Once the mainstay of carnivals and county fairs across the USA, the first Wall of Death
appeared at Coney Island in 1911. Directly descended from the wooden motordrome
motorcycle race-tracks of the early 1900s, it wasn't until 1915 that the first 'silodromes' with
completely vertical wooden walls began to appear.
Of course, the motorcycle of choice for these spectacular and death-defying displays of riding
were the first generation 37-cubic-inch Indian Scouts.
The Wall of Death became a worldwide phenomenon of speed and fury, drawing massive
crowds each time one was set up. It was a spectacle like no other, with lions sometimes being
released into the arena to increase the thrill for the spectators, who could already not believe
their eyes as they stared down into barrel at riders defying death at high speed.
Only two Wall of Death riders, both riding pre-war Indian Scouts, Jay Lightnin' (2014) and
Samantha Morgan (2006) from the American Motor Drome Company, have ever been inducted
into the Sturgis Motorcycle Hall of Fame.
To honour the Indian Scout, which has always been the first choice for death-defying Silodrome
riders, Indian Motorcycles is releasing a very limited run of custom-built Wall of Death Scouts.
Created by Johnny Gee of Antique Motorcycles in Melbourne, these stunning and exclusive
customs were something Johnny had always wanted to build.
"I have been a huge fan of the Wall of Death for years, and when I saw the Scout, I thought it
was a great platform for a custom bike that celebrates the most dangerous and daring
motorcycle show on earth," Johnny explained.
Peter Harvey, Country Manager – Motorcycles Australia and New Zealand, sees these limitededition
customs as another milestone in Indian's rich history.
"Indian Motorcycles has an unbelievable heritage and the Wall of Death is just one part of
that," Peter said. "Teaming up with Antique Motorcycles to pay homage to the daredevils of the
past, along with the resurgence of the Indian flat-trackers, shows the new Indian Scout is
already forging a new history for itself. Indian is moving into the future with all its guns
blazing."
There will be a fully-customised Wall of Death Scout on display in each Indian Motorcycles'
dealership around Australia. You're more than welcome to come and marvel at a custom-build
like no other.
Learn more about Indian Motorcycle by visiting IndianMotorcycle.com.au and Facebook.
To order your very own custom Wall of Death Scout, please contact Antique Motorcycles (03) 9583 9922