06-14-2016, 06:18 AM
My fathers first motorcycle was a 27 Indian Scout. He rode Indians up until they went out of business in 1953 then he switched to Harleys (before eventually shifting to Honda's and Yamaha's. In dad's honor, I thought it would be neat to ride an Indian Scout someday, made easier since their new release and favorable reviews.
My local Indian dealer was having a demo days so between watching grandkids from 7:30 am until 10:30 PM and showing up for some dental work at 1:20 pm, I hightailed it across the expressway 25 miles and dropped in, just in time to sign up to ride. I chose the $11,999, 550 lb, 6 speed, 100hp Scout in red. The one I was given had an accessory windshield and leather or leather like saddlebags. The ride was pretty long for a demo days ride, 2 bouts of freeway maybe 10 miles total and probably 15 miles of curvy back roads, of course with a factory supplied leader and tail rider to make sure nobody got lost or did anything stupid. There was probably 7 or 8 in my group and all were on Scouts, save one guy, who rode a dark horse something or other. In all specs but seat height, the Scout should match similarly to our CB1100. Seat height being like 25 inches on the Scout and about 31 on the CB. When you came to a stop on the Scout, your feet hit the ground quick lol and at 5'6" I had both feet flat on the ground and both knees well bent.
the review:
I expected the Scout to be better than it was. Much to my dismay there wasn't much to like about it honestly. It vibrated a lot, the transmission was clunky, the brakes were weak and wooden, the clutch engagement was vague and medium stiff, the forward pegs/seating position was uncomfortable (for me), there was no cornering clearance, and the exhaust was loud. (With 8 of them in close proximity it was hard to hear yourself think). The suspension was terrible, the switchgear was cheap and the digital gear indicator showed N through 6, but first was just a couple of dashes --- and not a 1...and the grips were hard. No complaints about the seat as I don't even remember what it felt like. The mirrors worked ok. I went in there with an open mind. Honestly. I love all motorcycles, no matter who makes them,...as long as they function well. I had read good things about the Scout. If the one I rode was typical, writers would have to be on the take to write positive reviews IMO. Maybe the one I rode was just a bad one. I don't know. It was what it was, and what I speak of, is the unbiased truth.
I rode away saying 2 things. (1) I really love my CB 1100. What a great motorcycle. Comparatively speaking it is a diamond in a zirconium mine. and (2) Anyone who would buy a Scout over a CB 1100 or a T-120 Bonneville must not know much about motorcycles.
Immediately after getting home I texted a riding buddy in Cols Ohio with my review. He had ridden a Scout and said he liked it. After listening to my review he said that I was prejudiced, and I told him No, I was spoiled. The CB is such a nice bike it is hard to accept mediocrity. He said I didn't like any motorcycles other than the CB 1100 and I reminded him I loved my ST 1300, and that had recently ridden a T-120 Bonnie, an NC 700 Honda and an SFV 650 Suzuki and I liked all of them. All ran well, handled well, were smooth and braked well. All functioned as motorcycles should function imo.
Color me disappointed in the Indian Scout.
My local Indian dealer was having a demo days so between watching grandkids from 7:30 am until 10:30 PM and showing up for some dental work at 1:20 pm, I hightailed it across the expressway 25 miles and dropped in, just in time to sign up to ride. I chose the $11,999, 550 lb, 6 speed, 100hp Scout in red. The one I was given had an accessory windshield and leather or leather like saddlebags. The ride was pretty long for a demo days ride, 2 bouts of freeway maybe 10 miles total and probably 15 miles of curvy back roads, of course with a factory supplied leader and tail rider to make sure nobody got lost or did anything stupid. There was probably 7 or 8 in my group and all were on Scouts, save one guy, who rode a dark horse something or other. In all specs but seat height, the Scout should match similarly to our CB1100. Seat height being like 25 inches on the Scout and about 31 on the CB. When you came to a stop on the Scout, your feet hit the ground quick lol and at 5'6" I had both feet flat on the ground and both knees well bent.
the review:
I expected the Scout to be better than it was. Much to my dismay there wasn't much to like about it honestly. It vibrated a lot, the transmission was clunky, the brakes were weak and wooden, the clutch engagement was vague and medium stiff, the forward pegs/seating position was uncomfortable (for me), there was no cornering clearance, and the exhaust was loud. (With 8 of them in close proximity it was hard to hear yourself think). The suspension was terrible, the switchgear was cheap and the digital gear indicator showed N through 6, but first was just a couple of dashes --- and not a 1...and the grips were hard. No complaints about the seat as I don't even remember what it felt like. The mirrors worked ok. I went in there with an open mind. Honestly. I love all motorcycles, no matter who makes them,...as long as they function well. I had read good things about the Scout. If the one I rode was typical, writers would have to be on the take to write positive reviews IMO. Maybe the one I rode was just a bad one. I don't know. It was what it was, and what I speak of, is the unbiased truth.
I rode away saying 2 things. (1) I really love my CB 1100. What a great motorcycle. Comparatively speaking it is a diamond in a zirconium mine. and (2) Anyone who would buy a Scout over a CB 1100 or a T-120 Bonneville must not know much about motorcycles.
Immediately after getting home I texted a riding buddy in Cols Ohio with my review. He had ridden a Scout and said he liked it. After listening to my review he said that I was prejudiced, and I told him No, I was spoiled. The CB is such a nice bike it is hard to accept mediocrity. He said I didn't like any motorcycles other than the CB 1100 and I reminded him I loved my ST 1300, and that had recently ridden a T-120 Bonnie, an NC 700 Honda and an SFV 650 Suzuki and I liked all of them. All ran well, handled well, were smooth and braked well. All functioned as motorcycles should function imo.
Color me disappointed in the Indian Scout.