We Test Ride The Scout

[redbirds_imp]

Pamela and I left for Ocala, FL yesterday at 5AM so that we could arrive at Indian Motorcycles of Ocala by opening time. They're hosting the Indian factory ride show over the weekend and we hoped to beat the crowds to sign up for a ride. Arriving at 9AM we discover that they had opened an hour early and there is a long line at the ride sign-up already. We finally get signed up for a turn on a Scout in the third wave and spend the morning browsing the inventory of this fantastic dealership which sells Honda, Kawasaki, Can-Am, Triumph, Polaris and Victory as well.

It's late morning with perfect riding conditions when we get our turn on the Scouts. I haven't ridden a cruiser in years and am immediately struck by how weird and totally unnatural this riding position is with your feet forward and your body compressed into a "C" shape. The seat is very comfy, for me at least. Pamela and another lady tester declare the seat a torture device, designed for male bums. The ride takes about 20 minutes and covers some rather bumpy sections that I expect to transmit some hard hits from the limited rear suspension travel but not so. I think the large tires with their flexible side walls absorb the worst of the jolts. The most surprising aspect of the Scout is it's handling, completely natural and confidence inspiring. The bike flicks willingly into a turn and holds any line easily, very un-cruiser like. The motor is just about perfect with great torque from right off idle and very smooth. The fuel injection is well sorted and not a sign of throttle snatch. The brakes are adequate but sub par compared to the CB. Another disc up front is needed. Set up on the test bikes varied it seems. Pamela's bike had a heavier clutch pull and a bit of throttle snatch that made her ride less pleasant than mine and I've already mentioned her opinion of the seat.

Overall, I like this bike but it would never replace my CB1100. Another Indian model with the same motor but better ergos would tempt me to have one as a second ride.

The trip to Ocala took us past many of our favorite places that we frequented when we lived there. One of these is Lochloosa Lake near Hawthorne,FL. We spent many good times there bass fishing and bird watching. Pausing at the lake for lunch on the way home it was as we remembered it, beautiful. Bald Eagles soared overhead and a Tri-colored Heron on the boat dock accompanied our break.

[DGShannon_imp]

Pamela and I left for Ocala, FL yesterday at 5AM so that we could arrive at Indian Motorcycles of Ocala by opening time. They're hosting the Indian factory ride show over the weekend and we hoped to beat the crowds to sign up for a ride. Arriving at 9AM we discover that they had opened an hour early and there is a long line at the ride sign-up already. We finally get signed up for a turn on a Scout in the third wave and spend the morning browsing the inventory of this fantastic dealership which sells Honda, Kawasaki, Can-Am, Triumph, Polaris and Victory as well.

It's late morning with perfect riding conditions when we get our turn on the Scouts. I haven't ridden a cruiser in years and am immediately struck by how weird and totally unnatural this riding position is with your feet forward and your body compressed into a "C" shape. The seat is very comfy, for me at least. Pamela and another lady tester declare the seat a torture device, designed for male bums. The ride takes about 20 minutes and covers some rather bumpy sections that I expect to transmit some hard hits from the limited rear suspension travel but not so. I think the large tires with their flexible side walls absorb the worst of the jolts. The most surprising aspect of the Scout is it's handling, completely natural and confidence inspiring. The bike flicks willingly into a turn and holds any line easily, very un-cruiser like. The motor is just about perfect with great torque from right off idle and very smooth. The fuel injection is well sorted and not a sign of throttle snatch. The brakes are adequate but sub par compared to the CB. Another disc up front is needed. Set up on the test bikes varied it seems. Pamela's bike had a heavier clutch pull and a bit of throttle snatch that made her ride less pleasant than mine and I've already mentioned her opinion of the seat.

Overall, I like this bike but it would never replace my CB1100. Another Indian model with the same motor but better ergos would tempt me to have one as a second ride.

The trip to Ocala took us past many of our favorite places that we frequented when we lived there. One of these is Lochloosa Lake near Hawthorne,FL. We spent many good times there bass fishing and bird watching. Pausing at the lake for lunch on the way home it was as we remembered it, beautiful. Bald Eagles soared overhead and a Tri-colored Heron on the boat dock accompanied our break.

Anytime handlebars slant backward, away from the triple clamps, you have already lost me. So many of the cruisers & tourers do that, and to me there is hardly anything else as goofy looking. Just sort of says... "Sorry we put the forks in the wrong place. Let's slant the bars back to where your hands really are!"

[the Ferret]

Nice Heron pic!

Good report Redbirds, and interesting pics. Looks like mostly Harley types were there to test the Indians

Everybody I know that has test ridden the little Indian says the same thing..GREAT MOTOR! The rest not so much.

Wonder if Indian will ever put that motor in a standard.

[rboe]

I wanted to ride one but the line was too long so I took the Classic for another spin (test rode one a year ago). Unlike my first experience I enjoyed the bike this time and was more impressed this time around. I could see buying one. Plunked my butt on a Scout after the ride and was not too impressed; which is pretty unfair after riding the big Classic.

So at some point I'd still like to ride a Scout. Size wise it has a lot going for it but I think it would have to replace a bike and so far I'm not willing to do that.

[emptysea]

Great report and photos, Redbirds. I don't think I'd like the riding position of the Scout, either, but I think it could be a great bike for my wife. She rides a CTX so the riding position would be closer to something she's used to. The fact that the women did not like the seat is of concern, though. Maybe we'll get a chance for a test ride next spring.

Thanks for the information.

[redbirds_imp]

Great report and photos, Redbirds. I don't think I'd like the riding position of the Scout, either, but I think it could be a great bike for my wife. She rides a CTX so the riding position would be closer to something she's used to. The fact that the women did not like the seat is of concern, though. Maybe we'll get a chance for a test ride next spring.

Thanks for the information.

You know how seats are ES, your wife may find the seat acceptable and accessory seats will probably be available soon. It really is a fine machine with excellent build quality, great handling and a strong motor. My only gripe really was the feet forward ride position. I'm still wondering why the clutch pull on the bike Pamela rode was so heavy and the throttle snatchy.

[Cormanus]

Great report, redbirds. Like you, I'd find it hard to adjust again to having my feet forward. It has been a relief having them where they belong for the past 14 months.

[holy666diver_imp]

I think the scout has the ugliest front end I have ever seen on a cruiser. It's so low, fat, short, hideous plastic looking engine, the handlebars and the rider always looks awkward riding it. The chiefs look good but man I think they missed the mark on the scout.

[ClassicVW_imp]

I agree, especially with regard to the engine. It looks like a plastic toy, nothing like an engine usually looks in the real world!

[Django]

Well, there is no relationship at all to the historical Indian, which was closed already 1953. This is just a marketing trial, to reuse this famous brand to get a foot into the door of the motorcycle market by Polaris.

I apologize for sounding off against Indian, however, for me this is just a fake.