The competition is called “Project Scout. Build A Legend” The program gives select dealers a high-profile forum to showcase their passion for Indian Motorcycle and their team’s talent by building a custom Indian® Scout®. There are no rules or restrictions on bike theme, cost or build style, although entrants must utilize a 2016 Indian Scout model and a minimum of three genuine Indian Scout accessories from the current catalog of more than 200 items. The Indian Scout custom build program was open to Indian Motorcycle dealers from around the world on a first-come, first-served basis. The forty dealers in competition will have 90 days to complete their Scout project. The winner will be voted by fans on social media and will be revealed during a Daytona Bike Week party.
“The Indian Scout has long been a favorite platform for custom builders, and the 2016 Scout continues that heritage with class-leading power and handling upon which customizers can build their ultimate vision,” said Indian Motorcycle Marketing Director Scott Meek. “Through this program we are giving our dealers around the world a global stage from which to demonstrate their creativity, and ultimately to write a new chapter in the legendary history of the Indian Scout.”
From now through January 15, 2016 each participating dealer will submit monthly photos reflecting their progress toward completion, which Indian Motorcycle will regularly highlight on its social media channels. Beginning on January 18, final custom build photos will begin being published and shared on the Indian Motorcycle website and social media channels and Indian Motorcycle fans will be allowed to vote for their favorites. This fan voting will continue through February 19, and on February 20 the top three finalists will be announced.
The top three Project Scout finalists as voted by Indian Motorcycle fans will receive an all-expenses-paid weekend trip to the 75th annual Daytona Bike Week for themselves plus a guest. Finally, Indian Motorcycle will host a special award ceremony in Daytona Beach during which a panel of celebrity judges will select the ultimate winner of the ‘Project Scout: Build a Legend’ program, and party goers will vote to determine the winner of the Fan Favorite award. Stay tuned to Indian Motorcycle’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram social media channels for contest updates and regular progress reports on each custom build project.
Great idea. Good marketing, and a chance to get 40 different design concepts on display to potential customers AND in-house designers. Very smart.
Good marketing; should be some interesting results but:
“The Indian Scout has long been a favorite platform for custom builders”
might just be a bit of an ad man’s stretch
Can’t wait to see what is done. But dealers are less creative than pro custom builders. Except that I bet that some dealers are going to subcontract part of the work to custom builders.
Surprised that only 40 dealers volunteered. Explanation is probably in comment above.
Yes, the Scout is now a favorite for customization. Well played Indian.
There are talented builders working at motorcycle dealerships for their day job (I know 2). Nights and weekends these guys are turning out awesome stuff in their garages.
This will be interesting to watch … much better than Biker Buildoff.
Domino Dave
The first thing they need to do is turn the front fender around.(the factory puts them on backwards!!)
Brilliant idea!
Or you buy into the “you CAN purchase a family tree” ad campaign, and remind everyone that since 1920 folks have enjoyed customizing Indian Scouts 🙂
Indian has had a few marketing missteps, but this ain’t one of them.
Oh, and shame on Indian for bringing back (and correctly this time) a storied American motorcycle nameplate. Who would think they’d capitalize on the name,history and hype after spending all those million$. Sarcasm off.
Well, hopefully they can make it look better than the stock machine.
This is a good idea. Haley did it a few months ago, it was talked about and the winner was shown on this site. I hope it works for indian as well.
1 Wheelie bike and it should tap into the FXR fever going on now.
I agree this is a good idea and marketing play but not an original idea. H-D just did the same thing recently with the Street 750 Battle of the Kings build off.
Agreed !!!
But still, anything that’s going to pump up interest
Plus, we’l probably see some more cool “aftermarket” stuff come out of this
FXR fever has been going strong for about 30 years now