Minibike Build

[John H]

Last Vin project is finished so while building inventory for the next Vin project
I'm going to restore a Lil Indian like the one my son had when he was 5. Gees! that was 48 years ago.
Found this one while picking up a car lift for the shop so thought it would be fun and easy compared to some projects I've had. So here goes>>>>>>

This was 1971

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I'm finding out that parts are hard to come by and those available are pricey.
They were sold as Indians, Bambinos, Italjets and Mini Mini Indians.
If you know anyone who has one in any condition please let me know.

[John H]

All stripped down now and boy what a mess. It looks like a big kid used it up. Several crappy weld repairs,
some pieces added and some missing.

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The pipe brace is not original though probably a good idea. It will be removed and repaired correctly.

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The steering head lower bearing race has been replaced (sort of) and the steering stop is gone.

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There's more surprises to come but for now just clean up everything and put a plan together.

[John H]

More research done and sadly when Floyd Clymer who developed the Indian mini passed away his widow had most of it hauled to the dump. The family lawyer bought the remains and tried to make a go of it but that failed. Consequently parts are not easy to find. Italjet who supplied the engine is still in business and can supply some parts for this model.

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With the frame blasted I see now what must be done to repair the damage.

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If you know anybody with one of these little minibikes or parts for one, would like to hear from you.

[John H]

The swing arm has been modified or repaired, not sure which. Shock mounts were originally a rounded tab welded in place and threaded for a bolt. The threads may have been stripped and bolts welded on as a repair. It will be returned original.

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The brake backing plate stop is a piece of hex stock which is odd. I don't think it's correct but will need more research.

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[ClineDesign]

Optional engine if that one doesn't work out:



https://youtu.be/lwow4rw1nrM

[John H]

Jay, that's tempting, and maybe easier than restoring the little Indian MM5A.
How about that AJS motor in a Rickman Zundapp frame????
Or possibly the AJS in one of my Kawi monoshock frames.

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[ClineDesign]

That looks like a natural fit! I want to put my BSA B44 in a mini bike frame...

[Lotus54]

I see one on craigslist right now. (Doesn’t help you much, except perhaps more pics?)

https://seattle.craigslist.org/see/mcy/ ... 16149.html

[John H]

I offered to trade my xr250r for the mini but no deal. I'll try something else.

[John H]

Vincent parts are hard to find but parts for this little Indian is just about as hard, and controversial as to the correct parts for different years. Oh, and is it a Italian version or an American version? Is it a true Clymer Indian or an Italjet? Gremeca made
brake kits for several mopeds and mini's. Found one that 'almost' fit.. I'll keep plugging along and eventually find the right one..
In the interim I'm restoring my 1936 Sears Roebuck band saw for the grand sons.

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