Classic recollections: 1940 Indian Four

Throughout our country's history, motorcycles have always played an important role in keeping the U.S. safe.

While most associate Harley-Davidson as the sole manufacturer for our law enforcement and military needs, another American maker helped to keep the peace — both at home and abroad. The Indian Motorcycle Manufacturing Co. was formed in 1901 and, before its bankruptcy in 1953, provided mechanized steeds for our servicemen and allies in World War I and II, and mounted constables around the nation.

Wayne Kruty's civilian 1940 Indian Four may look harmless but its protective heritage still shines through its jovial Jade Green paint.

“Out of the factory, Indians came with a left-hand throttle — a feature not found on any other brand and one favored by the police. This made it very easy for a mounted officer to accelerate after a fleeing suspect and still have a hand free to reach for his gun — maybe even squeeze off a few rounds!” the Buffalo Grove resident said.

With the only firing for this classic now occurring in the cylinders, Kruty has since moved the throttle to a more natural right grip position, as did most of the non-badge wearing riders.

While he enjoys keeping that throttle wide open, it wasn't always this way.

“It arrived in pieces in all kinds of assorted boxes. Everything needed to be redone.” Overwhelmed, Kruty began to feel that a completed bike would have saved him a ton of work. “But I soon realized that I could never call it mine unless I completed it myself,” he said.

Spurred on to create that personal machine of his own, Kruty dived into the restoration process. Despite the plethora of vintage parts, a few missing components had to be procured. The biggest items were the valanced fenders and fuel tank, which were sourced from the Iron Horse Coral, in Clovis, Calif. Once the four-stroke, 1,265-cubic-centimeter engine was rebuilt from top to bottom, Kruty assembled everything back together.

“It took a year's time but when it started right up on the first try, it was all worth it.”

A full 40 horsepower is at Wayne's disposal, who describes the driving experience in the Indian's well-worn leather saddle as quite pleasant but one that requires a full workout.

“It's silky smooth and cruises problem-free at 60 (mph) all day long. But with right-hand throttle, left-hand spark advance, left-foot clutch, left-side shifting and right-foot brake, you're using every appendage to keep it going down the road!”

Despite its age, this vintage Indian still serves to draw curious onlookers as well as some of our country's reminiscing fighting men and women. “I always have to be ready to answer the many questions about the 70 year-old motorcycle. But every now and then, someone will approach me and say, ‘I used to drive one of these during the war.'

“That's when I sit back and eagerly listen to the fascinating memories.”