Cruising the way it should be

By Réhann Coetzee

 

Without bashing any specific brand, American cruisers are not really seen as a rider’s bike. They are beautiful, have great paint jobs and do the retro thing perfectly. They’re not always great to ride, because they’re really heavy, throttle response is a vague concept and braking is kind of less important, especially on entry-level models.

But not with Indian. Their entry-level series is the Scout and I’ve had the Scout Bobber to test. And for a premium bike the price isn’t too bad either.

The Scout is really nice to ride. It has enough power and torque, controls aren’t too heavy, it turns quite well and it can really stop when needed. It is quite a nice and modern-looking bike too – and I appreciate how that doesn’t make sense. But the design is not from the 1940s. Rather, it is a modern take on the style – and it has modern running gear too.

Although there is ample power, the Scout is not really the bike to ride fast over any kind of distance. There is just no wind protection and the forward controls make it harder to cling on at speed. I managed 140km/h for some distance, but it is really hard work and, frankly, not what the bike was intended for.

As a cruiser (read: around town) it is a gem. Although it weighs 251kg, that is still light in terms of the market. The engine is tractable and really hops when you grab a hand-full of throttle.

The test bike had the standard exhaust system, which I suppose complies with all Euro and other green emission standards. It doesn’t make an unpleasant sound at all, but I’m sure most buyers will swap the standard pipes for noisy ones.

The seating position feels a little odd for me. The seat is really low – 649mm – and in traffic you feel dwarfed and invisible. Maybe this one time I will support the idea that loud pipes save lives…

As expected of a Bobber, the rear suspension is a little harsh, so take extra care in avoiding potholes. And in true Bobber style, instrumentation is minimal. There is a speedometer and a few warning lights. Switchgear is also limited to the absolutely necessary only.

This is the first of a few Indian motorcycles that I will be testing and I must say, I was very impressed with this “entry-level” model. Not only is it nice to look at, it rides really well too.

Technically speaking: Indian Scout Bobber

Engine: 1 133cc, V-2-cylinder, DOHC, four valves per cylinder, liquid cooled

Power: 74kW @ 8 100rpm / 98Nm @ 5 900rpm

Gears: 6 speed, belt

Fuel tank: 12,5 litres

Seat height: 649mm

Tyres: 130/90/16 front, 150/80/16 rear

Brakes: 2-piston 298mm single disk (front); 1-piston 298mm single disk (rear)

Wet weight: 251kg

Price: R189 900