What The American Pickers Paid For Classic Indian Motorcycle Motors
In the world of motorcycles, Indian is synonymous with quality. The company has been around since the 19th century and rose to prominence in the 1910s. It became known as America's first motorcycle company, and today, those vintage bikes are worth a pretty penny. No one knows that better than the crew on History's "American Pickers."
Certain items always catch Mike Wolfe's attention. He's a guy who likes good, old-fashioned Americana, and that includes old vehicles. The Aerosmith van is arguably the most impressive find he's had on one of their hauls, but he's also come across his fair share of Indian motorcycles and various parts to go on the bikes. A 1903 Indian bike once sold for $190,000, and that was for an entire vehicle. Even a single component can fetch quite a bit of money, and Wolfe was more than happy to shell it out for a few parts (not even a whole bike) in a Season 6 episode of "American Pickers."
Wolfe spent $8,300 total to buy some Indian motorcycle parts
The first item that catches the pickers' eyes is a 1920s cutaway Indian motor. This was an item Indian gave specifically to shops that sold bikes so that people could see how the engine worked on the inside. It's an intriguing piece and a worthwhile collector's item for someone who really likes Indian motorcycles. The seller has a lot of sentimental value attached to it since it belonged to his father, but he ends up selling it for $5,000.
Next on the docket is an Indian motor from over a century ago. This is another must-have item for Wolfe, especially seeing how he had previously acquired a frame that's compatible with the motor. He needs to get his hands on it, but he's a little too far on price with the seller. Wolfe tries to strike a deal by doing a bundle with an Excelsior manifold, and the seller relents.
It just goes to show how strong the Indian name is. People are willing to get their hands on anything from the company, and if all went well, the "American Pickers" team should've been able to make a nice profit off these items.