Steve McQueen's 1914 Indian Model F
Board Track Motorcycle
Board Track Motorcycle
''At first, Indian motorcycles used in competition were modified road models, and not until 1908 did the Springfield company offer a purpose-built racing motorcycle for sale. The following year Messrs Hedstrom and Hendee opened their own home-town, pine-board motordrome in Springfield, thus providing Indian with its own test track and works rider 'Jake' DeRosier - one of motorcycle sport's first superstars - with a stage to showcase his immense talent. ''
''Lacking a clutch, throttle and brakes, board-track racing motorcycles were push-started and run flat-out until the end of the race when the rider would short the magneto to stall the engine. Although rudimentary, they nevertheless could reach 100mph. Accidents were frequent and injuries often serious, one of the major hazards being splinters picked up from the track's surface.
Based on a production model, this board-track racer is powered by Indian's 4hp, 30.5ci (500cc) engine featuring inlet-over-exhaust valve gear. It is fitted with a clutch, though this appears to be inoperative. The frame is Indian's conventional loop-type, though with geometry different from that of the roadster's, the fork angle being steeper and the wheelbase shorter. This altered fork angle effectively moves the engine closer to the front wheel, thus improving steering and high-speed stability. ''
Based on a production model, this board-track racer is powered by Indian's 4hp, 30.5ci (500cc) engine featuring inlet-over-exhaust valve gear. It is fitted with a clutch, though this appears to be inoperative. The frame is Indian's conventional loop-type, though with geometry different from that of the roadster's, the fork angle being steeper and the wheelbase shorter. This altered fork angle effectively moves the engine closer to the front wheel, thus improving steering and high-speed stability. ''
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Quotes and pictures from : Bonhams
Simply awesome looking bike! What a design!
ReplyDeleteSteve McQueen's 1914 Indian Model F was the great invented motor cycle ever! This motor cycle is powered by Indian's 4hp, 30.5ci (500cc) engine featuring inlet-over-exhaust valve gear that is incredible though the fitted clutch was inappropriate. But as a classical bike it was awesome.
DeleteSteve McQueen's 1914 Indian Model F was the great invented motor cycle ever! This motor cycle is powered by Indian's 4hp, 30.5ci (500cc) engine featuring inlet-over-exhaust valve gear that is incredible though the fitted clutch was inappropriate. But as a classical bike it was awesome.
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