You probably know that the history of Indian Motorcycle between 1953 (when the original Indian Motocycle Co. went bust) and 2011 (when Polaris took over the marque) is murky and filled with charlatans and dreamers. In that 58-year period, no less than 10 individuals or entities laid claim to the Indian name, each offering (or promising to offer) a new take on the iconic brand.
Arguably the Gilroy Indians ─ so named because their parent company, California Motorcycle Company, was based in Gilroy, California ─ were one of the more legitimate attempts at brand resurrection. Enough that they get a passing mention in Polaris’ official history of the Indian brand ─ albeit a somewhat dismissive mention.
According to the book Indian Motorcycle: America’s First Motorcycle Company, written by Darwin Holmstrom: “In the 1980s and 1990s, a period when the market for Harley-Davidson motorcycles far exceeded the company’s manufacturing capacity, a market had grown up for what became known as ‘clone’ motorcycles ─ ersatz Harley-Davidsons manufactured entirely from parts sourced from companies other than Harley-Davidson (such as S&S)… The production-ready Indian motorcycle that (Indian Motorcycle Company of America) wanted to sell was just another Harley-Davidson clone with valenced, Chief-style fenders.”
This Indian Chief Centennial is one of those. The engine is a 1442cc S&S V-twin based on the Evolution (Blockhead) engines that Harley had first introduced in 1984. By the time this Gilroy Indian hit the scene, Harley had started using the Twin Cam in its big twins, but the Evo remained as the Sportster powerplant until just a few years ago. So, effectively what you’ve got here is an extra large Sportster dressed up to look like an Indian from roughly half a century before.
On that alone it’s not a very tempting proposition. But consider the historical significance of this machine. Maybe, one day, in the faraway future, it will be worth far more than it is now. Give it to your grandkids in your will. Meanwhile, because the bike is effectively made entirely of aftermarket copycat parts, one assumes that finding bits and bobs to keep it running will be a little less difficult than with other 24-year-old motorcycles from defunct manufacturers/brands. Skip buying the Victory V92C and go with this instead.
Find this Gilroy Indian for sale in Oklahoma City for $8,500 here on Facebook Marketplace.