Indian Motorcycle & Mike Wolfe: 'The Big Pick'

Mike Wolfe is known as an American picker. He's a TV star, author and entrepreneur. But mostly, he'd tell you, he's an Indian Motorcycle enthusiast. He loves them for their history and heritage, and for their ride. His "best pick -- ever" and what got him in the business full time, was when he scored a treasure trove of Indians at a Pennsylvania farm.

Mike called the farmer about his classified ad, then drove 800 miles and slept in his van in the farmer's driveway. The next day, the farmer opened 2 barns revealing 10 vintage Indian motorcycles and tons of Indian parts. Mike Wolfe was in heaven on earth.

In his picking business, Mike encounters antiques of every kind. But his greatest picking passion is Indian Motorcycles. He collects them. Gets them running. And mostly, he rides. He loves dings, dents, scratches and rust. Forget cosmetics or fresh paint. Just ride. It's an Indian.

Indian is excited to be working with Mike Wolfe. He's going to help us relaunch this iconic brand with the passion it deserves. He is energized to ride with us into Indian's exciting next chapter.

Mike Wolfe: TV star, author, entrepreneur. And mostly: Indian Motorcycle rider.

[repairman]

I sent Mike a Picture of a 1973 Norton with extra parts 5 years ago. It was parked since 1980. He never got back to me. Last fall, 2019, I listed it on eBay. 100 plus people called and some had cycle shops that wanted it. A Doctor from NY who fixes Nortons, bought it. He said he never saw a factory Blue with gold metal flake before. He cleaned it up and sent me a video of it running.

Those old coffee cups are cool!!! I remember my aunt having a set... I'd like to find a set today.

[jerbear]

People crying about Mike out for profit... When was the last time any of YOU went to work, and told the boss you'd work today for nothing? Didn't think so. Profit is what feeds our families, you simpletons.

[mickeymousebiker]

I remember the first two bikes I helped my buddy restore : a 1947 Cheif and a 1942 Scout (military). We found the Cheif under a crab apple tree. The Scout was in a friend's grandfather's garage. The Scout's frame was broken behind the steering headpost. The Scout's tank had three bullet holes in it (a good guess was that the bike saw combat). The girder fork was badly bent. My pal and I began resto work on those two bikes in 1969. Put the new Indians on the road (and keep them there). Ride safe

[LiamH]

Drool worthy story, Mike. As a huge lover of all things Indian, I'm more envious than I can say. My favorite are the last model of the inline four and the 47 and on Chief, although the Blackhawk with it's telescopic forks isn't as interesting to me. The definition of American automotive style!

[wackypacky]

Why did you guys pass on that 1914 Indian I brought to you guys? Running, riding Indian!!! Thought you guys were Indian lovers

[Soldierflyer]

I would be so lucky to have found one in parts. But it sounds like you hit the mother load! do you have a video on your find? 

[Field]

Great motorcycle, really excited to check it out. Anyone see the forum set up for the bike? chiefmotorcycleforum Looks pretty nice!

Need to find a demo day and try one out. Very impressed!

[rotaxhead]

My 90 year old mother recently passed away. My wife and I left with all her old antique furniture. We had an appraiser give us idea of what we had? He told us experience about Mike Wolfe & Frank. He had just picked a store himself before they did. He said the items they picked were never there when he pick it. He contacted the owner after seeing the show store owner said most of the items were planted for Mike & Frank to find prior to filming? Reality TV LOL! Its just entertainment.

[mmmmmvodka]

Mike is a business man.  Meaning you work to make a profit.  These pickers go through dust and rust to find these things spending thousands on gas and miles, and people want to say that they're ripping people off? If you want a Coca-Cola, do you go to the local store to get one or to the Coca-Cola factory to get one? You go to the store. Duh!

[xxdawson]

Mike should buy indian he has more passion for bikes then any bike company will ever have .

[ludig]

This advertisement was brought to you, "buy" Indian Motorcycle Company.

[mickeymousebiker]

Damn, I need to learn how to spell "Chief!" Remember, "I" before "E" (except after "C").

[LittleMoes_Motivation]

I'm interested to know why you think Mike Wolf takes advantage of people ??

[TheHuester]

please post something new with pictures, drawings or real prototypes of the new bikes . Please Please Please Please

[jnjfnh]

Yea, why on earth would they get into bed with a guy who is for profit.Mike Wolfe buys and sells stuff at a profit and happens to love antique motorcycles.All he does is drive all over the country buying peoples stuff they should be putting on ebay for profit themselves. Sounds like a bunch of butt hurts wishing they were doing it.If Indian wants to make it this time they couldn't have picked a better spokes person. Smart business man that has a passion for bikes, regardless of his date of birth.

[Oldgittom]

One part of Mike Wolfe's tale is dubious. He says he 'awlays' wanted an Indian, but he is what, about 50 years old? So born around 1962? Indians went out of business around 1953. Is he saying as a young boy he was mad about what were old bikes, in preference to shiny new Harleys? After 1953, foreign bikes were sold with Indian badges, but weren't. But he spins a good yarn, like all fast-talking wheeler-dealers.

[oldbiker]

I look forward to seeing the new Indian. But why is Mike Wolf involved ? He takes advantage of people for a living to make a profit. Low life. I hope you show him the door!
How about the man from Wheels through Time as a spokesman?

[oldbiker]

Jim have you ever watched the show? lol. Why would a company spend all that money on a loved trademark and get into bed with a for profit minded person like Mike Wolf. Not a fan sorry.