Created by master bike-builder Gwen Banquer, this motorcycle is an Indian 101 Scout fitted with an excellent copy of Al Crocker's famous overhead-valve conversion kit. It is the first one sold of a limited series of only seven such machines.

A legend among American motorcycles, the Crocker has assumed almost mythic status with only 60-or-so twin-cylinder Crocker street bikes ever made, each one unique, and today these hand-built masterpieces are among the most collectible motorcycles of all time.

A successful enduro racer and Midwest Indian branch manager, Crocker finally settled in Los Angeles, California in 1928 as agent for the Springfield manufacturer. He moved into motorcycle manufacture in stages, starting out in 1931 making speedway frames to accept the 45ci (750cc) Indian Scout v-twin engine. An overhead-valve conversion kit for the Scout soon followed, but, after 40-50 single-cylinder speedway Crockers had been built, he moved on to fulfill another of his ambitions: a class-leading v-twin roadster.

Crocker's overhead-valve conversion kit for the 101 Scout started out as an all-cast iron affair before the second series switched to aluminum-alloy for the cylinder heads. Surviving original kits are exceptionally rare, so Gwen Banquer was especially fortunate to acquire (on loan) an original un-machined set of the later alloy/iron type, from which casting patterns were made. Most of the rest of this machine - frame, forks, crankcases, transmission, magneto, hubs, brakes and fenders - is genuine c.1929 Indian 101 Scout. The frame has been altered to accommodate the taller overhead-valve engine, and the fenders cut down, while the gas tank is a reproduction Junior Scout item. Important upgrades include a stronger engine bottom-end, Hepolite pistons and a recirculating oil system, the latter achieved using the later Scout/Chief-type oil pump. Other noteworthy features include modified Indian 'military' handlebars, rotating-magnet generator and a hand-made exhaust system.

Gwen first displayed a mock-up of his Crocker OHV-converted 101 Scout motor during Daytona Bike Week in March 1996. Gwen rode his first Cocker Scout at Daytona in 1997 and later that year received a 1st place award for 'Best American Motorcycle 1926-1940' at the AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days held at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington.

Gwen Banquer's Indian-Crocker OHVs have featured in magazines the world over and also in John Carroll's book, Classic American Motorcycles. Presented in immaculate condition, the machine offered here represents an exciting opportunity to acquire the first example of one of the most celebrated motorcycle re-creations of modern times.