Buzz
While the 1935 Indian Chief wasn’t particularly nimble in city traffic, it truly excelled at higher speeds. Its raw, purposeful design gives it a certain rugged allure. View more motorcycle images.The 1935 Indian Chief motorcycle directly rivaled the Harley-Davidson models of its era and became one of Indian’s most popular motorcycles.
Motorcycle Image Collection
With its 74-cubic-inch engine, the Chief was far from graceful during low-speed maneuvers. Its long wheelbase, heavy 480-pound frame, and suspension design made it feel unwieldy in urban environments.
Once the 1935 Indian Chief reached cruising speed, its design features provided outstanding stability. Buyers of this model had a broad range of choices, with 13 color options available that year. For an additional $5.00, any color from DuPont's selection could be ordered.
The fuel and oil tanks could be customized with three different trim options. An available "Y" engine came with 56 aluminum cylinder heads, robust valve springs, and a modified muffler for enhanced performance.
Buyers could upgrade to a four-speed transmission instead of the standard three-speed. The 1935 model also introduced redesigned fenders with larger valances for a sleeker look, and a rebound spring for the front leaf suspension that improved the ride quality.
While the Chiefs still lacked rear suspension, they did feature a spring-loaded seatpost for added comfort.
Visit the next page to view more pictures of the 1935 Indian Chief motorcycle.
For more fascinating articles and images about motorcycles, be sure to explore:
- Classic Motorcycles
- How Motorcycles Work
- Indian Motorcycles
1935 Indian Chief images
The gauges were simple and lacked any decorative frames.Although the 1935 Indian Chief was cumbersome and heavy at low speeds, it showcased remarkable power and exceptional stability when speeding up.
Weighing in at 480 pounds, the Chief lacked rear suspension but came equipped with a spring-loaded seatpost for added comfort.
The 1935 Chief offered a wide range of customization options, including three different trim styles for the fuel tank.
The front suspension, which was somewhat unwieldy, was improved for 1935 with the addition of a rebound spring. The fenders were also redesigned with larger valances to give the Chief a smoother, more refined look.For more fascinating articles and images on motorcycles, be sure to explore:
- Classic Motorcycles
- How Motorcycles Work
- Indian Motorcycles
