Description
This motorcycle is Lot 347 to be auctioned by Bonhams at The Autumn Stafford Sale (The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show) on October 12th, please see the Bonhams Motorcycles Website for full details.
Auction Timings:
Lots 201 - 408 are to be sold from 11:00am on Sunday 12th October 2025.
Public Viewing:
Available 11th & 12th October 2025 from 09:00 until 17:00, at The Staffordshire County Showground (The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show).
Lot 347
c. 1915 Indian Little Twin 'TT Replica'
Registration no. WC 1495
Frame no. 51G 770
Engine no. 51G 770
• Relatively rare 'Little Twin' model
• Cycle parts changed in period to replicate the 1914 TT racer
• Mechanically rebuilt: engine, gearbox, magneto, carburettor
Oscar Hedstrom and Oliver Hendee, both active in the cycle racing world, got together to found the Hendee Manufacturing Company and built their first prototype Indian motorcycle in 1901. That first machine was powered by a single-cylinder, 15. 85ci (260cc) 'F-head' (inlet over exhaust) engine that formed part of the 'diamond' frame - in the Indian's case it sloped rearwards to act as the seat tube. An advanced feature in motorcycling's early pioneering days, chain drive was used by Indian right from the start. The Indian single proved immensely successful and was produced substantially unchanged until around 1905, when a sprung front fork and twist-grip control of throttle and ignition were introduced.
Not surprisingly, the single-cylinder Indian provided the basis for the first of the powerful, large-capacity v-twins for which the marque is best remembered. Indian's first, 38. 61ci (633cc) v-twin appeared in 1907 with an engine clearly derived from that of the 'F-head' single, though mechanical inlet valves - introduced for 1908 - were an early improvement. The twin's rear cylinder continued to form part of the frame until 1909 when the Harley-style loop frame was adopted. This new frame with its altered steering geometry had been developed in Jake De Rosier's racers, endowing the twin with much improved handling at high speed. The Springfield company's first production (as opposed to racing) 'Big Twin' debuted that same year, displacing 60. 32ci (988cc). By this time the 'Little Twin' engine had increased in capacity to 42ci (682cc); this is listed in various sources as either of 4 or 5 horsepower, though by the RAC rating is actually 6hp. In this form Indian's smaller 'F-head' twin lasted into the Powerplus era and was last catalogued for 1918.
This Indian 'Little Twin' has the three-speed countershaft gearbox introduced for 1915. We have been advised by the vendor that the machine benefits from a rebuilt engine: new big-end assembly; new pistons; new valves/ guides/ springs; new pushrods; and new cylinder head studs. The gearbox, clutch, magneto and carburettor (from a 1930s 600 Scout) have been rebuilt also, with every effort made to keep the machine's delightful patina of originality. According to our vendor, the cycle parts were changed in period to replicate the 1914 TT racer. The machine has had only limited running since the rebuild's completion and will require further recommissioning before serious use. The history file contains a current V5C document, a magneto instruction manual, and numerous bills for parts and services. It should be noted that the V5C records the engine capacity as 540cc. Prospective bidders must satisfy themselves to the engine capacity of this machine. Early Indian motorcycles of this period were not issued with frame numbers; however, it is common practice for frames to be stamped retrospectively for UK registration purposes. In this instance, the frame bears the number 51G 770.
All lots are sold 'as is/ where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding. Visit the Bonhams Motorcycles Website for all pertinent auction information.
