Indian Scout Bobber Review

Photo Courtesy: Indian Motorcycle India

The Indian Scout series is built by the famous Indian Motorcycle Company. Its production was started from the 1920s and it was Indian’s most valued model; 101 Scout being named the best Indian made motorcycle ever.

A 741 model was built for the WW II, a military version of old Thirty Fifty.

Straight to 2011, Polaris Industries bought the Indian Motorcycle Company. They introduced a new model in 2015 with 1,133cc.

Now, let’s talk about the Indian Scout Bobber.

Photo Courtesy: Indian Motorcycle India

Looks and Design

Indian Scout Bobber, what a bike she is. Just looking at her makes me want to buy it. It’s chopped off the front and rear mudguard, all black finish makes her so attractive.

She has a presence even while standing still, that you will keep on looking back again and till she goes out of your site.

That long and wide fuel tank, those big fat tyres, full black finish, headlamp, led indicator and tail light, aah that’s so much. Even the upside down rear view mirror adds to the look but, I would suggest you fix it to the upper position as in the original position it will be there only for looks and your arm will be blocking the rear view mirrors.

From any angle you look at her, she will keep your eye focused on her. The instrument cluster is a single circular with the analogue speedometer and a small digital display. Instrument cluster displays all the basic requirement you want to be displayed even the RPM, gear position indicator.

Indian scout series is the entry level Indian bikes you can buy. So it is as simple as you can hope for but still, it doesn’t mean it is not having quality. The fit and finish of her are really good, even when you touch it, it feels well made.

But if you want someone to sit behind you, then you would have to buy the optional extra rear seat. You don’t have to worry even with the rear seat she is a hell of a bike to look at. From some angle, we even thought that ghost rider should switch his bike with this one.

Photo Courtesy: Indian Motorcycle India

Specification

Engine & Drivetrain

Bore x Stroke	3.898 in x 2.898 in (99 mm x 73.6 mm)
Compression Ratio	10.7:1
Displacement	69 cu in (1,133 cc)
Drive/Driven Clutch	Wet, Multi-Plate
Electronic Fuel Injection System	Closed loop fuel injection / 60 mm bore
Engine Type	Liquid Cooled V-Twin
Exhaust	Split Dual Exhaust w/ Cross-over
Horsepower	100 HP
Peak Torque	72 ft-lbs (97.7 Nm)
Peak Torque RPM	6,000 rpm
Transmission/Primary Drive	Gear Drive Wet Clutch

Suspension

Front Fork Tube Diameter	41 mm
Front Suspension	Telescopic Fork - Cartridge Type
Front Travel	4.7 in (119 mm)
Rear Suspension	Dual Shocks
Rear Travel	2.0 in (50 mm)

Photo Courtesy: Indian Motorcycle India

Performance and Dynamics

Now let’s talk about the performance and dynamics of the Bobber. It has the traditional V twin 1113 cc liquid cooled engine, producing 100 bhp and for her, it is more than enough.

It doesn’t have all the future tech multi-mode to control throttle response and suspension setup. In that basis, it is as raw as it comes, but still, it has traction control system so that you won’t accidentally do wheelie or burnout.

It has really big and wide tyres giving her lots of grip, and because she is a Bobber there are no access parts which would be there for show, not even the leg guard, and it is as low as it comes even the ride height. Even the wheelbase is smaller than the normal scout.

Adding up all this makes her a hell of a bike to ride. With so much power you can sprint like crazy and with the low centre of gravity and smaller wheelbase, it is fun to ride her in the corner. Even the suspension is stiff and the suspension travel on the rear wheel is just 50 mm so it is as sporty as it comes.

Photo Courtesy: Indian Motorcycle India

The riding position is a bit aggressive because of long petrol tank and the seat might not be so comfortable, but not for all, some might like it and find it comfortable as it depends on person to person. And even if you can take her for long distance cruse or not. It is a joy to ride her on a smooth road, but there are few big buts. Because of stiff suspension and just 50 mm suspension travel at the back, you will feel each and every bump in the road.

Yes she is sporty and taking a turn is not much of a problem, but still, it is not meant for you to take her on racing tracks unless it is a flat racing track, then, there won’t be many issues. And you can try a flat dirt track where you won’t have to learn to take the turn, because of lower ground clearance you will hit your foot side rest on the ground.

There is one more issue which would be mostly for the 1st timers who would be going to ride her. Gearbox it is not so smooth and you might hit neutral going from 1 to 2. Other than that it is a great bike to be with.

Price: Rs. 12.99 lakhs

Photo Courtesy: Indian Motorcycle India

Final verdict

Looks and design: 9/10

Specs & features: 8/10

Dynamics & performance: 8/10

Safety & quality: 9/10

If you want a bike with presence, power, looks and handling go for it. Don’t buy it if you want the comfortable smooth ride and your locality or if your city has many potholes.

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