Indian Motorcycles took the logical first step in returning the marque to glory by relaunching the brand last year with an impressive lineup of Chief and Chieftain models that share styling cues with the famous originals, right down to the fully skirted fenders and Indian head war bonnet mascot. The line even expanded to four bikes recently with the introduction of the Roadmaster full-dresser, which is not called a Chief but is based on the same Thunder Stroke 111 engine and chassis. Stylish and mighty cruisers, they are also mighty big, starting at 808 pounds wet on the Rider scale for the base Indian Chief Classic.
That sort of “presence” is just the ticket for many cruiser riders, but to round-out the line Indian also needed a lighter, lower-cost middleweight bike for riders who want a smaller, more nimble machine and those with less stature, experience, upper body strength and/or money to burn. The perfect name was already waiting in the wings—the original Indian Scout was designed as a lighter, lower displacement model that was used in competition and by the military in WWII, and was highly regarded. The reborn 2015 Scout is also smaller and lighter than the Chiefs, with an all-new liquid-cooled, 69-cubic-inch (1,131cc) engine that makes a claimed 100 horsepower and 72 lb-ft of torque at 5,900 rpm. A cast aluminum frame contributes to the Scout’s claimed wet weight of just 558 pounds, making it one of the lightest cruisers in the middleweight class and potentially appealing to riders of all sizes and experience levels, yet its higher horsepower output and lighter weight should give it handling that will also keep experienced riders entertained.
The original Scouts were famous for conquering the “Wall of Death” and carried the legendary “Indian Wrecking Crew” motorcycle race team to multiple victories. Technology and designs derived from Scout models played a significant role for Allied Forces in World War II, and a 1920 Indian Scout modified by New Zealander Burt Munro earned the title of the “World’s Fastest Indian” in 1967.
Indian’s new techno-classic interpretation of the Scout has contemporary features such as closed-loop fuel injection and drive-by-wire throttle actuation, and the engine is mated to a six-speed overdrive transmission. The Scout’s overall “rigid triangle” design wraps around a low seat height of 25.3 inches and a premium, tan leather solo bucket seat.
The 2015 Indian Scout is available at a starting U.S. MSRP of $10,999 and is expected in dealerships across North American in late 2014. Pre-orders may be placed on indianmotorcycle.com; visit “Scout’s First Run” to learn more. It is available in Thunder Black, Indian Motorcycle Red, Silver Smoke (matte finish) and Thunder Black Smoke (matte finish).
Sturgis Rally attendees can experience the 2015 Indian Scout at the Indian Motorcycle exhibit at 3rd and Lazelle Street or by taking a demo ride at the Indian Motorcycle Demo Experience, Interstate 90 at Exit 30. Visit the Indian Motorcycle Sturgis event page for details.
Stunning bike. And revealed on my birthday? Obviously it was meant to be mine…
And hey guys, what’s the point of having clickable images if they’re just gonna bring up an image the exact same size as the thumbnail I clicked on.