Indian Spirit of Sturgis Scout Custom
The build is a modern take on the Indian Scout owned by J.C “Pappy” Hoel, founder of one of the longest running motorcycle rallies in the United States, the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.
Klock Werks based the “Spirit of Sturgis” motorcycle on an original painting, titled “Pappy,” created by renowned artist David Uhl. For the painting, Uhl used a well-known photograph of Hoel and his #56 Scout in front of Hoel’s Indian dealership in Sturgis, S.D.
Back in 1936, Hoel opened the retail location and formed the Jackpine Gypsies. Two years later, the Jackpine Gypsies held the first rally known as the Black Hills Classic that has now become the largest and most iconic motorcycle rally in the world.
The “Spirit of Sturgis” build was commissioned by Mark Marshall, close friend of Indian Motorcycle Sturgis proprietor Bruce Eide. Marshal also happens to own the Uhl painting that served as the inspiration. On February 5, at the Progressive International Motorcycle Shows tour stop in Minneapolis, the “Spirit of Sturgis” will make its debut to a public audience alongside the “Pappy” painting at Indian Motorcycle Sturgis.
“The ‘Spirit of Sturgis’ is an exciting, modern Scout version of the 1936 original,” said builder Brian Klock. “Mark approached me and told me he was purchasing a Scout and wanted it to look like the bike in the ‘Pappy’ painting. The goal wasn’t to make it look super old, but to be more of an acknowledgment of Pappy and his commitment to motorcycling. I think it turned out great because it’s an absolutely ride-able custom but also tells a great story.”
A perfect blend of modern acutramints can be found on the Klock Werks “Spirit of Sturgis.” Using a modern front fender with classic braces, a freshly designed number plate holder comfortable nestled in with a D.O.T approved headlight and a Klassic handlebar style with MotoGadget bar-end turn signals, as well as mid controls, the “Spirit of Sturgis” isn’t just a show bike, it’s something that can put down miles just as Hoel would have wanted.
At the rear, a Klock Werks Outrider bobbed fender with number plates, color matched to the plush seat. A Vance & Hones Grenade exhaust has Cerakoted black gives nice compliment to the wheels which were sourced from the Indian Motorcycle Accessories catalog. While some of it was certainly a one off design at Klock Werks, the designers wanted to make use quality aftermarket components.
A classic red and cream color scheme was chosen and done by paint wizards, TExEfx. Topped with era correct tank decals and patina on the number plates that would have been found on a real road-worn bike to delivery an authentic vibe.
As for painting, Uhl says: “I have painted hundreds of pieces from this era and I believe the ‘Pappy’ work epitomizes the aesthetic of the era. This piece has an inherent understated narrative that speaks volumes about our unique American heritage. The entire background – his bike, the dealership, the rack on the wall – sums up the true spirit of Sturgis.”
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