1940 Indian 74ci Chief, Engine no. CDO 3448

1940 Indian 74ci Chief
Engine no. CDO 3448
• Matching numbers example
• AMCA Senior Award winner

Entering the new decade of the 1940's, the Indian Motorcycle Company debuted new styling that would become their signature and define the company into the present day. They added skirts to the front and rear fenders of the graceful streamlined fenders from previous years.

The new fenders were applied to all Indian models across the board, from the Four, Chief, Sport Scout and even the Thirty-Fifty. Another important change was a new Spring Cradle Frame for the Fours and Chief that provided a small amount of rear suspension while a longer spring fork served the duties up front. Some riders lamented the changes as moving the Indian from a good all-around motorcycle and making it more of a touring only machine. But no doubt about it, the Indian Chief was a very comfortable motorcycle whether it was used for every day riding or going for the long haul across state or the country.

Aesthetics aside, there were many improvements on the Chief. The engine gained larger cooling fins in the cylinders and heads, and new 4.50 x 18 tires were standard to help improve comfort. For a short time, a new Purolator oil filter was mounted in front of the engine but early on was deleted because if they were installed wrong, oil would become blocked resulting in an engine failure. The generator was now mounted behind the seat post, clamped to that section of the frame and used a belt to drive the unit. Gone were the stamped steel footboards that were a left over from the Ace motorcycle, and replaced with new boards with bonded rubber tops. A new padded saddle improved comfort and also heightened the seat a little.

This 1940 Indian Chief is a matching numbers motorcycle and expertly finished in Indian's Fallon Brown. The motorcycle is correct with a tool box mounted behind the clutch pedal, a one-year only rain boot over the distributor, a black painted kick starter arm and its generator belt guard has an inspection hole for oiling the generator. The new decade also brought in additional styling cues around the industry and Indian added stamped steel tear drop tank badges, replacing the decals. It was also the first year for a fender light on the front fender. The motorcycle only has 2,447 miles on the odometer.

This is a beautiful pre-war Indian Chief, expertly restored and has an AMCA Senior Award substantiating the thoroughness of the work. Indian Chiefs make exceptionally comfortable riders, capable of that long tour or a casual meandering on back country roads. A rider on a Chief will always return home with a huge smile on their face.