The success of the Scout immediately prompted the design of a new larger version of the model, which debuted late in 1921 for the 1922 season as the 61-ci Chief. The Chief was proudly termed "basically a big Scout." But even the introduction of an entirely new big twin Indian failed to overshadow the continuing importance of the Scout, as revealed by the factory to dealer publication "Contact Points" No.8, November 15, 1921:
The 1921 motorcycle and bicycle show is now history. . . . As usual, the Indian exhibit was second to none on the floor. In fact, the center of attraction at the entire show was the beautiful Indian Chief and Princess sidecar finished in gold and white with red upholstering. . . . But despite the approval of the new models, the fact remains that the Indian Scout held the center of the stage from the standpoint of Indian dealer interest.
Jerry Hatfield's book "Indian Scout" is interestingly written and takes a refreshingly humanistic approach to motorcycling history, as you can see from the passage quoted above. It is also lavishly illustrated with well-shot colour photographs, and is quite simply a beautiful book. It almost didn't get published, because Motor Books International thought there would not be enough interest in it. Prove them wrong. Go buy it now from your speediest internet bookstore ...
[Back to Contents]