During the 74th Sturgis rally, the launch party and demo rides of the all-new 2015 Indian Scout have overshadowed all other manufacturer’s activities. To pull off that coup, as Indian did last year with the re-introduction of the Chief model, the company leveraged the Indian brand cachet, mixing the Scout’s rich heritage with up-to-date technology to produce a contemporary yet classic model destined to be the best in its mid-size motorcycle eclass.
Because it is the first truly new Indian Scout in more than 70 years, all industry professionals and bikers had high expectations and very strong ideas about the way the all-new Scout should look and perform. Since Polaris bought the Indian brand 3 years ago, Polaris designers and engineers have respectfully listened to all opinions to eventually lean deliberately toward a contemporary design with classic inspiration, privileging innovation for performance, exactly in the spirit of what made the Scout models (Scout 101 of 1928 to 1831, Scout 741 of 1943 and Sport and Junior Scout of 1934 to 1942) the most storied bikes of all time.
Is it the right approach? I think so, because if still active in 2014, the original Hendee Manufacturing Company – renamed later Indian Motorcycle Manufacruring company (1901-1953) -would certainly not reproduce its own pre-1953 designs, but would create very modern, fast, light, precise and nimble motorcycles, just incorporating some of their own iconic features to preserve the brand DNA.
So, what are these classic features that inspired the new Indian Scout clean sheet design? Just look at a 1920’s Scout. In case you didn’t notice at first glance, the new Scout incorporates a contemporary interpretation of some of the original v-twin engine,then the classic“triangle” frame geometry, the clutch cover design, the structural ribbing and finning, the parallel pushrod machining, the gear cluster, the front fender, the solo seat, the gas tank, the headlight, etc. But because we are in 2014, the new Scout got premium features designed for superb on-road performance. Among them, a brand new in-house designed proprietary 60-degree 69 ci, 100 hp, 72 ft-lbs torque, DOHC 4 valve, liquid cooled engine; a very light weight of 558 lbs (wet) thanks to a cast aluminum frame; a dual-shock suspension with extreme rake to imitate the 20’s Scout hard tail lines; a low seat position, the lowest in its class at 25.3” from ground.
As a rider, my comfort zone gravitates around the middle weight cruiser. So, I was excited at the idea to be one of the first journalists to road test what was promised to me as being a motorcycle offering a superior riding experience thanks to power, balance and comfort. First, let me say that the 2015 Scout is a small package, but not as small as it may look on pictures. Seen from the side or standing on it, shape means “time to go fast.” Seated, my 6ft frame’s reach to foot controls and handlebars felt right. Indian has conceived ergonomics in stock version for riders 5.4” to 6” and 5.0” to 6.4” when customizing with Scout after-market accessories.
What will strike all the new Indian Scout riders is how easy it is to handle the bike at low or high speed. The Scout is extremely responsive to any twist of the throttle and leads you smoothly to the next 5 gears without the shifting clunk noise you may be familiar with another American brand models. While buried in stop & go Sturgis rally traffic, finding the green light neutral never failed. Up the Black Hills the fun begins. You really enjoy the Scout’s unique combination of power, of immediate response to all your solicitations and instructions, the bike always providing a great and very unique sense of confidence, either shooting for the red line at 9000 rpm, taking curves at dragging pegs speed, (thanks to a generous 31-degree lean angle for this type of bike), or simply cruising.
The new Scout is a very versatile, multifaceted bike that will appeal to just about every rider of any experience and riding style. It offers a very unique riding experience not felt on other V-Twin bikes you may have ridden. Warning, accelerations are very exhilarating but you will find confident to know that at a light touch of the front brake lever you will get the job done to handle most of the unexpected braking situations. From this type of bike, you could expect long rides to be remembered by your behind. Incredibly, it’s never the case thanks to the right combination of a traditional 41 mm front end suspension, of dual shocks at the right rake angle and of a solo seat incredibly comfortable for being offered as a stock saddle. From a cosmetic (and custom builder) point of view, if I appreciated the large mirrors letting you see who you left behind, they could be scaled down somewhat without altering vision and and mounted lower to not distract from the bike overall great looking stance.
Those who are disappointed that Indian Motorcycle didn’t mimic outdated designs and technologies should ride a pre-1953 Scout. Those, beginners or experienced riders, wanting to experience the Scout spirit in a modern bike are going to be delighted. The all-new 2015 Indian Scout has already awakened some sort of motorcycle sleeper cell in the soul of many of my fellow journalists and of bikers present in Sturgis who already got a chance to demo ride it. I even bet that the next Burt Munro may use the new Scout as his preferred platform for a new land speed record. In only 3 years, Indian Motorcycle achieves an outstanding accomplishment, creating an all proprietary modern Scout with its own identity, avoiding the mistake of copying the past and instead building on its rich heritage without betraying it.
So, like me, you may wonder. Is the new Polaris Indian Scout able to take down the Harley-Davidson Sportster? For sure, the new Scout, with its power and agility, is perfect for the new target demographic that Harley is pursuing and it’s probable that Indian is going to give its American competitor a run for its money. Although the Scout is higher priced than the Sportster 1200, when you take in consideration performance and options, the Scout will look to many as a much better value. It is well known that the mid-segment motorcycle market is under-served in the domestic and international markets and I have no doubt that the new Scout could cause some positive disruption in the industry, easily taking the lead for performance and reliability and becoming the benchmark by which all its current, if any, and upcoming mid-size model competitors are going to be judged.
The 2015 Indian Scout is available for immediate ordering at a starting US MSRP of $10,999 with expected delivery in dealerships across North American in late 2014. Pre-orders may be placed on Indian Motorcycle. to receive one of the first Indian Scouts. Once you have reserved your bike, you will be directed to complete your bike reservation with your local dealer. Your reserved bike will arrive to your dealer in late 2014. You will also receive a “Special Commemorative First to Own Kit.” It is available in Thunder Black, Indian Motorcycle Red, Silver Smoke (matte finish) and Thunder Black Smoke (matte finish) and offered with an industry-leading 5 years of coverage
Numerous customization options are offered. 1- Reduced and extended reach accessories (seat, controls, and handlebars) 2- Windshields (different sizes), 3- Storage (saddlebags, tank pouches) 4- Comfort accessories (rider backrest, back seat) Photography Cyril Huze @ Barry Hathaway.
Engine
Engine Type: Liquid Cooled V-Twin
Displacement: 69 cu in
Compression Ratio: 9.5:1
Electronic Fuel Injection System: Closed loop fuel injection / 60 mm bore
Drive/Driven Clutch: Wet, Multi-Plate
Transmission/Primary Drive: Gear Drive Wet Clutch
Horsepower (HP): 100 (74.7 kW)
Peak Torque (J1349 ft-lbs): 72.2 ft-lbs. (97.7 Nm)
Peak Torque RPM: 5900 rpm
Chassis
Suspension: Front – Type/Travel: Telescopic Fork/4.7″ (120 mm)
Suspension: Rear – Type/Travel: Dual Shocks/3.0″ (76 mm)
Brakes/Front: Single / 298 mm Rotor / 2 Piston Caliper
Brakes/Rear: Single /298 mm Rotor / 1 Piston Caliper
Tires/Front: 130/90-16 72H
Tires/Rear: 150/80-16 71H
Wheels: Cast 16″ x 3.5″ Front and 16″ x 5″ Rear
Exhaust System: Split dual exhaust with crossover
Dimensions:
Fuel Capacity (gallons/liters): 3.3 gallons
Ground Clearance: 5.3 in / 135 mm
Overall Height (in./cm.): 47.5 in / 1207 mm
Overall Width (in./cm.): 34.6 in / 880 mm
Rake/Trail: 29°
Seat Height: 25.3 in / 635 mm
Wheelbase: 61.5 in / 1562 mm
Overall Length (in./cm.): 91 in / 2311 mm
Lean Angle: 31 degrees
GVWR: 988 lbs / 449 kg
Trail: 4.7 in / 119.9 mm
Weight (Empty tank / full of fuel): 538 lbs / 558 lbs (244 kg / 253 kg)
Electric: Gauges, Digital tachometer, odometer, trip meter, engine temp, and low fuel lamp
Lights: Headlight, tail/brake light, turn signals, license plate light, and speedometer and indicator lights
Great review. One must admit that Indian created an original design without copying the past, which would be dumb. For performance, it sounds great. Got to ride one at my dealership.
“Love At First Ride” Hey Cyril, some manufacturer is going to steal this slogan from you. Indian?
I think I want one in matte black, but need to ride it first. When is it in dealerships?
Now ……… if they would just do something about that radiator ( design ) as well as those horrid ( looking ) exhaust pipes …..
Overall I like it. I am curious to see what Victory will do with the motor. I’d like a factory mild cafe racer version personally.
Do you know many people who don’t change their stock Harley exhaust?
I must say, except a few details (exhaust/mirrors), I like it.
Harley must be nervous…
Thanks for the in depth review, I sat on one at Sturgis and now I’ve got to test ride it
It’s a glowing review. Let’s trust Cyril. May be in the market for one in 2015.
Like it too, but not the 3.3 gallon fuel tank. Not enuff capacity. How does it sound?
Great review cyril.
@Drake, ah the electric bicycle manufacturer Evelo have been using this slogan for some time!
I test rode Scout at Sturgis — nice looking, but pretty “doggy” below 5,000rpm. Power band is 5,000 to 8,000 rpm — certainly faster than a Sportster at a decent price. I wonder how complex maintenance is going to be for the do it your selfer with the overhead cams?
Success will probably come because it’s a lot of bike for 11K. Should sell very, very well.
Great review. That much performance at that price. It seems the new Scout could even give some metric competitors a run for their money!
Rode it at Sturgis, very nice. I’m 6′, 240 lb., and felt good on it. Way more comfy for me than wife’s 1200 Sporty. Great bike.
Thanks Cyril. I was sold, now I’m sold sold.
As the former owner of four Sportsters and over twenty Big Twins, I would have to agree, totally, with Cyril.
Indian has hit a home run.
The new Sportsters, except the the 1200 Custom that nobody wants, ride like bricks, have sub-standard performance and no travel range.
The Scout looks to be a low maintenance, easy to customize ride without the necessity to spend the usual $3000 in upgrades that the Sporster usually requires.
Wait til the tuners and exhaust manufacturers get their hands on this one.
My suggestion to Indian: get more dealerships on line!
Cyril. Didn’t know you can make the Polaris stock move. This morning PII stock is up 3.82%. What gives? LOL.
I predict this Scout is going to fly out of the showroom floors.
Looks like the V Rod, I’ll just keep my 2012 FLHTK, however I’ll never buy another HD. I’m going to be looking at a Gold Wing.. Nuff said.
Thorough article.
Just vet the content again: “…1928 to 1831…”
HOWEVER.., constructive criticism (if there is such a thing),
I am now more convinced than before – THE 2015 (NEW) SCOUT IS IN ESSENCE A 1st GEN. V-ROD BY A DIFFERENT NAME AND FRAME.
“…clean sheet design…” perhaps not entirely.
I will certainly object _L_O_U_D_L_Y_ to the claim: “…a brand new in-house designed proprietary 60-degree 69 ci, 100 hp, 72 ft-lbs torque, DOHC 4 valve, liquid cooled engine…”
IMHO – HD therefore remains the bona fide market leader – credit to Polaris though for packaging this one more competitive (vs the V-Rod).
I have been saying for years – HD treating the V-rod as a stepchild is not smart; they should do MUCH MORE with it – eg lighter and cheaper (kick the ‘waterpipe’-frame for modern cast pieces -etc).
PS – lest we forget: the Thunderstroke 111 is just an X-Wedge hiding behind an industrial design exercise…
Freddie Ray – if you want something with character; do not forget about the Moto Guzzi California.
Nice review Cyril, but with all due respect, this is about as far from classic Indian as it gets. Looks and smells a lot like Victory. They should take a cue from what Jaguar is about to do….recreate the classic designs (for them from the 60’s) with modern technology.
Dave. You don’t seem to understand that a pre-1953 design will never work with the performance that today bikers are requesting. Buy an old Indian and enjoy technology of the past…and all the trouble.
Cause of the V-Rod I have learned to accept the motor design. Will all water cooled top ends look this way is it the new standard.
The exhaust is good looking along with the gas tank. The fenders were OK design a 100 years ago but don’t get it for me nowadays designs
Right on, Dave. While I do like this bike ALOT, in my opinion, it really belongs in the Victory lineup and not badged as the Scout.
Many riders were expecting and looking forward to the Scout to have some variation of the Thunder Stroke wrapped in a sporty frame.
In a Sporty frame? And you would have screamed “HD copy”
Nothing looks like this new Scout. So, let’s congratulate Indian for this. Performance seems amazing, too.
@Brenda not a Sporty frame a sporty frame……meaning sportier frame than the Indian baggers.
the looks of a 20’s scout interpretation is like saying an interpretation of a steam engine is a car. Nothing looks like this new scout is not bad mouthing another’s design.That’s one ugly rear fender.
The naysayers are those who hate evolution and change. Change is good. Change is life. By the way, we are in 2014.
Scout is OK, radiator kind of sticks out.
Whatever happened to Terence Troy?
Three of us test rode these bikes in Sturgis, and all of us came off smiling ear to ear. This is a fun bike to ride.
If custom builders consider it’s worth customizing, it’s gonna be a huge success.
It’s not going to kill the Sportster but eat away a lot of HD sales.
Clark , he found somewhere else to troll I’m sure
If buyers consider it’s worth buying it’ll be a huge success. Then custom builders will consider it worth customizing no matter what it is.
The hp and Tq numbers are less impressive when you look at the rpm needed to achieve those numbers. If its marketed as a cruiser I would be more interested what it puts out at 3500 rpm not at the rev limiter.
14K for a sportster? That’s more than the price of a Dyna street bob.
Pinhead.Except that the Scout is twice a Sportster and 1 1/2 a Dyna Street Bob. And looking better in my opinion.
Indian nailed it. But why no ABS option. The Scout is too fast without ABS.
$14K for a sportster? Uh, no. The most expensive 1200 per the HD web site is $11,799 for the super low, unless I’m missing something.
Correction on its way?
HellinABucket. Yes, you are missing something. It’s to compare the price of a 1200 Sportster with the same performance than the Scout. Add $3000 in engine work to the price of the Sportster. So, the conclusion is the Scout is a better value if you take in account equal performance. $3000 cheaper…
Sure is the honeymoon phase going on… my only concerns are real riding hp/tq numbers and the “feel” of the bike while riding. Sure will take a look see when it gets here… thanks Cyril.
@Pinhead, or others: I also have ridden the Scout. As far as the rpm’s and power output go I found the motor to be very capable at about any rpm. My guess is once we see a dyno it will show that while torque peaks at 5900 rpm’s the fall off before and after isn’t very steep. In my view the Scout delivers good power, not mind blowing just good, and it can do it in a much wider rpm range compared to most v-twin cruisers. This bike feels a lot like a Sportster at take off, but where the Sporty starts losing power and must be shifted the Scout keeps on accelerating for another 3k rpm’s. Less vibration and about 20 or 30 more hp and I’d call it a great bike, as is I just found it pretty good. A bit too small for me to seriously consider.
The more I consider this bike in light of the new BMW R Nine T .. along with the other current offerings from Triumph , Moto Guzzi , Ducati etc and despite some of those ‘ foreign ‘ offerings costing a bit more ; I’m not so sure that either the Sporty or the V-Rod are appropriate comparisons …. nor am I convinced that this bike will be the ‘ Home Run ‘ all its proponents are hoping it will be
Fact is when you break down the numbers .. especially in light of the visually challenging radiator and exhausts … not to mention the too small fuel tank etc ..
Unfortunately this may very well wind up being a bit of a foul ball or perhaps a single/double at best .
We’ll see
And in all honesty and in my opinion .. the motor company has absolutely nothing to worry about … at all
I like it and think Indian did a fine job. Water cooling is the way to go, no question about it. The only thing that needs work is the radiator which spoils the lines. Indian need to take a look at how Honda hid the radiator on the Fury and the rest of the VT 1300 custom line bikes. But I don’t see the radiator being a deal breaker.
Freddie Ray….The Goldwing is a great choice. I can do 1000 KLM or 600 Mile days on my Goldwing with the wife on the back and arrive fresh and not all bent up.
Couldn’t you guys have hidden that hideous radiator under the tank? Would be such a great looking bike with that gone and rounded fenders. You know, to keep the Scout profile.
Looking forward to see it up close and taking a test ride. I see enough that I could change to make it mine. More fuel capacity would be nice, but you need to stop and talk about the bike sometime!
Nice entry,yet the fenders and tank needs rounding to remove the square edges.2nd A side car added would make my day.Indian your on a roll,just a little fine tuning needed.
Dave nailed it. Performance and ride alone don’t make the bike. That thing makes my eyes throw up. There’s no reason in the world they couldn’t have made that exact same setup look better i.e. an Indian feel instead of a Victory does doesn’t look as good as a Victory. Easier to just scream, “hater” than address that simple concept, I guess. Nobody would have cared what the numbers were on a Mustang II or AMC Pacer, and nobody cared that the first Mustangs were actually rather tame performance-wise.
meant “that doesn’t look as good as a Victory”
I’m am SO glad that you got to test ride the new Scout
from what you’ve said it’s a little bit of a “everyman’s” bike
that can do a lot of thing for a lot of different riders.
Now not only H-D but they’ve got the “metric” boys shakin in their boots.
Why pay for a Honda, Kawasaki, Yamaha when you want an American Bike
at a reasonable cost that won’t fry your leg off.
Thank You Polaris, thank you Indian, thank you Cyril !!!!
Funny that the comment above comes from Woodys Fairings with an ugly website and not so good looking fairings. I just checked him up. Lol.
I won’t be trading in my sweet Hinckley Bonneville for this……..horrible looking. I do like the Chief
If they can hide the radiator like Honda did on the Fury, they’ll sell more bikes.
Thank you Cyril for a great report.
Thank you Indian /Polaris for a real quality American line up.
Cheers,
Very Nice. Worth it all.
Great article Cyril.
This test is going to sell a lot of Scouts, whatever a few naysayers, who even didn’t ride the bike, are writing.
It appears that some of those who have yet to see the Scout in person are still under the impression that the radiator is bolted OVER the down tubes when in fact it is mounted BETWEEN them and what they are referring to as the “radiator sticking out” is actually the frame. I think if Indian released some images of a stripped down Scout like they did the Chief we would get to see the extent of engineering that went into the frame and may clear up some confusion as well.
Nice review by Cyril. I have read all the reports from the so called experts and they are all on board and think highly of this machine. I am a fan of mid size cruisers due to lighter weight , easy to get around on, and since I ride solo it is all I need. That said they are good at what they do but at times the power is underwhelming and most need a sixth gear. When I first saw the Scout in early August I was impressed and have read nothing to disuade me since, and the power numbers are exactly what I wanted. Have to sit and demo one first, unfortunately that will not be until later Sept. in Columbus. and if it fits my egos, pretty sure it will I will put down a reserved deposit which incidentally comes with a five year warranty. Now which color.
Great Review Cyril, thanks….
Wifey just agreed! Will order one in matte black.
@Greg. Thanks to your Sherlock Holmes ability to click on a hyperlink, referral traffic from this site was 3x-4x usual this afternoon and I sold a couple of ugly fairings because of it. If we meet, I owe you-steaks are on me ☺
Excellent article Cyril, this is why I check your web page for motorcycle industry news, Keep up the great work!
Not loving the look, but not hating it and I have to agree it has its own character which really counts for a lot. Also the feel of low end torque is unlikely to be as satisfying off the line compared to HD. I’m glad they went high tech.
Only 4 Indian dealerships in the entire state of Florida where I live. Its funny the comments that this, or any other Indian, is going to hurt HD or make them nervous. Good to see progress and competition, but not any time soon.
RK Brent. You are wrong. Almost all new Indians are sold to Harley riders. See all the Harley trade-ins in Indian dealerships. Each Indian sold is one Harley not sold. So, yes Indian is hurting Harley-Davidson. I understand that Indian Motorcycle is very careful with who they choose as a dealer. Harley corporate wants 10% to 15% less dealers. The number of HD dealers in the US is going down since 2009.
Great review Cyril. In my opinion, this bike will take market share from Honda, Star, Vulcan and HD Sportster.
It’s the most complete review I have read and they are all quite good. Let’s trust Cyril on his positive feedback.
Love the topside of the bike, tank, handlebars, seating area. Not a fan of the fenders, radiator or pipes.