1970 Indian MM5A

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!

This example is VIN: 39688. The seller acquired it four years ago in pieces with several missing parts.

He then restored it as a retirement project. Here is his summary of the restoration:
FRAME:
Sand blasted, powder coated, custom bronze bushing on swing arm, steering with new stem balls and chromed hardware. Chromed handlebar and custom brackets. Custom made brake levers and hardware. New side stand and custom made foot pegs. New seat and cover. Custom made chain guard and rear sprocket. Restored front forks and rear shocks. New chain. New petcock and fuel cap. Painted and clear coated fuel thank and fenders

WHEELS:
Chromed wheels, zinc plated spokes, new axle balls, zinc plated hardware and brake parts.

ENGINE:
All new ball bearings and seals, new piston and rings, cylinder bored and honed, new rod bearings, new magneto flywheel, custom made aluminum magneto side cover. All new gaskets. New capacitor, spark plug and wire cap. Repaired damaged seal housing on output shaft. Custom made bronze bushing and seal on kick starter shaft. New kick starter pedal. All stainless steel bolts. Custom made exhaust guard. Restored original carburetor and added a new carburetor, new cables. The bike runs great!

A proud owner with his final product:

There is no odometer, true mileage is unknown. The seller has not ridden it since restoring it.

Cosmetic Blemishes:
The seller states that there are no cosmetic blemishes.

Currently located in Fontana, California, 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!