46 and 47 Front forks

[Fastfred116]

Hello. I am new to the forum and new to owning Vintage Indians. I jumped in feet 1st. I just invested in a 1947 Chief Roadmaster Bonneville (BM) and a 46 Chief. I am starting the proses of figuring out what is original and what is reproduction. I am very lucky to have a friend that really knows vintage Indians. My question is how can you tell a original / correct front end on a 46 & 47? Any help would be great. Thank you.

[Skirted]

Welcome to the forum! Off the top of my head one difference I know is 46 has shorter link shackles. I believe 4" hole center to center. 47 and 48 shackles are 4-3/8" center to center. I know 48 utilized more grease fittings on the girder linkage assembly vs 46 but can't be specific on 47.
I'm sure someone else will chime in.

[pisten-bully]

Welcome! If you don't already have one, pick up a copy of Jerry Hatfield's Indian Motorcycle Restoration Guide as it covers lots of details

[PaulCDF]

Another source is:
The Indian Motocycle Restoration Guide 1932-1953 by Jerry Hatfield (there is an early and a later edition)

Nice Bikes!

[Jim]

Welcome! If you don't already have one, pick up a copy of Jerry Hatfield's Indian Motorcycle Restoration Guide as it covers lots of details

Here's the link to the book:

https://www.jerrygreersengineering.com/p/book/13835

[Lyle Manheimer]

An original 1947 Indian front end will have one year only roller ( needle) bearings in the link pivot points. They may have been replaced as this was not a good idea, too much wear on the links, the links were not hard enough.

[Fastfred116]

WOW Thank you everyone! The book is on its way!! This is a BIG help!

[pisten-bully]

An original 1947 Indian front end will have one year only roller ( needle) bearings in the link pivot points. They may have been replaced as this was not a good idea, too much wear on the links, the links were not hard enough.

Lyle, my '46 (mid 2000's number) had needle bearings in it, the links are proper '46.

[Lyle Manheimer]

Thanks, I did not know that. I am pretty sure later 1946 Chiefs also shared the same ammeter.

[Fastfred116]

any chance someone has a pic of the links?

[Lyle Manheimer]

I should have said link shafts were not hard enough and the needle bearings caused premature wear. In 1948 they went back to bushings. I have no pictures and it has been a while since I looked at mine but I am pretty sure the holes in the girder are the same size regardless of whether bearings or bushings were used. Most needle bearing front ends have been updated to bushings due to link shaft wear.

[pisten-bully]

Here's a pretty good detailed description of the link shafts from an earlier forum post (click the top line of the link below, not the bottom line):

[PaulCDF]

Thanks Harry That is good information.