Indian Boardtrack racer 1200cc 2 cyl sv

Amazing racing motorcycle were made by many motorcycle manufacturers in the early days.
Based on the Indian twin-cylinder engine introduced in 1907, an eight-valve (four for each of the two cylinders) was created strictly for competition purposes.
These machines were used mostly in board-track racing, in which riders chased around steeply banked ovals built from wood planks, at speeds of 100 mph or more and on skinny 2¼ -inch tires and without any brakes.
To start the engine the bike was towed, pushed or got a bump-start to light the engine.
The rider had, in this case, only three things to operate: the left handgrip, which functioned as a throttle and spark advance, the right grip for the valve lifter and a kill switch.
Mostly, they’d leave the throttle wide open and hit the kill switch or spark advance for speed control.
There was no clutch as such, only a compensating sprocket that acted as a sort of shock absorber if adjusted well and races were begun from a running start.
Usually the drive chain for the pedal crank was removed and was not allowed on the racers, however this racing bike still has the chain in place. This 1914/22 Indian racer consists of a 1914 rolling chassis with a c.1922 Powerplus Big Valve 1200cc motor, number TP1133.
The motor is equipped with a Schebler Indianapolis racing carburettor.
The condition is very good and “as raced” and she runs and revs up on the test bench very very well. She is equipped with 28x2 ¼ " clincher tires.
Firing up this amazing piece of history, means a loud and thrilling sound and a lot of flames, through the short exhaust pipes.
It would take a brave man to exploit its full potential on the dirt or board track.
Watch the only known to exist film on early board tracking at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QPZY-MUx8qk