At 57 yrs old and riding any and all bikes I could beg borrow or steal, it always blows my mind about the nit picking things that everyone beefs about when comparing motorcycles!! Heres the deal from whats left of my mind, from the shit I did in the 70s. Ride every bike that you can, enjoy it, suck it up if its hot, cold, windy, raining or snowing. Motorcycles have come a very long way since the 70s and most of them are far more versatile than you or I ever will be. Huskys, CZs, Pentons, Maicos, Bultacos,etc..were all a blast to race or ride back in the day and I don't ever remember hearing someone bitch about anything.! Buy the one you WANT/LIKE/CAN AFFORD and don't worry about what someone thinks or says. Be yourself for a change and if riding is a chore, get a minivan..
+locoslair You could have very easily been telling my story as well as your own. Best damn motorcycle post I've read. I am amazed at the overall quality and variation in todays products. There is something for everyone. But, still it seems...One mans pleasure is another mans poison.
Great post, but don't forget, people are forking out a lot more dollars these days and want the best product money can buy, and it comes down to what each individual can afford.
I bought my first Harley in 2011, a Heritage. Couldn't wait to get rid of it. I liked the VTX(1800) and the C90 from Suzuki and owned both. When I got my 2013 Road King all bets are off. This is the best cruiser I have ever riden. Smooth and comfortable except for the rear travel on the shocks. I have put up 750 mile days and minimal discomfort. I have a Goldwing when my wife rides and I have tested Victory and Indians of different models and honestly the Road king has them beat and I do 20000 plus miles on bikes every year. Ride what you love. Like the man said, cold, heat, and rain are all parts of the adventure. I am sixty years old and have had to many bikes to mention. Ride safe but get out there and ride
Your collective imputs were very thoughtful and filled with insight. Along with the wide range of body types, weights and heights it really assisted in compiling an overall cocensus conclusion that was the same as yours, INDIAN SCOUT. Thank you all.
Great review. Thanks for putting all these bikes together. I've personally been waffling between the Indian Scout and the Victory Gunner because of similar price and look and Minnesota connection (I was raised there), so I particularly appreciate those two being part of the shootout.
"A Motorcycle is one of very few machines that have been built for the exclusive purpose of pleasure." Great job guys! Looking for my first bike & this review gave my a lot of food for thought. This is a real world review and the round table discussion is an excellent format providing different points of view. At the end of the day, due diligence, common sense and personal style point to the bike you buy. The ability to make the bike your own in many ways regardless of choice is the real joy with all these models. I had been leaning towards the scout for it's many attributes, iconic design and low rider appeal (I'm 5'5"). I'm still leaning...
my father in law owns a custom Fatboy my friend a Roadking and my cousin a Streetglide. I honestly can't afford neither of those, a Sportster? sure and they're awesome for my body size. But, i can't get my eyes of the Scout. I want to ride it, i want to buy it. I know i won't be welcome to those Harley only clubs, who cares right.
C7 Turbo same here guys, the scout makes me go hmmm. Different handle bars and move the footpegs hmmm. It's like the first actually sporty cruiser. Trim good looking with good modern engine and frame technology. And i really loath cruisers and rate them as mostly POS as far motorcycles go,i tried to like them before but never could until now. , it's spooky, it's like cruisers(scout) did it right finally or something . And I'm young. Great job Indian/Polaris
$11,000 for the Indian Scout. Least expensive of this group, but only loses to Harley-Davidson's Night Rod (the most expensive of the group at $16,550) in a drag race.
Not that it really matters 109 years on and several iterations of Indian later, but in the interest of historical accuracy...Harley Davidsons were designed around the 1906 Indian V-Twin. Not visa versa.
+Fr. Ro That is correct. Once they merged the proven French De Dion motor (single) with the German Merkle loop frame, they then had, what has since become thought of as the all American motorcycle. The Harley-Davidson. Now assembled in America from parts manufactured in China and other far East Asia countries.
+Fr. Ro I think that you are probably right. Yes, Harley riders should be grateful for the Showa forks. H-D is one of the most stylistic motorcycles ever manufactured but having said that I would never buy a motor assembled with Chinese internals and especially bearings. I ride a 58 Harley and a modern Victory with excellent Italian Brembo brakes and my next bike will be an Indian. I am not a brand loyalist and never met a motorcycle that I didn't enjoy something about. In my mind a gas gauge is an incredible piece of technology on a motorcycle. I rode them for years, without, and enjoyed every hot, cold, cloudy, windy, rainy, snowy, sleeting minute of it.
servicarrider well yes, Showa can be grateful for the first front motorcycle suspension to Harley, since that was the first suspension for bike they "copied"
FR your comment is kinda off topic. I responded to servicarriders comment about how Harley is relying on Showa suspension, while it was Harley suspension that started the Showa motorcycle shocks at all. Your comment doesnt make same sense. De Dion was engine producer owning patent so most of the car/motorcycle producers used the patent, actually almost every single producer who meant something back then had De Dion tech. Its similar to Bosch fuel injection, almost every big brand is using in now-days. So your comment would make same sens as mine only if there would be De Dion company now-days and Harley would make their engines.
+Madlgor FKGoogle I am afraid that your revision of history is a long way from accurate. Showas' expertise in suspension parts manufacturing were resultant from their previous work as a developer of aircraft suspensions and landing gear for several manufactures. Post war era (Japans military ban) Showa produced suspension parts for Honda. They later acquired Rikuo which eventually led them to become an OEM supplier to Harley-Davidson.
I have been thinking about the scout but I think im going to wait a few years to see if they make any better adjustments or see if Harley and the competitors make changes, honestly I like Harleys cuz they look cool but the competition make such good bikes, buying a Harley cuz it looks cool is not enough to win me over
Dylan Wilson I would agree with you, The victories have a few different choices, from the Judge, Vegas,and a few others it's really hard to pick a Harley especially with their less then stellar reliability over the last 30 years. Though it seems like Harley has come along way since the introduction to the EVO engine.
Not being that familiar with bikes out now, but wanting to get back into them after 20 years out.... this is a great video in my opinion. QUESTION: Which 3 of these are shaft drive?
I would love to see Indian do a Scout XL with a 1900cc engine (keep the liquid cooling) to take on Yamaha's Raider. Keep the price affordable as with the Scout. Now that would be an interesting ordeal. Make the Scout a canvas for anyone to turn into a roadster, tourer, cruiser, etc. How I wish we could go back to the mid-2000s when we had so many options around!
I have always rode sport bikes but want to get a cruiser (keep my sport bike). I would use it for trips like Miami to Daytona. I used to do it in my Ninja but am looking for more comfort. I am 5'9" so not that big but for tips like that would the Scout makes sense?
gespi005 Not sure if you watched the whole video, but one of the riders said it probably wouldn't be great for long trips. I think I heard the same mentioned in another video too. Regardless, I think the Scout looks great, and would ride it on trips anyway. I can't afford to have a cool looking bike AND another for long distance comfort. Most of my rides would be local to SoCal.
erlegreer Yeah I saw that. I am still debating as I was told that it all depends on the rider. There are many "older" folks that prefer to tow their motorcycle to the location. I also some saying that in the past motorcycles were much harsher to ride than with today's technology. I guess is a matter of preference.
erlegreer Then again one of the other riders said that the more you're on the Indian the more comfortable it becomes. I guess it has to have allot to do with your height. Like I'm only 5'5" so I could probably ride the Indian all day and be very comfortable. But someone who is 6'2" might not have the same feedback. then again I ride a Honda CBR1000RR, I can ride that all day with semi comfort. Any type of cruiser would probably feel like a Cadillac to me.
Would a scout be good for commuting and occasional road trips? I'm looking at a 20-30 minute highway commute. It'll be my only mode of transportation for a while, and I'll want to take it on 9 hour road trips to visit from college maybe every couple of months. Any help will be much appreciated.
Idk about a 250. They are good for around town and maybe small time on highways.. but not 30 minutes. I think you're looking for more of a cruiser anyways. If its your first bike then try to not go over 1000cc's. A Honda Shadow 750 is a great starter bike and even good for someone who just wants a commuter. I'm not too big on the plastic fenders but its cost effective. A Triumph T100 is a cool bike too. Its much like a cafe racer. Very dependable. Very well handling motorcycle. The biggest advice I would have for you is not to buy a really expensive big CC bike because the insurance is expensive along with maintaining it. Try something small thats low in price and work your way up. The 750 is my favorite starter cruiser forsure though.. and thats coming from a Harley rider. Good luck
Thanks y'all. This really helps. This will be my first bike, but I do have some dirt bike experience. I'm trying pretty hard not to rule any bikes out.
Really fair and honest review . I like the idea of a lighter bike because of knee problems , it's getting harder to hold up an 800 pound bike with 28" seat , especially when your inseam is 30 " .
I was just going to post something about leaving Triumph out of this comparison and then I saw your post. .... I think the Commander and/or the Storm would give any of those larger bikes a run for sure. .... The Indian is a really nice bike but they need to take that plastic "Scout" badge off of the tank.
They often leave out Triumph on this channel not really sure why, they left the speed triple out in the super naked shootout which doesn't make much sense either
I'd like to see the Suzuki m90 in some of these test. Yes it's a bit older but it won all its comparisons when new. I'd love to see how this new round of bikes stack up. Scout is sweet btw but way smaller than the rest of these. If you're over 6' it's almost. It an option.
May I ask...around 13:08, they start commenting on the VRod tire...but could someone help me understand WHY they don't like the wide tire? How does it affect turning and stability, for example? Thank you!
CaptainMacNasty Compared to a narrower tire, a wider tire tends to feel like it wants to push the bike straight, and requires more effort to lean over into a corner. It requires more force at the handlebars, and once leaned over, requires constant force to STAY leaned over. With that being said, the updated front-end geometry as of 2012 on the Night Rod drastically improved the handling characteristics with the 240 tire out back. Plus, like they said, you really do get used to it very quickly. I suspect the only reason they pointed it out so much is because they were surrounded by bikes with 180-ish rear tires, so they noticed that extra force every time.
Gavin Dow- Thank you very much, Gavin! I appreciate your excellent explanation. I'm thinking of buying a used Night Rod...so I will research the 2012 front-end change. (There are lots of pretty great prices on some bikes I see on the web, at least relative to a new bike.)
I am considering seriously of buying scout .if you ride it on freeway would you get blown off ? I am 5"5 30 inseem and I'd be ride on freeway and around town .I am going back forth 1200 T.super low Harley .trying to see which be a better buy I haven't had neither one .help guys.lol thanks !!!!
It really depends on what you do expect to do with the bike. If you are looking in kinda sport cruiser with lots of power and dont care about style or accessorizing then the Scout is good option for you. If you are into longer trips, are bigger person, want more "classic" cruiser looks want huge accessories offer then Harley is much better. Also if you are shopping in that sport cruiser category and the top performance is not your concern then have a look into Harleys Street 750, is similar style to Scout, has more sporty sitting posture and is few grands cheaper then Scout.
If Indian put on a two up seat and passenger pegs then they would probably sell a bunch more of them then they currently have. Since I haven't ridden one of them I can't comment about the shocks and all but from what I have seen it is a good looking and well put together bike. The Indian Scout is the only Indian out of the new ones that I like. Lastly it would be nice to see the Scout go head to head against the CB1100 since they are priced pretty close. I think Motorcycle.com can make that happen.
All these bikes are quite nice, but they seem to have hit the nail on the head with the scout, and it rivals the sportster - and that's good. I still think I'd rather have the vrod out of all of them, though. They're too fun to ride. That noise is so epic...
Tell me what you think! Should I buy a Indian Scout or a BMW S1000RR? Why is the BMW called a "Liter Bike" but the cruiser bikes (VTX1300) are not? Please note: I am a beginner rider. Just because a bike is fast, doesn't mean you need to ride it fast.
I just tested the Indian Scout- brilliant bike. That said, don't even include the Sportster when testing the Scout. It's not even in the same league. It's horribly dated, heavy, and lacking in performance. The VROD vs The Scout. That makes more sense.
jim wortham It’s not a serious problem. Just realize every 100-120 miles it’s time to pee, get something to drink and get gas. Also, the low fuel light will come on when there is 15-20 miles left before it goes dry.
I just bought a 2019 scout, I love it, handles good plenty of power and is just fun to ride. I wouldn’t take it across the country but it’s not designed for that.
The lack of decel feel on the Scout is due to it being a short stroke engine. Very similar to the V-Rod but that allows both of them to rev higher than other v-twins. Just a characteristic of the engine design, not tuning the the fuel injection or anything else. You can tell these guys aren't engineers or mechanics.
some of the bikes are not in this class. the victory gunner, the guzzi, and the vrod are not really comparable IMO. the gunner and guzzi need to go up against a bigger indian and the vrod is a purpose built muscle bike (even though it has similar displacement).
Well folks there's the rider's unbiased opinion. 💢🤔💭 Polaris has thrown off another ass-kickin' on America's second Motorcycle Company Harley-Davidson. As for the loyal H.D. vans would you like some cheese with that whine, LOL!!! 💢🤣💢 "W.T.F.!!" The H.D. Sportster has a smaller fuel tank, the frame flexes in turns and it has a 1200 cc displacement but cannot out run and 1133 cc displacement of the Indian Scout. "GET OVER IT, IT IS WHAT IT IS". Rock on Polaris/Indian motorcycles and you know this maaaannnnn!! 💥😵💥
It's gone. It's no longer a part of the Victory line up. But it would have performed almost exactly the same as the Gunner since both run the exact same engine.
I think not as it tracks different with the rear/front tire difference, handles way different; oh okay thanks. I guess they need to update their website as they are still show casing the Hammer like they are, maybe it is leftover from 2014.
Oh boy. So the Sportster is a "great bar hopping bike". What a ringing endorsement of mediocrity. I like the Indian Scout but i think i like the Standard over the Bobber. I really would like it more without all the cladding. The pieces covering the frame and on the Bobber the headlight surround. I know there is one up the food chain a bit that really has a strong sport bike style to it and i like how you can sort of configure it as you please but really you can do that to any motorcycle at least to some extent. I know some of the exposed chassis tubing is mighty sexy and that is a big question for me. On this model that starts i believe a couple of grand above the Bobber just to be able to detail it out with numerous choices as far as individual components and aesthetics i guess. Seems you can make.
This is an OK review but the guzzi idle is just a generic guzzi idle. ALL of the guzzi's at idle shake all over because of the layout. The bad low end nonsense they said is also pretty BS it makes 82 ft lbs at like 2600 rpm. I have gotten to ride the cali 1400 and it is VERY impressive.
+derek lindberg I know on my Scout racing V-rods it's really hard to see them in my rear view mirror. You'd think a V-Rod would come close to a Scout but it's kind of sad. I mean, just look at the price difference!
tell me why has to Victory always send tricked out bikes to testing? 82 rwhp? Right, never happens in real world Vics from the shop floor. They are usually around 79hp. You can get higher dyno numbers on various hp happy dynamometers, but then the Sportster would have be around 67hp and VROD around 110hp. I wonder if same "cheating" is done to Scout. Besides they forgot to test one thing, MPG. I bet that Sportster would have beat them all, since the OHV is the most efficient drive method.
You all sound and look a whole lot older than just a year ago. What happened? This review is out of step with most of your other work. Its hard to see any passion in this review that has accompanied the majority of your previous works. Lets see a real performance review like you would with sport bikes! I dig your style and that is why I follow your channel.
Reviewers always seem to cut the new guy some slack. The Scout won but it is the ugliest in the test. Riders who don't like cruisers seem to like it but I doubt it will be very popular with the main stream cruiser types.
I kinda agree with you. The looks of that engine just doesn't do it for me. Looks to plastic or metric. Maybe I am the only one who wish's it was air cooled with lots of fins on the cylinders. BTW, my 2012 HD wide glide has over 30k and no issues, no oil leaks, no problems. Just my 2 cents.
JACKSONLEWISOFCANADA yeah it's made by the same company but it's in a totally different plant. Indians are not made in the same factory that a Victory is made in. In fact, Polaris dealers are NOT allowed to sell Indians without buying into the Indian franchise. So to say they can't compete is like saying that Chevy can't compete with Buick. This is were many people loose the confidence of a good product because they fail to see the Industrial rise of a new company. So in short your response is in total lack of any type of research so therefore it's considered pretty STUPID!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.
hate to tell you this but some buick and chevs are made in the same plant as are parts and engine components for all polaris assembly....... congradulations you killed your own counter argument......
At 57 yrs old and riding any and all bikes I could beg borrow or steal, it always blows my mind about the nit picking things that everyone beefs about when comparing motorcycles!! Heres the deal from whats left of my mind, from the shit I did in the 70s. Ride every bike that you can, enjoy it, suck it up if its hot, cold, windy, raining or snowing. Motorcycles have come a very long way since the 70s and most of them are far more versatile than you or I ever will be. Huskys, CZs, Pentons, Maicos, Bultacos,etc..were all a blast to race or ride back in the day and I don't ever remember hearing someone bitch about anything.! Buy the one you WANT/LIKE/CAN AFFORD and don't worry about what someone thinks or says. Be yourself for a change and if riding is a chore, get a minivan..
***** gonna learn today
locoslair Yes. Well put.
locoslair Best post on a motorcycle vid yet!
+locoslair You could have very easily been telling my story as well as your own. Best damn motorcycle post I've read. I am amazed at the overall quality and variation in todays products. There is something for everyone. But, still it seems...One mans pleasure is another mans poison.
Great post, but don't forget, people are forking out a lot more dollars these days and want the best product money can buy, and it comes down to what each individual can afford.
The moment I saw the Scout, I decided it will be mine someday. A bike that I can see myself grow old with.
Scout 60 owner here. Love the bike, so comfortable. Handles well and the performance is fantastic.
Love love love the scout. And this may have been one of the best reviews I've seen these guys do. Well done.
I bought my first Harley in 2011, a Heritage. Couldn't wait to get rid of it. I liked the VTX(1800) and the C90 from Suzuki and owned both. When I got my 2013 Road King all bets are off. This is the best cruiser I have ever riden. Smooth and comfortable except for the rear travel on the shocks. I have put up 750 mile days and minimal discomfort. I have a Goldwing when my wife rides and I have tested Victory and Indians of different models and honestly the Road king has them beat and I do 20000 plus miles on bikes every year. Ride what you love. Like the man said, cold, heat, and rain are all parts of the adventure. I am sixty years old and have had to many bikes to mention. Ride safe but get out there and ride
I've got a scout reserved. Should be getting it soon. I plan on customizing the hell out of it!
Sounds awesome, other than changing the exhaust what else would you change.
What color are you getting?
Your collective imputs were very thoughtful and filled with insight. Along with the wide range of body types, weights and heights it really assisted in compiling an overall cocensus conclusion that was the same as yours, INDIAN SCOUT.
Thank you all.
Thanks for this piece. It was a treat to enjoy a video on the Scout which is longer than 2 minutes.
I recently got a scout and believe me its amazing.. behaves like a Japanese performance bike and reliable.
Thank you, Polaris ...Indians rock!!
Great review. Thanks for putting all these bikes together. I've personally been waffling between the Indian Scout and the Victory Gunner because of similar price and look and Minnesota connection (I was raised there), so I particularly appreciate those two being part of the shootout.
"A Motorcycle is one of very few machines that have been built for the exclusive purpose of pleasure."
Great job guys! Looking for my first bike & this review gave my a lot of food for thought. This is a real world review and the round table discussion is an excellent format providing different points of view. At the end of the day, due diligence, common sense and personal style point to the bike you buy. The ability to make the bike your own in many ways regardless of choice is the real joy with all these models. I had been leaning towards the scout for it's many attributes, iconic design and low rider appeal (I'm 5'5"). I'm still leaning...
my father in law owns a custom Fatboy my friend a Roadking and my cousin a Streetglide. I honestly can't afford neither of those, a Sportster? sure and they're awesome for my body size. But, i can't get my eyes of the Scout. I want to ride it, i want to buy it. I know i won't be welcome to those Harley only clubs, who cares right.
i dont like cruisers, but the scout is awesome
same I hate cruisers but this is awesome
C7 Turbo same here guys, the scout makes me go hmmm. Different handle bars and move the footpegs hmmm. It's like the first actually sporty cruiser. Trim good looking with good modern engine and frame technology. And i really loath cruisers and rate them as mostly POS as far motorcycles go,i tried to like them before but never could until now.
, it's spooky, it's like cruisers(scout) did it right finally or something . And I'm young. Great job Indian/Polaris
Dreadzedan
aha so there was no XR-1200 on market before?
C7 Turbo give try Triumph Rocket 3 roaster a hundred percent adrenaline 2300 cc
It’s owned by Polaris! Lol not an Indian an more! Might as well buy a honda
This was a really fun video to watch. Listening to everyone's opinion was really informative and enjoyable. Love to see more videos like this.
$11,000 for the Indian Scout. Least expensive of this group, but only loses to Harley-Davidson's Night Rod (the most expensive of the group at $16,550) in a drag race.
The new one got a nice power bump up to 100 HP. I'm curious to see the new numbers on it
Not that it really matters 109 years on and several iterations of Indian later, but in the interest of historical accuracy...Harley Davidsons were designed around the 1906 Indian V-Twin. Not visa versa.
+Fr. Ro That is correct. Once they merged the proven French De Dion motor (single) with the German Merkle loop frame, they then had, what has since become thought of as the all American motorcycle. The Harley-Davidson. Now assembled in America from parts manufactured in China and other far East Asia countries.
+Fr. Ro I think that you are probably right. Yes, Harley riders should be grateful for the Showa forks. H-D is one of the most stylistic motorcycles ever manufactured but having said that I would never buy a motor assembled with Chinese internals and especially bearings. I ride a 58 Harley and a modern Victory with excellent Italian Brembo brakes and my next bike will be an Indian. I am not a brand loyalist and never met a motorcycle that I didn't enjoy something about. In my mind a gas gauge is an incredible piece of technology on a motorcycle. I rode them for years, without, and enjoyed every hot, cold, cloudy, windy, rainy, snowy, sleeting minute of it.
servicarrider well yes, Showa can be grateful for the first front motorcycle suspension to Harley, since that was the first suspension for bike they "copied"
FR your comment is kinda off topic. I responded to servicarriders comment about how Harley is relying on Showa suspension, while it was Harley suspension that started the Showa motorcycle shocks at all. Your comment doesnt make same sense.
De Dion was engine producer owning patent so most of the car/motorcycle producers used the patent, actually almost every single producer who meant something back then had De Dion tech. Its similar to Bosch fuel injection, almost every big brand is using in now-days.
So your comment would make same sens as mine only if there would be De Dion company now-days and Harley would make their engines.
+Madlgor FKGoogle I am afraid that your revision of history is a long way from accurate. Showas' expertise in suspension parts manufacturing were resultant from their previous work as a developer of aircraft suspensions and landing gear for several manufactures. Post war era (Japans military ban) Showa produced suspension parts for Honda. They later acquired Rikuo which eventually led them to become an OEM supplier to Harley-Davidson.
Love the styling on the Victory. No need to tweak it.
Awesome review. If I didn't have my Victory Highball I'd seriously consider buying the Scout ASAP. Guess I'll have to push my lady to get it ;)
I have been thinking about the scout but I think im going to wait a few years to see if they make any better adjustments or see if Harley and the competitors make changes, honestly I like Harleys cuz they look cool but the competition make such good bikes, buying a Harley cuz it looks cool is not enough to win me over
Dylan Wilson I would agree with you, The victories have a few different choices, from the Judge, Vegas,and a few others it's really hard to pick a Harley especially with their less then stellar reliability over the last 30 years. Though it seems like Harley has come along way since the introduction to the EVO engine.
Another great review. Indian gets my vote for look and performance.
Gunner or a Scout...can't decide. Maybe both.
I'm in the same boat as you right now
John Cox BOTH .
John Cox is two years later, just curious what did you settle on?
I hope he went with a Scout. Polaris dropped Victory and focused on Indian. Indians time to shine!
Great points on all counts.Thanks guys.
In the UK the Indians and victory are starting to get a LOT of interest, as the dealers for HD are not great
Not being that familiar with bikes out now, but wanting to get back into them after 20 years out.... this is a great video in my opinion. QUESTION: Which 3 of these are shaft drive?
Love the style of the indian scout, I been riding the Harley style bikes all my life don't let anyone tell u this ain't a sweetie!
I love all motorcycles but I really love my Scout. I think it comes through in my videos.
I would love to see Indian do a Scout XL with a 1900cc engine (keep the liquid cooling) to take on Yamaha's Raider. Keep the price affordable as with the Scout. Now that would be an interesting ordeal. Make the Scout a canvas for anyone to turn into a roadster, tourer, cruiser, etc. How I wish we could go back to the mid-2000s when we had so many options around!
Cool vid bros. I love these massive shootouts with a dozen bikes.
I was inspired to ride and now I have my motorcycle license I am looking either at a Indian Scout Sixty or Harley-Davidson 48 Special. Thank you
Great comparison and what seems to be a logical conclusion
I'll take a Victory Octane. Yes please.
I have always rode sport bikes but want to get a cruiser (keep my sport bike). I would use it for trips like Miami to Daytona. I used to do it in my Ninja but am looking for more comfort. I am 5'9" so not that big but for tips like that would the Scout makes sense?
gespi005 Not sure if you watched the whole video, but one of the riders said it probably wouldn't be great for long trips. I think I heard the same mentioned in another video too. Regardless, I think the Scout looks great, and would ride it on trips anyway. I can't afford to have a cool looking bike AND another for long distance comfort. Most of my rides would be local to SoCal.
erlegreer Yeah I saw that. I am still debating as I was told that it all depends on the rider. There are many "older" folks that prefer to tow their motorcycle to the location. I also some saying that in the past motorcycles were much harsher to ride than with today's technology. I guess is a matter of preference.
erlegreer Then again one of the other riders said that the more you're on the Indian the more comfortable it becomes. I guess it has to have allot to do with your height. Like I'm only 5'5" so I could probably ride the Indian all day and be very comfortable. But someone who is 6'2" might not have the same feedback. then again I ride a Honda CBR1000RR, I can ride that all day with semi comfort. Any type of cruiser would probably feel like a Cadillac to me.
Seat height, rpm's at 65 mph, mpg at same speed. Also 1/4 mile performance?
+Stuart Fitzsimons It's a cruiser the seat high is going to be low and its 1/4 mile performance is not going to be that good.
Would a scout be good for commuting and occasional road trips? I'm looking at a 20-30 minute highway commute. It'll be my only mode of transportation for a while, and I'll want to take it on 9 hour road trips to visit from college maybe every couple of months. Any help will be much appreciated.
No, any naked bike would be better, maybe even a 250 cbr
Idk about a 250. They are good for around town and maybe small time on highways.. but not 30 minutes. I think you're looking for more of a cruiser anyways. If its your first bike then try to not go over 1000cc's. A Honda Shadow 750 is a great starter bike and even good for someone who just wants a commuter. I'm not too big on the plastic fenders but its cost effective. A Triumph T100 is a cool bike too. Its much like a cafe racer. Very dependable. Very well handling motorcycle. The biggest advice I would have for you is not to buy a really expensive big CC bike because the insurance is expensive along with maintaining it. Try something small thats low in price and work your way up. The 750 is my favorite starter cruiser forsure though.. and thats coming from a Harley rider. Good luck
Thanks y'all. This really helps. This will be my first bike, but I do have some dirt bike experience. I'm trying pretty hard not to rule any bikes out.
MultiSoftE
Sportbikes really suck at commuting, get so sore in that crunched riding position.
Since when did Mickey Rourke start working at Motorcycle.com?
Really fair and honest review . I like the idea of a lighter bike because of knee problems , it's getting harder to hold up an 800 pound bike with 28" seat , especially when your inseam is 30 " .
Beautiful bikes. Love those Indians!
It just occurred to me ,,, where are the Triumph Cruisers?
Good point
I was just going to post something about leaving Triumph out of this comparison and then I saw your post. .... I think the Commander and/or the Storm would give any of those larger bikes a run for sure. .... The Indian is a really nice bike but they need to take that plastic "Scout" badge off of the tank.
Care factor 0
They often leave out Triumph on this channel not really sure why, they left the speed triple out in the super naked shootout which doesn't make much sense either
You mean the unreliable English bikes? lol...
I'd like to see the Suzuki m90 in some of these test. Yes it's a bit older but it won all its comparisons when new. I'd love to see how this new round of bikes stack up.
Scout is sweet btw but way smaller than the rest of these. If you're over 6' it's almost. It an option.
May I ask...around 13:08, they start commenting on the VRod tire...but could someone help me understand WHY they don't like the wide tire? How does it affect turning and stability, for example? Thank you!
CaptainMacNasty Compared to a narrower tire, a wider tire tends to feel like it wants to push the bike straight, and requires more effort to lean over into a corner. It requires more force at the handlebars, and once leaned over, requires constant force to STAY leaned over. With that being said, the updated front-end geometry as of 2012 on the Night Rod drastically improved the handling characteristics with the 240 tire out back. Plus, like they said, you really do get used to it very quickly.
I suspect the only reason they pointed it out so much is because they were surrounded by bikes with 180-ish rear tires, so they noticed that extra force every time.
Gavin Dow- Thank you very much, Gavin! I appreciate your excellent explanation. I'm thinking of buying a used Night Rod...so I will research the 2012 front-end change. (There are lots of pretty great prices on some bikes I see on the web, at least relative to a new bike.)
What was the Honda. Was that the stateline?
"Doesn't have that Sons of Anarchy stuff that a customer is gonna want..." Stopped watching the video right there!
Perhaps just for giggles, they should have had the STAR/Yamaha-V-Max to clean everyone's Clock.
Moto Guzzi on style, technique and comfort.
Very well done.
I am considering seriously of buying scout .if you ride it on freeway would you get blown off ? I am 5"5 30 inseem and I'd be ride on freeway and around town .I am going back forth 1200 T.super low Harley .trying to see which be a better buy I haven't had neither one .help guys.lol thanks !!!!
The Scout will outrun any motorcycle Harley currently makes including the CVOs. It makes 40% more horsepower than a 1200 Harley.
raceboy1971 hey thanks man I appreciate it!!
raceboy1971 It will not outrun a VRod.
It really depends on what you do expect to do with the bike. If you are looking in kinda sport cruiser with lots of power and dont care about style or accessorizing then the Scout is good option for you. If you are into longer trips, are bigger person, want more "classic" cruiser looks want huge accessories offer then Harley is much better. Also if you are shopping in that sport cruiser category and the top performance is not your concern then have a look into Harleys Street 750, is similar style to Scout, has more sporty sitting posture and is few grands cheaper then Scout.
MadIgor FKGoogle I bought a 09.deluxe thanks for the help
You guys are legends
Just got mine! Real nice Bike, removed muffler sounds great. I love it
I like the New Indian. I have a 1200cc 2005 Sportster. I'd like to have this one in addition to my Sporty. I really think it's a "Winner!" :)
If Indian put on a two up seat and passenger pegs then they would probably sell a bunch more of them then they currently have. Since I haven't ridden one of them I can't comment about the shocks and all but from what I have seen it is a good looking and well put together bike. The Indian Scout is the only Indian out of the new ones that I like. Lastly it would be nice to see the Scout go head to head against the CB1100 since they are priced pretty close. I think Motorcycle.com can make that happen.
2 up seat and passenger pegs are an option on the bike already, and sales of the Scout are not an issue, they sold like crazy.........
Edward Walsh Yeah seriously. Around me (Dallas) they don't even give out test rides because the damn things sell themselves!
they just made them standard for 2018
All these bikes are quite nice, but they seem to have hit the nail on the head with the scout, and it rivals the sportster - and that's good.
I still think I'd rather have the vrod out of all of them, though. They're too fun to ride. That noise is so epic...
Tell me what you think! Should I buy a Indian Scout or a BMW S1000RR? Why is the BMW called a "Liter Bike" but the cruiser bikes (VTX1300) are not? Please note: I am a beginner rider. Just because a bike is fast, doesn't mean you need to ride it fast.
these guys are a bunch of divas Everyone has a preference of bikes that they like ! get one !!! ride it !!! the one your on is the best !!
I liked this..! It was interesting and i learned a lot! Thanks! And i'm looking forward to more reviews. :-)
Man I wanted to get one of these so bad, I wish I didn't get sick
I just tested the Indian Scout- brilliant bike. That said, don't even include the Sportster when testing the Scout. It's not even in the same league. It's horribly dated, heavy, and lacking in performance. The VROD vs The Scout. That makes more sense.
+Moto Jedeye strange..I got a old 99 883C sportster, its bored to 1200 and it moves quite well!
Fr. Ro I did find it "smallish" but thats not necessarily a bad thing.
1:24 Did anyone else think the co-host was going to say "... and behind us, is a police car"?
love that indian scout
Where is the Suzuki M109R?
a giant ugly power cruiser. Only has 5 speed, but liquid cooled rocket. I cant get past the looks...
A bigger tank and different stock pipes and I'd be sold on the Scout.
3 gallon gas tank no fuel gauge serious serious problem
jim wortham It’s not a serious problem. Just realize every 100-120 miles it’s time to pee, get something to drink and get gas. Also, the low fuel light will come on when there is 15-20 miles left before it goes dry.
I'm 6'2'' and weigh 272. I liked it but my friends were laughing. They said I looked like a Russian bear on a bicycle in the circus.
I just bought a 2019 scout, I love it, handles good plenty of power and is just fun to ride. I wouldn’t take it across the country but it’s not designed for that.
Seven wide off the line. That was awesome!
The lack of decel feel on the Scout is due to it being a short stroke engine. Very similar to the V-Rod but that allows both of them to rev higher than other v-twins. Just a characteristic of the engine design, not tuning the the fuel injection or anything else. You can tell these guys aren't engineers or mechanics.
what the bike on 9:19?
some of the bikes are not in this class. the victory gunner, the guzzi, and the vrod are not really comparable IMO. the gunner and guzzi need to go up against a bigger indian and the vrod is a purpose built muscle bike (even though it has similar displacement).
Well folks there's the rider's unbiased opinion. 💢🤔💭
Polaris has thrown off another ass-kickin' on America's second Motorcycle Company Harley-Davidson.
As for the loyal H.D. vans would you like some cheese with that whine, LOL!!! 💢🤣💢 "W.T.F.!!"
The H.D. Sportster has a smaller fuel tank, the frame flexes in turns and it has a 1200 cc displacement but cannot out run and 1133 cc displacement of the Indian Scout. "GET OVER IT, IT IS WHAT IT IS".
Rock on Polaris/Indian motorcycles and you know this maaaannnnn!! 💥😵💥
Indian, American's first motorcycle. That's my choice.
3:49 WTF!!!
You should have used the yamaha stryker instead of the star 1300. It is a better comparison with the long Gunner, Vrod and Interstate
I have no idea why Burns said Indian may not be a choice for long travel? Why not? that comment left me scratching my head...
I will tell you why 3 gallon gas tank no fuel gauge 40 miles an hour do the math
why didnt you review a yamaha raider
Where is the Suzuki M109 R?
VROD says - eat my dust! But I still wish an Indian Scout...
They could have thrown a 109r into the mix. Perhaps instead of the Guzzi. I wnder why
RIP Victory Motorcycle
Doing this now, I feel the Triumph Bobber / Speedmaster beats them all. Agree?
Where is the Victory Hammer?
It's gone. It's no longer a part of the Victory line up. But it would have performed almost exactly the same as the Gunner since both run the exact same engine.
I think not as it tracks different with the rear/front tire difference, handles way different; oh okay thanks. I guess they need to update their website as they are still show casing the Hammer like they are, maybe it is leftover from 2014.
***** No its not...... www.victorymotorcycles.com/en-us/cruisers/hammer-8-ball-gloss-black
Why the sportster? On paper it's a match for the v-rod...for the most part.
I picked the Harley Deluxe. ..thanks for input opinion! !!
Why does EVERYONE Ignore the VMax?
Oh boy. So the Sportster is a "great bar hopping bike". What a ringing endorsement of mediocrity. I like the Indian Scout but i think i like the Standard over the Bobber. I really would like it more without all the cladding. The pieces covering the frame and on the Bobber the headlight surround. I know there is one up the food chain a bit that really has a strong sport bike style to it and i like how you can sort of configure it as you please but really you can do that to any motorcycle at least to some extent. I know some of the exposed chassis tubing is mighty sexy and that is a big question for me. On this model that starts i believe a couple of grand above the Bobber just to be able to detail it out with numerous choices as far as individual components and aesthetics i guess. Seems you can make.
I want this bike.
I love indian.
I want a Scout!
This is an OK review but the guzzi idle is just a generic guzzi idle. ALL of the guzzi's at idle shake all over because of the layout. The bad low end nonsense they said is also pretty BS it makes 82 ft lbs at like 2600 rpm. I have gotten to ride the cali 1400 and it is VERY impressive.
It's 2017 what has Indian done to fix the problems listed here?
It has new progressive rear shocks.
And now in 2018: New cartridge type front forks, progressive rear shocks, and much better Pirelli Night Dragon tires.
cast aluminium? idk seems sketchy
SCOUT!!!
first off I've raced more than one scout on my vrscf.... they don't come close.
+derek lindberg I know on my Scout racing V-rods it's really hard to see them in my rear view mirror. You'd think a V-Rod would come close to a Scout but it's kind of sad. I mean, just look at the price difference!
+MrPakrat69 shinnaggins. .. i call it. ha
What's your top speed again??
tell me why has to Victory always send tricked out bikes to testing? 82 rwhp? Right, never happens in real world Vics from the shop floor. They are usually around 79hp. You can get higher dyno numbers on various hp happy dynamometers, but then the Sportster would have be around 67hp and VROD around 110hp. I wonder if same "cheating" is done to Scout.
Besides they forgot to test one thing, MPG. I bet that Sportster would have beat them all, since the OHV is the most efficient drive method.
Indian owns American Flattrack...
You all sound and look a whole lot older than just a year ago. What happened? This review is out of step with most of your other work. Its hard to see any passion in this review that has accompanied the majority of your previous works. Lets see a real performance review like you would with sport bikes! I dig your style and that is why I follow your channel.
Dragging pegs at 7:45 lol
Will ferrel is that you?
How much did Indian put in your pocket lol
Am i the only one who thinks the scouts front end looks horrible? The shocks are so friggin low it makes anyone riding it look like a giant and dorky
Reviewers always seem to cut the new guy some slack. The Scout won but it is the ugliest in the test. Riders who don't like cruisers seem to like it but I doubt it will be very popular with the main stream cruiser types.
I kinda agree with you. The looks of that engine just doesn't do it for me. Looks to plastic or metric. Maybe I am the only one who wish's it was air cooled with lots of fins on the cylinders. BTW, my 2012 HD wide glide has over 30k and no issues, no oil leaks, no problems. Just my 2 cents.
you cant call the gunner a competitor....... its made by the same company....
JACKSONLEWISOFCANADA yeah it's made by the same company but it's in a totally different plant. Indians are not made in the same factory that a Victory is made in. In fact, Polaris dealers are NOT allowed to sell Indians without buying into the Indian franchise. So to say they can't compete is like saying that Chevy can't compete with Buick. This is were many people loose the confidence of a good product because they fail to see the Industrial rise of a new company. So in short your response is in total lack of any type of research so therefore it's considered pretty STUPID!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.
hate to tell you this but some buick and chevs are made in the same plant as are parts and engine components for all polaris assembly....... congradulations you killed your own counter argument......
+JACKSONLEWISOFCANADA
FYI, Polaris has their own factory just like Victory and Indian has their own, separate factory. Good day, sir.
+Okie Rider Nope, both Vics and Indians are made in Spirit Lake, IA. Same factory. Nothing wrong with that.
To much of a talkfest for me...
And of course Americans are going to that an American bike is better than everything, oooh their not bias at all! ??? Hehe