The guy who does handyman work for us, Rick, came by on his 1938 Indian motorcycle the other day. This is the second time he's rebuilt it since obtaining it disassembled about 30 years ago. Anyhow, it's one of those rigs with the suicide shift, etc. When he started it, he fiddled around with something called (I think) the "spark advance." Then he climbed up on the seat and jumped down onto the starter. After working up quite a sweat he finally got it to turn over.

What's the "spark advance"? How does it relate to later technology that must have superseded this?

I also noticed that the lights varied in brilliance in synch with the engine speed. No voltage regulator?

I asked Rick these questions but he'd had a few brews and I couldn't make out his responses. Somehow he manages to ride this thing regardless.

I guess I'm an appliance rider...my Kawasaki Vulcan just goes with no drama. Even my old CB360T was easier to get going and keep going versus Rick's Indian.

By the way, here's a picture of the work in progress, sans trim chrome and paint.....

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