A common question that comes up when looking at the Indian Scout line up is what’s the difference between the various models? Is it purely styling or more? Good News! I’ve been doing some research and laid out the nitty gritty below, let’s end the confusion now.
What’s The Difference Between the Indian Scout and Scout Bobber? Fundamentally the main differences are down to the aesthetics. The Bobber has lower rear suspension, a headlight cowl, bar-end mirrors, different tank badge, solo seat, chopped fender, different handlebars and wears blacked out styling as opposed to the Scout’s chrome.
Just to make your choice even harder, Indian produce a total of 5 different variations of the Scout, 3 of which are Bobber bikes. You will want to read on if you are considering adding an Indian Scout to your garage but struggling to decide on which one.
Scout Vs Scout Bobber
Let’s get into the various differences then by starting with the price:
Indian Scout: £11,899 (USA price $11,499)
Indian Scout Bobber: £11,999 (USA price $10,999)
Depending on model and paint scheme there is a variance. The Scout Sixty for example is £249 more than the Scout Bobber Sixty which is priced at £10250 in the UK although in America they are both the same price at $8999.
The most expensive Scout model in an ICON paint scheme comes in at £12,499 vs the premium Scout Bobber Twenty the dearer at £12,999
Again this differs in America with the top end Scout costing $13,899 and the Scout Bobber Twenty less at $13,399
Indian Scout
5 Paint Schemes to choose from:
- Thunder Black (Gloss)
- White Smoke
- Maroon/Crimson Metallic
- ICON Blue Slate Metallic/Cobra Silver
- ICON Stealth Grey/Thunder Black
- Chrome Styling
- Swept Back Beach Style Handlebars
- Full Rear Fender
- Standard 2 Up Seat
- 2 Models: Indian Scout – 1133cc V-Twin and Indian Scout Sixty – 1000cc V-Twin
Indian Scout Bobber:
5 Different Paint Schemes:
- Thunder Black (Gloss)
- Thunder Black Smoke (Matt)
- Alumina Jade Smoke
- ICON Indy Red
- ICON Black Azure Crystal
- Blacked Out Styling
- Street Tracker Bars
- Chopped Rear Fender
- Solo Seat
- Different Tank Badge
- Headlight Cowl
- Bar End Mirrors
- 4kg Lighter
- 25mm Lower Rear Suspension
- 17mm Less Ground Clearance
- 3 Models: The Scout Bobber Sixty – 1000cc V-Twin, the Scout Bobber – 1133cc V-Twin and the Scout Bobber Twenty – 1133cc V-Twin
The Scout and Scout Bobber share the same engine, drive chain and chassis. The main difference that changes the look of the bike is the lowered rear suspension giving it that slammed look. (Same applies to the Sixty models of both)
The chrome styling on the Scout and blacked-out look on the Scout Bobber also really change the vibe of the bikes. The paint choices on the Scout tend to lean towards more classic colours somewhat muted down; the Scout Bobber however, are a bit fresher and brighter which works really nice with the blacked-out styling.
Which is the faster – Scout or Scout Bobber?
Both the Scout and Scout Bobber share the same liquid cooled, 1133cc, 94-horsepower V-Twin engine. Peak Torque is 97Nm for both and the gear ratios are identical. So, put simply there is nothing in it.
The same applies to the Scout Sixty and Scout Bobber Sixty as they both share the liquid cooled, 1000cc, 76-horsepower V Twin engine with the Peak Torque being 88Nm.
Which is the most comfortable – Scout or Scout Bobber?
From the feedback of riders on the IMRG – UK Facebook group it would appear the stock Scout Bobber seat is the main reason why the Scout is the more comfortable option.
However, it is an easy fix with Indian themselves offering a variety of seat options for all models. The slightly lowered suspension on the Scout Bobber may also come into play comfort wise as the Scout suspension is known for being a bit stiff combine that with a shorter travel distance – it may be a problem for a few riders.
Indian make it very easy for their riders to customise their Scout’s to their own needs with a vast range of accessories from reduced reach seats to different handlebars; there is also a choice of windshields to protect riders from the wind and even a new quick release fairing for the Scout, maybe connecting with those who want to do some more long-distance touring.
They have done a really good job at catering for all those that might be tempted by the Scout range albeit at a premium but that is to be expected with such a brand.
Which Scout Bobber?
Okay so you have narrowed it down and you prefer the Scout Bobber over the Scout the next decision is this, which one? There are 3 to choose from and here I will explain the differences between them:
Scout Bobber Sixty:
- £10,250 MSRP
- Only available in ‘Thunder Black Smoke’
- Smaller Capacity Machine with the Liquid Cooled, 1000cc, 76-horsepower V Twin engine
- 5 Gears
- Black Stock Scout Mirrors
- Black Solo Seat
Scout Bobber:
- Starts at £11,999 MSRP in the paint scheme ‘Thunder Black Gloss’ add £100 for ‘Thunder Black Matt’ and it’s an extra £200 for ‘Alumina Jade Smoke’
- Two ICON paint schemes available and Indian’s MSRP for the Bobber in either of these is £12,699 – ‘Indy Red’ and ‘Black Azure Crystal’
- Liquid Cooled, 1133cc, 94-horsepower V-Twin engine.
- 6 Gears
- Bar-End Mirrors
- USB Charging Port
- Black and Tan Solo Seat
Scout Bobber 20
Scout Bobber Twenty, shares the same engine, 6 gears, bar-ends and USB port with these additions:
- £12,899 MSRP in the paint scheme ‘Thunder Black’
- £12,999 MSRP in ‘Thunder Black Smoke’ and ‘Sagebrush Smoke’
- Different floating bobber style saddle seat
- Chrome Styling noticeable most on the exhaust and engine covers
- Mini-Ape Handlebars
- Indian Headdress Tank Artwork
There is a £2749 difference between a standard Scout Sixty and the Scout Bobber Twenty in one of the premium paint schemes. For that you get the bigger engine, premium paintwork and different styling with a change of bars, mirrors, seat, a USB charging port and a splash of chrome.
The thinking behind this from Indian’s perspective would be to offer the bike at a more affordable price point to potential riders; the smaller capacity also seems to target novice riders into the brand.
Is The Indian Scout a Good First Bike?
I know! It is such a subjective question and the amount of advice handed out on forums to new riders astounds me purely because it’s always so varied and everybody comes from their own point of view (which is of course correct) which means that reasons why a bike would be good for a first bike get put on the back burner.
As reason/logic based as possible and from talking to riders that bought an Indian Scout/Scout Bobber as their first big bike (some of them their first bike ever) I’d say yes it fits right into the gap for riders who want to buy their first bike and are confident enough to understand it isn’t a toy.
The Scout is low slung and carries it’s 256kg (model dependant) with ease, the low centre of gravity boosts great confidence and handling wise it is responsive enough without shocking the system. The power delivery is smooth so there is no fear of any accidental wheelies and the comfort of ABS as standard is a bonus.
Add that to the fact that Indian can cater to shorter or taller riders with different bars and seats to suit, the bike can be formed into the perfect position for you, instilling great confidence in novice riders.
Summary
So, there you have it, the mystery of the 5 Indian Scouts explained. If I was choosing it would have to be the Indian Scout as I am partial to a bit of chrome. Throw that in with the Maroon/Crimson Metallic paintwork which harks back to Indian’s original 1920’s Scouts and I am sold.
Tan leather seat and Official Indian tan saddlebags, I am set to roam the Great British roads pretending I am in the Wild Wild West. Whatever your taste and preferences, the Indian Scout line-up has a version for you and they are guaranteed to put a smile on your face.
Check out www.indianmotorcycle.co.uk or Indianmotorcycle.com
Images via Indian Motorcycles