Year Of The Bobber
Bobbers do indeed rule. The AMCA's 2007 membership card features Michael Breeding's 1951 Indian Bobber, Yellow Dog, a true classic. The rationale for this project was, as Michael said, "I built it to ride the Titus Canyon in Death Valley. I needed extra ground clearance and extended fuel range." Michael's good buddy, Jim Mosher, did the engine, paint and much of the assembly. "It was a joint project, my concept, Jim's design." Michael said.

It was a long time coming though. Michael, a native Texan, who has been riding Indians since the late '60s, purchased the engine a C4000 serial number, in the early '90s and the frame 20 years earlier. Instead of a basketcase Michael calls it a "Put Together." Both engine and frame are genuine 1951 items and very rare. Indian made only 500 Chiefs that year.

To get the extended range he needed for the long run through Titus Canyon, a set of five gallon gas tanks was ordered from Matt Blake at Iron Horse Corral. Matt supplied the rest of the sheet metal as well. Meanwhile Jim Mosher was wrenching on the 80 cubic inch motor. The decision was made to keep it mostly stock but they couldn't resist installing a set of Pop Schunk "74" cams, plenty hot for the street. A Keihin CV carb was also fitted which, as Michael mentions, changes the whole personality of the machine, "If you want an original-sounding, riding Indian, stick with the Linkert. But if you like a smooth idle and easier starting go with the Keihin CV." He cautioned to give this some serious thought before making the switch.

After this three-year project got on the road and broken in, they scheduled a little dyno time. This healthy Chief puts down 50 hp at the rear wheel through it's four speed. Not too shabby for a "Put Together!" Give this some serious thought before you run Michael for pink slips.

Vintage Motorcycle Days
Word from AMA headquarters in Pickerington, Ohio, is that VMD is set for the weekend of July 27-29, 2007. Once again, this world-class event will be staged at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car course in Lexington, Ohio. Proceeds from VMD will benefit the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum located at AMA headquarters. With the country's largest motorcycle swap meet, AHRMA Vintage racing, and classic bike shows, this event is a summer mainstay. Additional details were being worked out as we went on press, so we encourage you to visit: www.AMADirectlink.com or call 800 262-5646 for more information.

A Vintage Destination
Are you looking for a "vintage" riding destination? Well, from what we've heard Cyclemos Motorcycle Museum in Red Boiling Springs, Tennessee, could be just what the doctor ordered. Mike and Jennifer Silvio have recently opened their new facility that is part vintage motorcycle museum, part gift shop and part vintage clothing company. From the photos they supplied it appears they got the ambiance right and with an abundance of great two-lane roads near the museum, this could be a must-see destination.

Cyclemos is not a large museum, and if your interest is rows of pristine restorations, well, you've come to the wrong place. However, if unrestored original paint bikes catch your eye, then this might be just the prescription you need.

The short list of machines includes a 1936 Indian flat tracker, '48 Harley WR, '47 Harley Police Servi-Car, and an ultra rare, original paint 1936 Knucklehead. Other machines (all of them are American) date as far back as 1915 and few are restored. "Our philosophy is preservation and education," said Mike Silvio. "It is our goal to capture and preserve these precious memories and relics from our country's past for future generations." We understand they are in the process of adding an additional 7,000 square feet of museum and restoration space.

More information on Cyclemos Motorcycle Museum can be found at: www.cyclemos.com or 615 699-5049. Their mailing address is: 319 East Main Street, Red Boiling Springs, Tennessee 37150.

Jay Leno Didn't Come
It's not like I've ever met Mr. Leno, or that I even specifically had invited him, but he is, to the best of my knowledge, a member of the Antique Motorcycle Club of America, and he certainly would be most welcome if he dropped by.

As Oregon Trail Chapter secretary, I usually host a ride, Bar BQ and chapter meeting in June. It's not a high profile or particularly elegant affair, but it's a great time to ride, eat, and touch base with one another as the summer riding season comes into full swing.

Last year's Bar BQ was held on June 10, and we rode west out of Salem, Oregon, over Marion County's rolling hills and fertile fields. The steep grade up Gate Hill Road in the foothills of the Cascade Mountain Range was a test for timeworn motors, clutches, transmissions and brakes. We returned to a backyard picnic at El Casa Del Secretario, where tables, chairs and food was laid out for everyone. On the menu was dry-rubbed smoked spareribs, pork tenderloin and chicken breast, my special Louisiana-style sauce, baked beans, cole slaw, and an array of beverages. Afterwards, we held a business meeting and officer elections.

This coming summer's Bar BQ is planned for June 9. It's open to anyone interested in old motorcycles. Folks who are not members of the AMCA or the Oregon Trail Chapter are politely encouraged to join.

My contact information is: chiefrider1953@hotmail.com or 503 364-3112. So, Jay, if you're interested, give me a call and RSVP please.
Thomas Krise


Vahan Dinihanian and his swift Indian twin.


Scott Nelson and Gene Walker have differing opinions on having their pictures taken.

South Of The Border Bobber
My Bobber story started in Mexico in 1939 where it was purchased by an hombre unknown. After living a life in central Mexico, it wound up discarded in a barn for many years. The next chapter started when three gringos rode their antique bikes ('48 Chief, 1948 and '59 Pan) accompanied, by an Easy Rider photo/journalist, Nancy Cairns, driving chase, into old Mexico. See Easy Rider January, 2000, issue "Tres Amigos...And The Road Angel. Exploring Colonial Mexico." While partying with some Mexican bikers in San Miguel de Allende, one of them became obsessed with the Indian and vowed to get one himself to restore. Soon after we said, "asta luego," he started scouring the countryside as only a native could do. He found this 1939 Indian Sport Scout barn-bike with only a frame, fork, bottom end, and some sheet metal but with matching numbers, and he started a rebuild.

When the Tres Amigos returned three years later, the rebuild wasn't going well at all. Still on the lift with some Harley sheet metal and wheels but no top end. I bought the whole mess for $2,500, tore it down and put the Indian parts in boxes. I still had to get it through U.S. Customs...without any title.

Sure enough, U.S. Customs pulled us aside for a closer look at the boxes of "motorcycle parts." Then fate took a hand, and while we were waiting, the drug-sniffing dog, got real excited about the vehicle in the next stall and the customs official just waved me through without an inspection.

Once back in the country I turned frame/fork and the boxes over to my restorer, Dick Ollhoff of Yellow Spear Restorations, in Tomahawk, Wisconsin. Then two more years of swap meet hunting and the '39 Scout was ready for paint and tank artwork.

Several books on Second World War bomber nose art were used to choose the '40s pinups that the air crews used to decorate their combat air craft. The "Miss Behave" pinup on the right tank was on a B-17 shot down over Berlin in 1944. I wish those brave airmen who lost their lives that day could know that their "girl" was scootin around on a cool Bobber today. One modification to the original artwork was made. Jill Zorn's mom's face was taken from a picture of her during that war when she was waiting for her navy man to come home, and put on the pinup. The navy rank of Jill's dad was put on the sleeve of the girl on the other tank. That pinup is teasing the cartoon character of Speedy Gonzales to give recognition to the Scout's history. The artwork itself was beautifully done by Tom Stephensen of Tempe, Arizona.

When Jill and I picked up the bike from Ollhoff and I was shaking it down on Wisconsin back roads, we blew into the rally in Tomahawk, Wisconsin, where we ran into Willie G and his son Bill, old friends of Jill. There he, and son Bill, posed for a shot with the Indian Bobber. "Better get an Indian helmet," he quipped, I was wearing a H-D one at the time.

Jim H. Anderson

Hot Sheet
In the future this hot sheet information (stolen bikes) will be found on the newly created Bulletin Board System for the club. *Community Forums

The information contained herein is as represented by the reporting party and the AMCA is not responsible for its accuracy or timeliness. Please notify the Editor immediately if the status of the vehicle changes so that the entry may be deleted.

Current AMCA members may list their stolen bikes (35 years old or older) by providing their member number, name, address and phone number. Please supply the year, make, model and serial number of the bike. Submit the information to: amcaeditor@earthlink.net