Customer Reviews

Indian Chief Motorcycles 1922-1953 (Motorcycle Color History)

5 star:		(0)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

A well illustrated and very interesting book which gives the full historical background to the development of this iconic motocycle. A lot of technical detail for the restorer, but wade through this and there are fascinating insights into the development of American motor culture, the expansion of metalled roads, petrol stations and motels, all required background to the motocycles themselves and how they were marketed. For once a book thats more than just a history of oil pumps!

For true enthusiasts, motorcycling litterature is often far too general. This particular book from Jerry Hatfield takes the opposite approach. It is not only about Indian, but Indian Chief motorbikes exclusively. As a result, you get only the information you need, year after year, including the original color schemes from the factory documents. A lot of good pictures of restored bikes add to the information. This is perhaps my only minor objection: more original photographic material would completely close the case. Hatfield preferred to address this in his equally important book, a photographic history of Indian motorcycles. If you want to properly restore an Indian, do not start before you have read these two books. If you simply love these bikes but don't intend to ever own one, "Indian Motorcycles" will be a better choice.

This is a great retrospective of Indian brand motorcyles. The photos are top notch. The writting is on target and Hatfield has done his research. A must for all motorcycle enthusiasts.