Indian-Crocker 45ci OHV Speedway Racing Motorcycle Engine

Crocker's overhead-valve conversion kit for the 101 Scout started out as an all-cast iron affair before the second series switched to aluminum-alloy for the cylinder heads. Surviving original kits are exceptionally rare, so Gwen Banquer was especially fortunate to acquire (on loan) an original un-machined set of the later alloy/iron type, from which casting patterns were made. It should be noted that, although of 'stock' appearance, the Banquer 'heads have more 'meat' in the valve seat area to prevent cracking.

Gwen first displayed a mock-up of his Crocker OHV-converted 101 Scout motor during Daytona Bike Week in March 1996, and by August of the same year the first bike had been finished and was running. Gwen rode his first Crocker Scout at Daytona in 1997 and later that year received a 1st place award for 'Best American Motorcycle 1926-1940' at the AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days held at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington. Mike Corbin had seen Gwen on that first Crocker conversion at Daytona and told him that he wanted to buy it, thus beginning a great friendship between the two men.

Indeed, Corbin was so impressed with the bike that he immediately commissioned Gwen to build him a speedway version. The machine offered here was originally built for motorcycle seat magnate Mike Corbin; Gwen Banquer built for and delivered to him at Bike Week in 2000. Gwen's superb re-creation incorporates an original Rudge speedway frame, wheel hubs and gas tank, complemented by period accessories such as Telex forks and a Messenger seat.

(Crocker speedway bikes usually used Rudge or Martin frames). The 45ci 101 Scout motor incorporates a remade crankshaft; high-compression pistons; high-lift, long duration cams; and a stock, total loss oil pump. Ignition is by magneto and the carburetor is a 1⅛" Linkert.

The Scout's helical-geared primary drive has been dispensed with, drive being taken by chain to the single-speed Rudge transfer gearbox's dry clutch. With the bike completed but yet to be painted and plated, Gwen took it for a run on a speedway tack. He found it extremely fast and easy to slide in the turns, but with no brakes and a very high power-to-weight ratio, reckoned it was too easy to get 'over enthusiastic'.

Discretion got the better part of valor and no further test rides were undertaken after the bike had been finished. Gwen Banquer's Indian-Crocker OHVs have featured in magazines the world over and this one comes with copies of Café Racer, The Classic MotorCycle and Motorcycle Performance , all of which featured it in 2000. Presented in immaculate condition, the unique machine offered here represents an exciting opportunity to acquire an example of one of the most celebrated motorcycle re-creations of modern times.

An extensive file containing color transparencies recording the restoration is included in the sale together with a condition report. Sold on a Bill of Sale.