My first impression of the Indian 101 Scout was that I'd made a mistake - but, boy, was I wrong!

I first tried to run a cruiser on the MCN fleet back in 2022, but a last-minute change of plans meant I ended up with an Indian FTR S that year. The FTR was a superb machine and I thoroughly enjoyed my time with it – but one thing it certainly isn’t, is a cruiser.

What it did give me was a great first impression of the Indian brand and some very positive memories including a continent-crossing mission to visit the Indian Riders’ Fest in Czechia.

Fast forward to 2025 and I saw an opportunity to hop back onto an Indian and finally dip my toe into the cruiser world, so I jumped at it.

More of the same

There was a lot to like about the FTR; it was comfy, went like stink and handled just as well as any European or Japanese muscle roadster. In my opinion, it also looked the mutt’s nuts with its blending of retro and modern style, ornate embellishments and attention to detail.

The 101 Scout certainly matches, or possibly even exceeds, the FTR’s ability to turn heads. The first day I left it parked at MCN Towers, colleagues were stopping by my desk all day to tell me how good it looked. The ‘Sunset Red Metallic’ paintjob is deep and lustrous and gives the bike an aura that cannot be conveyed through photographs. And, from the antiquated tank decals to the carnival-esque ‘I’ emblems on the cylinders, the scout looks otherworldly on UK roads.

…But also different

Swinging a leg over the Scout for the first time was an eye-opener. I’ve never ridden anything with such an extreme feet-forward riding position and it takes me several paws of the air with my foot to even find a footpeg. The ‘bars too are set higher and further forward than I am used to and my initial impressions are that I have made an awful mistake. This seed of doubt then germinated and started growing roots through my brain when I encountered my first pothole and simultaneously pulverised both my lower spine and testicles.

All is forgiven

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A lot of miles have passed since that first impression formed and I’m pleased to report that the relationship has improved. I initially struggled with a sore lower back and then my knee gave up thanks to the constant pressure of the wind twisting my foot away from the bike. But I’ve adapted both physically and mentally to the new riding position and no longer suffer any ill effect.

The handling is superb – Michael Neeves said as much in his review but I thought he must mean it handles well ‘for a cruiser’ rather than as a motorcycle in general. But it’s incredibly nimble (despite its weight), goes and stops well and manages more than enough lean angle before the pegs scrape to scratch your itch on a sunny Sunday. I suspect I’m in for one hell of a year!

Sat nav woes

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The in-built nav that works through the dash is usable, but needs refinement from Indian. The screen can’t be seen in bright light, the intercom connection is far too quiet and it once told me to “park my car” and walk the rest of the way to a destination… across a live railway line.

The stats

• Miles this month: 1000
• MPG this month: 53.3mpg 
• Costs this month: £82.87 (Fuel) £220 (First service)
• Miles to next service: 8300 miles (minor)