Indian Scout Bobber

Bobbers are generally good-looking motorcycles due to their custom-like appeal, and the Indian Scout Bobber is no exception. Like every other bobber motorcycle, this one also is a sheer head-turner, with its low-slung appeal, chopped bodywork, single seat and bar-end mirrors. However, these same elements also reduce its practicality as a motorcycle for daily runs.

At the front, the Indian Scout Bobber has a rounded halogen headlamp encased within a rounded cowl, which is flanked with rounded amber turn indicators on either side. The tiny chopped front fender above the massive, thick-looking front tyre further completes the minimalist front profile of the motorcycle.

The Indian Scout Bobber shares its curvy fuel tank, black-themed engine, dual exhausts, and huge radiator with the Scout cruiser. However, compared to the cruiser, the Scout Bobber sits even lower, leaving behind an even lower ground clearance. The Scout Bobber comes with a single-seater configuration as standard, like every other bobber.

At the back, the Indian Scout Bobber has a custom motorcycle-like appeal, with a curved and chopped fender, which comes attached with rounded lights on either side. These lights house both turn indicators and LED tail lamps. There is no provision for a pillion seat on this motorcycle, with the rounded rear fender placed above the fat rear tyre.

The Indian Scout Bobber comes with a wide handlebar equipped with high-quality switches and a single-pod-rounded instrument console in the middle. This console packs in an old-school analogue speedometer and a small LCD panel for fuel level, odometer, trip meters and warning lights. This unit is decently informative, but we would have loved to see a more modern unit. Nevertheless, it goes well with the overall theme of the Scout Bobber. The motorcycle also gets bar-end mounted rounded rearview mirrors, completing the authentic bobber appeal.

The Indian Scout Bobber has conventional mechanical underpinnings, with the suspension setup being a combination of telescopic hydraulic forks at the front and dual-sided coil springs at the back. The front suspension travel of 120mm and rear suspension travel of 51mm means that it has a stiff ride quality, which can be easily felt while riding over broken patches. However, for a bobber motorcycle, it feels planted and dynamic on fast stretches.

Equipped with 16-inch alloy wheels, the Scout Bobber comes with 130/90 B16 front and 150/80 B16 rear tyres sourced from Pirelli. For halting duties, both the front and rear ends of the motorcycle have been equipped with single 298mm disc brakes.

Powering the Indian Scout Bobber is the same four-stroke, liquid-cooled, V-twin, 1133cc engine, which powers the Scout cruiser on which it is based. It might be one of the smallest engines from the family of Indian Motorcycles, but it offers addictive power and torque outputs. Paired with a 5-speed gearbox, this smooth and refined engine delivers 95 PS of maximum power and 97 Nm of maximum torque. This long-stroke motor gives it enough amount of torque to play around the streets and even on long stretches of highways.

The only prominent safety feature which makes a presence in the Indian Scout Bobber is a dual-channel ABS. For a modern-day motorcycle, missing out on other safety features is a big loss for Scout Bobber owners.

Despite having a conventional essence in its design and mechanicals, the Scout Bobber appeals to a lot of people who love the authentic appeal of an old-school bobber. This motorcycle has a punchy engine and stiff suspension setup, which makes riding it on long stretches of tarmac an enjoyable experience.