1946 Indian Chief

Absolutely Stunning Full Restoration

An 80-Year-Old Springfield-Built Iconic Classic

In Showroom Mint Condition, Looks & Runs Like New

Pristine With Only 57 Miles Since Rebuild

We’re proud to offer this 1946 Indian Chief, celebrating its 80th birthday, born just 18 miles north of here at the historic Wigwam factory in Springfield, Massachusetts.

The bike is currently showcased at the New England Motorcycle Museum.

This Chief has undergone a no-expense-spared, 2 year restoration, every nut, bolt, painted surface, plated part, and internal engine component—has been restored to a standard as good as or better than brand new.

• Stunning paint, flawless chrome, pristine leather

• Saddlebags in brand-new condition
  

• Zero leaks, zero smoke, flawless engine operation
  

This bike runs, sounds, and feels like a brand-new 1946 Indian Chief.

🔧 Full Walker Machine Rebuild

The engine, transmission, clutch, and rotating assembly were professionally rebuilt by Walker Machine,

a nationally respected shop dedicated exclusively to antique Indian motorcycles.

• 8 pages of detailed engine invoices
  

• Crank professionally rebuilt and balanced

• Transmission fully rebuilt
  

• Carburetor restored
  

• All bearings, bushings, seals, Pistons, Valves and gaskets replaced
  

• Internal cases Gliptol-sealed (an upgrade never done at the factory)
  

• Frame professionally aligned and refinished
  

Clearly shows the engine completely disassembled down to the bare cases and rebuilt step-by-step to an extraordinary standard.

This is one of the most thoroughly documented Indian Chief Restorations we have seen:

• Full photo documentation of the restoration
  

• Plus All The receipts for Engine Rebuild, brand-new tanks, wiring harness, charging system, wheels, brakes, and more

• (From Walker Machine, Jerry Greer, Starklite, Kiwi Indian, etc.)

• Carburetor setup notes, factory reference materials, and period articles
  

• This level of provenance is exceptionally rare and adds significant investment value.

The bike was inspected top-to-bottom at Kaplan Cycles.

• Original purchase price (2002): $18,000

• Restoration investment (2007–2008): ~$32,000
  

• Total investment: $50,000+
  

• Recent Mecum auction comps for 1946 Indian Chiefs:

• High sale: $77,000
  

• Others: $74,000, $57,000, $52,500, $52,250, $52,000, $51,700, and many in the $49,000–$55,000 range
  

This example is equal to or better than most of the Chiefs sold at Mecum.

If purchased, you are welcome to leave the bike on display in the museum, where it will be professionally cared for alongside other premier American classics until you’re ready to take it home.

• Nationwide shipping available

• Financing options available
  

• Ready to ride, show, or display immediately

• 📜 1946 Indian Chief – History & Model Significance

  The 1946 Indian Chief represents the first full year of Indian’s return to civilian motorcycle production after World War II, and it stands as one of the most iconic American motorcycles ever built. Production in the early 1940s was dominated by military machines, so post-war Chiefs like this one benefited from Indian’s wartime engineering experience while delivering the style and grace that made the brand legendary.

  The Chief was Indian’s flagship big-twin of the era, positioned above the Scout and Sport Scout in the lineup. Where the Scout models were lighter and more performance-oriented, the Chief was designed as a premium touring motorcycle—long-legged, comfortable, and built to cover serious miles on open roads. If you wanted the top of the line from Springfield in 1946, you bought a Chief.

  At the heart of the 1946 Chief is Indian’s famous 74 cubic inch (1200cc) side-valve V-twin, known for its broad torque curve, smooth power delivery, and unmistakable exhaust note. Paired with a 3-speed transmission, the Chief earned its reputation as a powerful, reliable, and dignified road machine—equally at home cruising Main Street or crossing the country.

  Stylistically, the 1946 Chief is pure Indian:

  • full valanced (“skirted”) fenders that became one of the brand’s strongest visual trademarks

  • sweeping tank lines with classic Indian script

  • graceful proportions and long wheelbase touring stance

  These post-war Chiefs are highly sought after today because they capture peak Indian design language while still being practical riders with good parts support and club backing. They mark the transition from wartime austerity back to civilian freedom and style—owning one is owning a piece of American industrial and cultural history.

  Collectors prize 1946 Chiefs for:

  • first-wave post-war civilian production

  • classic skirted-fender styling

  • big-twin displacement and torque

  • strong support from the AMCA and Indian enthusiast community

  • blue-chip American motorcycle investment status

  If you’ve been waiting for a genuine post-war Indian Chief to add to the collection—or to ride and enjoy—this is the right era, the right model, and the right look.

  ✅ Where It Fit in the Indian Lineup (Period Context)

  Indian’s 1946 lineup was essentially:

  • Indian Chief – flagship big-twin touring motorcycle

  • Sport Scout / Scout variants – lighter, sportier models

  • Military surplus & special-purpose machines winding down post-war

  The Chief was the premium model:

  • largest engine displacement

  • longest wheelbase

  • most comfortable long-distance chassis

  • highest price point in the catalog

  It was the bike Indian marketed to serious riders who wanted luxury and presence, and it competed directly with Harley-Davidson’s big twins of the era.

In 1946 this machine competed directly with Harley-Davidson’s FL ‘Knucklehead’ big twin, giving riders a choice

Between Indian’s legendary skirted-fender Chief and Harley’s overhead-valve FL.

Many collectors today consider the post-war Chiefs to be the most beautifully styled American motorcycle ever produced

• This is not just a motorcycle, This is an Investment Quality Classic

a cornerstone piece in any serious American motorcycle collection.

Thanks for watching, and God bless America

AUCTION TERMS:

All motorcycles & vehicles are sold as-is where-is.

Kaplan Cycles guarantees all motorcycles are as-described. Please read the entire description and watch the entire video before bidding.

A non-refundable deposit is due immediately on purchase. PayPal or Credit Card is accepted for the deposit.

Cash (In-Person), Card (+3% fee), or Wire Transfer are our only accepted forms of final payment.

Full payment must be made within 7 days of auction close.

Your motorcycle must be picked up within 30 days of auction close. 

Exceptions are made only for international buyers OR buyers who have ALREADY made transport arrangements with a third party.

If a motorcycle is purchased and left here for longer than 30 days without written permission from Kaplan Cycles it will be resold. In the case of a re-sale, the owner will be entitled to a refund less storage fees ($25/ day beginning 30 days from auction close) ONLY if the motorcycle was paid in full on-time within the auction terms.

We always describe our motorcycles as accurately as possible.

You are purchasing a classic motorcycle. Even in cases where a bike may be in good running/ operating condition, new problems & idiosyncrasies can arise over-time from sitting or regular use.

If you have an issue with the motorcycle you’ve received, contact us within 24 hours of delivery and before leaving feedback so that we can address your concerns.

It is important you have at least a basic mechanical knowledge before purchasing and operating a classic motorcycle.

Due to our backlog, we cannot perform any additional service work or modifications on your motorcycle after the sale (ie; adding a light kit, different tires, etc.)

We respond quickly between the hours of 9am and 5pm EST, Monday - Friday

For our fastest service please call Ken Kaplan Jr directly at 860-471-0192

____________________________________________________________

We will not charge out-of-state buyers sales tax.
Out of state residents will pay sales tax with their DMV. 

We are not a registering dealership. You will receive only the documents required to register your vehicle in your state.

In our listings, title status is always listed directly below the main description.

In some cases we will sell motorcycles without title or registration. In these cases we guarantee all motorcycles sold are free and clear. We will always provide a route to obtaining title. Generally in these cases, the motorcycle will be sold at a discount to accommodate expenses involved.

Documents are mailed via USPS priority mail with a tracking number. Please allow up to 14 days after payment in full for your documents to be processed and mailed.

Keys will be shipped with the motorcycle.

____________________________________________________________

Warranty:

All Motorycles sold "as is, where is" and Kaplan Cycles does not warranty any motorcycle sold. No express warranty and/or implied warranty are made by Kaplan Cycles. No statements by us give an implied warranty.

SHIPPING:

SEND US YOUR ZIP FOR A SHIPPING QUOTE!
WE WILL MAKE ALL ARRANGEMENTS!

We have the best shipping contacts in the nation who will provide the FASTEST transport times, have a perfect track record, and are always insured and ENCLOSED! All motorcycles are shipped WHOLE (roll-on, roll-off). We do not offer a pallet or crate service.

International shipping specialist contacts are available! They will assist in ground freight, customs clearance, and ocean freight to your country. International buyers will be required to work directly with our third party shipping contacts.

We strongly recommend you insure your motorcycle at the time of purchase.

PICKUP:

We require a 24 hour notice prior to pick-up. Please call us at 860-454-7024 during office hours Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm EST.

We will provide ramps, a dock for loading, and assistance to load for free.