'18 Indian Bobber Test Ride. A Newb's Report.

[Tom]

The Scout can't be ridden at any kind of pace on a twisty road.  The engine has a nice enough character but the chassis and braking are obviously made for gentle, slow riding.  Is there any other manufacturer that uses Kenda tires on a new bike? 

http://www.indianmotorcycles.net/threads/should-i-replace-the-stock-tires-before-my-first-ride.13665/

Guzzi's small block line is also built to a price, and with the V7 it also somewhat tastelessly utilizes the name of an older, top of the line bike for 2017's bottom of the line.  However, I think the Guzzi is built a bit a bit better and doesn't quite so loudly scream 'K-Mart' when you look at its detail design.

When you say twisties....do you mean esses or hairpins?  I can assure you that the Scout is fine in Hairpins and Alpine style roads.  The road going to the peak of South Mountain in Phoenix is an Alpine style road.  Not my favorite bike to ride on this type of road but it does nicely. 

[Aaron D.]

If you're looking for an econo bike built by an American mass market corporation, I'm sure it's reliable but don't be persuaded it's more than that just because it carries a genuinely historic name. The Scout has more in common with Japanese econo bikes of the 60s than the Indians of the 30s.  Anybody with an engineering or manufacturing background can see it's built to the lowest possible price, and I think it's an inappropriate use of the Indian name. 

BTW, I helped my neighbor install some accessories on his, they were also cheaply made and fit ridiculously poorly.  As a result what should have taken 30 minutes took an afternoon.

Some serious hoss pucky right there...'specially since by '53 they were making crap.

Anyway, got a close look at the FTR750 today. Very businesslike.

[DorsetBlue]

I must admit, I am surprised by comments saying an Indian fit and finish is poorer than a Suzi.  I am a long term lover of Suzi's (had Bandits, TS's, GSXRs) but not one of them (the GSXR was the best by far) was great finish wise.  Rust appeared soon on fitting.  But they are great cheap, bullet proof bikes which handle well.
When I was struggling with wrist ache on my GSXR, I looked into more comfy bikes.  The first one was my '92 Cali LAPD - love this bike but she needs lots of tender care, as she is an old girl.  She handles okay, not Suzi level.
Needed something more reliable and was liking the more comfortable cruiser feel, so started looking.  Started at the Indian Scout, decided it was too small looking for me.  Was going to get a Victory Octane but that was released too late in the year.  Test rode a Victory Jackpot, bought it.
Indian is a 'quality' brand in the UK (admittedly the Scout is aimed at a cheaper end of the market than the rest of the range) and the finish on all Indians I have looked at is excellent.  Likewise my Victory is stunning finish wise and the Victorys were lower price point than the main Indian range.
My Jackpot is perfectly capable of taking curves (even the famous hill out of Shaftesbury in Dorset, no not Gold Hill) - you just have to get the feel for it.  This is mainly due to the massive rear wheel and tiny front but it really is not a problem and I did the National Road Rally (Daytime Gold! :-) ) on her this year.  No problem keeping up with anybody not on a race replica (and even some of them).
As the Scout is actually an Octane (yes, the Scout was released first but the Octane was supposed to be and was the development platform), the handling is great.

[Kev m]

I must admit, I am surprised by comments saying an Indian fit and finish is poorer than a Suzi.  I am a long term lover of Suzi's (had Bandits, TS's, GSXRs) but not one of them (the GSXR was the best by far) was great finish wise.  Rust appeared soon on fitting.  But they are great cheap, bullet proof bikes which handle well.
When I was struggling with wrist ache on my GSXR, I looked into more comfy bikes.  The first one was my '92 Cali LAPD - love this bike but she needs lots of tender care, as she is an old girl.  She handles okay, not Suzi level.
Needed something more reliable and was liking the more comfortable cruiser feel, so started looking.  Started at the Indian Scout, decided it was too small looking for me.  Was going to get a Victory Octane but that was released too late in the year.  Test rode a Victory Jackpot, bought it.
Indian is a 'quality' brand in the UK (admittedly the Scout is aimed at a cheaper end of the market than the rest of the range) and the finish on all Indians I have looked at is excellent.  Likewise my Victory is stunning finish wise and the Victorys were lower price point than the main Indian range.
My Jackpot is perfectly capable of taking curves (even the famous hill out of Shaftesbury in Dorset, no not Gold Hill) - you just have to get the feel for it.  This is mainly due to the massive rear wheel and tiny front but it really is not a problem and I did the National Road Rally (Daytime Gold! :-) ) on her this year.  No problem keeping up with anybody not on a race replica (and even some of them).
As the Scout is actually an Octane (yes, the Scout was released first but the Octane was supposed to be and was the development platform), the handling is great.

 

The last few years I spent a lot of time grabbing demos on Indians and Vics as I was seriously considering one instead of adding another Harley to the fleet. There was a lot to like about both brands.

[Tusayan]

@DorsetBlue, 'fit and finish' and detail design are two different things.  Features like a stiff aluminum frame, decent triple disk brakes, quality name brand tires, rising rate single shock rear suspension, and some level of artistry in the foot peg hangers etc are detail design features, not related to fit and finish.

That said, if you buy the little fairing to install on your Indian Scout (the factory accessory) you may find like I did that the mounting holes are misaligned by roughly 3/8 inch... which is a fit issue.

[n3303j]

I always switch into neutral, release the clutch and only select 1st when I start again.

MSF Courses spend a fair amount of time telling riders to remain in gear at intersections and leave an escape route in case something following you isn't going to stop. Kicking it into neutral removes one escape option  from your safety repertoire.
I did use this out one time as the screech of tires on pavement alerted me to the fact my present space was soon to book a double occupancy. 90K miles on the T3 and haven't lost the crank thrust washer yet.

[rocker59]

I've ridden the Scouts a few times, and like the basic package, but wish it had a little more "standard" seating and more ground clearance.  A larger fuel tank and more suspension travel would be nice.

The accesssory "1920" "solo saddle" and "beach bars" make it a lot more comfortable for me.

I've read reports complaining about vibration.  The first two I rode, I didn't notice.  The last one I rode did have noticeable vibration at the higher reaches of the tacho.

[rocker59]

Vibration (and surging) are a great mystery...some people just vibrate at a different?! frequency.

:-)

My Sport 1100 vibrates at my frequency.  Very few others have.

mid-90s Ducati 900 SS/SP did, too.  As did my 1991 LeMans V.

I know vibration can vary bike to bike in a range.  Like the Scout, I've ridden multiple examples of other models, and they all "feel" a little different from each other.

[Tom]

Didn't notice the vibes running in 2nd/3rd gear near max rpm's but I was more concerned with the hairpins going up to the summit of South Mountain.  Will check that out on a straight and flat road.

[rocker59]

Didn't notice the vibes running in 2nd/3rd gear near max rpm's but I was more concerned with the hairpins going up to the summit of South Mountain.  Will check that out on a straight and flat road.

I've read about it in reviews, but only experienced it on 1 of 3 Scouts I've ridden.

[kingoffleece]

Interesting, kev.  My Triumph dealer friend was also a Vic dealer and as such, I rode every Vic plenty of times leading demo rides.  I thought the Vic motors were uninspiring and bland in character.  Our 2003 RoadKing is much more interesting to chug along on IMHO.  The only Vic I really liked the motor on was the Vision-go figure.

As an aside, we delivered a Vision to a 79 year old guy.  He bought it to ride from Buffalo to Alaska to see his old Army buddy-alone.  Had a great time and loved the bike.  No issues with it at all.

Yes, Buffalo.  Our football and hockey teams stink.  We know.  No need to rub it in for the holidays!

[Tom]

Uh.....they stink.      Merry Christmas!

[Kev m]

Interesting, kev.  My Triumph dealer friend was also a Vic dealer and as such, I rode every Vic plenty of times leading demo rides.  I thought the Vic motors were uninspiring and bland in character.  Our 2003 RoadKing is much more interesting to chug along on IMHO.  The only Vic I really liked the motor on was the Vision-go figure.

I guess I like the character of v-twins in general though I can't say anything particular that stood out about the Vic or Indian BT's aside from an overall impression of solidness/reliability and no lack of power.

I was a little disappointed in the limited cornering clearance of the Judge, but like their Harley rivals the touring mounts had plenty enough.

The Scout this is a departure from my usual tastes in terms of motor and some of the styling. But it took me pleasantly by surprise.

[kingoffleece]

I get it.  I like them, too.  The Vic just felt...soft.  I ended up with a 2010 Triumph Thunderbird 1600 that we took on trade.
Really nice motor but the rest of the bike was, as you say, meh.  I rode it part of one season and sold it to buy my V7.  THAT was a good move!

[Guzzi Gal]

MSF Courses spend a fair amount of time telling riders to remain in gear at intersections and leave an escape route in case something following you isn't going to stop. Kicking it into neutral removes one escape option from your safety repertoire.
I did use this out one time as the screech of tires on pavement alerted me to the fact my present space was soon to book a double occupancy. 90K miles on the T3 and haven't lost the crank thrust washer yet.

I once challenged myself to keep feet up whilst in a half a mile long 4 way stop queue.  I had to touch down once, before reaching the 4 way, because there was some issue at the intersection which took a while for the participants to muddle through.  The whole time, I was wondering what it was doing to the clutch, my gas mileage, and if the people behind me where peeved or entertained.

With limited available saddle time, I'd guess that Anni's parts may rot before wearing out.

[LowRyter]

My Sport 1100 vibrates at my frequency.  Very few others have.

mid-90s Ducati 900 SS/SP did, too.  As did my 1991 LeMans V.

I know vibration can vary bike to bike in a range.  Like the Scout, I've ridden multiple examples of other models, and they all "feel" a little different from each other.

[Tom H]

I once challenged myself to keep feet up whilst in a half a mile long 4 way stop queue.  I had to touch down once, before reaching the 4 way, because there was some issue at the intersection which took a while for the participants to muddle through.  The whole time, I was wondering what it was doing to the clutch, my gas mileage, and if the people behind me where peeved or entertained.

With limited available saddle time, I'd guess that Anni's parts may rot before wearing out.

Congrats on balancing the bike!! It's not all that easy to do. You might just need to go to a rally and enter the slow race. No feet down and the last person to the line wins.

Tom

[fossil]

MSF Courses spend a fair amount of time telling riders to remain in gear at intersections and leave an escape route in case something following you isn't going to stop. Kicking it into neutral removes one escape option  from your safety repertoire.
I did use this out one time as the screech of tires on pavement alerted me to the fact my present space was soon to book a double occupancy. 90K miles on the T3 and haven't lost the crank thrust washer yet.

Maybe, in Germany we don´t do it this way. And I was addressing a potential reason for wear in the drivetrain of especially the smallblock Guzzi.

[bpreynolds]

Nice write up, GG.  Thanks for posting.  Visually, I’m not particularly fond of the Bobber but I like the Indians in general and I actually think that basic Scout is a gorgeous bike when kitted up with saddlebags and such.  Even still, to my eyes there’s just something a tad more special and classic looking about Harleys, especially the new ones as I think HD are knocking it out of the park right now with the new bikes.  I dunno whether the Harley riders who buy new bikes like the new ones (killing off the Dyna line and such) but I sure do.  I won’t be buying one soon or probably ever unless they start paying librarians more or a guy named Walt asks me to go into business with him.  This one would look oh so sharp in my garage, or any garage IMHO.
14723252-2C85-4F21-8838-22FA40C87769 by Brian, on Flickr

[Kev m]

Nice write up, GG.  Thanks for posting.  Visually, I’m not particularly fond of the Bobber but I like the Indians in general and I actually think that basic Scout is a gorgeous bike when kitted up with saddlebags and such.  Even still, to my eyes there’s just something a tad more special and classic looking about Harleys, especially the new ones as I think HD are knocking it out of the park right now with the new bikes.  I dunno whether the Harley riders who buy new bikes like the new ones (killing off the Dyna line and such) but I sure do.  I won’t be buying one soon or probably ever unless they start paying librarians more or a guy named Walt asks me to go into business with him.  This one would look oh so sharp in my garage, or any garage IMHO.
14723252-2C85-4F21-8838-22FA40C87769 by Brian, on Flickr

I spent the last 20+ years throwing shade at and hating on Softails, but I've now ridden a half dozen of the new Softails, including that new Fat Bob, and they are excellent.

They have more cornering clearance, feel much smaller/lighter, have a smooth and strong motor, comfortable suspensions, and stronger ABS brakes than I expected on the single disc models.

If I hadn't just bought the RK I would be seriously tempted.

For the first time in my life I could see owning a Softail someday.

[bpreynolds]

I spent the last 20+ years throwing shade at and hating on Softails, but I've now ridden a half dozen of the new Softails, including that new Fat Bob, and they are excellent.

They have more cornering clearance, feel much smaller/lighter, have a smooth and strong motor, comfortable suspensions, and stronger ABS brakes than I expected on the single disc models.

If I hadn't just bought the RK I would be seriously tempted.

For the first time in my life I could see owning a Softail someday.

 :1:  It�s interesting.  Like a fanboy who knows there are no real super heroes but keeps reading the comic books anyhow, I still consume a great deal of motorcycle reviews/write-ups.  With all these new Harleys the things you mention above keep getting lauded and mentioned but also it seems to me that another word keeps popping up that I don�t recall seeing in a lot of reviews for older HDs, and that is �fun�.  Not that the older ones are not/can�t be fun, I just don�t remember reading/seeing that aspect of the bikes in many reviews, but now it seems like I see it often. 

[Kev m]

:1:  It�s interesting.  Like a fanboy who knows there are no real super heroes but keeps reading the comic books anyhow, I still consume a great deal of motorcycle reviews/write-ups.  With all these new Harleys the things you mention above keep getting lauded and mentioned but also it seems to me that another word keeps popping up that I don�t recall seeing in a lot of reviews for older HDs, and that is �fun�.  Not that the older ones are not/can�t be fun, I just don�t remember reading/seeing that aspect of the bikes in many reviews, but now it seems like I see it often.

I tend to avoid reviews as I want to try and make up my own mind without bias.

I completely understand the term when used on these new Softails in comparison to the older Dynas (that I liked well enough) and Softails (that I didn't).

Something about the overall package has brought out a more playful characteristic than the bikes it replaced.

They're still Harleys, they don't rev particularly high, they're still much heavier than a V7 (though you might not know it just picking them up off the side stand), and they still require more steering effort.

But they've improved in so those areas and wound up with a very nice, balanced, package.