1936 Indian Model 436 4 Cylinder
Indian’s Powerful 4 Cylinder Upgrade
Inverted Exhaust-over-Intake Valve Configuration
Improved Leaf Spring Front Suspension
Double Down Tube Cradle Frame
Updraft Carburetor
This restored 1936 Indian Model 436 represents the second generation of Indian 4 Cylinder motorcycles, intended to eclipse the performance of Harley Davidson’s new “knuckle head” overhead valve V twin engines with improved comfort and speed. Indian was not the first company to utilize a fore and aft inline 4 cylinder engine but after acquiring the ACE motorcycle company in 1927 and the engineering talents of Arthur Lemon along with the purchase, Indian became the last US motorcycle manufacturer to feature this engine configuration which continued up until the Second World War. On the plus side, the engine provided smooth tractable power that became popular with police departments but lacked acceleration and speed compared with Indian’s Sport Scout V twin engines. In 1936, Indian attempted to address this shortcoming by re-engineering the engine placing overhead exhaust valves above the side-oriented inlet valves in an attempt to increase power and improving cooling airflow to the exhaust valves. Unfortunately, only one of the two intended outcomes came to pass. While the engine’s horsepower saw a moderate increase, the placement of the exhaust high on the engine caused a significant amount of heat directed at the rider’s leg and required an awkwardly styled cover to be placed over the manifold to prevent serious burns to the operator. As this was considered a luxury motorcycle with a limited audience due to the economy of the time, the “upside down” engine changes were to last only two model years, with Indian resuming the traditional intake over exhaust configuration in the 1938 model year.
This 78 CI 1936 Upside Down Four has undergone an extensive 100-point restoration by a marque expert. It is a rare early edition model 436, as evident by the exposed exhaust valves, and it features a Marvel updraft carburetor, robust leaf-spring front fork, 3-speed hand-shifted gearbox and a 6-volt electrics package. A quick, capable and elegant motorcycle, this restored 1936 Upside Down Four is finished in black and maroon paint with gold accents. It’s an Art Deco masterpiece and a testament to Indian’s engineering and style.
Specifications:
Engine: 77.1 Cubic Inch (1265cc) Inline 4 cylinder Overhead Exhaust Valves, Side Intake Valve; 3 speed hand shift transmission with foot operated clutch; Chain drive
Performance: 35 Horsepower
Top Speed: 95 mph
Weight: 515 lbs wet
Brakes: Drum front and rear