May 2003 Motorcycles

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1947 Indian Chief

This 1947 Indian Chief, Police Suicide Shift Military Special, has been a part of Andy Sussman’s life for the past 29 years. Andy, fondly known as Chefalicous( because he is a Chef and quite likeable), purchased the bike in 1974 in “rideable” condition, he says. Its’ color is Dupont Indian red 47. The bike has western kickback handlebars from a 1951 Indian motorcycle and a 6-volt Volkswagen generator. The natural brown saddlebags were handmade by “Peg Leg” Kaiser in 1974. Andy rebuilt the motor in 1994 and redid the carburetor. That motor has only 1000 miles on it.

Motorcycles are not new for Andy. He previously owned a 1956 Royal Enfield Indian Trailblazer 750 and before that, a Suszki T500 Touring Bike.

Andy rides to feel the air. He has participated in the “Go as Slow as You Can” races at the Danbury Indian Rally. Last man to touch the ground , going slow as you can, is winner.

Next to his wife and four young sons, Andy’s’ love is the Indian Motorcycle. In his loud and energetic jovial manner, Andy says that the “ two prime-one kick-start” of an Indian bike makes Harley owners drool.

The Chef doesn’t ride the bike much these days. His sons, twin 9 year-olds, a 5 year-old and two year-old, have redirected his life. He is looking to sell his bike in exchange for a family camper that he can park on a windy slope and feel the air move around him and his family together