The now-legendary V-twin 1946 Indian Chief motorcycle emerged as Indian’s flagship model after World War II, and the popular design relegated the American company’s four-cylinder and smaller V-twin models to history.
The 1946 Indian Chief became the company’s only
model after the war. This fine example is equipped
with the factory sidecar.
The 1946 Indian Chief motorcycle was similar to prewar big Indians; the engine remained a 74-cubic-inch flathead and tank graphics were unchanged. As always, “Indian Red” was a popular color choice, though others, including two-tones, were available.
New for the 1946 Indian Chief motorcycle however were girder-style could-spring forks adopted from Indian’s radical 841 model that had been designed for desert use by the U.S. military during the war.
These new forks provided a full five inches of wheel travel versus the meager two inches allowed by the previous leaf-spring design.
Though the rear still featured the same plunger-type suspension, spring rates were softened. These changes resulted in an even smoother ride than before, a notable selling feature of the postwar models.
Another accessory was a spring-mounted sidecar, first offered in 1940, which carried fancy chrome speedlines and trim.
Though similar to to prewar versions, the 1946 Indian Chief motorcycle included upgrades such as new girder-style front forks and softer spring rates on the plunger-type rear suspension.
“Indian Red” remained a popular color choice
for postwar Indian motorcycle buyers.
Indian’s nicely designed one-passenger sidecar
made its debut as a option in 1940.
An attached locking toolbox was a popular
accessory of the day.
The Chief’s 74-inch flathead engine was
unchanged from its prewar design.
The sidecar carried fancy chrome
speedlines and trim.
The sidecar was spring-mounted to cushion the
ride. This Chief is also equipped with optional
front and rear crash bars.
Buyers could substitute two-tone color schemes
like this for the traditional Indian Red.
After the war, Indian dropped all its four-cylinder
and smaller V-tinws in favor of the big V-twin Chief.
From a styling standpoint, the 1916 Harley-Davidson J motorcycle was a great leap forward from the brand’s earlier bikes. The fuel tank had rounded rather than square-cut corners, and the motorcycle took on a longer, lower appearance. Also, pedals no longer sprouted from the lower frame on models with the three-speed transmission, which now sported a modern kickstarter.
The 1916 Harley-Davidson J wears Harley’s traditional
gray paint — the last Harley model to do so.
Other than the kickstarter, however, there were few mechanical changes of note. Forks remained a leading-link design with enclosed coil springs, and the 61-cubic-inch intake-over-exhaust V-twin received only a curved intake manifold to smooth the airflow into the cylinders.
This would be the last year Harleys would wear their traditional grey paint, which had graced the machines since 1906. Its replacement — Olive Drab — would be hardly more colorful, yet would enjoy an equally long tenure.
1916 Harley-Davidson J Pictures
In 1915 electric lighting systems became available on Harly-Davidson motorcycles and the 1916 Harley-Davidson J motorcycle pictured here is so equipped. The model also debuted a modern kickstarter.
Though there were many stylistic changes in the
1916 Harley-Davision J, there were few noteworthy
mechanical advancements.
Electric lighting that had become available in 1915
was fitted to this 1916 J.
Among the few mechanical changes was a curved
intake manifold to feed the venerable F-head V-twin.
The magneto, located behind the engine, was
switched on and off with a key.
Fitted with a sidecar and passenger seat,
motorcycles of the era often served as
family transportation.