The new Indian Scout introduced at the 2014 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally as a 2015 model is a “modern classic cruiser”, designed with modern technology but with visual references to the distinctive pre-1953 Indian style. But it’s a cruiser with a sport personality. The original versions of the Scout (1920 to 1949), have earned respect for agility and power, and for many, thanks to Burt Munro using a modified 1920 model to set land speed records, the Scout is either a racing bike, or thanks to the model 101, the best hill climber.
Roland Sands was one of the first professional builders to work on the new Scout. Because of his racing background and personal taste, each RSD custom version of the new Indian Scout draws an heavier inspiration from the past to carry Indian’s racing heritage. This “unfinished” completed machine screams I am a racer, no more a cruiser. And to arrive to such a result, Sands admits that you must be somewhat crazy to deconstruct a brand new factory Scout and fully rebuilt it with a new Chromoly frame inspired by the original Scout and very close in configuration to the one created for the Pikes Peak Project 156.
A very lightweight frame with a much more aggressive geometry than the factory new Scout version, slightly shorter and with less rake. The stock Dual Shocks with 3″ of travel were replaced by the same rear suspension “Panigale” package also used for the Project 156 (the Scout and the 156 share some mounting points, making the project somewhat easier)
The new factory Indian Scout offers a lot for a cruiser, a 1,133 cc (69.1”), 100 HP ((74.7 kW) liquid-cooled, double overhead camshaft V-twin engine in a lightweight cast aluminum frame. The RSD version is featherweight, turning the original cruiser into a true racer.
Stylistically, and of course on purpose, this RSD project points more to the past than to the future. It is still equipped with the first liquid-cooled engine Indian has ever offered, but now cradled in a raw, unfinished bodywork (limited to gas rank and radiator) with exposed wiring and zip ties to make sure that everybody understand that this Scout is hand built for torque and thrust.
Nostalgia and performance technology working together to inspire a new generation of Indian Scout riders. By Roland Sands Design.
Nice, as always by RSD.
rather look at this than one of those big wheel baggers …………………..
“unfinished” almost describes it, “lazy” would be better. What a terrible custom, yanked paint, no attempt to tidy wiring, hacked and wrapped stock exhaust, if this sets the bar for Indian customs, the bar is set too low.
SK. Unfinished is a style! Done this way on purpose.
I like RSD’s edgy style; he’s no copy-cat just trying to scream look at me with an even bigger wheel. This is basically a totally hand-wrought machine and cannot be copied by the “man in the street”, but will no doubt “inspire” certain people. What I also find interesting is the subliminal messages referring to the original Indians. No less than a dozen references to the past they had nothing to do with…
This would be fun to ride. I see Buell tube bike in this if I squint hard enough. If only….
And enough about the disjointed Indian history lesson. We know none of the original guys have a hand in the new Indian. Same with Norton, Triumph, Ariel, Brough, maybe Bimota and possibly Ducati as it has had more owners than a 60 year old tramp. Good for Polaris for bringing them back, and for real this time.
Seems like he is drawing a bit from Ducati. (Rear susspension and wheel from panigale, and not caring about hoses and cables like M1200) Kinda funny the Italians have such a hard time cracking our market when so may people take cues from their design, but i am surprised he did not utilize the classic ducati 900 single sided trellis swing arm. I think you could design a bike around it and would be a winner in all segments.
Maybe they should ask an American designer like RS to give them a break, It seemed to work for BMW and the R Nine T. The irony is that he is taking the ducati naked approach to letting internals hang out, and making it look good where they seem to be catching flack for it. I wonder how this community will receive the new cruiser they are about to introduce.
Nice work Roland. If were me, I’d ditch the Ohlins shock and go with something more old school to keep with the tone. Still a solid effort.
I’d love to carve the canyons on this bad boy! The lean angle looks excellent.
Nice start…. but finished would be more interesting.
-nicker-
Good looking ride. Looks like you can actually ride it too.
Glad to see the Scout is taking off.
I can understand the concept for Michael Lichter’s show this year at Sturgis
But other than that, not all that excited about it.
To be perfectly fair & honest,
I’ve never been a huge fan of 95% of what RSD does anyway.
Others like it & buy it ….
But not just my cup of tea ….
By the way my offer still stands
If Indian is giving away perfectly good Scouts for this & the hill-climber
I’d be happy to get one, stock, and ride the hell out of it !!!!!
LOL !!!!
FYB this thing is fatty
Nice job as usual Roland and Team. You guys hit a home run every time on everything you touch. Another Roland Sands Origional.
This would actually get me to buy an Indian.
Could use a rear fender, or at least a half…..
REALLY ugly…
I’d like to see some fenders and paint . But it ain’t my bike . Other than that this is some beautiful work !
Sk no comment you’re effin crazy
Wow. Looks like the Punisher. Good job Roland.
Nice Work and some good options but will keep my Scout the way I have it ..