Indian Motorcycle brand gained attention with their mid-size bikes thanks to the success on the flat track, while their Scout Bobber is set to capitalize on that even more by utilizing factory-custom business. This new “Bobber” will bring more modern performance and a look that fits in with the rest of the US, foreign and domestic market. A 1,133 cc engine will deliver all the power, while the new Bobber will have improved electronics and a USB charging port.
Indian Scout Bobber Design
When it comes to the design, the manufacturer took their original Scout gave it a new flavor. Except the sheet metal, everything that could be black is black. All models have polished parts on the engine, mimicking the exposed look of the old days. The fenders are chopped down to the minimum size, giving the bike a custom job look. The rear suspension reminds us of the old frames, and adds to the custom look. The bar-end mirrors and a side-mount tag holder complete the look. A big headlight is situated in the front, while the radiator grille sits below it.
The 3.3 gallon teardrop fuel tank makes a slope down to the single seat, which sits only 25.6 inches from the ground and further contributes to the classic-custom vibe of the motorcycle. The exhaust has a blackout finish, while the shotgun-muffler fits right in perfectly with the rest of the bike. You can choose additional accessories from their catalog, like the laced wheels, mini-apes and antique seats.
Chassis
The frame mimics the hardtail geometry, but not as hard as Harley-Davidson with its Softails. The 41 mm forks work the front end on 4.7 inches (120 mm) of travel. This pushes the front wheel for a 61.5-inch wheelbase with a 29-degree rake and 4.7 inches of trail. These figures give great tracking with the maximum lean angle of 29 degrees and enough agility to control in the corners.
Braking is done through 298 mm rotors with dual-pistons anchor in the front, while a single-pot caliper does the work in the back. ABS coverage is for the first time present as standard equipment, as only the Thunder Black model comes without it. The Bobber sports 130/90 in the front, and 150/80 out in the back, with 16-inch blackout rims.
Drivetrain
These bikes typically run on a V-twin engine, and the Bobber is up to the standard with a water-cooled mill. The factory limited their devotion to historical engines in favor of a more modern power plant. Unlike their main competitor, the H-D Sportster with an engine designed first back in 1986, the Scout is a modern vintage that sacrifices much for the sake of performance and usability.
Unlike the rest of the V-twins today, the Bobber has a 99 mm bore and 73.6 mm stroke, which means a total displacement of 1,133 cc, as well as a compression ratio of 10.7-to-1. A 60 mm throttle body. Although there does not seem to be a rider mode or traction control at Indian as of yet, engine management and control is rather simple. This is not ideal, as Harley-Davidson is testing proprietary traction control and back torque-defeating technology. Indian has to catch up in order to stay in the game in the coming years.
| 2019 Indian Scout Bobber | |
| Engine And Transmission | |
| Engine type | Liquid-cooled, DOHC V-twin |
| Displacement | 1,133cc |
| Power/torque | 100.0 hp/ 72.0 lb.-ft. |
| Transmission | 6-speed |
| Performance | |
| 0-60 mph | N/A |
| Top speed | N/A |
| PRICE RANGE:$11,999 – $13,299 |
|
| Competitors: Harley-Davidson | |
The motorcycle gains 100 horsepower from the engine, and 72 pound-feet of torque. The gear-type primary drive carries the power from the engine to the six-speed transmission, which is an awesome improvement.
Pricing
Indian has set the price of the Scout Bobber at $11,999 for the Thunder Black, the model lacking ABS. The same color with ABS starts at $12,799. Other options include the Thunder Black Smoke, White Smoke, or Bronze Smoke for $13,299.
Competitor
Harley-Davidson and their 1200 Custom Sportster is the obvious competition here. Its sports a teardrop tank an air-cooled engine, as well as plenty of blackout touches, a short exhaust and slammed suspension.
It runs on a 1,202 cc engine with 73 pound-feet of torque at 3,750 rpm. As the Bobber, the brakes are adequate with a single front disc, and the ABS is a $795 option. At $11,899 for the most expensive color package, Harley had a great chance to make an equivalent product less expensive.
