1949 Indian Scout
Introduced in 1949, the 1949 Indian Scout features a 440cc SV V-twin engine producing 15hp, establishing itself as a notable standard motorcycle.
Specifications
Engine
- Type
- SV V-twin
- Displacement
- 440 cc
- Cylinders
- 2
- Power
- 15 hp @ 4500 rpm
- Torque
- 28.0 Nm
- Compression
- —
- Bore × Stroke
- 64.0 × 69.0 mm
- Cooling
- Air-cooled
- Fuel System
- Linkert carburetor
Chassis & Transmission
- Frame
- Steel double loop
- Front Suspension
- Girder fork
- Rear Suspension
- Plunger
- Front Brake
- Drum
- Rear Brake
- Drum
- Front Tyre
- —
- Rear Tyre
- —
- Transmission
- 3-speed
- Final Drive
- Chain
Performance
- Top Speed
- 105 km/h (65 mph)
- ¼ Mile
- —
Dimensions & Weight
- Dry Weight
- 190 kg (419 lbs)
- Wet Weight
- 205 kg (452 lbs)
- Seat Height
- 680 mm
- Wheelbase
- 1400 mm
- Ground Clearance
- —
- Fuel Capacity
- 11.0 L
History & Story
The 1949 1949 Indian 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.
Powering the 1949 Indian Scout is a 440cc SV V-twin producing 15hp. This twin-cylinder engine uses air-cooled cooling and draws fuel through Linkert carburetor. A 3-speed gearbox sends power via chain final drive to the rear wheel.
Built around a steel double loop frame, the 1949 Indian Scout suspends its 190 kg (419 lbs) on girder fork forks and plunger rear units. Braking relies on drum at the front and drum at the rear, with a 1400 mm wheelbase providing stability.
Performance-wise, the 1949 Indian Scout achieves a claimed top speed of 105 km/h (65 mph). With a fuel capacity of 11.0 liters, it offers reasonable range for standard motorcycle duties. The seat height of 680 mm makes it accessible for most riders.
Today, the 1949 Indian Scout is considered a respected classic that attracts serious collector interest and continues to appreciate. Parts availability is rated as very difficult, making ownership a dedicated pursuit. It remains an icon of Indian motorcycling from 1940s.
Powering the 1949 Indian Scout is a 440cc SV V-twin producing 15hp. This twin-cylinder engine uses air-cooled cooling and draws fuel through Linkert carburetor. A 3-speed gearbox sends power via chain final drive to the rear wheel.
Built around a steel double loop frame, the 1949 Indian Scout suspends its 190 kg (419 lbs) on girder fork forks and plunger rear units. Braking relies on drum at the front and drum at the rear, with a 1400 mm wheelbase providing stability.
Performance-wise, the 1949 Indian Scout achieves a claimed top speed of 105 km/h (65 mph). With a fuel capacity of 11.0 liters, it offers reasonable range for standard motorcycle duties. The seat height of 680 mm makes it accessible for most riders.
Today, the 1949 Indian Scout is considered a respected classic that attracts serious collector interest and continues to appreciate. Parts availability is rated as very 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
- Indian Motorcycle ceased production in 1953, making all original Indians finite in number
- The 1949 Indian Scout was produced in Indian's United States facilities
- The 1949 Indian Scout featured a steel double loop frame typical of 1940s design philosophy
Collector Information
- Parts Availability
- Very difficult
- Collector Rating
- 7/10
Resources & Parts
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