My third motorcycle ride around the world has begun slowly with a ride around North America. Slowly because I am using a 1947 Indian Chief. At speeds above 100 kph parts start to fall off from the vibration. I tried a little "off road" with the Chief but found the clearance to be so low I spent more hours pushing the motorcycle than riding. With luggage it weights about 350 kilos, and my luggage is limited to a tooth brush, sleeping bag and tent.

The Indian was produced until 1952. Parts are much cheaper and easier to find than many for my BMW R80G/S. A piston, with rings, was $45.00 USD when I needed one. A rear tire was $95.00 and the drive chain cost $50.00. The problem with something this old is at the end of each riding day you spend some time maintaining the machine. This usually means tightening bolts that have come loose, adjusting things like the chain or float level, or fixing the wires. It is a constant effort to keep it together.

But God Bless this Indian Chief. What a wonderful way to see North America. People wave as they pass you, turn around and chase you down when they see what the motorcycle is, and quite often want to take a picture.

The most often asked question is "How old is it." I could tell them it is 100 years old and I think some people would believe me. The fans of the Indian Motocycle (yes, spelled without the "r" originally) are worldwide. Even owners of the Harley Davidsons like to admire it. What a difference from riding the BMW where the Harley people tend to try and look down on your motorcycle. With the Indian you can sometimes tell they are a bit jealous, especially of the fact I am making a long ride on it, sleeping in a tent, and seeing the world as was done 53 years ago when the motorcycle was new. On the downside is when they find me stuffing a rag into an oil leak at a gas station.

Next will be South America. There I will tour on an AMAZONAS motorcycle. The first one was made when the owner stuffed a Volkswagen engine and transmission into an Indian frame. Some call the AMAZONAS the ugliest motorcycle ever made. I think they would say the same of a duckling when born.

From the road in America, Dr. Gregory W. Frazier, Around The Globe, again.