INDIAN SCOUT ON OFFER AT BURNS & CO. JULY AUCTION

Following a successful motorcycle auction in May, Burns & Co. Auctions have another scheduled for 24 July at their Bayswater auction rooms.

May’s auction carried a diverse array of consignments – everything from vintage Nortons and BSAs, classic Harleys, post-war British bikes, sidecar outfits, late model dirt bikes and even a Triumph Metisse desert racer.

The full consignment list for the July auction was still being finalised at time of writing, but one motorcycle that has been confirmed is a 1926 Indian Scout.

Introduced in 1920, the Scout arrived as a smaller 37ci (600cc) alternative to Indian’s range-leading 61ci (1,000cc) Powerplus. The engine was still a sidevalve v-twin, but incorporated a number of features that improved overall longevity. Various changes followed, including the release of a larger 45ci (750cc) version in 1927, then the ‘101 Scout’ with a new frame and longer wheelbase in 1928.

The onset of the Great Depression saw Indian consolidate their model range under a common frame. As this was taken from the larger, heavier Chief, it blunted the performance that had made the Scout so popular. New versions of the Scout would follow, but 1920-30 models are considered the best of the breed.

The example on offer with Burns & Co. Auctions is a 1926 model (Indian’s Silver Jubilee year), meaning it incorporates the detachable cylinder heads that had been introduced for Scouts the year before. Despite advancements like a 3-speed transmission and electric lighting, the '26 Scout still had a rigid back end and braking was still only on the rear wheel.

This Australian-delivered example has been part of a private collection in northern NSW for the past two decades and underwent a full restoration in that time. Notably, the original fuel tank and mudguards were good enough to be re-used for the restoration.

Period correct features, like the hand-shift/foot-clutch remain, as well as the starter switch and ammeter clamped to the top of the frame. Along with electric lighting, this restored Scout also has a Klaxon horn (non-factory, but seen on other Scouts from this period) and blackout treatment of selected parts, like the heads, muffler and saddle springs