2021 Indian Scout Bobber
Engine: 1,133cc liquid-cooled DOHC V-twin
Transmission: 6 speed wet, multi-plate
Power: 74.7 kW
Torque: 72 ft-lbs (97.7 Nm) @ 6,000 rpm
Dry weight: 244 kg
Seat height: 649 mm
Fuel capacity: 12.5 litres
Price: $19,995
Despite their legendary stature, Harley Davidson were not actually the first motorcycle breed to roll out of America, debuting their first hog in 1903. That honour goes to Indian, who made their debut two years earlier in 1901. The original Indian Scout came later in 1920, powered by a 600cc V-twin that could only manage 10 horsepower. Different times.
Today, Indian Motorcycles keeps the Harley battle going — unveiling a minimalist, stripped-down 2021 model Scout Bobber Sixty, whose design will please the old school purists; and performance will satisfy the power hungry geeks.
Looking to capitalise on their success on the Super Hooligan scene and the American Flat Track Championship, the Indian Motorcycles engineers gave this model the custom treatment to give it that retro garage flavour. The first step was to paint everything possible black (except the sheet metal) — so calling it a blacked-out bobber is an understatement.
American-made bikes typically run off a V-twin, and the Scout Bobber is no different with its water-cooled V. Unlike its main competitor (the Harley Davidson Sportster) that uses an engine design from 1986, the Scout’s mill is more of a recent high quality vintage. There is minimal engine management and no traction control. Given its inspiration, it’s fitting that the modern riding modes and techno nannies have been put to bed.
Power output is respectable with 100 ponies, and the grunt numbers that peak at 6000 are big enough for traffic-beating torque. However, the wide backswept chrome bars are pure nostalgia, and not well suited to lane-filtering today. Luckily the two-into-one full exhaust system adds 10% more horsepower and a deeper ‘ball drop’ tone.
Below the speedo is a digital gauge resembling a 1980s Casio wristwatch, featuring a temp and gear indicator. The cosmetic updates may be for show, but this machine is not just a man cave collectible — you’ll wanna to spend equal time drooling AND riding.
By Bill Varetimidis
For the full article grab the December 2020 issue of MAXIM Australia from newsagents and convenience locations. Subscribe here.
