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2018 Indian Scout Bobber – First Look

Earlier this week, news surfaced that Indian are going to be bringing their new Scout Bobber to New Zealand later this year, improving an already impressive bike with some more good old fashioned American attitude!

 

 

I’ve ridden the Indian Scout previously, and to say I liked it would be a gross understatement.  Two key features I look for in a bike to make it good in my mind are evident in the Scout: it feels incredibly balanced and light, and riding it requires very little “effort”. It doesn’t try to push you around like some bigger bikes do. In fact, it’s no wonder it won “Best Cruiser” in 2015, shortly after it was released – after a 70 year long hiatus from the market!

 

 

Now, they’ve taken that Scout and given it a couple of tweaks to make it “cool” again. All black frame, with black 8-spoke alloy wheels, smaller front and rear fenders (with external rear fender braces), lower handlebars, a redesigned headlight, indicator, and taillight package, with smaller mirrors and chunky tires – it doesn’t look like an “all-new” bike, but the modifications certainly add to that cool factor.

 

 

The seat height is pretty much identical between the original Scout and the Bobber, at 25.3 and 25.6 inches respectively (remember, American bike, everything is measured in Imperial…) making it great for persons of a smaller stature to sit on and easily touch the ground with flat feet. The motor is also the same beautifully smooth 69 cubic inch (1130cc) V-twin, putting out a solid 100 hp and 73 ft-lbs of torque. Weighing in at 251kg with a full 12.5 litre tank, the bike isn’t exactly a featherweight, but, if it’s like the original model, you’ll be genuinely surprised at how light it feels once you’re sitting on it!

 

 

There are different colour schemes available apart from the Black on Black on Black, with Silver Grey, Maroon Red, and a green/brown colour they call Bronze Smoke if you like the old Army style. Personally, I think the black on black looks the nicest! Also, as is the way at Indian, the accessories book has to be about an inch thick – you can get ape-hanger style bars for it, saddlebags, exhaust packages, a thicker seat or a two-up seat with a backrest… pretty much anything you like to personalize your bike!

 

 

They’re due here in late October, and expected to be priced at $20995. Judging by the reactions riders have had from the original model, this should be one to watch out for!

 

– Scott

 

 

Pictures by Indian Motorcycles

 

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