Customer Reviews

Indian Motorcycle: Restoration Guide 1932-53 (Authentic Restoration Guides)

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2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

Learned recently that Jerry Hatfield had requested a new printing of this book be done, and apparently if this hasn't taken place within 6 months then the rights to print revert back to him. Plans are that if (when) that printing doesn't occur and he's got the rights back, then he'll have the book printed with 30 or so pages of updates. Hold out for that copy if you can as it will correct some discrepancies that are printed in the original book. :)

***Update***

[...]

09/06/08
Interesting that last week's update to my original review wasn't published by Amazon. Probably because I mention that the recently updated version of this title isn't available through them- but it is currently available through Starklite. Anyone in the Indian game knows who Bob Starklite is, so just meander on over to his site and order a copy.

After three years of hesitation - due to the excessive price - I came to the conclusion that this book should be part of my Indian documentation. It provides good information on most models of the period covered, in a context carefully described by Hatfield in his introduction pages. These are useful reminders of how pre-production pictures and factory sales brochures should be taken in general: with caution! J. Hatfield seems to overcome this well by crossing his info with other sources, be it testimonies from ex-Indian employees or workshop manuals. This validation work is of big value, as it will not be replicated any time soon for sure. Owners of original Indian motorcycles can certainly benefit from this book, but let's face it... Unless you own a full collection or are a professional restorer, only a couple of pages will be of true value to you. And for some models, this is pretty thin. At more than US$200, it is hard to justify. If you are not actively involved in a restoration project, you may just pass and focus on a more general Indian book from Hatfield. If you are planning an A to Z restoration, it remains a good documentation add-on that could in the end save you some project money. All in all, the high price tag completely kills the book by creating too high expectations. Based on my reading experience, "Indian Chief Motorcycles 1922-1953" book - also from Hatfield - is a better choice and more valuable option.

I have been into Indian motorcycles since I was a kid. One of the lucky ones-my dad held on to his. I have run into so many people like the person selling this book @$450. Whatever happened to trying to keep the spirit alive? These old bikes are becoming fewer and fewer. We should work together to preserve the declining number. I would like to know who this person is and black list them from all Antique motorcycle clubs and events!

I saw it at Davenport, Starklite or Kiwi or one of the other big boys was selling it for $50. If you need to spend $500 on it, just send the extra $450 to me.

I have watched these books go up since a year or so ago.
I debated at $150 for this book last year. Looking back i guess I should have invested and tried to gouge someone else like the seller here is ($450)
I am currently seeking this book as a reference for my restoration. If I get one I will sell it (with no gouging) to another person who is ready to put the book to use!

Thanks for reading my rant

You have to be crazy!$450.00 for a paper back book.You would think amongst the brotherhood of riders someone would have duplicated this book .I have never read a nd probaly won't have a chance to .I am an Indian owner and rider and hope to see no other brother or sister pay $450.00!!!!!!!!