The Indian demo was at Menettos in upstate ny recently and I was fortunate to get in 4 demo rides on the Scout. This is a raw, stripped down looking bike without too many bells and whistles. Indian put a modern water cooled engine in a retro styled bike and did something the Japanese could never do…make it authentic. Also, if you want cruise control, a loud stereo , GPS satellite and 250lbs of additional weight then keep looking for another bike.
Engine - Power is strong and linear. This is not glass smooth like a flat 6 from a Gold Wing and has mild vibration when flogging it. It’s fast and I can’t wait to see ¼ mi and 0-60mph times. As others have already said, 4k rpm is a sweet spot for cruising. It can be ridden down to ~3200rpm and pull away cleanly. A very versatile motor that can put put around or use its balanced horsepower/torque to accelerate briskly. I tried my best to feel some abruptness just off idle. None noted. . I had zero issues with vibration. This engine is not smooth like a flat six and demonstrates typical vibration when flogging a modern engine at higher rpm’s..
Transmission –Solid. I can only hope that my Scout’s tranny will feel this good after many thousands of miles. Neutral was easy to find.
Suspension – Rear is much better than expected for 3” of travel. I weigh 185lbs and the suspension felt planted and compliant over bumps. Damping was well balanced treated my back nicely. The front fork performance lagged behind the rear a bit, but was acceptable. No excessive front end diving was noted when clamping down hard on the front brakes. I suspect the forks are not cartridge style and could use a cartridge emulator or some tuning.
Handling – For a “cruiser” this bike is very nimble. The rake and wheelbase make for a bike that feels plenty stable in straight line, but can be a lot of fun in the twisties.
Ergonomics – I’m used to 11 years on a Yamaha FZ1 that places the rider in a more neutral position. However adjusting to the midposition controls seemed seamless with my 30” inseam. I would have to guess that people over 5’10” will be looking at the extended foot controls and/or saddle.
Brakes were very good in power in feel. Not sport bike powerful, but not wooden and weak like some large cruisers.
Overall-As everyone knows this bike is not meant to be a long haul, 8hrs in the saddle kind of bike. If you want a hot, American made, mid-size cruiser that won’t embarrass you in straight line acceleration or its ability to ride the twisties. This is a modern reincarnation of a classic performance bike. Those who don’t like its “small” size due their physical proportions will be better off with 800lb baggers. I really hated getting off this bike. The Scout is a balanced and comfortable bike.
Engine - Power is strong and linear. This is not glass smooth like a flat 6 from a Gold Wing and has mild vibration when flogging it. It’s fast and I can’t wait to see ¼ mi and 0-60mph times. As others have already said, 4k rpm is a sweet spot for cruising. It can be ridden down to ~3200rpm and pull away cleanly. A very versatile motor that can put put around or use its balanced horsepower/torque to accelerate briskly. I tried my best to feel some abruptness just off idle. None noted. . I had zero issues with vibration. This engine is not smooth like a flat six and demonstrates typical vibration when flogging a modern engine at higher rpm’s..
Transmission –Solid. I can only hope that my Scout’s tranny will feel this good after many thousands of miles. Neutral was easy to find.
Suspension – Rear is much better than expected for 3” of travel. I weigh 185lbs and the suspension felt planted and compliant over bumps. Damping was well balanced treated my back nicely. The front fork performance lagged behind the rear a bit, but was acceptable. No excessive front end diving was noted when clamping down hard on the front brakes. I suspect the forks are not cartridge style and could use a cartridge emulator or some tuning.
Handling – For a “cruiser” this bike is very nimble. The rake and wheelbase make for a bike that feels plenty stable in straight line, but can be a lot of fun in the twisties.
Ergonomics – I’m used to 11 years on a Yamaha FZ1 that places the rider in a more neutral position. However adjusting to the midposition controls seemed seamless with my 30” inseam. I would have to guess that people over 5’10” will be looking at the extended foot controls and/or saddle.
Brakes were very good in power in feel. Not sport bike powerful, but not wooden and weak like some large cruisers.
Overall-As everyone knows this bike is not meant to be a long haul, 8hrs in the saddle kind of bike. If you want a hot, American made, mid-size cruiser that won’t embarrass you in straight line acceleration or its ability to ride the twisties. This is a modern reincarnation of a classic performance bike. Those who don’t like its “small” size due their physical proportions will be better off with 800lb baggers. I really hated getting off this bike. The Scout is a balanced and comfortable bike.