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INDIAN SCOUT (2014 - on) Review

MCN rating 4 out of 5 (4/5)
Owners' rating 4.6 out of 5 (4.6/5)
Specs Owners' reviews Bikes for saleFor sale
Indian Scout
4

Highlights

  • Torquey V-twin engine
  • Low-slung, cruiser styling
  • Affordable end of the Indian range

At a glance

Owners' reliability rating: 4.4 out of 5 (4.4/5)
Annual servicing cost: £200
Power: 100 bhp
Seat height: Low (26.5 in / 673 mm)
Weight: High (542 lbs / 246 kg)

Prices

New £10,395
Used £8,700 - £9,500
View bikes for sale

Overall rating

Next up: Ride & brakes
4 out of 5 (4/5)

With the Indian Scout, they've done it again. The company’s quoted aim with the Scout was to build the ‘best in class, mid-size American motorcycle’, or as company boss Steve Menneto more succinctly puts it: “It’s our answer to the Harley Davidson Sportster.”

In the metal it’s a good entry-level-to-mid-sized cruiser with more style, authenticity, class and performance than most. For that, it should be a huge success. It outperforms Harley and outstyles Europeans. Our only slight doubt is the price.

Ride quality & brakes

Next up: Engine
4 out of 5 (4/5)

Although unusual at first (similar to Ducati’s Diavel, the Scout’s cruiser riding position is a little at odds with its willingness to sweep and scratch through the bends) The Scout has enough performance and handling to be a blast anyone can enjoy.

Despite the fat, 130-section front tyre, the steering remains light and precise, the ride quality consistent and smooth.

Indian Scout ridden quickly around a corner

The twin pot single disc front brake is basic but braking power is more than adequate for this type of bike.

Handling-wise, the Scout reminded me most of a Triumph, bikes renowned for their handling aplomb. Think of the Bonneville America but with extra oomph, style and substance, extra everything really. That’s praise indeed.

Engine

Next up: Reliability
4 out of 5 (4/5)

To meet performance targets, the all-new, V-twin had to be liquid-cooled. Yet the Scout doesn’t hide its water jacket with fake finning as so many do.

Instead it revels in it with clever styling and tactile machining. It’s also decently brisk. From zero to four or five K the Scout just thumps along, happily, familiarly, like many other V-twin cruisers.

Indian Scout engine

Above that, however, the new Indian has an added dimension most of its rivals lack: a willingness to rev to eight thou. Cruising and ‘squirting’ has never blended so well…

Reliability & build quality

Next up: Value
4 out of 5 (4/5)

Some components are a tad basic and it nowhere near matches the luxury of the bigger Indians, the Scout’s largely good enough.

Our Indian Scout owners' reviews show a few people have issues with minor things such as corrosion, while others had slightly more problematic faults such as the handlebar grip coming off mid-ride. Best to have a thorough read through before heading out to check used bikes.

Value vs rivals

Next up: Equipment
3 out of 5 (3/5)

Om launch, our only doubt was the price which, we thought, was a tad salty. It’s over a grand more than the closest Harley, the 48, which has far more proven residuals.

It also put it a full £3000 more than, say, Triumph’s America (which, admittedly, it both outguns and out-poses). In fact, that price put it in Ducati Monster 1200 and Guzzi Griso LE territory which, while not strictly cruisers, both have justifiable performance and quality claims of their own.

Equipment

4 out of 5 (4/5)

Less lavish and extravagant than the £20K Indian Chief range but there’s still plenty of class. Paint and chrome are thick, clocks, mirrors, levers and more are decent, shocks (see above) better than most.

Indian Scout clocks

Only slight disappointments are slightly basic switchgear and front brake performance. ‘Signature’ tan leather seat, meanwhile, according to lead project designer Rich Christophe, was “a no brainer”.

The 2019 version will have new paint options and a USB port added to the dash.

Specs
Engine size 1133cc
Engine type liquid-cooled, four-valve, V-twin
Frame type Cast aluminium spine
Fuel capacity 12.5 litres
Seat height 673mm
Bike weight 246kg
Front suspension Conventional telescopic forks, no adjust
Rear suspension Twin shocks, no adjust
Front brake 298mmd, twin piston caliper
Rear brake 298mmdisc, single piston caliper
Front tyre size 130/90 x 16
Rear tyre size 150/80 x 16

Mpg, costs & insurance
Average fuel consumption 39 mpg
Annual road tax £117
Annual service cost £200
New price £10,395
Used price £8,700 - £9,500
Insurance group -
How much to insure?
Warranty term Two year unlimited mileage

Top speed & performance
Max power 100 bhp
Max torque 72 ft-lb
Top speed 120 mph
1/4 mile acceleration -
Tank range 119 miles

Model history & versions

Model history

  • 2014: Model introduced.
  • 2019: Scout Icon launched.
  • 2019: 100th Anniversary Limited Edition launched.

Other versions

Owners' reviews for the INDIAN SCOUT (2014 - on)

7 owners have reviewed their INDIAN SCOUT (2014 - on) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.

Review your INDIAN SCOUT (2014 - on)

Summary of owners' reviews
Overall rating: 4.6 out of 5 (4.6/5)
Ride quality & brakes: 3.9 out of 5 (3.9/5)
Engine: 4.9 out of 5 (4.9/5)
Reliability & build quality: 4.4 out of 5 (4.4/5)
Value vs rivals: 4.1 out of 5 (4.1/5)
Equipment: 3.9 out of 5 (3.9/5)
Annual servicing cost: £200
4 out of 5
11 March 2024 by Steve

Year: 2023

Annual servicing cost: £190

Great styling and feel good factor when riding. A bit pricey but top notch quality.

Ride quality & brakes 3 out of 5

Changed rear shocks which was a significant improvement but should not have to do this on a bike which costs this much.

Engine 4 out of 5

Smooth and plenty of power. The exhaust sound could do with a bit more of a grumble, (not volume).

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

This is my second Scout and never had a problem. Quality excellent, but all Indian bikes and accessories a bit pricey.

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

I think you pay a bit for the 'heritage' but its probably worth it.

Equipment 4 out of 5

Manufacturer has listened to previous comments and bike now has better tyres, gear indicator, and battery charger and phone connectors.

Buying experience: Excellent service from Indian dealership Freedom Motorcyles in March. Went the extra mile and were very friendly and helpful.

5 out of 5 ksharman65@hotmail.co.uk
16 October 2023 by ksharman65@hotmail.co.uk

Version: ksharman65@hotmail.co.uk

Year: 2018

Annual servicing cost: £200

I would thoroughly recommend this bike, it is ideal for people are short.I am 5' 6"

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5
Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

Very economical I average 62mpg

Equipment 5 out of 5

Buying experience: I bought from a dealer and got a very good price, saved £700 shopping around as it was brand new

5 out of 5 My. Indian friend
01 May 2020 by John

Year: 2015

Annual servicing cost: £120

So comfortable easy to ride. You sit in the bike rather than on it

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

2 hours. Then start needing a rest.

Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5
Value vs rivals 4 out of 5
Equipment 4 out of 5

Progressive fork springs. Fitted good improvement

Buying experience: From dealer

4 out of 5 Head-turning cruiser that handles well and don't half go!
26 January 2019 by Cynical Dodgyknees

Year: 2018

Annual servicing cost: £250

Really great bike with a superb engine. Seat comfort not great. Fuel range limiting. Not for the shy as everywhere I go, it draws people with really positive comments. I'd love a fiver for every comment I've had saying "It's nicer than a Harley!". I'd be pocketing a lot! Having ridden the Harley Sportster there really is no comparison. It's far better!

Ride quality & brakes 3 out of 5

Suspension travel limited, front brake average with annoying groan. Handling surprising good for a cruiser with better ground clearance than expected. Had seat re-foamed for comfort. Hour and a half at a time is enough before aches start spoiling the fun.

Engine 5 out of 5

One of the very best engines I've ever ridden with. Amazing torque, silky-smooth, sounds fantastic and surprisngly revvy.

Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5

Appears robust but a few fixings a bit cheap (they've gone!)

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

Sniffs the fuel at around 50mpg but ridden sedately. £250 Estimated price for next interim service.

Equipment 3 out of 5

Belt-drive is great. Standard tyres (Indian-badged, Ken Da made) ok in dry. NOK in wet. Front tyre wearing quickly at 4000 miles with a couple of K more, max. Rear ok. Single clock with integrated digital multi-function looks nice, readout adequate but no fuel gauge.

Buying experience: Very good deal from Midwest Moto. Service good too. Got a good price for BMW part-ex.

4 out of 5 Nothing Wrong with the Bike Shame about the Back Up
16 May 2018 by Steve S

Year: 2016

Annual servicing cost: £250

Great bike. I have covered 5000 miles on my scout, apart from the handle bar grip coming away from the handle bar mid corner (Warning to all Scout Riders please check your left grip, I have raised my concerns with Indian regarding What I consider a safety issue but have had no response) and paint fault on the brake master cylinder that took a year to sort out, I have had nothing but hours of joy riding my Indian. It would have 5 out of 5 if communication with manufacture was possible! (needs to be a two way thing).

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

Pillion position not the best, I find no issue riding as far as the tank will allow (about 120 miles).

Engine 5 out of 5

Performance is stunning, I love this engine. It pulls like a train and Revs like a jet, it feels alive

Reliability & build quality 3 out of 5

Handlebar grip, without warning, came away in my hand. I think this is very poor, never had this on any bike before! Paint fault on master cylinder took various phone calls, visits and photos to sort. Sad to think that Indian have a winner with this bike, but I think the backup will let them down. I will sell my Scout before the 5 year warranty expires and will miss it. I will stick to my BMW GS1200 for the all weather ride but back to Triumph for my high days and holidays ride.

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5
Equipment 4 out of 5

Not a lot of goodies but what there is all works well. Tyres not the best in the wet but have lasted well.

Buying experience: Purchased brand new from a dealer, sales staff great , service and parts staff not so great.

5 out of 5 A cracking cruiser that might change your mind about the genre
17 May 2016 by Lee Blackburn

Year: 2015

The best cruiser-style bike I've ever ridden. Beats any Harley-Davidson I've ridden (I've owned an XR1200 in the past too) and looks fabulous too.

Ride quality & brakes 3 out of 5

The bike's only real drawback is that, similar to most cruisers, the suspension isn't up to enthusiastic riding. The front end bottoms out fairly quickly if you are enjoying yourself and the rear isn't much better. The seat and ergonomics are good though (I'm 6'00").

Engine 5 out of 5

Fabulous - Smooth, sounds nice even with the standard pipes, has a good rev range so that you can hold a gear for overtakes and feels modern and well developed. It's everything a Harley-Davidson engine should be.

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

It's early days yet as I've only owned my bike since October 2015 but thus far all appears well.

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

Too early to tell really but servicing costs should be competitive with other brands.

Equipment 4 out of 5

The speedo's various functions are welcome though I'd like a fuel gauge too.

5 out of 5 Scout Surprise
21 April 2016 by Yoni Orritz

Version: SCOUT

Year: 2015

Annual servicing cost: £165

I'd NEVER contemplated buying a Harley type bike in 40 years of biking, but a pal bought a Scout 60 and as a total novice mechanically, asked if I'd give it a basic service, so after changing the oil,air filter etc I took it for a test ride and was very pleasantly surprised as I'd once hired a Harley XR1200 while on holiday and was totally underwhelmed by the experience, the only complaint I had with the Scout 60 was although much more powerful and infinitely better handling than the alleged "sportster" Harley, it still lacked a bit of power, then my pal upgraded to the Scout and after a run on it I was so impressed decided to buy one and have fallen in love with it , it has the power ,class, character and handling Harleys can only dream of and it's also a wolf in sheep's clothing, enabling me to have a ball taking fellow bikers by surprise at traffic light drags. don't get me wrong my Gixer 750 is still my first love but the Scout is just a pleasant relaxing alternative occasionally, but with the power to go with it, something I'd thought I would never say in a million years about a cruiser type bike.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

surprisingly good brakes and excellent handling (for a cruiser)

Engine 5 out of 5

torque like a Massey Ferguson!

Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5

my only complaint was slight rusting on the wheel nuts

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 3 out of 5

Basic but it is an entry level Indian

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