Indian 1951 Value Question

[Jammer]

If anyone might know. My new Lady..heck call her wife..her father has a 1951 Indian Chief. Any idea of what the value is on this thing?

[kay]

Wow, 1951??

Although I can't help you, I think you need a bit more info for any member to value it, like it's condition, is it stll moving, any parts that need replacement/repair, etc.

But that's a beauty! I'd love to see a picture if you can get one!!

[Jammer]

Originally Posted by kay

Wow, 1951??

Although I can't help you, I think you need a bit more info for any member to value it, like it's condition, is it stll moving, any parts that need replacement/repair, etc.

But that's a beauty! I'd love to see a picture if you can get one!!

Moving yes..I will be learning to ride it this summer. It has classic tags.

[intimid8er]

Originally Posted by Jammer

If anyone might know. My new Lady..heck call her wife..her father has a 1951 Indian Chief. Any idea of what the value is on this thing?

Thinking of "knockin' the ole boy off" ?

[kay]

Originally Posted by Jammer

Moving yes..I will be learning to ride it this summer. It has classic tags.

That is awesome!!
Hey, I tried to look it up for you....just to see how much is would cost here in Japan. You know what? I couldn't even find a bike that old!
Give it a good polish and it would be a showcase bike.

[DrBob]

Book value for a 1951 Indian Chief ranges wildly depending on the condition, how original it is, and what quality restoration work has been done.

One in poor shape books for $7,700 for a used and abused, but running one needing major work. At the other end of the range is $39,000 for museum quality one that is too nice to ride because it has been perfectly restored using nothing but original "new old stock" Indian parts.

A very nicely restored one is worth up to 30K depending on the quality of the restoration. Bikes in this range are basically perfectly restored but are not museum quality because they have been ridden, or maybe the restorer used used parts.

One in good condition (good paint, good mechanicals, no alterations, rideable- maybe it was restored several years ago and is no longer perfect) is worth about 20K. If it needs costmetic work, paint, or any mechanical work, then it is rated as 'fair' and is worth about $13,000.

If the frame has been modified or major pieces are missing, then it is worth whatever someone is willing to give you for it, something less than $7000 depending on how complete the bike is.

[Ext1jdh]

can't be worth anything. Tell you what, I'll take it off your hands for $150.

[Adriaan]

Originally Posted by DrBob

Book value for a 1951 Indian Chief ranges wildly depending on the condition, how original it is, and what quality restoration work has been done.

One in poor shape books for $7,700 for a used and abused, but running one needing major work. At the other end of the range is $39,000 for museum quality one that is too nice to ride because it has been perfectly restored using nothing but original "new old stock" Indian parts.

A very nicely restored one is worth up to 30K depending on the quality of the restoration. Bikes in this range are basically perfectly restored but are not museum quality because they have been ridden, or maybe the restorer used used parts.

One in good condition (good paint, good mechanicals, no alterations, rideable- maybe it was restored several years ago and is no longer perfect) is worth about 20K. If it needs costmetic work, paint, or any mechanical work, then it is rated as 'fair' and is worth about $13,000.

If the frame has been modified or major pieces are missing, then it is worth whatever someone is willing to give you for it, something less than $7000 depending on how complete the bike is.

Ship it to Europe and you get two times as much for it.
Check the British, Dutch and German classified for vintage and classic bikes. A friend of mine sold an Indian Power Plus with sidecar for 60.000 euros, add 50 percent exchange rate = about 90.000 Canadian Dollars.
He sold 12 Classic and Vintage Nortons, mint condition, for over half million Euros! So there, guys, don't throw your junk out yet!!