Matt And Brittney Olsen’s 1938 Indian Scout Sport
This Indian Sport Scout belongs to my wife, Brittney. She wanted a bike that fit her well and that she could use for roadracing, flat-track racing. and road riding. That is a lot to ask for one bike. Our friend Jim Wall sold the project to us and rebuilt the powertrain. It was built for fun and hard use and will end up getting beaten up, scratched, and dented while we run it through the motions in different configurations.
Moving forward from the initial build, we were able to fine-tune the placement of the controls and mounts for the various types of racing. Having the advantage of not having to worry about messing up an expensive paint job or fresh chrome is a good feeling. I like that it is in raw form because it shows off the form of the original Class C racebikes from the 1930s, ’40s, and ’50s. It also allows us to have more flexibility to weld, cut, and grind it as time goes on or as repairs need to be made. I appreciate the builders’ skills showcased in their perfectly finished masterpieces, but for this bike I wanted a utilitarian motorcycle that will work for us for years to come.
The Spirit of Sturgis is the work of Matt and Brittney Olsen at 20th Century Racing.
Michael Lichter Photography
This bit of paint is about the full extent of the naked machine’s adornment.
Michael Lichter Photography
Its 1938 Sport Scout mill measures in at 45 cubes.
Michael Lichter Photography
That frame, though, came from the early 1940s.
Michael Lichter Photography
The Olsens ran a narrowed 741 fork.
Michael Lichter Photography
Related: Cherry’s Company’s “Drag Queen” Is A 1948 Harley-Davidson Panhead
As with most racebikes, clutter was eliminated wherever possible to shave both weight and distractions.
Michael Lichter Photography
Not exactly the saddle you’d want for a long day’s touring, but this bike wasn’t intended for that, now was it?
Michael Lichter Photography