Four years ago, at the 2013 Sturgis Rally, the reborn Indian Motorcycle made its debut with three all-new Chief models powered by the air-cooled, Thunder Stroke 111 V-twin. Given that the reset button had been pressed when Indian was purchased by Polaris Industries in 2011, it was nothing short of impressive that three models based on a clean-sheet platform were—in just over two years—not only production-ready but also beautiful, functional and competitive.
Even more impressive was the debut, just a year later, of the Scout, a midsize cruiser powered by a liquid-cooled, 1,133cc (69ci) 60-degree V-twin with DOHC and four valves per cylinder that makes 100 horsepower and 72 lb-ft of torque (claimed, at the crank).
Indian’s 2017 lineup includes 10 models based on the Chief platform but only two based on the Scout platform—the standard bike and the smaller-displacement, lower-priced Scout Sixty. Variations of the Scout are overdue, and Indian has just delivered.
Say hello to the 2018 Indian Scout Bobber, a dark, stripped-down bike that embraces today’s less-is-more approach to factory customs.
“The Scout Bobber is our most raw and mean machine to date, and the ultimate in the celebration of what motorcycling is about–a powerful engine, two wheels, and no plans of where to go,” said Reid Wilson, Marketing Director, Indian Motorcycle. “It’s an incredibly fun motorcycle that delivers a ton of attitude, along with a ton of power.”
Firmly established as a heritage brand with taste for performance—Indian has been kicking ass and taking names in American Flat Track—the Scout Bobber was inspired by the bobbers that emerged after WWII, when military veterans came home and pared down their bikes to the barest essentials.
Chopped fenders, a new two-tone genuine leather seat and new rear LED lights with integrated stop/turn/tail lights enhance the Bobber’s minimalist look, while a tracker handlebar and footpegs moved 1.5 inches closer to the rider give it a more aggressive riding position.
Reduced rear suspension travel gives the Bobber a low-slung profile and its black wheels with chunky semi-knobby tires gives the bike plenty of attitude. A black headlight nacelle, minimal engine covers, black exhaust with vented shields, bar-end mirrors, a black gauge face on its instrument panel and a new block letter logo on the tank rounds out the muscular stance.
The 2018 Indian Scout Bobber will be available at dealers starting in September. Five colors, including Thunder Black, Star Silver Smoke, Bronze Smoke, Indian Motorcycle Red, and Thunder Black Smoke with ABS, are available with prices starting from $11,499 to $12,499.
