Indian 1921 G.E. 21 Scout 596 cc sv 3512

Indian 1921 “G.E. 21” Scout 596 cc side valve V-twin frame # 2961954 engine # 51 S 881

video: https://youtu.be/-IJu1XJ4lnQ

After WW I the Indian factory decided it was time to market a somewhat lighter model than the 1000cc PowerPlus. The new model, christened “Scout”, was designed by Charles Franklin and it created a sensation when brought out at the end of 1919. The strong points of the new design were easy handling, lightness, ample power for the 1920s roads and unbeatable reliability. The engine was essentially a scaled-down version of the well-proven PowerPlus that had also been designed by Franklin. The engine had a modest cubic capacity but the 11 hp power output was relatively high because of the large valves that were used. The new middleweight was also appealing to the prospective motorcyclists who were put off by the usual heavyweight big twins. Popular machines like the Indian PowerPlus and Harley-Davidson had 28-inch wheels, the Scout had 26-inch wheels and its double-loop full cradle frame made for a low seating position, about 10 cm lower than the aforementioned models. The Scout features a semi-unit construction power plant with a 3 –speed transmission bolted on to it. Primary drive is by a set of helical gears that are enclosed in a cast aluminium cover and run in an oil bath. The clutch is foot-controlled. Bore and stroke are 70×78 mm. The oil tank holds about 3 litres, the petrol tank 11. Top speed is approx 85 km/ hour. Stopping power is provided by two brakes working on the rear wheel, an internal expanding one inside the rear drum and a contracting band brake that works on the outside of the drum. From 1921 on the Scout was available without lighting as model “G” or as “G.E”. with electric lighting powered by a Splitdorf dynamo and fitted with “Indian” amp gauge and claxon.
The green colour of this nice Scout might seem unusual, but this was the standard colour 1920s Indians had in Sweden, where this bike comes from. It appears the machines were imported in an unfinished state so that import tariffs were lower. Importer Wiklunds in Stockholm then took care of the finishing in green. Many Swedish Indians, like this one, got a Bosch magneto instead of the standard Aero because the German product was seen as more reliable. This fine early Scout is an excellent runner.