Kiwi Indian Motorcycles

Restorations and repairs

2011-02-23T20:48:00.000-08:00

Restorations can be pretty challenging as we have to bring well
 worn out and sometimes abused 65 year old motorcycles back to
better than new condition. Our end result is to always bring
old parts back to "better" than new condition. Many times it
 is a challenge but we are known for extremely high level
of craftsmanship and quality work.
Recently we have been working on several frames readying them for
 ground up restorations. The following are just some of the things
 we have had to refurbish.
These are the challenges we enjoy.
 Note only do we make old stuff better but it looks the part too.
 That's where the Kiwi krews skill excels. Perfection, craftsmanship,
 engineering and pride in workmanship.

FRAME REPAIR SERVICE

2011-02-17T22:00:00.000-08:00

Frame kickstart casting:
 It is not uncommon for the kickstart stud casting to crack.
This was most likely due the cast material not having enough ductility which leads
 to brittleness and breakage over time. On this frame we added a gusset to add strength to
 support the kickstart crank stud while blending it nicely for cosmetic purposes.
 This area sees a huge amount of torque being applied during the kickstarting process.
 Once the frame is powdercoated nobody will recognize this classy repair.

Center stand pivot tabs:
 Indian had weak center stand pivot tabs on the frame casting which quite often break
 off. We not only need to increase its strength and rebuild the broken off area but
the 2 pivot holes need to be kept open as the holes cannot be machined in place after
 such repairs are done as the frame tubes are in the way. This casting was originally
manufactured as a separate part and then fitted into the frame and welded into place.
 Over the years we have developed a method to build up this
area while still retaining the 5/16 dia holes.

- Repaired center stand lugs. Very tricky to repair as the holes cannot be drilled after the frame was originally made. We have the technique

- FrameA Repaired kickstart casting with added custom made gusset to blend in when powdercoated. Adds strength and looks close to factory. Class work FrameB Stock frame casting (for comparison)
See more service and Fabrication HERE

Kiwi gets inducted to the Sturgis Motorcycle hall of fame!

2010-03-01T11:20:00.000-08:00

1930’s Retro Build Complete!

2010-02-10T14:11:00.000-08:00

Built for Daryl M, Florida.
This build was for a client who in his words after keeping an eye on our company progress and after seeing our S&S 50th anniversary Chieftain build said “you get the classic style, I want you to build me a bike like it’s for yourself”. I replied “Right O, So what colors do you like”. Daryl responded, “Surprise me, I know you won’t disappoint”. Hmm that’s no way to apply any pressure to a builder is it!!! Daryl had a few specific requirements but other than that he said have at it so we set forth to design another stunning build.

For more info visit www.KiwiIndian.com

A great way to star the New Year!

2010-01-05T10:05:00.000-08:00

Jan 3rd 2010 was a beautiful day in SoCal, so much so, that no way were we not going to take an opportunity for a ride somewhere. Customer and friend Mike D suggested a ride to Mt Baldy and across the Glendora mountain ridges on Glendora Ridge Rd/Glendora Mountain Rd along with our mate Tony M. Mike had talked about this cool road for quite sometime but this was the day it was for us to experience it for real. Carolyn jumped on the back of the 53 Chief, son Ross on an old 47 Chief that was pulled out of a barn in WV. Mike was on a 46 Chief that we just overhauled the engine and transmission on (that the client wanted everything to look like it was out of a barn) and Tony on a Harley WLA (45ci). The road certainly didn't dissapoint. The road up to Mt Baldy was steep and was a good work out for our bikes. Near the top we turned to the left to travel along the Glendora Ridge line. All I can say is oh my gosh. It is hard to imagine this cool mountain road skimming along the high mountain ridges with magnificent views that go on for miles. We made some stops to take in the views which included snow capped Mt Baldy being just behind us and way in the westward view was downtown LA which could be seen with its sky scrapers jutting out into the sky. What makes this road even more special is it being so narrow and twisty with a lack of other vehicles on it. It truely is one of the best kept secretes in SoCal. Once down off the ridge road we hit old Route 66 which took us back to our starting point but not before a little social gathering at a little biker hang out for some nice food like Buffalo burgers. A great day with family and friends. Anyway not to rub it in to the rest of the snow covered country, the temp probaby didn't get to below 65 at the coldest point. All is grand. Turn a ride into an adventure, ride an Indian. As a great side note, Tony who is a Harley believer could not believe how well the Indians ran and look, so he is now on the hunt for a 46-48 Chief. We convert Harley riders 1 bike at a time!!!

Hoping Everyone Has A Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

2009-12-28T11:25:00.001-08:00

1930's Retro build by Kiwi

2009-11-12T11:12:00.000-08:00

This 1930's Retro custom build will feature a kiwi 84 ci engine with a 4 speed synchromesh transmission for a dependable worry free ride! It will also include 12 volt charging system, 450 x 18 classic tires, seat & special built external spring assembly. Original CAD style plating will be used to achieve a vintage look. Stay tuned to see more!

Cycle Sources' Year in Review, Nominates Kiwi Indian motorcycles

2009-11-04T10:49:00.000-08:00

Kiwi Has Been Nominated For Builder of Year & Bike of the Year !
Vote for Bike #23 or bike #32
VOTE HERE!

Some cool Kiwi Videos

2009-11-03T08:45:00.000-08:00

1947 Chief for sale, great condition! And yes it runs great too!

Take a peek into the Kiwi showroom!

Kiwi Ross Sets record at Bonneville

2009-09-25T11:57:00.000-07:00

Kiwi Ross Tomas sets record at Bonneville Salt flats as worlds youngest Indian rider!
Get the full story at http://www.kiwiindian.com/racing.html