Ups
- Iconic American styling
- Punchy liquid-cooled 1,133cc (69ci) V-twin engine
- Easy handling for a 561-pound motorcycle
Downs
- Limited rear suspension travel
- Could have better fit and finish
Verdict
Indian Motorcycle pays homage to its roots with a tastefully styled midsize cruiser that offers more acceleration punch than other American cruisers in this segment.
Overview
The 2021 Indian Scout is a midsize cruiser designed for motorcyclists seeking an authentically styled cruiser with more modern performance. Its styling resembles the original Indian Scout that debuted 101 years ago.
Updates for 2021
No updates for 2021.
Pricing and Variants
Indian Motorcycle offers five Scout variations for the 2021 model year. The Scout has a starting price of $11,999 without ABS (in Thunder Black), adding ABS adds $900 to that price tag and, depending on color, pricing could go up to $13,899. The Icon trim is $14,399. The Scout Bobber Sixty ($8,999) and Scout Sixty ($9,499) are its entry-level cruisers. The Scout Bobber ($10,999) features a lower stance with minimalist-style aesthetic tweaks. The Scout Bobber Twenty ($11,999) gets wire-spoke wheels and a taller, mini-ape-style handlebar.
Competition
The 2021 Indian Scout faces off against other midsize American-made cruisers, including Harley-Davidson’s Sportster 1200 and Forty-Eight. It also competes on the showroom floor against Honda’s Rebel 1100.
Powertrain: Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The 2021 Indian Scout sources a 1,133cc (69ci) V-twin engine that’s renowned for its punchy performance, especially through the mid-to-top rpm range. The engine benefits from liquid-cooling, which not only manages heat inside the cockpit, but affords pleasing acceleration performance—especially in the lower gears. A six-speed gearbox puts power back to the 16-inch wheel via a gunk-free and low-maintenance belt final drive.
Handling
The 561-pound Indian Scout offers light handling for a midsize cruiser. Its chassis feels taut, but not overly so, and has friendly steering manners around town. Limited rear suspension travel limits comfort on long rides, especially over bumpy surfaces.
Brakes
The Indian Scout employs independent hydraulic disc brakes front and rear, with stainless steel brake hoses. ABS is available on colored Scouts, or as an upcharge on the Thunder Black model. In an effort to enhance styling, the Scout relies on a single-disc front brake rather than a dual-disc setup.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
Currently unavailable.
Ergonomics: Comfort and Utility
The Indian Scout is long and low. It’s an easy motorcycle to straddle for anyone, even smaller riders. The one-piece saddle is wrapped in leather and includes passenger accommodation. It has a swept-back handlebar bend that allows miles to melt away with ease with forward-mount foot controls.
Electronics
ABS comes standard on colored Indian Scouts and can be purchased for an upcharge on the base Thunder Black model. An LED headlamp can be purchased as an accessory. A USB charging port is located near the speedometer.
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Indian Motorcycle offers a two-year, unlimited-mileage warranty upon original purchase. Extended warranty coverage is available through the Indian Motorcycle Protection Plan.
Quality
The Indian Scout certainly looks the part, however some of its hardware looks rough around the edges. It also lacks the lustrous paint of its competition. Indian Motorcycle stands behind its product with a two-year, unlimited-mileage warranty.
2021 Indian Motorcycle Scout Claimed Specifications
| MSRP | $11,999 |
| Engine: | 1,133cc, DOHC, liquid-cooled 60-degree V-twin; 8 valves |
| Bore x Stroke: | 99.0 x 73.6mm |
| Transmission/Final Drive: | 6-speed/belt |
| Fuel Delivery: | Electronic fuel injection w/ 60mm throttle body |
| Clutch: | Wet, multiplate; cable operation |
| Engine Management/Ignition: | TCI |
| Frame: | Aluminum |
| Front Suspension: | 41mm USD fork; 4.7 in. travel |
| Rear Suspension: | Dual shocks; 3.0 in. travel |
| Front Brake: | 2-piston caliper, 298mm disc |
| Rear Brake: | 1-piston caliper, 298mm disc |
| Wheels, Front/Rear: | Contrast Cut aluminum; 16 x 3.50 in. / 16 x 3.50 in. |
| Tires, Front/Rear: | Pirelli Night Dragon; 130/90-16 / 150/80-16 |
| Rake/Trail: | 29.0°/4.7 in. |
| Wheelbase: | 62.0 in. |
| Ground Clearance: | 5.7 in. |
| Seat Height: | 25.6 in. |
| Fuel Capacity: | 3.3 gal. |
| Wet Weight: | 561 lb. |
| Contact: | indianmotorcycle.com |
Source: MotorCyclistOnline.com