2015 Indian Scout merged threadfest

[Aaron D.]

Well, it shows that if you want a really low seat, your feet gotta go forward.

[rocker59]

5'-10" 31-inch inseam:

Some photos from the Indian folks

FF helmets and textile jackets on the Scouts


returning from the ride


The Chief Vintage

[LowRyter]

right on Dusty,  Mike's nickname is "Chief"

[Aaron D.]

Yikes. My wife rode one yesterday (I rode them on Friday and liked it a lot) after telling me she dreamed about riding across the country one one.

I rode behind her, this time on a Chief Vintage, and I knew she was loving it. What I didn't know until we got back was she was giggling the whole time.

Then I got a chance to sit on the '30 Scout 101, a long time favorite of mine-and was surprised to feel how similar they are.

So she made me do it..

I'll be selling an EV and Jackal soon, keeping the Sport 1100. I absolutely will need the room!

[Kev m]

So, despite threatening forecasts which originally called for a 70% chance of rain for my demo ride time slot, I decided it was worth the risk and set out today for what turned out to be a little more than a 300 mile, cool, crisp, constant cloudy, occasional drizzle kinda day.

Hernley's Indian/Victory/Polaris was not a bad destination. A gorgeous dealer obviously built to a planagram which is meant to rival the big HD stores, at least in style.

The Scout was the hot ticket today and it's good I reserved slots for my little bro and me early last week. Sadly someone had dropped one of the four Scouts earlier today and they were down to three, so my little bro was bumped to a later ride for it. Still, there were various Chief models available, so he rode one of them too.

The Scout is visually impressive. The fit and finish rivals that it of HD. Steel fenders, stout but attractive cast aluminum frame members, attractive engine casings, meaty/glossy black wheels, etc.

As a matter of fact, the radiator so many complain about in photos all but disappears in person!

Sitting on the Scout I'm struck by the low ride height, but immediate comfort. Foot position for me is about halfway between what I'd expect from Sportster mid-mounts and forwards. My knees were straight out in front of my hips and my feet just a smidge in front on my knees.

I'm not a fan of true forward controls, but this was a nice compromise that felt surprisingly natural. Reach to the bars was short and kept me upright.

The motor ran flawlessly, pretty much pulling from any RPM or gear.

Some Sportster owners have predicted JAPanInc. like motor characteristics, but that wasn't the case. It didn't need to run high RPM for cruising, and pulled happily from below 3k.

The smooth gearbox snicked easily up or down, and I often found myself in 4th around maybe 40-50 mph on the demo route backroads. Unfortunately a lack of highway didn't give me much of a chance to check top gears, though I think 65 was around 3250 RPM in 6th. Not busy or hurried at all.

Suspension and brakes were decent (both ahead of current Sportsters). Cornering clearance wasn't exactly deep and ample, BUT it at least equaled that of the modern lowered Sportsters.

And honestly, though some Sportster owners don't like the comparison, I definitely see it as a worthy competitor.

I would absolutely consider one as the next bike to join the fleet, and there saying something as I tend to avoid water-cooled bikes.

Oh, PS, the Harley Street doesn't hold a candle to this and does seem like a cheap import in comparison.

[jas67]

Great review, Kev!   (as I expected).   I came away from the demo with pretty much the same impression as Kev.

As Kev mentioned, my slot git pushed back 30 min.   That gave me the opportunity to ride a Chief Vintage while Kev road the Scout.

It was nice to get the Vintage on some open road after doing the demo in North NJ last year.   The Thunderstroke 111 is a beautiful piece of art that also happens to be a very torquey engine.     Given that most of my bikes are under 1000 CC, it was kind of cool to look down at one point and realize that I was cruising along a 50 some MPH at only 1,950 RPM.     The Vintage's 800+ lbs seems to mostly melt away once you are under way.    Even standing over it, holding it up, it doesn't seem like an 800+ lb bike, as it carries it's weigh very low.   While not the type of bike that I buy, I did enjoy riding it.     The build quality of the Chief family is top shelf.

While we waited for our turn to ride, Kev & I looked over the 4th Scout (the one that was "out of commission).   The speedometer was non-op after a zero-MPH drop.  This is why they pulled it from operation.    Anyway, I was quite impressed with the build quality of the Scout.   This is no build-to-a-price-point bike.    It has all the same high-quality cast aluminum frame parts, and, the engine is a quality looking piece as well.   As Kev said, the radiator largely disappears into the design of the frame.

I'm not a fan of true forward controls, but this was a nice compromise that felt surprisingly natural. Reach to the bars was short and kept me upright.

The motor ran flawlessly, pretty much pulling from any RPM or gear.

Some Spoetster owners have predicted JAPanInc. like motor characteristics, but that wasn't the case. It didn't need to run high RPM for cruising, and pulled happily from below 3k.

Let me start my detailed description by saying that I LOVE the engine and transmission.    The torque cover feel linear from 3k RPM to well above 6k (riding in the group, if I did get it above 6k, I didn't get a chance to glance down at the tach to see numbers over 6k).    I'd guess I may have hit 7k.   It pulled like a freight train the whole time.    I was duly impressed  ;D

The transmission shifts butter smooth -- as good as any modern Honda (that is a good thing).

The engine's character is a lot more like a Guzzi, or even a Ducati than your typical cruiser engine.     It makes pleasant sounds, and wonderful power, all over the RPM range.

Suspension and brakes were decent (both ahead of current Sportsters). Cornering clearance wasn't exactly deep and ample, BUT it at least equaled that of the modern lowered Sportsters.

Since I'm not used to the ergos on this bike, or sitting that close to the ground, I'd have to get some more experience on this bike to really decide how hard and fast I could actually take it through corners.    I will say that I feel that the fork was a bit soft, and would compromise cornering clearance.

Sitting on the Scout I'm struck by the low ride height, but immediate comfort. Foot position for me is about halfway between what I'd expect from Sportster mid-mounts and forwards. My knees were straight out in front of my hips and my feet just a smidge in front on my knees.

I'm not a fan of true forward controls, but this was a nice compromise that felt surprisingly natural. Reach to the bars was short and kept me upright.

Like Kev, I'm also not a fan of true forwards.   I'm not really even a forward of what he calls "Mids".    I like the foot pegs somewhat under me, so that I can get out of the seat when the going gets rough.    In fact, with a herniated lumber disc, and some sciatica, this is a necessity.   That said, bad roads aside, I found that sorta forward controls to be reasonable comfortable.     I'm a few inches shorter than Kev (5'8", 30" inseam.    My knees were about level with my knees, and my feet forward of my knees, with my lower legs about a 45 degree angle.     I'm sure that the kit that mounts the pegs 2" rearward would make things a little better, but, could make my knees a bit too high.    As others have said, bring the pegs back about 15 to 18", and raise the seat 5", and the ergos would be great.   Of course, that would pretty much mess up the look of the bike.

I'm thinking that one way to get away with raising the seat without changing the overall design of the bike, might be a seat mounted like the one on this R69S:


So, because of the ergos, this bike is not on my short list of bikes to buy.   BUT -- should Indian (or Victory) put this motor into a classic looking true standard, it absolutely WILL be on my short list.  

Indian could keep it's line concentrating on classic-looking cruisers, but, maybe share this engine with Victory, who should put it into a standard, maybe Buell-like bike!

Given the popularity of cruisers in this country, the build quality and performance of the Scout, I have no doubt it will sell well.     Polaris have done a fantastic job of reviving the Indian brand.   I'm anxious to see what the come up with next.

[Kev m]

An interesting check of specs. The Indian Scout is listed as having a 31° lean angle which puts it greater lean angle (significantly so in most cases) than a rubbermount Sportster (I forget if even the 1200R beats that).

PS thanks Jay for being a credible foil to me in this. I appreciate the different view point.

[rocker59]

Nice writeups,  fellas!

39 right and 40 left for the XR1200, Kev.

[Kev m]

Nice writeups,  fellas!

39 right and 40 left for the XR1200, Kev.

Yeah, I purposely didn't mention the XR since it's further removed from XL DNA.

If memory serves none of the rubbermount XLs matched the lean angle of the solidmount Sportsters, but the XR did or exceeded it.

The rest of the rubbermount XLs are mostly in the 24-28° range.

[Kev m]

[Kev m]

[Aaron D.]

The cornering clearance is the main concern, but maybe I need to stop worrying.

I can't see a pillion having much fun, so we decided to keep the Jackal. And here I thought I'd be cutting down on the number of bikes.

[jas67]

Looking at the pic of Kev, esp. the side view one that he didn't post, his knee is lower than his hip.  So, my comment, above about my knee being level with my hip is obviously wrong, as I've got shorter legs.   It felt that way on the bike though.

This is actually kind of good, as it means I could move the pegs back further than the 2" kit would w/o having my knees too high.

I'll be watching the forums to see what customizations people come up with.    I really did like the bike enough to want to figure out alternatively foot-pegs + controls and seat mounting to make the ergos work for me.   I just question whether it can be done w/o messing up the look of the bike.

I've never before been excited about a cruiser, but, I am excited about the Scout.   ;-T

[Kev m]

You can post it Jay... But yeah I suspect a slightly taller seat would help the ergos for some, or at least give options. Though it wouldn't be NEEDED for me.

[Kev m]

I've never before been excited about a cruiser, but, I am excited about the Scout.   ;-T

Ha ha, that's how it starts...

In even the most unfertile ground, the seed finds a way to grow...8)

[rocker59]

2 of 3 Scouts dragged stuff on my test ride. It's definitely a low cruiser.

The cornering clearance is the main concern, but maybe I need to stop worrying.


I can't see a pillion having much fun, so we decided to keep the Jackal. And here I thought I'd be cutting down on the number of bikes.

[Cam3512]

Ha ha, that's how it starts...

In even the most unfertile ground, the seed finds a way to grow...8)

The moderators will have to substantially increase the size of Jay's signature line...

[Kev m]

2 of 3 Scouts dragged stuff on my test ride. It's definitely a low cruiser.

It's how you use it.

Obviously someone is going to find the limits on any bike if they go looking for it.

I scrapped my boot early and figured out where it was and had no more problems. Then again the Scouts were relegated behind the parade of Chief models and I didn't get to charge too many corners.

The important part to ME is that I didn't look at lean angle specs BEFORE the ride so as not to set any expectations.

Looking at the specs after I got home confirmed what I thought I felt, that lean was better than all the current lowered Sportsters (and about equal to most Dynas, and equal to or close to that of the FLHs).

While far from sportbike capabilities, it's probably fine for most riders in most conditions. It should be no surprise that this isn't a sportbike.

:)

[Aaron D.]

The pegs on the demo bikes (likely the same bikes you rode, Kev) all had beveled pegs from dragging. But one of the things I'm trying to do is readjust my attitude in the name of safety and serenity, and I was able to enjoy the handling on the Scout just fine. Never dragged the EV, though...

[Kev m]

The pegs on the demo bikes (likely the same bikes you rode, Kev) all had beveled pegs from dragging. But one of the things I'm trying to do is readjust my attitude in the name of safety and serenity, and I was able to enjoy the handling on the Scout just fine. Never dragged the EV, though...

One flat Gray, one gloss red, one flat black, one gloss black.

Honestly didn't think to even bother checking the pegs.

Wouldn't surprise me if they were beveled, most of the test riders for the Scouts our day weren't your usual "cruiser" Harley/Indian customers.

[jas67]

Honestly didn't think to even bother checking the pegs.

I did.   The two I checked had evidence of scraping.

[jas67]

Hmmmm, what's this thing do?
IMG_5749 by jay_snyder67, on Flickr

Pete Roper's long lost twin  ;D
IMG_5748 by jay_snyder67, on Flickr

Side view:
IMG_5747 by jay_snyder67, on Flickr

[jas67]

Ha ha, that's how it starts...

In even the most unfertile ground, the seed finds a way to grow...8)

Riding it did make me smile.     I do love the pull of that motor  ~;

[Travlr]

Dropped by my local dealer today.  He told me they have deposits on 26 Scouts and the entire first year production is presold.

True or false I have no idea.

But I bet HD isn't sold out of next years Sportsters.

Mike

[rocker59]

I bet HD isn't sold out of next years Sportsters.

Mike

Next year's Sportsters equals something like 40,000 machines.

How many Scouts  equals next year's production for Indian?  2,000?  3,000?

[Kev m]

Next year's Sportsters equals something like 40,000 machines.

How many Scouts  equals next year's production for Indian?  2,000?  3,000?

True dat... Though Sportster production is probably more like 50k+.

It peaked around 70k few years ago.

[jas67]

True dat... Though Sportster production is probably more like 50k+.

It peaked around 70k few years ago.

That dwarfs Guzzi production of all models.

[Kev m]

That dwarfs Guzzi production of all models.

That dwarfs Triumph's production of all models...

[tiger_one]

Riding it did make me smile.     I do love the pull of that motor  ~;

Bingo, that is a big part of why we ride!  Nice pics and report.

[jbell]

I like it.  Best feature?  Transmission.  Smooth, sure, easy to find neutral, 1st to 2nd smooth, downshifts without jerking the rear wheel.  I thought it was me but later found out it's "built in".  Engine is plenty strong, quick revving with just a touch of low frequency vibration that felt right.  Plenty of cornering clearance.  Brakes haul it down in good fashion.  The seat is comfortable.  I'm 6'2" and after about 15 minutes I could feel the tension in my legs.  They have a "tall person" kit available though none were installed in the test fleet.  A windshield would be a must for me, over 60 I was getting a lot of helmet lift.  I wouldn't mind more fuel capacity but wouldn't want the tank any fatter, not a deal breaker for my intended application.  At 60, the engine was turning about 2800 rpm.  The suspension was up to the task including riding over RR tracks.  This was the first time in 45 years of riding I've ridden a cruiser style bike and it felt right immediately. 
I'll be in the market soon for a new bike and am considering the Scout, Honda CB1100 Deluxe, Griso and anything else that may catch my fancy.  So far, the Scout is the only bike I've test ridden.   The factory guy at the Indian test ride event said the first couple months of Scout production already have deposits down on them.  Adios.