectible motorcycles from Indian
- Indian Motorcycle ceased production in 1953, making all original Indians finite in number
Collector Information
- Parts Availability
- Difficult
- Collector Rating
- 8/10
Resources & Parts
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