Indian Motorcycle reveals 2018 Scout Bobber

The Indian Scout Bobber is slammed, mean, and modern

Indian Motorcycle prides itself as America’s oldest motorcycle brand, having been founded way back in 1901. After decades of post-war struggle and decline, Polaris acquired the name in 2011 and Indian Motorcycle has since made a successful comeback. Known for their faithful-to-heritage designs and V-twin cruisers that compete against industry giant Harley-Davidson, the revitalized Indian Motorcycle is ready to branch out.

The 2018 Scout Bobber moves away from Indian’s traditionally classic look and into the realm of modern-day rebellion. It’s part of Indian’s expansionary strategy to appeal to a wider, younger base. The Bobber is built around the Scout platform and remains virtually unchanged save for aesthetics, ergonomics, and tweaked suspension. The new motorcycle is a fairly obvious competitor to motorcycles such as the Harley-Davidson Forty-Eight and Trumph Bonneville Bobber.

This is Indian’s interpretation of the aggressive, custom bobber look. Fenders are chopped, the bike is stripped down, and the saddle is low-slung (a springer seat is an optional accessory). Foot pegs are reigned in a tad bit for mid-placement leg positioning, while drag-style handlebars do the steering. The motorcycle also gets bar-end mirrors and a headlamp nacelle.

The 2018 Indian Scout Bobber is powered by a liquid-cooled 1,133 cc (69 cu in) V-twin mated to a 6-speed transmission. The blacked-out engine makes 101.6 PS max, with 97.7 Nm of peak torque reached at 6,000 rpm.

A 298 mm disc with a 2-piston caliper stops the front, while a 298 mm disc with a 1-piston caliper slows the rear; ABS is optional. Both ends roll on 16-inch wheels wrapped in beefy Kenda K761 street tires with dual-sport tread. Suspension is upgraded — handled by 120 mm telescopic front forks and 50 mm dual shocks out back. The bike was lowered from the original Scout for the Bobber’s slammed look, but rear suspension claims to handle weight without bottoming out that easily.

Seat height on the 2018 Indian Scout Bobber measures at 649 mm, ground clearance at 123 mm, fuel capacity at 12.5 L, and wet weight at 251 kg. The motorcycle comes in the following colors: Thunder Black, Bronze Smoke, Star Silver Smoke, and Indian Motorcycle Red. MSRP has been stated to start at $11,499. With ABS, the price starts at $12,499.