This model is manufactured by Guiloy and is an accurate representation of the 1948 Indian Chief Motorbike in 1:10 scale. Its quite a nice model of this rare motorcycle as there are not many scale models of this type around.

The 1948 Indian Chief motorcycle was a chain drive unlike other American bikes like Harley Davidson's that were belt drive. It was also different to most motorcycles in that it utilised a gear lever to actually change gears, most bikes use foot operated pedals.

The gear lever can be seen on the right side of the petrol tank just under the handle bars.  Guiloy have made this lever out of a soft plastic so that you can actually move it back and forth to emulate the movement on the real bike.

It's a very nice and audacious model, creating an impressive conversation piece for all that see it and consequently it takes its position of pride with the rest of my scale model bikes.

Model motorcycles like this are pretty cool as its best to have something like this than not at all, specially if your a bike fanatic.  A real 1948 Indian Chief would probably set you back about $20,000...I'm already saving...maybe by they year 2020 I'll have enough !!

The 1948 Indian Chief could be designated a 'springer' like the Harley Davidson Springer in that the front suspension springs were on the outside and not incased in a steel shroud like modern bikes are today.

Guiloy have made this model so that the suspension works just as the real life bike does.  With a gentle push on the front of the bike its cool to see how this configuration works and is great to show someone who is not familiar with this 'old' type of  design.

Just to note that the design of the 'springer' suspension might indeed be old (over 60 years ) it none the less still works just as well as modern designs.

It is also interesting to note that the chain that is made of a fragile soft rubber on this model, actually engages the cog on the rear wheel to turn the rear wheel around. Most big 1:10 scale model bikes do have this feature emulated though, so its not a particular detail only reproduced by Guiloy.

A view from the riders position shows some of the gauges and the gear lever on the right hand side is a bit more visible.  I am not sure that I would like to ride a real bike of this design as you would have to take your hand off the handle bars to change gear and in heavy slow moving suburban traffic it could be a bit awkward.

Riding a real bike like this out in the open countryside though would present no problem at all.

The saddle bags on this model show the intricate studs and leather work.  I think that saddle bags make this bike look really smooth and ready for 'back packin' out in the great outdoors.  The image above also has a good shot of the kick starter pedal that actually moves when touched.  All bikes of this generation had kick starters and it wasn't until much later that the Japanese introduced electric starters on their bikes.

Of course technology is always on the increase to better and to improve, but I rather like the old ways and to kick a bike up brings back to life much of that great old tradition.

Overall its not a bad piece, all of the detail is there and this 1:10 scale model of the 1948 Indian Chief is certainly one to look out for if you are into collecting miniature model bikes.  Remember that these models are not kids toys but fragile display pieces, they are expensive and retail for about $40, $50, $60 and upwards.

Of course you can always go after the 1:18 scale model they are a lot smaller and so is their price, about $9.50 each

Models like this can now quite easily be sought in places like E-Bay and other internet sites.  The manufacturers of these model's usually have a website too. I bought these models straight off the internet some time ago, with the power of 'google search' its not too hard to find something that you like.