As tensions continued to heat up worldwide in the late 1930s and into the 1940s, Indian’s own models appeared, disappeared and adjusted as well—that is, except for 1941, which saw very few changes across any of the model lines from the 30.50s (aka Pony and then Junior Scouts) to the Sport Scouts, Chiefs and Fours.
As far as motorcycles of the time go, nothing says base model like cast iron cases, a small V-twin and stick shift in the crotch. That is exactly what the Pony and Junior Scouts were meant to do in the Indian lineup. This 1941 Indian Junior Scout in aqua blue with bright yellow accents and gold trim doesn’t look like a base model anymore, however. It is a matching-numbers bike featuring Frame No. 741-2384 and Engine No. GDA-2384. New for 1941, the Junior Scouts abandoned their one-year-only skirted fenders of 1940 for the open fenders seen on this example—so much the better for parts rehab and fitment, if you believe the rumors. Of course, the model itself would be abandoned in civilian production after this model year, with the 30.50 500cc V-twins used in military production 741B Scouts.
The 1941 Junior Scouts, like the few years of the model’s production prior, utilized cast iron crankcases and transmission cases. Special paint was always an option for Indian models during the DuPont years, and two-color finishes were common (like this blue and yellow machine); the standard colors for 1941 were black forks and frame with Seafoam Blue or Brilliant Red. This 1941 Indian Junior Scout was rebuilt several years ago and stored inside following the rebuild. It’s set to go to its next home on a fresh tune-up that includes a rebuilt carb and cleaned up or replaced plugs, wires, coil, battery, distributor cap and fluids.
