1948 Indian 648 Big Base Scout

It’s hard to believe this racebike was built sixty years ago. But it was so far ahead of its time, it was still winning races in the 70s. It’s thought that only seven factory Big Base ‘Daytona’ Scouts still exist; this particular one went under the hammer in 2008. The ‘Big Base’ Indian 648s were the ultimate development of flathead engine technology, with high-dome pistons carrying two compression rings and one oil ring. The name came from the huge oil capacities, because the bikes were fitted with extra-large sumps designed to help engines cope with the stresses of racing. According...