Indian Scout 2024 Review

The Indian Scout is an iconic motorcycle with a rich history. Produced by the oldest American motorcycle manufacturer, it is a legend in its own right.

But owning such a famous model name comes with its own challenges. With each new generation, Indian must find the balance between producing a bike with enough features and performance to compete against its competition, while offering the styling and quality to retain a genuine connection to the legendary past.

We headed to the Gold Coast for the all-new Indian Scout model range launch, hoping to discover if the famous American brand had indeed found the right balance.

There are five models in the 2024 Indian Scout range:

When considering the Scout range, there are several factors to take into account due to the $5000 price difference between variants.

The Harley-Davidson Sportster S and Nightster Special are the Scout's two most obvious rivals. H-D recently reduced its prices for Sportster S, and Indian has taken note by setting the mid-range Scout Sport at the same price of $23,995.

But the Scout range could feasibly be considered as an alternative to other H-D models. The Scout Bobber is $2000 more affordable than the Harley Street Bob, but the Street Bob comes with a larger 1868cc engine.

And for those interested in the Scout 101, it's worth comparing it to the popular Harley Davidson Low Rider S since they share similar styling. The Low Rider S costs an extra $5000 compared to the Scout 101, but it too features a larger 1923cc engine.

The Scout range is powered by the new 'Speed Plus' powerplant, a liquid-cooled 1250cc four-valve DOHC 60-degree V-Twin engine. This engine offers a 10 per cent increase in capacity and a host of upgraded internals, resulting in a 17 per cent power improvement, boosting output from 100hp to 105hp, and torque to 12Nm. The 101 offers a little more with 111hp achieved through ECU tuning.

The engine has also undergone some restyling. It now features a sight glass for easy oil-level inspection and other tweaks to improve serviceability. It also includes an upgraded clutch mechanism to lighten the lever action. The engine retains the same six-speed transmission known for its ease of shifting. Additionally, a two-into-one exhaust replaces the previous twin-pipe system.

The most significant change for 2024 is the chassis. The previous cast-aluminium design has been replaced by a more traditional tubular steel frame with a cast-aluminium midsection. This retains the engine as a stressed member, and the subframe has been cleverly designed to allow different styling across the five-bike range.

There is no doubt that the tubular frame allows the traditional 'S' style chassis lines that a Scout is recognisable for. The chassis update also allows the radiator to be neatly tucked away between the frame rails, and Indian states that the new radiator is 22% smaller. This, along with countless other improvements to hide unsightly wiring and pipework, gives the Scout an extremely clean look around the engine.

The new tank console, badges, controls, machined handlebar risers, and 4-inch TFT display are designed with both form and function in mind.

Moving on to model specifics, the Scout Bobber, Classic, and Super feature 16-inch wheels, while the Scout Sport and 101 have a 19-inch front wheel. All models share a conventional non-adjustable fork that offers 120mm of travel, except the 101, which features adjustable inverted gold forks.

The rear shocks offer 76mm of travel, except for the Bobber, which has shortened 51mm units for the slammed look specific to that model.

The range is stopped up front by a single 298mm disk, with the 101 boasting an impressive twin 320mm Brembo setup.

There are additional model-specific features such as a stylish club fairing on the Sport and 101 models, saddlebags, and a quick-release windscreen on the Super Scout.

Customising is key for most big twin owners who want to put their personal touches on their pride and joy, and Indian supplies over 100 accessory items to do just that. And thanks to the common chassis, you can swap items regardless of your model.

The units available in Australia come in two trim levels. The Bobber, Classic, and Sport arrive standard with black metallic paint, an analogue gauge, LED headlight, and ABS. The full range of five bikes also offers the Limited+Tech package, which includes push-button keyless ignition and a 4-inch touchscreen display with Ride Command.

All bikes have the same basic (non-cornering) ABS. The Limted+Tech models feature multiple riding modes (Sport, Standard, Tour), cruise control, and the Ride Command system. The Limited+Tech 4-inch round gauge offers six display screens to scroll through all onboard information and features, and two optional gauge screen layouts to supply information while riding.

Each model has a distinct character, and I was surprised by how different each bike felt while riding. However, they all share some impressive attributes.

They feel light and agile for their size, making them easy to steer with confidence-inspiring stability. When you add the low seat height to this, you have yourself an extremely easy-to-handle motorcycle.

A low seat height typically leads to a cramped riding position, but the handlebar and control layout on all models, except the Bobber, provide a spacious cockpit allowing for a comfortable stretch of both arms and legs, especially on the Sport and 101 models.

One issue that became apparent quickly was the lack of ground clearance, as the footpegs made contact with the road whenever the route involved any turns with a fun factor. This problem is exacerbated by the bike's excellent steering, as the Scout naturally leans into corners without resistance.

The bike delivers its power smoothly, with a light clutch and a slick-shifting gearbox, giving it an incredibly refined feel. Having experience with most current American-made big twins, I would say that the 1250 'Speed Plus' engine is the smoothest out there. It operates so seamlessly that it's easy to underestimate how responsive it is, and it's worth paying close attention to the speedometer, as speed limits can be multiplied quickly if you're not careful.

Braking power is more than enough, however the twin Brembo setup on the 101 is extra impressive with its increased power and lever feel, making you wish for the same setup on the other models. In fact, the 101 outshines the rest in every aspect during riding. Its suspension is firmer, and the riding position, premium paint, and on-road stance all exude a badass vibe.

The bikes ride with a refinement that can't be overstated, matching their build finish that is hard to fault. As the owner and regular rider of a twenty-plus-year-old Harley Dyna, I find myself missing the rawness that's always been associated with US brand big twins, which makes me question if these latest options are becoming too refined...

Grant Bester, the company VP who oversees Indian motorcycle sales and distribution outside the USA and Canada, attended the Australian launch. He explained the importance of the Scout model range to the company, as it now accounts for more than 100,000 sales and 40 per cent of Indian's volume of sales.

An interesting insight is that 93 per cent of Scout customers are new to the brand, and 28 per cent are new riders. This information highlights why the Scout is crucial to Indian's future success as it establishes itself in the lucrative big twin/cruiser market.

Sure, much of this is what we might call marketing spin, but the passion employees like Bester have for the brand should not be understated.

The 101 model is definitely the pick of the bunch, but the whole 2024 Scout range ticks a lot of boxes and deserves consideration when buying your next bike.

It's widely acknowledged that a lot of Harley-Davidson models are sold primarily due to the brand's heritage and a made-in-America reputation. But Indian shares many of the attributes that makes H-D so successful.

So, why shouldn't Indian models be recognised as an authentic offering? The range is well-designed and well-built, and the company has a strong dealer network. Harley undoubtedly makes good motorcycles but Indian is a genuinely authentic alternative.

The new 2024 Scout range is definitely worth a look, as all five models offer a lot more than just a point of difference.

All models:

Engine
Type: Liquid-Cooled V-Twin
Capacity: 1250cc
Bore x stroke: 104 mm x 73.6 mm
Compression Ratio: 12.5:1
Fuel system: Closed loop Fuel Injection / 63mm bore

Performance
Claimed maximum power: 105 hp / 79 kW (101 Scout 111 hp 82 kW)
Claimed maximum torque: 108 nm (101 Scout 109 nm)

Transmission
Type: 6-speed
Final drive: Belt
Clutch: Wet, Multi-Plate

Chassis and Running Gear
Frame type: Tubular steel

Other stuff
Bikes Supplied by: Indian Motorcycles Australia
Warranty: 2 years unlimited kilometres
Service Interval: First service at 800km then every 16,000km

Model specific:

Scout Classic
Front Suspension: Telescopic fork 120mm
Rear Suspension: Dual Shocks 76mm
Front Brakes: Single / 298 mm Semi-Floating Rotor / 2 Piston Caliper
Rear Brakes: Single / 298 mm Semi-Floating Rotor / 1 Piston Caliper
Tyres: Front Kenda K673F 130/90B16 72H Rear Kenda K673F 150/80B16 71H
Rake: 29deg
Trail: 122.2mm
Claimed wet weight: 252 kg (full fuel)
Seat Height: 680 mm
Wheelbase: 1562 mm
Fuel Capacity: 13 L
Price: $23,495
Colours: Black Metallic - Sunset Red 2-Tone Metallic - Ghost White 2-Tone Metallic

Scout Bobber
Front Suspension: Telescopic fork 120mm
Rear Suspension: Dual Shocks 51mm
Front Brakes: Single / 298 mm Semi-Floating Rotor / 2 Piston Caliper
Rear Brakes: Single / 298 mm Semi-Floating Rotor / 1 Piston Caliper
Tyres: Front Pirelli MT60RS 130/90B 16 67H Rear Pirelli MT60RS 150/80B 16 77H
Rake: 29.4 deg
Trail: 125.2mm
Claimed wet weight: 246 kg (full fuel)
Seat Height: 665 mm
Wheelbase: 1562 mm
Fuel Capacity: 13 L
Price: $22,995
Colours: Black Metallic - Black Smoke - Sunset Red Smoke - Nara Bronze Metallic

Scout Sport
Front Suspension: Telescopic fork 120mm
Rear Suspension: Dual Shocks 76mm
Front Brakes: Single / 298 mm Semi-Floating Rotor / 2 Piston Caliper
Rear Brakes: Single / 298 mm Semi-Floating Rotor / 1 Piston Caliper
Tyres: Front Metzeler Cruisetec 130/60 B19 61H Rear Metzeler Cruisetec 150/80 B16 72H
Rake: 29 deg
Trail: 122.9mm
Claimed wet weight: 248 kg (full fuel)
Seat Height: 680 mm
Wheelbase: 1562 mm
Fuel Capacity: 13 L
Price: $23,995
Colours: Black Metallic- Black Smoke - Storm Blue

Super Scout
Front Suspension: Telescopic fork 120mm
Rear Suspension: Dual Shocks 76mm
Front Brakes: Single / 298 mm Semi-Floating Rotor / 2 Piston Caliper
Rear Brakes: Single / 298 mm Semi-Floating Rotor / 1 Piston Caliper
Tyres: Front Pirelli MT60RS 130/90B 16 67H Rear Pirelli MT60RS 150/80B 16 77H
Rake: 29 deg
Trail: 122 mm
Claimed wet weight: 268 kg (full fuel)
Seat Height: 680 mm
Wheelbase: 1562 mm
Fuel Capacity: 13 L
Price: $26,995
Colours: Black Smoke with Graphics - Maroon Metallic with Graphics

Scout 101
Front Suspension: Inverted Telescopic Cartridge Fork 120mm
Rear Suspension: Dual Piggyback Shocks 76mm
Front Brakes: Dual / 320 mm Semi-Floating Rotor / 4 Piston Caliper
Rear Brakes: Single / 298 mm Semi-Floating Rotor / 1 Piston Caliper
Tyres: Metzeler Cruisetec 130/60 B19 61H Rear Metzeler Cruisetec 150/80 B16 72H
Rake: 29 deg
Trail: 122.9 mm
Claimed wet weight: 249 kg (full fuel)
Seat Height: 680 mm
Wheelbase: 1562 mm
Fuel Capacity: 13 L
Price: $27,995
Colours: Sunset Red Metallic - Ghost White Metallic