2020 INDIAN SCOUTS & THUNDERSTROKE 116
R I D E R E V I E W
P60
Despite fantastic power
and handling, the 100th
Anniversary Scout is
best ridden at vintage
velocities, due to its
"old-timey" ergonomic
layout.
On the 100th anniversary of the
original Scout model, Indian
wanted to create a bike with very
much the same look and feel,
but also the same intent. The
idea of the Scout is a small bike
with a big, powerful engine. It
was true at its beginning, and
it is to this day. The tall floating
saddle and wide "beach" bars
do an outstanding job of making
a rider feel like they're sitting on
an actual vintage ride, other than
pegs (versus the footboards that
would have been standard 100
years ago). But it doesn't end
with the feel from the saddle;
they nailed the look as well. The
tan leather saddle, old school
logo and pinstriping on the tank,
black wire-spoke wheels and the
rear fender rack all convey a real
feel for a bike from that period, in
ways that usually only a custom
machine would provide.
It goes from Vintage to Retro
when you unload the throttle.
The thoroughly modern liquid-
cooled powerplant (with a
claimed 100 horsepower) im-
mediately kicks you in the ass
and revs out like most cruisers
don't. The 100th doesn't encour-
age hooliganism like the Bobber,
despite the same motor, but it
is very easy to pass cars on the
highway. The tall and wide riding
stance just puts a rider in a more
relaxed mood and posture. The
floating saddle is small but sup-
portive in its own way. The up-
right posture alleviates the need
for back support, to an extent.
In a nod to the modern era (and
the 100th's premium price tag),
ABS is standard. Indian's modern
take on a 1920 Scout is a limited
edition and priced like one (at
$15,999), but a very impressive
package in total.
SCOUT 100TH ANNIVERSARY
