1948 Indian Chief

1948 Indian Chief

cruiser40sUnited States

Introduced in 1948, the 1948 Indian Chief features a 1311cc SV V-twin engine producing 40hp, establishing itself as a notable cruiser.

Specifications

Engine

Type
SV V-twin
Displacement
1311 cc
Cylinders
2
Power
40 hp @ 4800 rpm
Torque
75.0 Nm
Compression
—
Bore × Stroke
82.5 × 121.0 mm
Cooling
Air-cooled
Fuel System
Linkert carburetor

Chassis & Transmission

Frame
Steel double loop
Front Suspension
Telescopic fork
Rear Suspension
Plunger
Front Brake
Drum
Rear Brake
Drum
Front Tyre
—
Rear Tyre
—
Transmission
3-speed
Final Drive
Chain

Performance

Top Speed
140 km/h (87 mph)
¼ Mile
—

Dimensions & Weight

Dry Weight
260 kg (573 lbs)
Wet Weight
280 kg (617 lbs)
Seat Height
670 mm
Wheelbase
1510 mm
Ground Clearance
—
Fuel Capacity
13.0 L

History & Story

When Indian unveiled the 1948 Indian Chief in 1948, it signaled the company's commitment to the cruiser segment. Built in United States, this cruiser embodied the spirit of 1940s motorcycling.

The 1948 Indian Chief is motivated by a 1311cc SV V-twin twin-cylinder unit delivering 40hp at 4800 rpm. Breathing through Linkert carburetor and kept cool by air-cooled, the engine drives through a 3-speed transmission with chain final drive.

Built around a steel double loop frame, the 1948 Indian Chief suspends its 260 kg (573 lbs) on telescopic fork forks and plunger rear units. Braking relies on drum at the front and drum at the rear, with a 1510 mm wheelbase providing stability.

Performance-wise, the 1948 Indian Chief achieves a claimed top speed of 140 km/h (87 mph). With a fuel capacity of 13.0 liters, it offers reasonable range for cruiser duties. The seat height of 670 mm makes it accessible for most riders.

Today, the 1948 Indian Chief is considered an extremely rare and highly prized collector piece, commanding premium prices at auction. 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 1948 Indian Chief was one of the largest-displacement motorcycles of its era
  • Pristine examples of the 1948 Indian Chief can command six-figure prices at auction
  • The 1948 Indian Chief is considered one of the most collectible motorcycles from Indian
  • The 1948 Indian Chief is widely regarded as a milestone in motorcycle history
  • Indian Motorcycle ceased production in 1953, making all original Indians finite in number

Collector Information

Parts Availability
Difficult
Collector Rating
10/10

Resources & Parts

🔧 Find 1948 Indian Chief Parts on eBay Search eBay Motors for parts, accessories and restoration supplies 📖 Haynes Manual for Indian Workshop manuals, service guides and technical references 🛡 Insure Your Classic Indian Specialist classic motorcycle insurance from Hagerty

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