My Cheap Indian Chief Has Hidden Damage | How Much Will It Cost To Fix?

[@BrandonBicasso]

This motorcycle 100% has radiator fluid. 🤡

[@thicctomato4977]

It's called "rain" 🤣

[@whatsstefon]

Yep, I’ve heard that you’ve gotta fill it via the blinker fluid filler hole.

[@MrHarlemknight73]

That looks like a 3k-4k redo if your lucky

[@bladerunna2022]

@@MrHarlemknight73 way more plus parts is a bitch to get

[@ttjbiggunner2025]

That is a full aftermarket exhaust it's like a slash could drag time deal

[@MotorbikesAndNonsense]

My mechanic (aka my brother) would be seriously upset with me if I bought a salvaged bike. He barely has the patience to supervise my oil changes. I'm happy to live vicariously through you.

[@BrandonBicasso]

🤣🤣🤣 luckily, my Lego bricks aren’t leaking.

[@3dee106]

If the frame is good, just make a chopper/bobber out of it Brandon. New tank and fenders. Lowbrow Customs is the place for parts. It will look cooler anyway.

[@TheBelieva76]

I wonder if you could exclude the fenders altogether, see how that looked.

[@ilovemotocicleta]

I bought a super chief and seeing the frame design I said to myself it wouldn’t be too hard to make into a rigid bobber/chopper

[@josephcurry4891]

Came here to comment this too. I had been looking on copart of chiefs because with that engine a bobber chopper style bike would be niiiice. Custom tank, fenders shifters. I don’t know what bypassing the Ecu stuff is/how reliant it is on the computer but I would go as rudimentary as possible.

[@zyonsdream]

This bike was deemed a total loss which means it can’t be plated for the road until it receives a salvage title from the state he lives in. Laws are different in each state but in general, the bike has to be brought back to OEM condition and then pass a very rigorous inspection to ensure the bike is safe for the road. Building a bobber would never pass the level of inspection required to get a salvage title. This is why it’s better to just stay away from this type of vehicle.

[@darrellscott7980]

John Deere makes a color called blitz black. It’s a matte black paint that is reasonably priced if you’re feeling adventurous. I repainted my bike with it and it lays down nice. You totally got this build. 👍

[@marksman244]

Fella, it looks like you’re gonna have some fun and a massive sense of achievement once completed. I’ve saved hard and recently brought an Indian scout 2016 model. It’s beautiful. If you need a hand I’ll happily fly over from the uk to help.

[@BrandonBicasso]

Heck yeah, congrats on the new whip! I should have this one ready soon. So far so good but I’m always up for a workshop party in the garage. 💁🏾‍♂️

[@specialed5098]

You're in for quite a project my friend. Good luck if you can get this done for under $5000 you are a miracle worker

[@regularguyfritz9450]

I applaud you for taking on a project of this magnitude and documenting for us. I’ll be keeping an eye on this rebuild. Good luck!

[@Warsmith493]

Start looking around on Facebook groups, you could probably get someone's stock shocks that they replaced with upgraded ones for cheap

[@henrydillard6217]

Judging from the damage I'd say the previous owner probably went wide on a right hand turn and went over an embankment.

[@BrandonBicasso]

Yikes.

[@chukhentcy5642]

Hey B, I have a table lift that is pneumatic and has removable side panels on it big enough to work on a quad on it. It has wheels and a detachable pull handle so that it can be moved pretty easily around the garage. So you are not limited to one location in your shop. I've had it for a year or so and it cost me around $1000, I think? I picked up a one hp silent, 110v California Compressor to run it off Ebay for about $170. I love that thing!

[@HiroNguy]

Connect the positive *1st* then the ground. This way there's less chance of draining the battery (or getting shocked) while connecting the positive. Disconnecting the battery is the opposite.

[@BrandonBicasso]

Yeeeah, got ahead of myself that time. 👌🏾

[@HiroNguy]

@@BrandonBicasso Slow is smoove, smoove is fast. Just chill out while wrenching, have a brew, listen to some Coltrane.

[@BrandonBicasso]

@@HiroNguy I get caught up on filming and running back/forth 😅. I’d have more focus if I weren’t doing all of that.

[@CocoBoulders]

I'm excited to watch how you decide to tackle this project. I think this is the fun type where you're fixing approachable mechanical issues and cosmetic things vs complex electrical and internal engine issues. This is gonna be a dope build man!

[@BrandonBicasso]

Exactly!

[@yoshit9819]

The only thing that worries me is the left rear shock. The way that it's bent might mean you have a bent frame or swingarm

[@BrandonBicasso]

After taking the panels off after this video, I don’t think it is. Sub frame looks great. My guess is the impact was shifted from the steel frame to the weakest link, the shock.

[@yoshit9819]

@@BrandonBicasso oh good.

[@whatsstefon]

Oooft! With a closer inspection, it is definitely going to keep you busy. Throw a vies grip on the broken gear shifter linkage, rotate the rear tire back and forth while gearing down, and find neutral. That should help with that for sure.

[@bryanstaten5585]

I think I would be shopping for some type of rolling chassis you could adapt the motor to or tear it down and see what is sell able and part it out.

[@chldof1truekng434]

Definitely a daunting task, but the replacement of each part will be very satisfying and exciting at the same time. Make it your own and don’t worry too much about the money it will pay you back in smiles for miles!

[@bradedwards916]

Wish you the best of luck on this Brandon. Really interested to see what you can do with this Chief.

[@bryansaams3598]

You can do this..! This is how I learned, wrecked my shit fixed my shit. It's worth the ride, good luck brother....!

[@BrandonBicasso]

Preciate that, Bryan!

[@purdyquibb]

You are the man Bicasso. My .02 says this bike was wrecked before it was wrecked, lol. This poor thing has abuse written all over it, from the aftermarket pipe, to the wrap hiding a previous mishap screams somebody had bad intentions . The dent in that tank says it was a high speed mishap. Judging from the damage being all over the bike I can see a major high side followed by a rollover. (That left shock taking the brunt of the impact) Check those forks and that frame good man, that poor girl is hurt. It’s the bride of Frankenstein! This is going to be an awesome series……

[@leeduron7413]

If you're gonna sink $$$ into a NEW tank, what about the possibility of a Challenger tank? It'll add interesting different lines to the look of the bike and more fuel capacity/miles :)

[@ilovemotocicleta]

I say cut the bottom off for the mounts and weld it into a Harley tank, make it rigid, then use as many cheap Harley parts to replace what is needed

[@BrandonBicasso]

Cool idea but involves a whole new fuel pump assembly and mounting.

[@MinnowMoto]

I know a lot of people are putting options out there. By any chance you have you looks for another bike to use for a parts bike? Not sure if thats realistic or not. It looks like a fun project.

[@BrandonBicasso]

Not realistic at this point in time. Learning a lot this time around, though.

[@wooblebloc]

Dude those indicators look awesome at the bottom of the shocks. I’d make a bracket for both sides and place them their.

[@azgrandpadon6186]

Yeah, man, I agree with others that if the frame is good, definitely just turn it into a lean, mean bobber.

[@squish3r]

You've got nothing to lose on that tank, it's a great place to start learning bodywork honestly. I'd personally be really tempted to find a tank smashed from the opposite side, then cut them both in half and weld them together. Or something like that. Looking forward to the next one!

[@BrandonBicasso]

Definitely could be something I practice on. I jumped ahead and started detailing the scratched parts. Came out nice so far!

[@squish3r]

@@BrandonBicasso nothing wrong starting with the easy W!

[@samuelgoodwin6486]

My new tank for my chieftain after my crash was $2,500. But it's black pearl with graphics. It actually needed 10,000 In body parts . New fairing, front fender, gas tank, saddlebag, highway bars , cam cover plate. Frame motor and drive line we're all in good shape so. I have faith that yours can be good too.

[@decapolis01]

A friend of mine rebuilt a wrecked bike. He rode it for 5 or 6 years. We use to pick at him because his rear tire was about a foot off track of his front tire. Not much you can do when the frame is tweaked. I think you will have to buy a new tank. Probably buy rear fender brackets. The fenders can probably be fixed.

[@BrandonBicasso]

Yeah, we definitely aren’t like that 😂😂😂

[@ariderpassingthrough.4726]

You can manipulate the clutch and shift linkage with channel lock pliers. You may need a helper to spin the back wheel to help shift into neutral.

[@BrandonBicasso]

Yeah, that’s how we got it in the garage. 😂 Jammed channel locks on the cable and rolled it in. I’m just gonna replace everything needed to get that sorted versus rigging it. Not necessary for me to start it right away.

[@thecoreelementsmoto]

have you thought about doing a wrap on it instead of paint? for sure check parts breakers see if you cant get some of those used pieces

[@BrandonBicasso]

I thought about it. The tank has to be dealt with. If I replace the tank with a new one, that's a paid for paint job. Then, I'd have to get the fenders fixed and figure out what color to paint. I got two local paint shops in mind, but that probably won't come until the end when everything else is situated. It'll be rideable first ;).

[@MattB13]

Hit up the forums and ask around, guys have chiefs that they have upgraded, and probably have parts sitting in their garage. Might be willing to part with them for cheap! Good luck!

[@bradlozano2571]

That bent left rear shock is not a good sign...That frame is probably tweeked...I think you need to buy another salvaged bike and try to make 1 good bike?...

[@infini1970]

I don't envy you in the work ahead hearing what needs to be done. However, I think most any bike build from this state takes a commitment and I'm looking forward to seeing it on the road ;).

[@Icemn1k]

Ok if i'm right you can use a crescent wrench to disengage the clutch on the bottom of the derby cover like on the Victory. And you will need a jumper wire up by the lever good luck

[@Firekidd1]

I will have a stock full exhaust available in the near future if you are interested, let me know. I am excited to see the progress of this restoration keep up the good work.

[@mikeflowers6829]

Digging this series! I own the same bike that I'm currently building!

[@kanelangmaid9812]

Time to write a punch list up on the wall (parts list to be replaced or repaired). Also, side stand has a switch to stop the bike moving if in gear so you don't ride off with it down. Noting the damage to side stand, see if it's also broken. Might be another thing to stop it running.

[@BrandonBicasso]

On American bikes, there’s no kill switch on the kick stand. You can ride with that baby down. 🤣

[@avuscnscot]

I am enjoying your flavor of crazy. Please keep going. Left up to me I'd try and straighten the fenders myself. I'd also do the tank absolutely last, prove everything else works fine before you spend time/money on that.

[@BrandonBicasso]

My thoughts as well.

[@donrudeboyt1895]

It also had blinker fluid. One of the most infuriating thing about that motor is checking the oil. It always reads like it is low. Be careful not to over fill because the oil will spew into the intake. The best thing to do is change the oil and see how it registers on dipstick and use that as a reference.

[@BrandonBicasso]

Yeah, will play it by sight when that time comes. Reminds me a lot of the M109R. Dual sump design is annoying to deal with on that bike. I like the V-Rod more for that reason. It's 5 quarts straight and done.

[@sleipnir1166]

If you need new handlebars abs grips go to odi and get the podium handle bars in 1inch and any grip fairly priced well

[@petedavis1040]

Looking forward to seeing you bring this dark horse 🐎 back to life. Seems like a decent set of bones but hope the starting cost wasn’t crazy high.

[@jasonshortphd]

The plastic dip frame is just another indicator of why the bike ended up at auction. Previous owner didn’t give a crap. It was done after a former accident than didn’t total the bike. Those exhaust are GP Shorties. They are basically no exhaust. Build a search on eBay and have it send you alerts when people post parts. Don’t buy a tank from Indian. They are stupid expensive. I bought another bikes wrecked tank off eBay for my rebuild. Once you find a seller parting out a bike send them a list, they might be able to hook you up. I have gotten lucky a couple times. Only had to buy hoses and fasteners direct from Indian so far. Also check on Indian buy sell / trade parts groups on facebook. Had a few people give me their take offs because they were adding after market parts.

[@preston_za]

Very keen to watch this evolve Mr Bicasso. You'll get less electrical drama connecting positive first, negative last. ;)

[@akabigbro]

Ebay is your friend. I bought 2 Road Kings from Copart in the same repair. One was an anniversary edition and the paint was 1 year only. I found the tins on Ebay.

[@BrandonBicasso]

Ohhh yeah. The finds will be in coming videos, but this bike being a '22, it's still a challenge.

[@davidknows3320]

Gloss black or white paint will be your most affordable route. It would look custom if it's a non OEM color.

[@HarleyGeezer1954]

You may have to strip it down and X-Ray that frame.

[@markadams5823]

Let me know if you find another one at this price please. I think you got yourself a great deal. A great blessing.

[@BrandonBicasso]

Hit me on Instagram 👌🏾

[@seeneed4speed]

Cut the tank in half and sell as wall art to help on cost of new tank

[@neek__7898]

If the damage wasn't so bad & you could possibly pound & smooth out the one side.. I've seen some cool looking beer coolers made out of gas tanks. Looks like this one might be past that point though.

[@BrandonBicasso]

Interesting option... Hmm.

[@kwlambright]

I sold a bike to buy my first Harley in 2014, a very chromed out Yamaha cruiser, and the person did a spray plati-dip. One year later I bought it back as he messed it up and my wife really loved the bike. I spent 6 months getting 98 percent of that crap off of the pint and chrome and buying parts to put it back to normal. Long story short, I am still messing with the bike as time allows but I probably will never get rid of the bike again. By the way, like you, I have other bikes to ride so keeping a play bike around is nice to at least look at

[@BrandonBicasso]

I'm all for plasti-dip in certain uses, but that's crazy. Guessing they wanted it blacked out.

[@602North]

I was thinking "Radiator Fluid? What's he talking about" LOL. Ya got me!

[@BrandonBicasso]

Gotta make a funny every now and then.

[@kritiko]

Your courageous my friend ! big up still !

[@stevendiaz4104]

exaust looks like they did a home made straight pipe job and latched the stock heat shield on it.

[@projectaurora3496]

Looking forward to watching this project!

[@jaymesoctane5732]

I'm definitely not an expert but it seems like bringing it back to stock with OEM parts might cost more than the value of the bike. But considering the time you'll have in it maybe that's a way to go. The tank is definitely roached. If you decide to go the custom route I'd be willing to do a custom metal flake paint job for the cost of materials. I appreciate the videos and would be glad to contribute to the effort.

[@Ibrahas]

Keep at it man!

[@MrEiniweini]

Man. That looks like it dropped on the right side, slid the rear end into a guard rail and flipped over it into a tree. That would explain the bent rear shock (slammed into the guard rail post). It is weird the things that seem to be OK though. With that front end damage you would expect the entire front fork to be U/S. It is almost like it was just spared enough structural damage to get it back on the road. I actually think you might have gotten a great deal there considering what you wanted to do with it.

[@davedutcher2536]

I have the handle bars off the 2018 scout bobber and the mirrors and some of the break lines if they fit the new one let me know as u know I got rid of that Bike and bought the 2021 softail slim I sent u a pic of it already. Do the parts are just sitting in my garage lol

[@BrandonBicasso]

Don't think the parts will fit, but thanks for the thought. Maybe I'll buy another Scout as another project 😎

[@dmedina6835]

Maybe easier to list what's not damaged - I hope you can find. A good doner bike to switch out items - maybe a theft recovery bike

[@sargemarine5450]

Probably had throw over saddle bags and those rubbed the paint off the rear fender.

[@MrHarlemknight73]

Wow after watching the whole video i recant on my previous post. That looks like a 5k-7k project

[@nelmar5560]

Does the motor turn? Pull the p cover and check the gears/drive train. That is the most expensive parts. The frame... can be straightened, replaced New/used parts. Don’t get hung up dwelling on one thing. Uncover disassemble and discover.

[@orhancebi5288]

I'm really looking forward to the project

[@fairplayer916]

find a cheap universal for now. they can be had for as little as $40 new. And that will adleast let you safely ride the bike while you decide what you wanna do later on.

[@haroldcotten1840]

Good jack I've got one for my Magnum

[@scoobymoto9858]

Definitely an awesome project

[@Mr20west]

dannnnnngggggggg thats crazy sooooo much stuff cant wait to see it do a burn out

[@1050cc]

Nice project. I feel in my water 😁 you got a gd base bike under the damage n it's gonna work out well 👌🤞 Good luck 👍

[@ColinPrince]

Hi Brandon, there’s a guy on KZbin who buys crashed bikes and completely rebuilds them, including farings etc: Unfortunately I can’t remember his name but I know that he’s had tanks rebuilt. I’m sorry that I don’t remember his name, but there can’t be too many bike builders that put out videos. Good luck with the build mate.

[@ronaldthomas9396]

You could end up with the first heavily customized Chief!

[@chrishunter5041]

Wow that's messed up, check the rear subframe "looks suspect" don't know about the new Chiefs but on my 2015 If the bike is in gear the fuel pump will not prime up.

[@BrandonBicasso]

I get into all of the subframe fun next video.

[@zyonsdream]

The first thing you need to do is obtain a copy of the salvage title inspection requirements for motorcycles in your state. Laws differ by state. This will tell you if the bike has to be repaired with OEM parts, back to 100% or if a “resto mod” can be performed. Second you need to obtain a factory service manual and a parts manual from Indian, assuming they sell them. The parts manual will have every part and part number for that bike. Don’t assume that the frame is straight just because the belt looks lined up in the pulley. That simply means the wheel and primary pulley are lined up. That frame could be cracked or bent anywhere. It should go to an expert that can make sure it’s right. Be prepared to have the most expensive version of that bike even though you bought the cheapest. It’s a bad lesson to learn but you’re learning it. If it were me, I’d cut my losses, pull every good part off it and part it out to get my money back.

[@BrandonBicasso]

Good for you! I’m not cutting my losses. So far so good.

[@Valorcycle]

Now you got me looking at all the local auctions.. Brandon what have you done to us.

[@BrandonBicasso]

Opened your world my friend 😂

[@Valorcycle]

@@BrandonBicasso and my wallet 🤣

[@MrBailey004]

Hey man if it was me, I would clear coat the tank and leave it like that, chicks dig scares and it’s a reminder and a conversation starter

[@road_king_dude]

Epic stuff man!!!

[@7slotgrille]

Best thing to do is to get out the wrenches and dive in

[@DaemonWulf7]

PICKLE RICK!! love the shirt. so when i saw the bike in the last video i thought "man it sucks that happened to the guy... us bikers are just gettin hit like crazy" then you spun the bike around and i saw the exhaust. not sayin for sure the guy was at fault, just puttin it out there that a guy who's gonna yank the exhaust off a brand new bike to stuff dollar store exhaust tips and completely wreck the fuel map.... may have made a poor decision or two in his life. i wouldn't even be surprised if this 670lb torque monster was his first bike. as far as the repairs, i'd honestly go aftermarket with as much as possible, just because that's the only way you're gettin out of it with any money left, and no one expects it to be stock after they see the pics. no doubt in my mind you could get a tank to fit that and get it painted for a lot less than 1400. then you get to pick what Indian emblems you want. ;)

[@DaemonWulf7]

lemme amend my opinion... 21:56 it was definitely the riders fault. that might not have been damage from going down prior to the main accident... might have just been something reckless he did to tear paint off, but this dude was stupid as hell with this bike. if i had to guess, my man went too low on the right to tear up that peg, either the peg or something else caught, and threw it into a highside which made it slam down on the left... just me spitballin here. you are the first decent owner this bike has had, sir.

[@petedavis1040]

What are you doing to replace the infotainment cluster?

[@BrandonBicasso]

Simple. Buying another.

[@tomedwards159]

if your feeling flush with cash you can always throw in a 131. did you see the red chief that Lloyd is building with the 131?

[@BrandonBicasso]

I did! Awesome build.

[@chadwilliam1]

rotate the arm for the clutch with pliers and see if it starts up.

[@BrandonBicasso]

I would, but not risking damage to the splines.

[@GingersKing]

Nah, now you've just got a custom 3.5 gallon tank instead of that boring 4 gallon version. 😆

[@BrandonBicasso]

That means I need to redo my range test 😧

[@GingersKing]

@@BrandonBicasso #morecontent 😉

[@bruceschintgen5781]

I have mid controls for that bike. and set handle bars for bike

[@tomedwards159]

any body shop can repair the fenders maybe 300.00. just take them off

[@ecrusch]

Just take your time, brother. One thing at a time.

[@jasoneager9323]

This is 100% the time to switch from fixing your bikes to fabrication of your own master piece.

[@stizzoforizzo898]

Cool bike good luck with it 👍

[@mohawkdriver4155]

Check out Ebay Motors for take off parts. You just might find most, if not everything, of what you need for a much more reasonable price. As for the tank, there's places out there that will repair that tank or at least tell you if it even can be repaired. $1500 bucks for a new tank is outrageous.

[@BrandonBicasso]

Yeah, the tank will be one of the last things I deal with. Everything else along with starting/riding the bike around the block will happen before I get there.

[@2bad1]

Man bob that thing out it would be one of the first around and be cool

[@landonmarx4753]

I would say don't try to make it look new. Push out the tank dents with a paintless dent repair rattle can it and roll.

[@MrHarlemknight73]

Get a new tank brother. I just gotba new tank for the 2017 m109r . The indian is a tad bit more. But once you get a new one the headache is resolved and you can attack another area

[@slim56]

Cheapcycle parts is a great place to get OEM parts at a discount

[@thejohnnyraincloud4960]

Bro…. I am so excited for this. I have 0 funds to do this but I’m like I want to do this! 🤣 so excited to see you making progress and can’t wait to see what’s next. *insert Futurerama meme of Fry and ‘take my money’ 🤣🤣

[@ttjbiggunner2025]

Seems like it'll be cheaper just to go full-on custom instead of going back to stock

[@MoxieBurden]

I sorta wanna see yeah tear everything down. Since your going to be like the first person to video record the who processes on the chief.

[@BrandonBicasso]

Not tearing it down if I don't have to.

[@motommajasonboss4521]

I'm about to make like a million new KZbin accounts watch this video a dozen times and like it because I don't know how cheap all of this will be bro LOL

[@chukhentcy5642]

P.S. We have the same Pittsburg jack that you have, too.

[@Dlgeis]

If you see (enhanced) in the auction listing the seller (insurance company) payed the auction company to make it look as good as possible. They use all kinds of tricks and plastidip is cheap

[@dimitri31982]

I would like to buy a break from the auction what do I need to do

[@BrandonBicasso]

Do your research on the type of bike you want and get an idea on what it would cost to fix various components. I have a video coming on my cost breakdown and how I got this bike home. Stay tuned.

[@jasoneager9323]

Time to put a custom coffin tank on that. 😎

[@johnnydangerously7186]

This bike looks as if it went endo! Front and rear bent?

[@BrandonBicasso]

Just the cosmetics. This frame is truuue.

[@Bold1racer]

I have a stock exhaust I removed from my Chief bobber

[@pawelg777]

I think that the person who plasty dip this bike did you a favor because the paint is probably less scratched

[@arrowrod]

Ebay... Took 1 minute to find 2 Indian tanks. If it was me, I'd fix the tank. Straighten the shock. Drain the gas, put a quart of new gas in, start the motor.

[@BrandonBicasso]

I haven’t seen a 2022 Indian Chief tank on EBay yet. 👌🏾