Indianjohn's 800 C1

I have had bikes of all types and makes from the early age of 11 when I got a Francis Barnett field bike off a mate for £3. My mum went mad, but my dad found me somewhere to hide it out of her sight. I have been fortunate to have had a bike of some description ever since, and I am now 56.

At the age of 40 I managed to buy the first of several Indians that have passed through my hands since then. I now have a 1952 250sv Indian Brave, made in England to export to America and the Indian Scout that Jan & I led the rideout with at Matlock.

I first saw a Drifter when one of the Indian club members came on one to a rally in 1999, and after having blagged a ride on it, I decided that when funds were next available I would trade my 1100 Virago in and get one for myself.18 months later I saw a pristine used beige 800 C1 at a bike dealers in Accrington where Phil hails from no less. A deal was done and the bike was mine.

The Drifter was fitted with a screen, but apart from that it was as standard. At the time, my son Gavin was working as a technician at Fylde Superbikes in Blackpool, and could get a staff discount for me on any accessories.I bought a set of Kawasaki bags and frames and a few other bits & bobs from them. Over the years I have also added an alarm, chrome radiator grill, belt drive, Indian head fender light, fender tip, white wall tyres, sat nav etc.

Last year, I was asked to rebuild an Indian engine for one of our club members, but during the course of our conversations, I found out that he specialised on bike paintwork especially air brushed artwork.A deal was arranged, his skills in exchange for mine, the results of which you can see in the photo's.He is called Ken Hawkins and is willing to take on other Drifter's and I cannot recommend the standard of his work highly enough. He can be contacted on 01773 590612.

Indianjohn

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