My wife had a 16 Scout and traded it for a 22 Super Chief Limited. It only had 2" of travel as well so I had the Fox shocks installed and it gave it 3" of travel which helped a lot. The big Indians have 4.5 inches which is why I switched from Harley. The Harley baggers only had 2" until the 2024 Road Glide and Street Glide lines increased to 3". Thanks for the video.
FYI that is incorrect regarding rear travel. The 2025+ Scouts all have 3” of rear shock travel except the Bobber which is 2”… (I have the 2022 Scout Rogue which also has 2” of travel like the Bobber)
Thanks for your honest opinion of this bike. This is one of the bikes I was thinking of. (Actually the same model with no bells and whistles except ABS.) Since I'm sure I'm older than you, I don't think this is the cruiser for me regarding seating position and comfort. (Although I still may go to MOMS and check them out.) Thx
@@LivingOffTheSlab Yes the Bonneville T120 is on my list. Had thought of the Speedmaster too but I've heard concerns about the forward pegs (like you mentioned on the Scout). As you said, only one way to be sure and that is to test ride them. (I recently found your channel and I've been enjoying it.)
I’m still getting used to my new 2025 Himalayan which is similar regarding the revs… but I knew that going in and that’s with a single cylinder and 40 horses
Let's face it, Craig. The Scout is just not designed for guy's like us. For me it has the comfort of a minibike. The only plus is I don't have to mount it. I just widen my stance a little and walk on from the rear. Everything else is a zero.
The only 2025 Scout Bobber has 2" of travel all other models have 3" of travel. I bought a 2025 Sport Scout, no problems. Traded in my 2022 Scout Rouge. ( wanted the new upgrades )
I just double checked the website and you are correct. Last week when I did the video, the they listed it as 2. I also could not switch between trims, now I can. They must have been doing some work on it...I stand corrected. But 3 or 2, the ride was jarring over our rough Massachusetts roads.
I recently bought a Chieftain, but when demoing that bike and the Challenger, the Challenger stalled on me at a light. Like your experience with that Scout, the bike started right up and rode like a charm, but I wasn't a fan of that. My Chieftain has a very low idle, too, but It hasn't stalled. The Scout's grumpiness at low RPMs reminds me more of the Ducati V4, which throws a tantrum and threatens to stall if you don't run it high in the revs. That may be why the bigger Power Plus pulled that on me during the demo. It looks like the features and ride experience improve as you move up the Scout line, but you shouldn't have to spend thousands of more dollars just to avoid crushing your tailbone. Regardless, as cool as the Scout looks, it's way too small for me. Thanks for the review!
I wanted to like this bike because I think it's beautiful, but I have to agree with you. My test ride was similar to yours. I'm 65 and ride a BMW RT and a Yamaha Tracer 9 GT. One could argue that my choice of bikes reveals a bias against bikes like the Scout, and they might be right. Still, I'd like to find a cruiser that handles, but one significantly less expensive than say an Arch (nothing against Keanu and his company, but their products are beyond my budget).
Great Video Craig…. I think the Scout was Engineered for the New Rider or maybe an Occasional Rider. You are a Long Distance Touring Rider that needs way more Than What this Scout could ever Give.
I agree and I try to take that into consideration. The previous model even with the poor suspension had a great motor and it was fun to ride, but with this one, I am not sure what Indian is thinking.
Thanks for the review. Thanks for reminding me that the forward controls is not really great. I tried a Triumph Speedmaster and the forward controls on the test ride had me think about and buy the T120 instead. I’m looking for a great ADV downsize for my Wing, possibly the Triumph Tiger 900 GT Pro will work there.
My knees and hips ached for you, Craig! At 6'4" with a 36" inseam, I need room to stretch out. Cannot bend and fold as I used too. Glad I am riding my T12GTP. Ned in SC
I like the bike ,but as a truck driver, I think the stacks on my Pete are slightly smaller than that bikes exhaust! I had a Harley Nightster w/ 2" rear shock travel..a pothole would launch it 1 foot in the air!
I own a 2022 Indian chief bobber dark horse which is an heavy bike yet they put these slim back brake foot levers on them when a lever with a bigger stomping space is needed when you need to slow down fast. Also the clutch lever is heavy and when you get stuck in traffic which is every journey, being an older rider and feeling that atherites I get home in pain and not enjoying my ride like I should be doing.
@LivingOffTheSlab I ride a 2020 Indian chieftain. Before that, I rode a 2023 scout rogue. Before that, I rode a 2008 honda shadow. I just test road to Harley's a couple of weeks ago. One was a heritage, and the other was a road king. I typically ride my chieftain in standard mode, and I noticed a huge difference in throttle response when riding the harleys. Afterward, I switched my bike into sport mode and felt a more similar response. All in all, I did not like the Harley experience. Both motorcycles we're top heavy. I've heard the new line of harley's have a lowered center of gravity, like the indians. I'll have to take those out later because I actually still want to own a harley. But until then, I'm an indian man. Smooth ride. Great sound (I bought it used with about twelve thousand miles on it. And I believe that the previous owner, had some exhaust work done). Very flickable. I'm happy.
Nice video Craig. I appreciate the honesty. I have to agree with you. Once the Vision goes on me I am probably done with the cruiser/bagger world. R1250RT or something along those lines...
Hmmm, it's the Challenger, Pursuit, Roadmaster or Chieftain for me. However my wallet says Dang! I'm surprised about the suspension on the scout. I just road my neighbors 2024 Road Glide. It had a rattle he wanted me to help diagnose. It was the bracket that holds the windshield. I enjoyed the ride. However I will never purchase a new HD. I keep looking at the triumphs to change up my riding style. I'm so accustom to pulling that damn Bushtec trailer. 🤷🏼♂️
I sure wish Indian would return to their roots and make a 4 cylinder bike that is modern and make a touring platform that would compete with the Europeans and Japanese. And now that the Harley board has decided to commit corporate suicide, Indian really as a bright future ahead of it if plays its cards right. And, you are correct: cruisers are a step back from EVERY other style of motorcycle.
On the one hand, definitely appreciate the honesty. At the same time, you seem to have no idea what you are riding and what motorcycle model you even take for a test. You are looking for things that do not exist in it, you do not know the models and the differences. A bit of a shame.
The Indian FTR 1200 is more your bike. Lots of power, suspension travel, windscreen and saddle can options too. Im 6’2 , Scouts not an option. Now what Victory became? The Indian Challenger/Pursuit . Been holding off buying one hoping they come out with a batwing version called mbe the”Victor”? They slightly shortened the tank and now have 3 seat lengths available. I think the 108 motor was going to be the 2019 Vic until they shelved it and redesigned it as the Challenger. Not as good looking as the Vic or as much storage with those small “and ugly” Harleyesque saddlebags but oh well, and an available heated/ cooled, seat! I think itll bolt on my bike but it wont match up to the longer Victory tank. I might as well just buy the damn motorcycle. Ride well and ride on!🍻
My wife had a 16 Scout and traded it for a 22 Super Chief Limited. It only had 2" of travel as well so I had the Fox shocks installed and it gave it 3" of travel which helped a lot. The big Indians have 4.5 inches which is why I switched from Harley. The Harley baggers only had 2" until the 2024 Road Glide and Street Glide lines increased to 3". Thanks for the video.
FYI that is incorrect regarding rear travel. The 2025+ Scouts all have 3” of rear shock travel except the Bobber which is 2”…
(I have the 2022 Scout Rogue which also has 2” of travel like the Bobber)
Thanks for your honest opinion of this bike. This is one of the bikes I was thinking of. (Actually the same model with no bells and whistles except ABS.) Since I'm sure I'm older than you, I don't think this is the cruiser for me regarding seating position and comfort. (Although I still may go to MOMS and check them out.) Thx
You should, make up your own mind. Look at the Triumph Bonnevilles as well. Very nice bikes
@@LivingOffTheSlab Yes the Bonneville T120 is on my list. Had thought of the Speedmaster too but I've heard concerns about the forward pegs (like you mentioned on the Scout). As you said, only one way to be sure and that is to test ride them. (I recently found your channel and I've been enjoying it.)
I’m still getting used to my new 2025 Himalayan which is similar regarding the revs… but I knew that going in and that’s with a single cylinder and 40 horses
Let's face it, Craig. The Scout is just not designed for guy's like us. For me it has the comfort of a minibike. The only plus is I don't have to mount it. I just widen my stance a little and walk on from the rear. Everything else is a zero.
The only 2025 Scout Bobber has 2" of travel all other models have 3" of travel. I bought a 2025 Sport Scout, no problems. Traded in my 2022 Scout Rouge. ( wanted the new upgrades )
I just double checked the website and you are correct. Last week when I did the video, the they listed it as 2. I also could not switch between trims, now I can. They must have been doing some work on it...I stand corrected.
But 3 or 2, the ride was jarring over our rough Massachusetts roads.
I recently bought a Chieftain, but when demoing that bike and the Challenger, the Challenger stalled on me at a light. Like your experience with that Scout, the bike started right up and rode like a charm, but I wasn't a fan of that. My Chieftain has a very low idle, too, but It hasn't stalled.
The Scout's grumpiness at low RPMs reminds me more of the Ducati V4, which throws a tantrum and threatens to stall if you don't run it high in the revs. That may be why the bigger Power Plus pulled that on me during the demo.
It looks like the features and ride experience improve as you move up the Scout line, but you shouldn't have to spend thousands of more dollars just to avoid crushing your tailbone. Regardless, as cool as the Scout looks, it's way too small for me.
Thanks for the review!
I wanted to like this bike because I think it's beautiful, but I have to agree with you. My test ride was similar to yours. I'm 65 and ride a BMW RT and a Yamaha Tracer 9 GT. One could argue that my choice of bikes reveals a bias against bikes like the Scout, and they might be right. Still, I'd like to find a cruiser that handles, but one significantly less expensive than say an Arch (nothing against Keanu and his company, but their products are beyond my budget).
Try a Rebel 1100. Pretty quick and sporty for a cruiser.
Great Video Craig…. I think the Scout was Engineered for the New Rider or maybe an Occasional Rider. You are a Long Distance Touring Rider that needs way more Than What this Scout could ever Give.
I agree and I try to take that into consideration. The previous model even with the poor suspension had a great motor and it was fun to ride, but with this one, I am not sure what Indian is thinking.
Thanks for the review. Thanks for reminding me that the forward controls is not really great. I tried a Triumph Speedmaster and the forward controls on the test ride had me think about and buy the T120 instead. I’m looking for a great ADV downsize for my Wing, possibly the Triumph Tiger 900 GT Pro will work there.
My knees and hips ached for you, Craig! At 6'4" with a 36" inseam, I need room to stretch out. Cannot bend and fold as I used too. Glad I am riding my T12GTP.
Ned in SC
I like the bike ,but as a truck driver, I think the stacks on my Pete are slightly smaller than that bikes exhaust! I had a Harley Nightster w/ 2" rear shock travel..a pothole would launch it 1 foot in the air!
Older looks way better and fits better all that classic look. Now it looks like some kinf of Frankenstein with several different design languages...
Similar to my Victory Sport Cruiser , that started off as a 1507cc , 72 hp , it’s a 1661cc now , 112 hp , & 118 ftlbs of torque , on the Dyno ,
I own a 2022 Indian chief bobber dark horse which is an heavy bike yet they put these slim back brake foot levers on them when a lever with a bigger stomping space is needed when you need to slow down fast. Also the clutch lever is heavy and when you get stuck in traffic which is every journey, being an older rider and feeling that atherites I get home in pain and not enjoying my ride like I should be doing.
What mode were you riding in?
There are no modes on this model. I double checked.
@LivingOffTheSlab I ride a 2020 Indian chieftain. Before that, I rode a 2023 scout rogue. Before that, I rode a 2008 honda shadow. I just test road to Harley's a couple of weeks ago. One was a heritage, and the other was a road king. I typically ride my chieftain in standard mode, and I noticed a huge difference in throttle response when riding the harleys. Afterward, I switched my bike into sport mode and felt a more similar response. All in all, I did not like the Harley experience. Both motorcycles we're top heavy. I've heard the new line of harley's have a lowered center of gravity, like the indians. I'll have to take those out later because I actually still want to own a harley. But until then, I'm an indian man. Smooth ride. Great sound (I bought it used with about twelve thousand miles on it. And I believe that the previous owner, had some exhaust work done). Very flickable. I'm happy.
Nice video Craig. I appreciate the honesty. I have to agree with you. Once the Vision goes on me I am probably done with the cruiser/bagger world. R1250RT or something along those lines...
Please review the Yamaha FJR 1300 ES, thanks.
Hmmm, it's the Challenger, Pursuit, Roadmaster or Chieftain for me. However my wallet says Dang!
I'm surprised about the suspension on the scout.
I just road my neighbors 2024 Road Glide. It had a rattle he wanted me to help diagnose. It was the bracket that holds the windshield. I enjoyed the ride. However I will never purchase a new HD. I keep looking at the triumphs to change up my riding style. I'm so accustom to pulling that damn Bushtec trailer. 🤷🏼♂️
Thanks for the honest review. It seems a shame that such a pretty bike should be sub-optimal for adult riders like us.
Would love to see you take out some of the CF Moto bikes.
Took out the Adventura 850.
The base model doesn't have modes... every level above that has it.
I prefer a plain old bike. No computers anti lock brakes ,driving mods none of that crap. Just plain old school motorcycle. I'm in my sixtys
I sure wish Indian would return to their roots and make a 4 cylinder bike that is modern and make a touring platform that would compete with the Europeans and Japanese. And now that the Harley board has decided to commit corporate suicide, Indian really as a bright future ahead of it if plays its cards right. And, you are correct: cruisers are a step back from EVERY other style of motorcycle.
They probably have them so lean, unless you put a Power Commander on them ......
Yup I can't do a ridged anymore and you don't get much closer than 2"
On the one hand, definitely appreciate the honesty. At the same time, you seem to have no idea what you are riding and what motorcycle model you even take for a test. You are looking for things that do not exist in it, you do not know the models and the differences. A bit of a shame.
I knew it was the base model, but it was so lack luster that I stopped to see if I was missing something.
Since my stroke and losing my sence of balance I'm afraid I will never ride again
The Indian FTR 1200 is more your bike. Lots of power, suspension travel, windscreen and saddle can options too.
Im 6’2 , Scouts not an option.
Now what Victory became?
The Indian Challenger/Pursuit . Been holding off buying one hoping they come out with a batwing version called mbe the”Victor”?
They slightly shortened the tank and now have 3 seat lengths available. I think the 108 motor was going to be the 2019 Vic until they shelved it and redesigned it as the Challenger. Not as good looking as the Vic or as much storage with those small “and ugly” Harleyesque saddlebags but oh well, and an available heated/ cooled, seat! I think itll bolt on my bike but it wont match up to the longer Victory tank. I might as well just buy the damn motorcycle.
Ride well and ride on!🍻
Someone heavy such as myself would not be happy with 2” of suspension, that’s just a dumb idea.
They sure know how to build one ugly bike. Disgusting