The Indian Scout Bobber is a popular choice for American motorcyclists who love a classic, stripped-down look combined with powerful, modern performance. It stands out in the cruiser segment with its aggressive style and a ride that offers both a thrill and everyday enjoyment.
Bold Style with a Dark Edge
The Scout Bobber’s design is all about attitude:
- Blacked-Out Features: From the engine and exhaust to the handlebars and mirrors, most elements are finished in black, giving the bike a dark, custom, and aggressive appearance.
- Chopped Fenders: The shortened front and rear fenders expose more of the tires, emphasizing its raw “bobber” look.
- Low-Slung Stance: A low seat height and foot-forward controls provide a comfortable yet assertive riding position, making it feel like you’re truly “in” the bike.
- Solo Seat: It typically comes with a minimalist solo seat that reinforces its custom bobber aesthetic. Passenger seating is usually an optional add-on.
- Signature Lighting: Modern LED lighting (tail and turn signals) complements a classic headlight, maintaining a balance of old and new.
Powerful Engine for an Exciting Ride
The heart of the Indian Scout Bobber is its potent V-Twin engine, offering strong acceleration for both city streets and highway cruising.
- Engine Options: For the 2025 model year, Indian has introduced a new generation of Scout models, and the Scout Bobber now comes with the liquid-cooled 1250cc “SpeedPlus 1250” V-twin engine. Older models often featured a 1133cc V-twin.
- Horsepower and Torque:
- The newer 1250cc engine delivers around 105 horsepower and 81 lb-ft of torque.
- Previous 1133cc models typically produced around 100 horsepower and 72-77 lb-ft of torque.
- Smooth Shifting: Both engines are paired with a smooth 6-speed transmission, sending power to the rear wheel via a belt drive. This setup ensures responsive acceleration and comfortable cruising at highway speeds.
Handling and Ride Quality
The Bobber’s design contributes to its unique handling characteristics:
- Suspension: It features a telescopic front fork (with about 4.7 inches of travel) and dual rear shock absorbers (around 2.0 inches of travel). This setup provides a firm but controlled ride, designed for a direct feel of the road.
- Braking: All models typically come with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) as standard, offering reliable stopping power with disc brakes on both the front and rear.
- Agile Feel: Despite its solid build, the low center of gravity and aggressive rider triangle give the Scout Bobber an agile feel, making it enjoyable for navigating urban environments and carving through backroads.
Modern Features and Technology
While embracing a classic style, the Scout Bobber doesn’t skimp on modern conveniences:
- Digital Instrumentation: Depending on the trim, you’ll find an analog speedometer with a digital display for key information like tachometer, odometer, trip meter, fuel gauge, and more. Higher-end “Limited +Tech” trims for 2025 offer a more advanced 4-inch touchscreen powered by Indian’s RIDE COMMAND system, which can include navigation, vehicle health data, and Bluetooth connectivity.
- LED Lighting: Modern models feature LED headlights, taillights, and turn signals for improved visibility and a contemporary touch.
- USB Charging Port: A convenient USB charging port is often included, allowing riders to power their devices on the go.
- Keyless Ignition (on select trims): Some higher trims offer the convenience of keyless ignition.
- Traction Control & Ride Modes (on select trims): For 2025, the “Limited” and “Limited +Tech” trims add features like selectable ride modes and traction control for enhanced rider control.
Fuel Economy (MPG)
While official EPA ratings can vary or sometimes aren’t released for motorcycles, owners typically report the Indian Scout Bobber delivering respectable fuel economy for a cruiser of its size and power. Riders generally see around 40-45 miles per gallon (MPG) in mixed riding conditions. The fuel tank capacity is approximately 3.4 gallons, providing a decent range between fill-ups.
Price in the U.S.A. (MSRP)
The Indian Scout Bobber offers various trims and options, affecting its price. For the 2025 Indian Scout Bobber, the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) typically starts around $12,999.
Higher trims like the Scout Bobber Limited and Scout Bobber Limited +Tech will have higher MSRPs, often ranging up to around $14,699 depending on color and additional features. These prices generally do not include destination charges, dealer setup fees, taxes, title, or registration fees, which can add several hundred to over a thousand dollars to the final cost.
The Indian Scout Bobber stands as a compelling choice for American motorcycle enthusiasts. It masterfully blends classic bobber aesthetics with powerful, reliable performance, and modern technology, making it a stylish and exciting ride for cruising city streets or hitting the open highway.