Description
Additional photos are available here for your perusal.
Also known as the Mini Bambino or the Mini Mini, the Indian MM5A was a mini bike designed for little children (4-5 year olds) to become familiar with motorcycles, but also the Indian brand. There were two marketing goals with this bike – encourage older riders to share the Indian experience with their children, and also prime the pump for the next generation of riders to want Indian motorcycles. Training wheels were an optional extra that could be mounted on either the axle or the shock mounting bolt. If you chose the latter option, the bike could still be leaned over approximately 25 degrees before the training wheels touched.
In a period ad, Indian called it “the world’s safest and most complete little motorcycle.”
Everything about this bike is small. The top speed was 10-12 miles per hour – so slow because the intake manifold is absolutely minuscule. The engine is a 50cc unit made by Morini, producing all of 1.5 horsepower. Dry weight was just 57 pounds, and was equipped with a centrifugal clutch, no transmission. You got a twist throttle and two hand brakes, one for each wheel. It’s just 18 inches tall and the MSRP was a scant $249. In fact, the only number that was big was the estimated miles per gallon – a whopping 200!
There does not appear to be a VIN on the bike. The seller has owned this example for three years and states, “I purchased it from the original owner — it had sat in a collection for over 50 years. Everything is original on the Indian. Including grips and tires. The only thing that appears not to be original is the heat shield on the exhaust. It starts easily and runs great.”
There is no odometer, true mileage unknown.
Maintenance:
The seller reports that he recently cleaned the fuel system.
Modifications:
Heat shield.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Pirelli Ciclomotore tires.
There are no keys, the bike is kick start.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Currently located in Cibolo, Texas, this Indian is offered on a Bill of Sale only. Have any MM5A stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
