Custom Indian Scout pays tribute to iconic racer Cecilia Adams

An Indian Scout custom-built for country music artist Nikki Lane pays tribute to a motorcycle ridden by iconic mid-century female racer Cecilia Adams.

The custom Scout was built by Brittany Olsen as part of Roland Sands’ six-part Forged series that highlights the skills of talented custom bike builders.

Olsen is the brains behind 20th Century Racing, a company that celebrates early American racing history by offering coaching, rent-to-race programs, and vintage-inspired bike builds.

Lane, whose brand of outlaw country and Americana has produced four studio albums to date, is also a passionate motorcyclist. She inherited the hobby from her parents, with her father having raced motocross.

Their mutual love of vintage bikes and style made Olsen and Lane a perfect match for the Forged series, with the Adams-inspired machine fitting the brief to a tee.

“Obviously, if you know about vintage biking culture, you know about Brittney Olsen,” said Lane. “I had a feeling it was going to be reminiscent of her (Adams’) bike.

“I had no idea that once you made those modifications, all of a sudden, it looks like an old bike. I think that Brittney’s done a good job of putting those pieces together to build a really cohesive, vintage-style modern custom.”

Olsen was also pleased with the result, relishing the opportunity to pay tribute to Adams and the entire women’s motorcycle movement of the 40s and 50s.

“Nikki’s Scout is so on point with Cecilia Adams’ bike because her bike was fully custom,” said Olsen. “Nikki’s bike is fully custom from the front to the back. There wasn’t anything we didn’t touch.”

The custom machine is based on the new Indian Scout but features genuine 1946 to 1948 Indian Chief springs, a modified fuel tank, a custom vintage seat, and custom graphics. There is also 19- and 18-inch custom laced FTR rims, an extended rear sub fender, hand-built struts for the rear end, and plenty more.