The Story of How This Indian Chief Chopper Slipped Through My Fingers

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 27 พ.ย. 2024

ความคิดเห็น • 336

  • @lastFLnative
    @lastFLnative ปีที่แล้ว +10

    I know this bike!!!! Dear Matt, back in late May of 2014 I visited Wheels through time with a former gentleman friend. You invited us behind the velvet ropes to the shop where you were building this bike. You had someone deliver the exhaust pipes ( I think? ) And asked us our opinion on what the seat color should be. You made our day if not our entire trip. We later met your dad (didn't know who he was untill later) and he was just as kind as you were.
    It broke my heart to hear of his passing, but I always tell the story of how kind y'all were and recommend people visit wheels through time.
    ❤ Thank you.

  • @acr21957
    @acr21957 ปีที่แล้ว +39

    When you think it can’t get any better it does . Amazing as always 👍

  • @robertdunhouse979
    @robertdunhouse979 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    Has to be one of the most shockingly beautiful choppers I’ve ever seen!

  • @mt0115
    @mt0115 ปีที่แล้ว +19

    Love the chopper, generally speaking I’m not much of a fan of modern choppers, but I do like the ones I saw being modified in the 60s and 70s when there was fewer parts available so owners had to be personally creative with home made parts and ideas. Great sounding and looking scooter. 😎🍺

  • @traviswilson4700
    @traviswilson4700 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    I'm an Indian guy, and although I'm not much of a chopper guy, I'd TOTALLY ride that! Awesome!

    • @hondaxl250k0
      @hondaxl250k0 ปีที่แล้ว

      I’ve got 12 Indians ranging from 34 - 47.. this chopper is sickening.. special place in hell for anyone cutting up Indians ..

  • @stefanlundblad7693
    @stefanlundblad7693 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    That exhaust-flame was the icing of the cake.

  • @walterward8164
    @walterward8164 ปีที่แล้ว +11

    My father's brothers drove Indians back in the nineteen thirties in Kansas. He was to young but remembered.

  • @tristanbuckoke9121
    @tristanbuckoke9121 ปีที่แล้ว +23

    That frame is freeking awesome. What a magic bike . Absolutely killer job Matt

  • @jamesmurphy1480
    @jamesmurphy1480 ปีที่แล้ว +11

    That is the most beautiful piece of machinery I have ever seen in my life and that’s saying a lot. I’ve been around a lot of years.

    • @Alex-kp2db
      @Alex-kp2db ปีที่แล้ว

      Get your eyes checked. You need glasses😂

  • @DavidBall-v5i
    @DavidBall-v5i ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Storytime with Matt. Love the history. 🌞

  • @kongswethai3964
    @kongswethai3964 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    cool bike! a mate here in Sweden got his first 1947 Indian big chief from his father who had collected a lot of old motorcycles & cars, now he have seven 1947 Indian big chief, one with original sidecar

  • @wd4477
    @wd4477 ปีที่แล้ว +15

    Awesome story, awesome bike. Love your stuff Wheels Through Time!

  • @T10elC
    @T10elC ปีที่แล้ว +6

    That is an amazing chopper. Beautiful work. I rode mostly dirtbikes all through the 70s. I always loved the choppers.

  • @jeanlawson9133
    @jeanlawson9133 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Matt 😎 I am not a chopper guy you'll never Top what you said was your first build....You nailed it.... Simple and complexity all in one, and a Indian.... thanks 😎

  • @soganoflarider
    @soganoflarider ปีที่แล้ว +3

    An absolute MASTERPIECE….video doesn’t do this machine any justice

    • @DougFLTRX
      @DougFLTRX ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Agreed. Much nicer looking in person

  • @edwinthompson159
    @edwinthompson159 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    That is one of the most, if not the most, unique chopper I have ever seen . . . and I'm old! I bet that paint is blinding in the sun - beautiful chop.

  • @davedelany2116
    @davedelany2116 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    For a guy who's not that into choppers and I'm presuming that that's the first one you've built, you really knocked it out of the park 👍👌✌️

    • @campbellpaul
      @campbellpaul ปีที่แล้ว +1

      If that was his first, I can't wait for his second.

  • @gratefuldriver2362
    @gratefuldriver2362 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Outstanding work on that chopper! I really dig it.

  • @paulgeorge1834
    @paulgeorge1834 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thanks for sharing that beautiful Indian. My friend Bob Nichols had 2 Big Base Indian Sport Scouts and he introduced me to Shell Thuet. Shell was a master at building engines. He made Indians win. He made Royal Enfields win when Indian went that way. Then he built Yamahas to beat the Harleys. I'm hoping to see more Indian history here. Thank You

  • @walterfechter8080
    @walterfechter8080 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    That Indian chop is the epitome of classic American style and class. To my mind, the bike is like the time-traveling conveyance in "The Time Machine" (1960) with rich styling appointments and with definite mechanical aspect. Wheels through Time, it is!

  • @scottarmstrong1172
    @scottarmstrong1172 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    Beautiful bike! I love hearing the stories on these bikes. Thanks Matt!

  • @daniellynn3240
    @daniellynn3240 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    That is a beautiful paint job. I love it!

  • @anthonymiller8989
    @anthonymiller8989 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Oh my God I love this chopper, it is beautiful. Look at that springer front end!

  • @specialse
    @specialse ปีที่แล้ว +2

    fantastic bike and story . a propper chopper build the way it used to be.....

  • @keeptwowheelsdown
    @keeptwowheelsdown ปีที่แล้ว

    When my son and I came to your museum, the Indian caught our eye in the chopper section. You definitely nailed the 70s theme. I was so into looking at the frame and glass work, I didn't even notice the piece of chrome jewelry that was a 41 Indian! One of your workers brought that to my attention lol. The framework was so good, I didn't notice it was a 41 platform. Hats off, it screamed 1970s too hard! Now I looked the engine over better, that's awesome too! Lol great Sunday, keep the two wheels down!

  • @douglashine9638
    @douglashine9638 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    That’s the best sounding motorcycle I’ve heard from your museum. It exudes high performance! 😎🤠

  • @williamkeithwatts5192
    @williamkeithwatts5192 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    What are the odds of finding that frame at Davenport Swap, losing it, then coming back home bumbed out to find your father-in- law bought it!? That sounds like a God thing!
    Beautiful work BTW...

  • @Firestorm637
    @Firestorm637 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    One of the neatest choppers

  • @bobg1219
    @bobg1219 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thank you for the chopper video!

  • @randyjames7091
    @randyjames7091 ปีที่แล้ว

    Beautiful bikes look like the 70's! Love the Purple Haze bike and the white indian chopper! Great looking bikes!

  • @p.c.724
    @p.c.724 ปีที่แล้ว

    Best sounding bike I've heard listening on my phone. Beautiful also.

  • @stephenlister6419
    @stephenlister6419 ปีที่แล้ว

    I'm a Harley guy' pre 50's, but I really love what you've done with the Indian. Matt, you amaze me with all your talent.

  • @browngreen933
    @browngreen933 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Nice chopper. Shift lever ultra cool.

  • @danergler9149
    @danergler9149 ปีที่แล้ว

    All I can say is AWESOME bike Matt!! I'm from PA and I've been to your museum. A simply MUST DO for any mc enthusiast. I buy chances for your raffle bike every year. Hoping to get back there this year. I've been an old school chopper fan since the easy rider movie came out 1969. Love that Indian and its sound is nothing short of incredible!!! Keep up the great work Matt! Your dad is very proud of you...

  • @MrAussiedarren
    @MrAussiedarren ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I'm no bike builder but have built a couple of show winning triumphs but this build of yours is beautiful

  • @DFox-ud3gx
    @DFox-ud3gx ปีที่แล้ว

    Fell in love from the first second this Indian is fantastic

  • @nop3noperson
    @nop3noperson ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I got to see this thing in person is insane how well built it is.
    My phone overheated taking pictures in this place. If you go to barber museum and never come to this place you have missed the big ticket.

  • @garysmith7333
    @garysmith7333 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    This is the coolest chopper I've ever seen 😮

  • @williamwallace1127
    @williamwallace1127 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Absolutely beautiful beautiful Matt. What a gorgeous piece of machinery. Well done!

  • @georgef1176
    @georgef1176 ปีที่แล้ว

    Matt that Indian build is top notch. Beautiful work of art.

  • @campbellpaul
    @campbellpaul ปีที่แล้ว

    I knew a frame builder who owned an original NYC Police "Stunt Team" Indian Chief Roadmaster in beautiful condition. The shop he had! It was a trip through time, with fenders and tanks adorning the walls. Great stuff, here (I had to comment twice!)

  • @davidwood1923
    @davidwood1923 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Wow!... That is One Special Lookin Bike

  • @seather863
    @seather863 ปีที่แล้ว

    Great Indian build, looks and sounds amazing!

  • @scottmartin356
    @scottmartin356 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Great story about your Dad, great story about the fork! This is the first video that I have seen of your work, would love to see more 🥰

  • @Ian-bq7gp
    @Ian-bq7gp ปีที่แล้ว

    What an amazing unique Indian. Stunning beautiful work. Nice to see a 70s chop especially being that special. Im not surprised they are so valuable. These are some of my fave old american bikes. I really enjoy listening to the history of the manufacturers especially the post ww1 to late 1950s and adore the Henderson 4s

  • @pootmahgoots8482
    @pootmahgoots8482 ปีที่แล้ว

    Indian guys are definitely a rare breed, you always hear Harley this that and the other thing but no one seems to acknowledge Indian being first. This is a gorgeous build i love the white with the silver Indian head on the tank.

  • @Brav-bg9kq
    @Brav-bg9kq ปีที่แล้ว

    Wow that Indian chopper is a beautiful beast!🤘🏻

  • @bearkoenig7336
    @bearkoenig7336 ปีที่แล้ว

    Brother, brought back a huge smile !!! I still ride my 69 flh.. Thanks!

  • @williamcarey4172
    @williamcarey4172 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    The coolness factor is off the charts.....

  • @frankcates3909
    @frankcates3909 ปีที่แล้ว

    NICE Vid! I'm an INDIAN enthusiast w/ a 2014 low mileage Vintage. Not big on choppers either BUT have to admit yours is a piece of art.

  • @wrongly05
    @wrongly05 ปีที่แล้ว

    Absolutely GORGEOUS Indian Chief. Top shelf work. In a sea of HD bikes that ya see any more this is the epitome of kewl.
    Absolutely beautiful fosho.

  • @timcarter7616
    @timcarter7616 11 หลายเดือนก่อน

    The polished engine jumps out at you first, then the frame lures the eye away with its futuristic curves. I've never seen such a chopper and the hours that fellow put in polishing all those parts makes that bike nearly priceless. It's way up there, man.
    Beautiful machine, and I never cared for Indians. My dad told me some were hella fast and gave the Harley dudes fits sometimes. It was a great time to ride.

  • @Psychobilly
    @Psychobilly ปีที่แล้ว

    I’m digging it. That Chief is a work of art!!

  • @chriswhalen4974
    @chriswhalen4974 ปีที่แล้ว

    I'm not a fan of choppers not my cup of tea but I have to say I'm digging this one. I love the attention to detail and the beauty in the simplicity. My brain doesn't know how to process it there is so much going on yet its so simple. Its everything I love about motorcycles in a completely different package then I prefer. Amazing vision.

  • @OSOFLHP
    @OSOFLHP ปีที่แล้ว

    Just got back from Baja, El Diablo chopper run, great time, thanks to everyone who made it happen

  • @talkingrock7011
    @talkingrock7011 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Stunning build

  • @jasonmyers3847
    @jasonmyers3847 ปีที่แล้ว

    The Born - Free show is a damn good show. I live about 450 miles North of L.A. up in the hills. I live in prime riding country. I'm about an hours drive from Sacramento. That's a damn cool chopper, Matt!

  • @johnnylightning1491
    @johnnylightning1491 ปีที่แล้ว

    Not a big fan of coppers but I can appreciate the work that goes into them. Keep the good stuff coming.

  • @johnhenke6475
    @johnhenke6475 ปีที่แล้ว

    Beautiful workmanship all the way around.

  • @SmithWhitey
    @SmithWhitey ปีที่แล้ว

    That Indian is one great chopper, great job Matt. I had a rear cyl. wrist pin clip jump out of it's seat and tear up a cyl. & piston on my '38 chief years ago. Yours may have the same issue! That sudden intermediate yelp for help. Afterwards I started to use what the racers use, neoprene plugs instead of the circle clips. They work great! Keep up the good work! Whitey

  • @CUZ_2
    @CUZ_2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    World class chopper builds, wow!

  • @billmillar7234
    @billmillar7234 ปีที่แล้ว

    Saw this last summer when I visited.....I think you knocked it out of the park......it was my favorite chopper

  • @ReiMonCoH
    @ReiMonCoH ปีที่แล้ว +1

    That’s absolutely spectacular.
    Amazing bike, amazing piece of art.

  • @steveshoemaker6347
    @steveshoemaker6347 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    That just might be the most beautiful Chopper Bike these old eyes have ever seen❣ ....Thanks Matt.....👍
    Shoe🇺🇸

  • @justingreen4450
    @justingreen4450 ปีที่แล้ว +13

    You did a great job Matt. That's just good mojo when the frame found it's way back to you.

  • @PoorFokeGarage
    @PoorFokeGarage ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Never will forget when past owner of the coke bike came and showed pictures at the museum when you where building this bike awesome to see some history

  • @tonyshepherd39
    @tonyshepherd39 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Wow love you brother ! Whole lot of

  • @edbennett8257
    @edbennett8257 ปีที่แล้ว

    I saw it incomplete in the shop section display in May of 2014. One of my favorites there for sure.

  • @campbellpaul
    @campbellpaul ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I've never seen such a beautiful bike. I think the closest thing I think was something built for Arlen Ness by a legendary metal worker who's name escapes me right now. It certainly looks super straight, as well. When a creation looks good in white, you know the design is flawless.

  • @kalashinikovchop250
    @kalashinikovchop250 ปีที่แล้ว

    A truly memorable bike! Always fancied it since born free.

  • @paulfairbrass4424
    @paulfairbrass4424 ปีที่แล้ว

    Some people go crazy during a custom build. That is tasteful and looks fantastic.
    At this point less is more.

  • @1boaters
    @1boaters ปีที่แล้ว +1

    You are the BEST man! Loving from the UK🤟

    • @fidelcatsro6948
      @fidelcatsro6948 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I'd rate him number 2 after Uncle Allen Millyard!

  • @2coolwheels139
    @2coolwheels139 ปีที่แล้ว

    What a wonderfully unique bike! I love rare and unique, and this is both!

  • @garyseaton4619
    @garyseaton4619 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Hands down, one of the prettiest choppers I've ever seen... Northern CA has lots of choppers, but that is truly one of a kind... Does your Father in law ride it? Is it still a carrot?

  • @lpd1snipe
    @lpd1snipe ปีที่แล้ว

    Great video, Nice to see an Indian every now and then.

  • @mysporty7149
    @mysporty7149 ปีที่แล้ว

    This was one of my favorite bikes there. Now I knew little more, make me want to come see it again.

  • @charlieparker2773
    @charlieparker2773 ปีที่แล้ว

    THAT'S ONE BEAUTIFUL INDIAN MOTORCYCLE

  • @scottlin777
    @scottlin777 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Truthfully I prefer the rusty, oily, worn out look of the old bikes but this was still a pretty cool looking bike.

  • @danward2970
    @danward2970 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Mat , gotta tell you bro , you have a heck of a task. Out of all those beautiful machines on hand there , picking a favorite. Wow ! I couldn't do it. Just goes to show you how amazing of a place you all have there !!! I haven't made it out there myself yet , but it's coming !!! Great job to everyone involved ! Keep it up. Us bikers need this. Thanks !

  • @joeyk810
    @joeyk810 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Comes equipped with tire warmers, nice! Awesome bike Matt one of my all time favorites.

  • @Simon-hf3lw
    @Simon-hf3lw ปีที่แล้ว

    That is a beautiful chopper very unique and very well done 👍

  • @eddie8279
    @eddie8279 ปีที่แล้ว

    The chopper graveyard is one of my favorite exhibits at WTT. I didn't know that Matt built that chopper? Thanks for sharing and giving me a more indepth knowledge of that bike.

  • @iainpearce6379
    @iainpearce6379 ปีที่แล้ว

    Absolutely stunning mate can't wait to see more of the choppers please

  • @michaelsorrentino9279
    @michaelsorrentino9279 ปีที่แล้ว

    Great story Matt..Pop would be very proud !!

  • @v65sabreking
    @v65sabreking ปีที่แล้ว +1

    So awesome.. great job

  • @jamesc5793
    @jamesc5793 ปีที่แล้ว

    I have been admiring this bike for years one of my favorite things to stare at when I come to the museum. Glad you finally did a video on this.

  • @coreyvail3837
    @coreyvail3837 ปีที่แล้ว

    I gotta tell you; I do not generally like Indian motorcycles. It’s not a dig on the bike, just the look never appeals to me. But you won me over with this one. Great job man.

  • @michaelmitchell5909
    @michaelmitchell5909 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I'm a harley guy too but that is freakin awesome Matt. Amazing work, and a very cool story as well.

  • @BackroadExploits
    @BackroadExploits ปีที่แล้ว

    That bike is so beautiful it doesn't seem right that it is sitting in a museum. Don't think the audio on this end does it justice. Thanks for sharing the funny and interesting story about this ride.

  • @rafalsolarski3796
    @rafalsolarski3796 ปีที่แล้ว

    That's a grew hound! Absolutely beautiful Bike.

  • @markmcintosh7095
    @markmcintosh7095 ปีที่แล้ว

    Amazing bike thanks for building it so we can enjoy it.

  • @tbone845
    @tbone845 ปีที่แล้ว

    Congrates ,she is a gem in the pile .👍❤️

  • @donjones3192
    @donjones3192 ปีที่แล้ว

    Matt, my favorite of all. You done a killer job on this. Clean and simple.

  • @scottcallahan-z2x
    @scottcallahan-z2x ปีที่แล้ว

    i restored a 46 in the late 90s rode it everywhere ,saw you feel the head for a little heat ,i new it would start with one kick,learned that from the old timers,Im the old timer now ,sold the bike for operating cash,sure miss that bike

  • @darrenbrisson4336
    @darrenbrisson4336 ปีที่แล้ว

    Turned out beautiful love tge colors you picked

  • @joesphcleveland1420
    @joesphcleveland1420 25 วันที่ผ่านมา

    Absolutely love the sound!

  • @spearshaker7974
    @spearshaker7974 ปีที่แล้ว

    It’s beautiful I’ve never seen anything like it.

  • @wheelsthroughtime
    @wheelsthroughtime  ปีที่แล้ว

    If you want to support the Wheels Through Time Museum in our effort to preserve this history, head over to wheelsthroughtime.com/win-this-bike and get a chance at winning a genuine '37 Harley-Davidson Knucklehead!

  • @bigviking0001
    @bigviking0001 ปีที่แล้ว

    I love it!!! One thing. I always wanted to see someone who knew what they were doing , make a girder front end from the "Aerodynamic tubing" that dragsters use for their high wings. I think it would look great. Thanks!!!

  • @seanaaronson3338
    @seanaaronson3338 ปีที่แล้ว

    Purple haze is one of my favorite bikes. There also is a Harley flat tracker I love. Place is amazing sale and Matt are great Midwest boys keeping American engineering alive.