Above is the Indian 101 Scout motorcycle built by the Indian Motorcycle Company between 1928 and 1931. It has been called the best motorcycle Indian ever made
After WW I the Indian factory decided it was time to market a somewhat lighter V-twin model than the 1000cc PowerPlus. The new model was labelled “Scout” and it created a sensation when brought out in 1920
Designed by Charles B. Franklin, the Scout had its gearbox bolted to the engine and driven by gears instead of by belt or chain
Model: Honda RC30/VFR750R
Weight: 408 lb
Top Speed: 155 mph
Power Output: 112 bhp
The RC30 appeared in 1987. It was a road bike designed for the racetrack
The World Superbike championship for production-based bikes was kicking off and Honda wanted to win. It did, clocking up Isle of Man TT, World Endurance, and hundreds of national race wins to boot
The V-four engined bike was compact, clever, and beautifully engineered. The single-sided swingarm, intricate four-into-one exhaust system, and gear-driven camshafts were things of beauty
(Photos via THSMS and Jose Gallina)
Model: Harley-Davidson U Navy
Weight: 390 lb (177 kg)
Top Speed: 75 mph
Power Output: 22 bhp
The U Model was introduced in 1937 as a replacement for the V-series 74 and 80cu. in. (1213 and 1312cc) twins
The redesigned engine, which had a recirculating lubrication system, was placed into a chassis taken from the 61E Knucklehead that had been introduced the previous year
With the outbreak of World War II, Harley began supplying large numbers of machines to the Allied war effort, mainly 45. in. (738cc) bikes but also some 74cu. in. U models. This example was used by the US Navy in Guam
(Photos via bigdavesplace)
Model: Harley-Davidson WR Racer
Weight: 300 lb (136kg)
Top Speed: 110 mph
Power Output: 38 bhp
(Photos by Jared Schoenemann)
