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Indian Scout Bobber



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  • Expert Opinion
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Scout Bobber Model Image
2018 Indian Scout Bobber First Ride Review
2018 Indian Scout Bobber First Ride Review
2018 Indian Scout Bobber First Ride Review
2018 Indian Scout Bobber First Ride Review
2018 Indian Scout Bobber First Ride Review
2018 Indian Scout Bobber First Ride Review
2018 Indian Scout Bobber First Ride Review
discontinued
Variant
Standard
City
Show price in my city
₹ 12,77,638
Last known Avg. Ex-showroom price
Indian has discontinued the Scout Bobber and the bike is out of production.

Scout Bobber Key Highlights

Engine Capacity1,133 cc
Transmission6 Speed Manual
Kerb Weight255 kg
Fuel Tank Capacity12.5 litres
Seat Height649 mm

Indian Scout Bobber Summary

The Scout Bobber is based on the standard Scout which gets its styling cues inspired by the bobber motorcycles from the ‘50s. However, the Scout Bobber sports a dark theme all-through, with the matte black exhaust, wheels and frame with a contrasting chrome outline for the engine. It also gets an aggressive riding position thanks to the revised handlebar and foot pegs.

The centre brake light has been replaced with twin LED tail lamps on either side of the fenders. The fenders are chopped and expose the Scout Bobber’s beefy tyres. The bike rides on cartridge type front forks and a dual-spring setup at the rear that has been lowered by an inch for a classic bobber-like stance. Braking power on the bike comes from single 298mm discs at both ends.

The Indian Scout Bobber is powered by the same liquid-cooled 1133cc V-twin engine as the standard Scout. This unit produces 100bhp and 97Nm of torque via a six-speed gearbox and final chain drive.

Indian Motorcycles also offers a host of optional accessories for the Scout Bobber like pillion back rest, slip-on exhaust, saddlebags, spoke wheels, engine guards, bar-end mirrors and ape-style handlebars among others. The bike is available in black and three dual tone paint schemes – red-black, silver-black and bronze-black.

The bike is priced at Rs 12.99 lakhs (ex-showroom) and competes with the Harley-Davidson Roadster and the Moto Guzzi V9 Bobber in the Indian market.

Indian Scout Bobber Review

  • Good Things

    • Holds a commanding road presence
    • Feels light and nimble in traffic
    • Punchy mid-range torque results in easy overtakes
  • Could be Better

    • Intense vibrations at higher RPMs
    • Rear suspension bottoms out easily due to less travel
    • Low-hanging footpegs make for less cornering clearance

BikeWale's Take

The Indian Scout Bobber is a true attention magnet owing to its burly dimensions, fat tyres and blacked-out styling theme. Its desirability goes beyond looks as the punchy mid-range, nimble handling and the thumping V-twin symphony makes the overall ride experience enjoyable. 

Indian Scout Bobber Expert Opinion

This is the Indian Scout Bobber. Based on the Scout, a motorcycle I quite like, the Bobber borrows its engine, frame, and features list from the former.  

What is it?

Why would I buy the Indian Scout Bobber? 

It looks good, feels light on its feet, and has a good engine to boot.

Why won't I buy the Indian Scout Bobber?

If I had a bad back, I'd completely avoid the Bobber. The ride really needs looking into.

This is the Indian Scout Bobber. Based on the Scout, a motorcycle I quite like, the Bobber borrows its engine, frame, and features list from the former.

Now, according to Indian Motorcycles, the Bobber is all about 'stripping it down'. So, it gets shorter fenders over the front and rear wheels, and no rear seat. Everything else though is pretty much there.

Additionally, the chrome has been replaced by a matte black finish, and the conventional round headlamp makes way for a hoodie. And, though the tyres are exactly the same spec as the Scout's, the Bobber runs on a knobbier pattern. All in the name of higher street-cred, says Indian.

The end result - and this is our opinion - is a motorcycle that radiates youthful charm and boisterousness instead of old-school classic appeal.

How is to ride?

Now, the Scout might have classic appeal to its styling, but in terms of running gear, it has always been a modern motorcycle.

So, the Bobber borrowing its mechanicals can only be a good thing. The engine, the gearbox, the gear ratios, as well as the final drive is identical on both bikes. As are the brakes, the steering geometry, and the suspension.

Actually, the latter isn't completely true. Yes, the front end is identical, but to give the Bobber a more custom look, its rear sits lower. And that comes with a caveat, which we will get to later.

So, like the Scout, the Bobber is beautifully balanced on the move making filtering through traffic surprisingly easy. One has to ride it to believe that a 1000cc-plus cruiser can feel this light and nimble.

It also sounds and feels refined and eager, especially in the mid-range. That makes easy work of quick overtakes while also turning a 100kmph cruise into a relaxed, effortless, and agreeable activity.

And if you want to go rogue, the Bobber will oblige. Nearly 100Nm of torque at your disposal means, with the throttle to the stops, you can cover ground very quickly. And these will most certainly be grin inducing miles.

Our only suggestion would be to short shift and avoid getting close to 7,000rpm. Because once you do, the Bobber does live up to the 'loosening of the fillings' automotive cliche. Yes, it vibrates like a tuning fork.

But, when the corners come calling, the Bobber feels alright. The brakes feel up to the job, and the bike changes directions with no fuss at all. That's, of course, till you lean left and go kharrrrrrrrrrr. Then you lean right and go kharrrrrrrrrrr. And then you make a  U-Turn and go kharrrrr; but this time with less 'r's.

The Bobber might like to lean, but its footpegs - and those long feeler bolts -  don't allow it. It has lesser cornering clearance than the stock Scout, which wasn't great to begin with. And that's quite a shame because the chassis clearly seems to have more potential.

Ah, and since we are in the fault-finding mood and making strange sounds, it's time to bring up the caveat.

We mentioned earlier that the Bobber's rear rides lower. And that means, its ride can best be described in one sound. 

Oww! 

Oww, Oww, Oww!

Oww, Oww, Oww, Oww, Oww!

In case you are wondering, that's me inside my helmet, first going through a pothole on the Bobber, then over a rumbler strip, and finally over severely broken tarmac.

As you would have figured already, on anything but the smoothest tarmac, the Bobber's rear suspension can be quite hard on the back. And it's mainly down to the travel; or the lackthereof. It gets just 50mm of movement, which also feels as small as it reads.

I also didn't like the inconsistent throttle response at low revs. And the heavy clutch pull. Both, make for awful partners to commute with in the city.

Anything else should I know?

The seating triangle on the Bobber is slightly different from the Scout. It is a little more aggressive. And that means, it is easier to tuck-in and ride when you decide to chase the horizon with those 100 horses galloping at full chat.

The Bobber also has a fair number of readouts on its single pod clock. There's the analogue speedo, the digital gear indicator and a clock, which are permanently displaced. But, toggle through what looks like a pass-by switch and you get readouts for engine rpm and temperature, besides trip settings.

And lest we forget, as with every other Indian we have ridden, the Scout Bobber too scores high for the level of quality and fit and finish it brings to this class of bikes.

Should I buy one?

Apart from that jarring rear-end ride quality, there's actually lots to like about the Scout Bobber. You can ride it in the city. You can go touring on it. You can also go ride up your favourite switchback if you don't mind decimating those feeler bolts. What's more, it looks fantastic. You could buy this one for its looks alone and no one will judge you.

Where does it fit in?

The Bobber goes up head-on against the Harley-Davidson Street Bob. The latter ticks the same boxes - stripped down, chopped fenders, and the appeal of a custom motorcycle. It is priced similar to the Scout Bobber as well, with both bikes retailing for around Rs 13 lakhs, ex-showroom in Mumbai.

Gear Check

1- Shoei X-Fourteen Helmet : Rs 50,000

Meant essentially for track use, it does have good ventilation. Comfort levels though, aren't very high. 

2- Helstons Sonny Mesh Jacket : Rs 15,990

A little heavy for mesh jackets, the Sonny with its CE Level 2 protection does score high for safety, style and quality. 

3- Helstons Wind Mesh Gloves : Rs 5,990

A blend of leather and mesh and light in weight, these fit well and have enough ventilation to keep hands cool even on the hottest days.   

4- Helstons Corden Stone Riding Jeans : Rs 17,990

These armoured denims come with CE Level 2 protection and offer daily wearability and high resistance to impact and abrasion.

5- Daytona AC Pro Boots : Rs 19,990

Short riding boots for everyday wear, these use a mix of authentic leather and of the perforated PU variety. Titanium toe sliders are standard. 

Photography by Kapil Angane

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Scout Bobber Specifications & Features

Standard

Change Version

  • Specifications
  • Features
  • Specifications
  • Features

      Specifications

      • Power & Performance

        • Displacement
          1133 cc
        • Max Power
          -
        • Max Torque
          97 Nm @ 5600 rpm
        • Mileage - Owner Reported
          -
        • Riding Range
          -
        • Top Speed
          -
        • Riding Modes
          -
        • Transmission
          6 Speed Manual
        • Transmission Type
          Chain Drive
        • Gear Shifting Pattern
          -
        • Cylinders
          -
        • Bore
          99 mm
        • Stroke
          74 mm
        • Valves Per Cylinder
          -
        • Compression Ratio
          10.7:1
        • Ignition
          -
        • Spark Plugs
          -
        • Cooling System
          Liquid Cooled
        • Clutch
          -
        • Fuel Delivery System
          -
        • Fuel Tank Capacity
          12.5 litres
        • Reserve Fuel Capacity
          -
        • Emission Standard
          BS4
        • Fuel Type
          Petrol
        • View More(+20)

      • Brakes, Wheels & Suspension

        • Front Suspension
          Telescopic Fork
        • Rear Suspension
          Dual Shocks
        • Braking System
          Dual Channel ABS
        • Front Brake Type
          Disc
        • Front Brake Size
          298 mm
        • Rear Brake Type
          Disc
        • Rear Brake Size
          298 mm
        • Calliper Type
          Front-2 Piston Rear-Single Piston
        • Wheel Type
          Alloy
        • Front Wheel Size
          16 inch
        • Rear Wheel Size
          16 inch
        • Front Tyre Size
          130/90-16 73H
        • Rear Tyre Size
          150/80-16 71H
        • Tyre Type
          Tubeless
        • Radial Tyres
          Yes
        • Front Tyre Pressure (Rider)
          -
        • Rear Tyre Pressure (Rider)
          -
        • Front Tyre Pressure (Rider & Pillion)
          -
        • Rear Tyre Pressure (Rider & Pillion)
          -
        • View More(+15)

      • Dimensions & Chassis

        • Kerb Weight
          255 kg
        • Seat Height
          649 mm
        • Ground Clearance
          123 mm
        • Overall Length
          2276 mm
        • Overall Width
          926 mm
        • Overall Height
          1154 mm
        • Wheelbase
          1562 mm
        • Chassis Type
          -
        • View More(+4)

      • Manufacturer Warranty

        • Standard Warranty
          -
        • Standard Warranty
          -

      Features

        • Touch Screen Display
          -
        • Instrument Console
          -
        • Odometer
          Digital
        • Speedometer
          Digital
        • Fuel Guage
          Yes
        • Digital Fuel Guage
          Yes
        • Hazard Warning Indicator
          -
        • Average Speed Indicator
          -
        • OTA Updates
          -
        • Call/SMS Alerts
          -
        • Geo Fencing
          -
        • Distance to Empty Indicator
          -
        • Tachometer
          Digital
        • Stand Alarm
          Yes
        • No. of Tripmeters
          2
        • Tripmeter Type
          Digital
        • Gear Indicator
          -
        • Low Fuel Indicator
          Yes
        • Low Oil Indicator
          Yes
        • Low Battery Indicator
          Yes
        • Clock
          Yes
        • Service Reminder Indicator
          -
        • Battery
          Maintenance Free
        • Front Storage Box
          -
        • Under Seat Storage
          -
        • Mobile App Connectivity
          -
        • DRLs (Daytime Running Lights)
          -
        • AHO (Automatic Headlight On)
          -
        • Shift Light
          Yes
        • Headlight Type
          -
        • Brake/Tail Light
          -
        • Turn Signal
          -
        • Pass Light
          Yes
        • GPS & Navigation
          -
        • USB Charging Port
          -
        • Riding Modes Switch
          -
        • Traction Control
          -
        • Cruise Control
          -
        • Hazard Warning Switch
          -
        • Start Type
          Electric Start
        • Killswitch
          Yes
        • Stepped Seat
          No
        • Pillion Backrest
          No
        • Pillion Grabrail
          No
        • Pillion Seat
          No
        • Pillion Footrest
          No
        • Front Suspension Preload Adjuster
          -
        • Rear Suspension Preload Adjuster
          -
        • Additional Features
          -
        • View More(+45)

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      Indian Scout Bobber User Reviews

      4.9/5

      (15 Ratings) 4 Reviews

      5

      Visual Appeal


      4

      Reliability


      4

      Performance


      4

      Service Experience


      2

      Maintenance cost

      4

      Extra Features

      Desi indian

      2 years ago


      Amit Kumar Singh

      I am not buying the Indian bike but read specifications that in India Royal Enfield bike is king. I have royal enfield classic and I love my classic 350 and my bike name is srinandi. Till date only twice I faced problems with fuel tank. I will buy when Indian bike when they open a showroom in Gorakhpur.

      Rating Parameters

      (out of 5)

      5

      Visual Appeal

      About the Reviewer

      Used it for

      Occasional Commute

      Owned for

      Never owned

      Tips for other riders

      Before riding check fuel, helmet, mask, and gloves and copy of document Rc, Insurance, medical kit. small knife and lighter always in your bike.

      Was this review helpful?

      0


      14


      Phenomenal

      4 years ago


      Raju Bairagi

      Everything's good about this bike. Experience is very nice . Its my dream bike and details look phenomenal on this bike .Its gives a very reliable performances. Servicing experience is above expectations and maintenance is high . It has many pros but one cons that can minimized that is the service can be more reasonable.

      Rating Parameters

      (out of 5)

      5

      Visual Appeal


      5

      Reliability


      5

      Performance


      5

      Service Experience


      4

      Maintenance cost

      4

      Extra Features

      About the Reviewer

      Used it for

      Leisure Rides

      Owned for

      Never owned

      Was this review helpful?

      0


      2


      American pride hard for Indian to maintain

      4 years ago


      Roohman

      It is really a great bike,riding is really an awesome experience.Looks of the bike are really impressive.Its acceleration is a good responsive one but service and maintenance is really a difficult task as there are very less showrooms of brand so making it a hard task for those who live at far moreover suspension is very stiff thus leading to back-pain on bumpy rides.

      Rating Parameters

      (out of 5)

      5

      Visual Appeal


      4

      Reliability


      4

      Performance


      3

      Service Experience


      3

      Maintenance cost

      3

      Extra Features

      About the Reviewer

      Used it for

      Everything

      Owned for

      > 1 yr

      Ridden for

      > 15000 kms

      Got mileage of

      17 kmpl

      Tips for other riders

      Adding passenger seat can dampen its glamour

      Was this review helpful?

      6


      1

      Heavy, muscular, attention gainer.........

      6 years ago


      Kapil Rai

      It's muscular looks and engine sound thrills me.When on road, it gives an unique experience.Catches attention of all.Be the king on road. Wordless about it's performance.A unique bike for a unique personality...Comfortable riding.... Not for patients or slow movers ..One of a kind experience... Unique.

      Rating Parameters

      (out of 5)

      5

      Visual Appeal


      4

      Reliability


      5

      Performance


      4

      Service Experience


      4

      Maintenance cost

      5

      Extra Features

      About the Reviewer

      Used it for

      Leisure Rides

      Owned for

      6 months-1 yr

      Ridden for

      < 5000 kms

      Got mileage of

      16 kmpl

      Was this review helpful?

      57


      8

      Indian Scout Bobber Expert Reviews

      Indian Scout Bobber News

      Upcoming Indian Bikes

      Indian FTR 1200
      Indian FTR 1200

      ₹ 16,30,000

      Onwards
      Dec 2024 (Tentative)Expected Launch

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