2003 Indian Vintage Chief, number 594. Last of the California Indians

Description

Up for auction is my 2003 Indian Vintage Chief. the last year they were made in California. I bought it from the original owner in Indianapolis. had it in San Antonio for two years and then here in Illinois. I have put about 2000 miles on it over the last four years. but it has not seen much use here in Illinois (stored in heated garage). This past October I made a 400 mile run. averaging 28 mpg. It has nice throaty torque. and gets a ton of attention on the road. Issues & Concerns:This Indian is going on 13 years now. and although it only has 7341 miles on the clock. there have been a few issues to be aware of when making a decision to bid. I want to be up front as the Iron Indian Riders' community would expect of a member. About two years ago. I noticed an oil drip on the front jug - nothing too concerning. but I went ahead and replaced the top-end with OEM gaskets. This fall I noticed a little oil on the rear jug and so I think it will need to be done again at some point. Silicone-impregnated gaskets are now available from Aardvark and others. The engine does not need to be removed from the frame to do this work. and aside from a decent torque-wrench. no special tools are required. The starter was acting up within the first 6 months of when I bought it. After installing the "starter relay kit" (Aardvark) it hasn't happened since. I put in a new battery a couple years ago. and use a tender over winter months. The "enrichener" cable is coming loose (choke). I have another one on the way and will install soon. Easy fix. There is a small tear in the leather on the underside of the saddle. It's not at all noticeable with the seat in place. but needs to be stitched. It was a result of me rushing to re-install the pillion seat and grab-rails this summerAlso. note the discoloration spot on the saddle. I think this was a drop of motor oil. not sure how it got thereRegular maintenance. Brake pads and fluids are due to be changed. Tires are decent but the bike could stand for some new whitewalls (front is original. rear was replaced by former owner at some point)

There is an active community of supportive Indian riders and still lots of new and used parts available. Other points to note:

I upgraded the plastic War Bonnet lens on the front fender to amber-colored glass. handmade by Howard HegwerThe prior owner spent a considerable amount of money having a large custom pillion seat custom fabricated (included)Although not pictured. I have the original Indian windshield to include. It's in great. hardly-used conditionAlso not pictured is the 2nd grab-rail - I typically have the bike setup with the solo seat and grab-rail. exposing the rear fender luggage rackIndian-branded Xena steel caliper lock with audible alarm includedNew. old-stock air cleaner kit included (Indian part #00-245). Never installedNew. old-stock Thunderheart single-fire ignition module included. Never installed

I'm in need of a four-wheeled vehicle. and although it's not exactly the right time of year to sell I've made the decision to put up this bike and see what happens. I will help with questions and can make time to fire it up. but two things to note: 1. I plan to list it locally so this auction may just disappear without notice. and 2. a decision to bid carries a responsibility - please bid only if you are serious about the obligation to purchase.

Good luck - you may be the next owner of a very unique bike and interesting chapter in the story of Indian motorcycles.

**update: thanks for your questions! I added a couple photos to show the "vintage style" windscreen. and the installed grab-rail.

Howard Hegwer

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