For Lalith and Ranjan it’s more than a collection of Indian motorcycles
View(s):Continuing their love for motorcycles, Sri Lankan born brothers Lalith and Ranjan Chandrasena continue their passion in Palm Springs, USA and Ranjith, specially, puts in at least 100 miles on the 1939 Indian, weather permitting, in the canyons and wine country.
Lalith lives in Palm Springs and can be seen riding one of his vintage Indians to Big Bear or back from Phoenix. “Every time I stop by for a visit we go for a ride, people stop dead in their tracks and circle around to ask questions. My ultimate goal is to have a mini-
Lalith Chandrasena on his trusty Indian
motorcycle museum in Palm Springs, and would like to start a vintage motorcycle auction,” stated Lalith whilst on a visit to Sri Lanka.
Born in Sri Lanka (formerly Ceylon) Lalith’s father Alfred Chandrasena (also known as Lee) purchased his first motorcycle in 1953, it was a 1944 Indian Chief with a sidecar. Lalith’s uncle Herbert Fernando, who loved motorcycles more than life itself was engaged in hill climb riding. In 1957 Herbert started racing both in the solo division and sidecar division. His brother Jerry (also an Engineer by trade, maintained and tuned the bike before each race), was the sidecar rider at the races. He raced against British and Italian motorcycles and won most of the races on that 44 Chief. Lalith’s eldest brother Ranjith (also known as Randy) bought his first Indian Chief back in early 1960’s, “I grew up around motorcycle enthusiasts, I watched my uncles ride and work on the engines. When I was old enough Ranjith would take me in the sidecar, this was the most exciting time of my youth” Lalith reminisced.
Years later Ranjith moved to the USA as did Lalith and both continued their love for Indians. Ranjith purchased his first Indian Chief in the USA in the 1990’s, since then the brothers have amassed a collection of about 13 different model Indian Chiefs ranging from 1937-1951, some with sidecars, most have been restored to original condition. Indians first incarnation was from 1901 to 1953 with their reputed demise from a struggling management. The Indian four cylinders were first released in 1932. They have a 1939 and a 1941 Indian four. Mechanically, they’re almost identical, left side hand 3 speed shifter, sliding pillar rear suspension and 40 horsepower motor. The distinct esthetic difference in design between the 1939 and 1941 Indian Four is of course the signature covered fenders that began in 1940.
“I saw an ad for a 1989 Indian Four in a local paper and knew there was no such thing, stated Lalith. Upon talking with the owner he confirmed it was a misprint and would be corrected to 1939 in the weekend edition. I went the next day. The motorcycle was in a hanger at the venture airport with the owner’s vintage plane. It turned out to be a rare magneto model Indian and offered to purchase immediately. When I picked it up, the previous owner told me he was getting calls from another collector who was pretty persuasive, turned out the other collector was Jay Leno. I have been offered over 100K but have no intention to sell.” For Lalith and Ranjith it’s more than just a collection they ride them all the time. In fact his brother Ranjith puts 100 miles on the 1939 Four every weekend (weather permitting), in the canyons and wine country.