Indian Big Chief Data 1923 to 1928

BRAKE: INDIAN extra heavy, internal expanding. Has a range of action
and braking surface greatly in excess of every ordinary requirement so
as to positively and quickly take care of any emergency. Diameter
6 1/2', width 1 1/4'.

CARBURETOR: INDIAN Schebler, automatic, compensating type,
model H-1 1/4', Has variable air and fuel adjustments, gives dependable
power and remarkable flexibility in operation.

CLUTCH: Multiple disc. Alternate steel and raybestos discs, operation
in oil.
CONTROL: Throttle, left grip: and spark, right grip: by INDIAN "Twist-
of-the-Wrist," with wire cables enclosed in handle bars. Exposed cable
covered with leather. Brake pedal on right side, clutch pedal on left side.
Valve lift compression release by push rod on right side of tank.
DRIVE: Primary drive, helical gears, insuring constant adjustment, connecting
motor and transmission, completely enclosed, running in oil bath.
Final drive: 5/8 X 3/8 roller chain.
Gear ratio: Solo---4.58-1; side car 5.09-1.
ELECTRIC SYSTEM: Electric current for head light, tail light, and horn,
furnished through Splitdorf generator and Wico 6 volt, 20 ampere hour battery
acting entirely independent of ignition. Head and tail lamps controlled with
single switch. Ammeter combined in casing with switch mounted within easy
view and reach of the rider on frame top tube.
FINISH: INDIAN Red with gold striping.
FOOT BOARDS: Folding type with rubber mats.
FORK: INDIAN triple stem type. Leaf spring suspension.
FRAME: INDIAN double tube type, reinforced and constructed with special
tubing. Construction insures extremely low saddle position.
GUARDS: Pressed steel, one piece construction, rear guard hinged.
HANDLE BARS: Heavy service type integral with head bracket. Triple
construction to fork.
IGNITION: Splitdorf high tension Magneto; frame is of die cast aluminum.

LUBRICATION: Automatic, adjustable pressure feed and auxiliary hand.
pump.
X MOTOR: Big Chief 74: 2 cylinder 42 degree "V" type, air cooled, 3 1/4
bore, 4 7/16 stroke 73.62 cubic inches piston displacement.
Chief 61: 3 1/8" bore, 3 31/32" stroke, 60.88 cu. in. piston displacement.
Cylinder: L-Head.
Valves: Poppet, right hand side, valve mechanism enclosed and efficiently
lubricated.
Piston: Cast iron, three (3) rings, pin--5/8 diameter.
Conn. Rod: Selected drop forged steel, specially heat treated.
Bearings: Crank and main bearings roller.
MUFFLER: INDIAN Tubular type.
STAND: INDIAN hinge type with spring latch.
STANDARD EQUIPMENT: Combination dim and full electric head
lamp, tail lamp, ammeter and switch, motor driven horn and push button,
tool box and tool kit, Mesinger air cushion saddle with auxiliary spring
seat post.
STARTER: INDIAN gear and sector type. Sector acting on ratchet pinion,
mounted on mainshaft of transmission.
TANK: One piece, forming fuel and oil compartments. Gasoline capacity,
3 3/8 gallons. Oil capacity, 3 1/2 quarts.
TIRES: 28" X 3", --Firestone, Goodyear, or U.S. Traxion Tread, optional.
TRANSMISSION: Mounted in unit with motor. Three forward speeds,
progressive type, direct acting shift lever. Makes for instant gear shifting.
WEIGHT: Ready to ride, 425 pounds, side car, 198 pounds.
WHEELS: 28" in diameter, wire, 40 spokes, front and rear, C.C. type steel
rims, knockout axles.
WHEEL BASE: 60 1/2 inches.
X Actual Piston Displacement represents the only difference in the detailed
specifications between Big Chief 74 and the Chief 61 models.

THE INDIAN BIG CHIEF 74 & CHIEF 61

The INDIAN BIG CHIEF 74 and the CHIEF 61. In General
design and construction these two models are larger editions
of the INDIAN SCOUT.
The BIG CHIEF 74 and the CHIEF 61 are identical in design
and construction with the exception of a super powerplant in
the BIG CHIEF 74. The numerals themselves indicate the power
capacity, the BIG CHIEF 74 having a piston displacement of 74
cubic inches, while the displacement of the CHIEF 61 is 61 cubic
inches.
These two models fit into the niche of the motorcyclist's desires
where maximum speed and power are required.

The BIG CHIEF 74, the acknowledged leader in the side car class,is
designed particularly for heavy duty side car service, but it is
nevertheless ideally adapted to work, especially police service where
maximum speed is required. With Princess side car attached, this
model blends itself into one sturdy, pleasing unit which typifies
its worthy title of "Master of the Road."
The Princess side car which forms a part of the BIG CHIEF 74 unit has
been redesigned to insure greater riding comfort and more pleasing lines.
The body length has been increased and the seating capacity is broader
and deeper on the 1924 models.
These two models, like their smaller brother the INDIAN SCOUT, are
offered with a complete new front fork construction, improved thrust
bearing in the clutch, improved kick starter lever and change in the
starting ration which insures much easier starting, a stronger and
improved stand and numerous other refinements in 1924.

INDIAN CHIEF WITH PRINCESS SIDE CAR
This view of the Princess Side Car shows the new
Stream line design of the body.
In addition to this marked improvement in appearance,
the new side car carries other important refinements
including deeper back rest and larger seating capacity.
These are changes for 1924.

1924 Indian Big Chief with Princess Side Car