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[Special_Ed]

This wouldn't work well with the V-Rod but could make it work with Neal's bike. 

[erniezap]

That's just wrong!

[Hugh Janis]

Ed, try this on the V-Rod!

[Special_Ed]

That's just wrong!

Ernie you're right, it needs tire chains.

[Special_Ed]

Ed, try this on the V-Rod!

Sweet! Any more snow and I might try that.

[Dan_Lockwood]

Ed, try this on the V-Rod!

I don't know about you guys, but I see a potential issue.  The rear track system looks good but the front ski I see coming right back under the bike as soon as it hits much of a forward load.  I would think with all the engineering that went into this that they would have at least had the front ski attach with extended struts that "cupped" the inside of the lower fork tubes and then extended downward and attached directly to the ski.  I would also think there would be a tilt limit built into the lower ski mount in some way.

I would have killed for something like this back in the late '60s or early '70s. 

Thanks for posting this.

[miker]

Needs a springer front end....

[naitram]

skis were a factory option from indian

[Special_Ed]

Those are just over-sized running boards. 

[naitram]

Skis on a motocycle? Are you freakin’ NUTS?
Well yes, but that’s not really the point is it?

Read the copy on the back cover of the March 1 1951 Accessories Catalog:
Motorcycle skis. Enjoy motorcycling year ‘round with Indian skis. Made of top quality ash with full steel runner, skis support machine on snow and ice, operate independently according to foot pressure and allow you to lean and turn with complete control. Spring loaded tubular arms lift skis for riding on clear roads. Designed for Indian lightweights. Easily adapted to other light makes.

Well, there’s not much more to be said. Even before reading this most excellent copy, I wanted motorcycle skis. I was hooked. The only problem was to find a set of skis for sale at the same time that I had money. This rare coincidence occurred at Davenport 2005. Later I was lucky enough to receive a copy of the installation instructions. So I proceeded based on these. Here they are for those of you who plan on acquiring skis.
 

[naitram]

NSTRUCTIONS FOR SETTING UP INDIAN SKI ATTACHMENT
NOTE: Lubricate all moving shafts and pins at time of assembly and as often as required.

1. Attach rear bracket (the one with no threaded spring bolt holes on the shoulder) to the motorcycle frame from under the saddle, using 2 “U” bolts. run nuts up loosely. (It will be necessary to loosen the tool box bolts to get “U” bolts around frame tubes on the arrow or rigid frame models.)

2. Attach front bracket to motorcycle frame front tube with 2 – “U” bolts. Position same height as rear bracket and run nuts tight enough to hold bracket in place.

3. Assemble “Bendix” springs on the front bracket. Insert 3/8” bolt through the inside spring loop and screw into the front threaded hole in the bracket. The “Bendix” spring that tightens when turned clockwise is assembled on the left side and the other spring that tightens when turned counterclockwise is assembled on the right side.

4. Assemble ski hold up brackets to frame, rigid frame unit clamps to upper and lower rear tubes with “U” clamps. Spring frame unit is bolted to rear frame vertical channel. Locate bracket just above muffler and drill 25/64” hole for 3/8” bolt approximately 2 ¼” above center line of muffler bracket bolt hole.

5. Slide rear legs on rear bracket and secure with flat washer, lock washer and 1” cap screw pulled tight.

6. Slide front legs on bracket. Assemble outside spring loop into the hollow section of the leg tube. Secure legs with flat washer, lock washer and 1” cap screw pulled tight into bracket.

7. Place skis into position on each side of machine and attach to rear legs with 5 ½” bolt. Draw up fairly snug and lock with jam nut.

8. Now attach front leg to ski, pulling leg down to put a tension on the “Bendix” spring. Check spring tension, making sure it will lift ski. Adjust if necessary by relocating spring loop anchor stud in next hole. Do not strain spring by adjusting for more tension than required. Tighten front leg jam nuts at ski.

9. Check ski position. It should be level. Adjust by moving front or rear brackets as required. Tighten nuts on all “U” bolts.

10. Tighten two tool box rear bolts at frame cross member if loosened to get “U” bolts into place. Use spacing washers and longer bolts to get clearance between “U” bolts and tool box if necessary.

NOTE FOR STARTING: When starting motorcycle to which skis are attached, push left ski down and swing jiffy stand out to hold ski on ground.

[miker]

 

[naitram]

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[naitram]

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[naitram]

ok, start the jokes.....