Indian has always raced a lot with his motorcycles and for this the factory built special OHV racers. But this was never done during the Powerplus period.

Until 1916 Indian had the OHV Hedström engine, from this Indian made a 4 and 8 OHV racer. After 1923, of the Chief, a side-valve engine were also made an OHV version for racing. From Powerplus (1916-1923) there was never an OHV made.... Until I found this one. The missing link in Indian racing history.

This block is very heavily modified and whether this was done by Indian or by a French Race association or dealer I don't know yet but the modifications are very professionally done. Among other things, there is a reinforcement plate on the right side of the engine on the crankcase gervet. This plate is professionally cast and not a crude casting from a hobbyist. This is to accommodate a heavier bearing for the crankshaft which also has thicker crankshaft trunnions than a standard crankshaft. If you look closely you can see that there is also a plate on the inside that has been reset. To fit these they will have had to make the flywheels narrower. Which is also a normal racing modification, lighter flywheels is higher rotation speed. Also, this bike has the 1916 frame without rear suspension for more stability on the track. Because of the rear suspension with 2 large leaf springs, this frame was not as stable and for racing the 1916 frame without rear suspension was always used. This frame is also larger than a standard frame because the engine is higher than the side valve. The tank is also modified and that includes the oil tank with the race oil pump on the tank.

The moment this motorcycle was finished it was already passé because Indian came out in 1922-1923 with their new model where back an 8 valve racer was made. This motorcycle was found in incomplete condition and dismantled near Toulouse (France) Unique motorcycle with a unique history in beautiful unrestored condition.