Do your part to support the families of fallen military service members and first responders through the Folds of Honor national charity ride in partnership with Indian Motorcycle. For the second year, Indian is joining Folds of Honor in its effort to raise funds to support these families with a ride on Sept. 20, 2025.
Riders can register for this charity ride at their local Indian Motorcycle dealership. Those who participate will be eligible to win a new Indian Sport Chief RT for the top fundraiser, with additional product and prizes offered for various levels of donations. The runner-up will get an all-expenses-paid trip to attend the auction.
Indian Motorcycle has set a goal to raise $250,000 for Folds of Honor, more than double the $114,000 amount raised during the 2024 event.
“The incredible response from our riders and supporters last year proved just how much this cause means to our community,” said Aaron Jax, vice president of Indian Motorcycle. “We are building on that momentum to make an even greater impact in our second year. This event is not just about the ride – it’s a powerful tribute to the brave men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice to serve and protect us, and a testament to our community’s unwavering support.”
Folds of Honor has been providing educational support to families of fallen or disabled service members and first responders for nearly 20 years, awarding nearly 62,000 scholarships and $290 million in educational impact during that time.
“We are incredibly grateful to Indian Motorcycle and the dedicated riders who support our mission,” said Lt. Col. Dan Rooney, founder and CEO of Folds of Honor. “By participating in our second charity ride and contributing to these fundraising efforts, riders are making a profound commitment to honoring our nation’s heroes and providing life-changing educational opportunities for their families.”
This charity ride is one of many events on the Indian Motorcycle Riders Group annual schedule. IMRG has 137 chapters and 7,500 riders across the nation and hosts hundreds of events each year. Learn more at the IMRG webpage.
Indian Riders Fest’s new venue offers gorgeous views of Lipno Lake.
Indian Riders Fest, the largest summer event for Indian motorcycle riders, is set to be bigger and better than ever for its fifth anniversary, taking place June 19-22, 2025 in the Czech Republic. The event’s relocation to a new venue promises beautiful scenery, excellent riding opportunities, and plenty of space for the event’s activities and shows.
The new venue is located on the shores of the Czech Republic’s largest lake near Lipno nad Vltavou, a ski and summer resort. Indian Riders Fest began in 2019, growing in popularity since, with the 2024 iteration drawing in 3,750 attendees from 39 countries. The theme for the 2025 edition is “On the Road Again.”
Attendees can expect to enjoy stunning riding with a selection of 10 curated rides, allowing attendees to explore the South Bohemian forest and the shores of Lipno Lake. In celebration of the fifth anniversary, Indian Riders Fest will host a special birthday bash with a concert open to all festival goers.
Other activities include shows and prizes. The Budweis Custom Show will showcase a selection of custom bikes built by European builders and Indian Motorcycle dealers. Petr Pilat’s Spectacular FMX Show will delight audiences with performances by the world-renowned Czech freestyle motorcycle rider. There will also be a lottery that offers the chance to win a variety of prizes, with the grand prize being an Indian Pursuit customized with a unique paint scheme, leather seats, Dr. Jekill & Mr. Hyde exhausts, and genuine Indian Motorcycle accessory parts.
“We are delighted to be working again with Jean-Marie Guyon to make IRF25 the best yet at this outstanding new venue,” said Jon Vick, international marketing manager for Indian Motorcycle. “Every year, the growth of the festival has been incredible, and the feedback we get from our riders about the IRF is always superb, a reflection of the hard work that Jean-Marie and his team put into to make the event what it has become. This premium location is a fitting new chapter for the fifth anniversary of the IRF and will cement its status as the biggest international event for Indian Motorcycle riders.”
The new venue offers a range of accommodation options, including campgrounds and hotels, all within walking distance to the festival. Buy your tickets now and find more information at the Indian Riders Fest website.
The Petersen’s “The American Motorcycle: Pioneering Machines From the Bunch Family Collection” displays historic old motorcycles, like this 1912 Flying Merkel
The magnificent Petersen Automotive Museum has added a motorcycle exhibit to its stunning collection of cars, which showcases more than 25 rare motorbikes from the turn of the century to the 1930s.
Called “The American Motorcycle: Pioneering Machines From the Bunch Family Collection,” the display highlights some of the rarest and most historically significant motorcycles ever produced and explores the contributions of American motorcycling pioneers.
In the early 1900s, Sears offered an array of items to consumers, including this 1912 V-Twin streetbike.
It opened March 15 with motorcycles from the internationally renowned collection of the Bunch family, and it will be on display in the Richard Varner Family Gallery on the museum’s second floor in Los Angeles until April 26, 2026.
Here’s a selection of a few rare machines in the exhibit.
1898 Cleveland Tricycle
This 1898 Cleveland tricycle was one of the first cycles manufactured in the United States. Check out the wacky spring used for front suspension.
This is one of America’s oldest motorized cycles from a pioneering manufacturer, Cleveland, and it features the first spring-fork front suspension.
1904 Thomas Auto-Bi
The Auto-Bi was created by the E.R. Thomas Company, the first motorcycle manufacturer in America to design and build its own bikes and engines.
1905 Nelk
The 1905 Nelk used a series of heat exchangers behind the steering head to shed heat from the liquid-cooled cylinder head.
Nelk manufactured motorcycles in Palo Alto, California, many with advanced technology for its era. This one has a liquid-cooled and rubber-mounted engine with overhead cams and is one of the few surviving models.
1908 Indian Single
In 1908, Indian built this close-coupled single-cylinder motorcycle, which was used in early “Globe of Death” exhibitions.
An early Indian is rare in itself, but this one was owned by stuntwoman CeDora, famous for her performances in the “Globe of Death,” in which riders defy gravity by using centripetal force.
1911 Marvel
History buffs will recognize the Marvel name, as it was a brand created by the legendary Glenn Curtiss, who had designed Curtiss motorcycles and engines for dirigibles and airplanes.
1936 Crocker Speedway Racer
Before Crocker became famous for its legendary V-Twin streetbikes, it was dominating racing with its line of speedway racers.
Crocker’s V-Twins are some of the most prized American motorcycles in the world, famous for overhead-valve engines that could outrun the revered H-D Knuckleheads. The Crocker V-Twins were based on the company’s single-cylinder speedway engines, like the one in this racebike that was manufactured the same year Crocker began production of its V-Twin streetbikes.
If you’re ever near the Los Angeles area, the Petersen museum should be on the list of any gearhead’s itinerary, and it’s even better with more motorbikes in it.
This 1909 Harley-Davidson can be seen at the Petersen’s new motorcycle exhibit.
About Petersen Automotive Museum
The Petersen Automotive Museum Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)(3) charity. The museum is located at 6060 Wilshire Blvd. (at Fairfax) in Los Angeles, 90036. Admission prices are $21 for general admission adults, $19 for seniors (62+), $13 for youth (12-17), and $12 for children ages 4 to 11. Active military with ID, personal care attendants and children under age four are admitted free. Museum hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. For general information, call 323-930-CARS or visitthe Petersen website.
With the Indian Chieftain PowerPlus (right) and the Challenger (left), Indian offers PowerPlus options for both a handlebar-mounted fairing and a frame-mounted fairing on its PowerPlus touring platforms.
Indian Motorcycle is coming out swinging in 2025, with a combination punch of a new hi-po Chieftain PowerPlus performance bagger and a saddlebag-equipped Sport Chief RT. Respectively, they’ll do battle with Harley-Davidson’s popular Street Glide and Low Rider ST.
“We’re evolving the brand forward,” said Ben Lindaman, product director at Indian, who noted three pillars for this platform: style, performance, and technology. On the tech side of things, Indian is offering a new Rider-Assist package that uses radar to warn riders of vehicles in blind spots and potential danger from tailgaters.
2025 Indian Chieftain PowerPlus
Indian’s Chieftain platform uses a fork-mounted fairing like the successful Street Glide. For 2025, it gets cross-bred with Indian’s Challenger platform and its potent liquid-cooled V-Twin.
In simplest terms, the Chieftain PowerPlus is a Challenger with a fork-mounted fairing styled similar to the former Chieftain, which dramatically reduces the bike’s visual weight relative to the bulkier Challenger. The chassis is underpinned by its sibling’s cast-aluminum frame and suspension, and they both share the same $26,499 starting price.
The Indian Chieftain PowerPlus in its base form retails for $26,499. Indian says the design took inspiration from American muscle cars.
Also the same is the Challenger’s premium running gear, including a fully adjustable inverted fork and 4-piston radial-mount Brembo brakes with 320mm discs. The adjustable Fox monoshock provides a generous 4.5 inches of travel. Indian lists “as shipped” weights starting at 797 lb.
The PowerPlus, Indian’s most powerful motor, will be available in a new 112ci displacement alongside the existing 108ci mill. The 112ci PowerPlus is, not coincidentally, the same displacement as used in Indian’s King Of The Baggers racebikes to win the 2022 and 2024 championships. It’s the tried-and-true “win on Sunday, sell on Monday” strategy.
While big-inch air-cooled engines have powerbands that taper off early, the liquid-cooled PowerPlus has a flatter torque curve across its rev range and a higher rev limit.
With its overhead cams and 4 valves per cylinder, the PowerPlus 108 is claimed to produce 122 hp and 128 lb-ft of torque at 3,800 revs. Hogging out the bore from 108mm to 110mm yielded 112ci (1,834cc), bumping output to 126 ponies and 133 lb-ft of torque at a slightly lower 3,600 rpm. There were no other internal changes to the motor, just different tuning calibrations. The 112 is an option for Dark Horse and Limited Chieftains and Challengers that vaults prices to $30,499.
For greater touring abilities and more weather protection, consider upgrading to the Roadmaster PowerPlus, which is a Chieftain equipped with a trunk and side fairing panels to provide 35 gallons of storage. It’s a similar play to how the Challenger is related to the Pursuit.
The new Roadmaster PowerPlus is an analog to Indian’s Pursuit but with the Chieftain’s fork-mounted fairing.
Both the Roadmaster and the Pursuit are fitted with electronically adjustable rear preload, which allows riders to adjust settings to accommodate various loads via the 7-inch instruments display. The Roadmaster PowerPlus has the same $31,999 starting price as the Pursuit.
The Roadmaster provides extra comfort and amenities for two-up travel, with prices starting at $31,999.
For 2025, the PowerPlus lineup features the debut of a new Rider-Assist package of innovative technology to enhance rider awareness and safety. It includes a radar-based system to warn about vehicles in blind spots, a tailgater alert, and a rear-end collision warning that automatically flashes taillights to warn following drivers who might be in danger of colliding with the motorcycle.
The Rider-Assist package comes standard on bikes with the PowerPlus 112 engine, and it also includes new hill-hold control and a combined braking system. These systems supplement the platform’s existing SmartLean Technology and its lean-sensitive traction control and cornering ABS.
Indian’s Rider-Assist package incorporates radar to notify riders when other vehicles are in their blind spots.
If you prefer the cleaner lines of Indian’s air-cooled Thunderstroke engines, you can still find them in regular Chieftains and Roadmasters and the venerable Springfield, and also in the Chief platform.
2025 Indian Sport Chief RT
The Sport Chief RT adds another flavor to the performance-cruiser category, with prices starting at $22,499.
Indian is going head-to-head with Harley-Davidson in the battle of club-style performance cruisers. Harley’s Low Rider S kicked off this genre, most recently with a small wind deflector above its headlight. Indian countered in 2023 with its Sport Chief, which employed a quarter-fairing and a diminutive windscreen.
Shortly after, Harley brought the Low Rider ST, with a more substantial fairing and the addition of hardshell saddlebags. The LRST’s hip style and its versatility for taking road trips made it the most popular Harley that didn’t have “Glide” in its name.
Indian was unapologetic when it unveiled the Sport Chief RT, admitting that this latest creation was driven by the success of Harley’s LRST. The addition of hardshell bags makes comparisons inevitable.
Visually, the Sport Chief looks better balanced by the addition of saddlebags.
The RT’s bags appear to be wider than the Harley’s narrow bags but also much shorter front to back. Indian claims “10-plus” gallons of capacity, while Harley says its bags combine for 14.2. Indian touts the top-opening lids of its bags as an advantage over LRST’s design that opens from the side. Neither design offers a quick-detach function.
Also setting the RT apart from regular Sport Chiefs is the addition of an audio system tucked behind the fairing. The 90-watt Bluetooth PowerBand unit feeds pairs of tweeters and 2.5-inch midrange speakers, backed up by a 4.5-inch subwoofer.
Here’s a glimpse of the RT’s audio system tucked neatly away in front of the machined risers and triple clamps.
It’s controlled by the 4-inch touchscreen instrument panel and features a five-band equalizer to balance out tones while rolling down the road. The RT also gets a bolstered two-up seat, forward foot controls, and color-matching side panels to complete the package.
Most everything else is standard Sport Chief: a 43mm KYB inverted fork, fully adjustable Fox piggyback shocks, and dual Brembo 4-piston calipers with 320mm rotors up front. Also carried over are the fairing, machined 6-inch risers and triple clamps, cruise control, and keyless ignition.
The Sport Chief RT is available in three colorways: Sunset Red Smoke, Black Smoke, and Heavy Metal.
Like in all Chiefs, Indian’s Thunderstroke motor provides the Sport Chief’s heartbeat, here in its burlier 116ci form. It’s claimed to produce 120 lb-ft of torque at 2,900 rpm, a nice boost over the Thunderstroke 111’s 108 lb-ft at 3,200 rpm. Indian’s 116 proved to be nearly the equal to the Low Rider’s 117ci Milwaukee-Eight when we tested them back-to-back.
There’s still life in the beautiful air-cooled Thunderstroke engine powering the Sport Chief RT.
Price-conscious shoppers who like the Sport Chief can take solace in Indian’s MSRP advantage. The Sport Chief RT in its Black Smoke colorway can be had for $22,499, rising to $22,999 in Heavy Metal or Sunset Red Smoke. The 2024 Harley Low Rider ST had a $23,399 starting price, but the audio kit designed for the bike was a $1,149.95 accessory.
Fully adjustable Fox shocks are part of the Sport Chief package.
The Harley vs. Indian war rages on in this battle of style, performance, and versatility. There are no poor choices for performance cruisers in this era.
Check out the new Indians when they hit dealers near the end of February. Find out more at the Indian Motorcycle website.
To commemorate their 10th year of partnership, Veterans Charity Ride and Indian Motorcycle are hosting a Memorial Day reunion to welcome returning VCR vets. The reunion takes place May 24-27 in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Veterans Charity Ride was founded by veteran Army Paratrooper Dave Frey and is a veteran-led, non-profit organization that provides motorcycle therapy to combat wounded veterans. VCR’s goal is to support vets as they transition to civilian life by offering camaraderie, motorcycle adventures, and other initiatives.
“It’s incredible to be entering our 10th year of motorcycle therapy, and undoubtedly we could not have achieved so much without the loyal support from our friends at Indian Motorcycle,” said Dave Frey, founder of Veterans Charity Ride. “While we celebrate 10 years with a Memorial Day reunion alongside our brothers and sisters who have joined us throughout our program, we are equally excited to stay on the throttle and welcome new veterans into the program and help in their rehabilitation just as we have so many already.”
Throughout Memorial Day weekend, participating vets will enjoy adventure activities supported by the National Ability Center in Park City. Vets will also go on motorcycle therapy rides and participate in team-building exercises.
Another VCR event is scheduled for June 8-16 in Moab, Utah, in celebration of Veteran Motorcycle Therapy Month. During this event, VCR will host a group of new and returning veterans with therapy rides, adventure activities, and small-group therapy sessions. They will also participate in the Indian-sponsored Durango Rendezvous event in Durango, Colordo.
“Over the past decade, Veterans Charity Ride has improved the lives of countless veterans, many of whom wouldn’t leave their house after their release from active duty,” said Aaron Jax, vice president for Indian Motorcycle. “Through its therapy program, which utilizes the freedom of the open road, the roar of the engine, and the connection between veterans, VCR has been incredibly successful in helping these vets find life after service, and we are honored to play a role in supporting such a great cause.”
To learn more or to donate to Veterans Charity Ride, visit the VCR website.
The Indian Scout lineup has been redesigned for model year 2025, ushering in a new generation of Indian Motorcycle’s best-selling platform. The lineup includes five distinct models, all featuring the new SpeedPlus 1250 V-Twin, a new tubular-steel frame, and other changes.
We got the chance to test all five models and came away impressed. Take a ride with us in the video below as we review the trimmed-down Scout Bobber, the traditional Scout Classic, the light-touring Super Scout, the spirited Sport Scout, and the top-of-the-line 101 Scout. Read our full review here.
The Indian Scout gets a major revamp for the 2025 model year. Five models are available, including the Scout Bobber pictured here, with prices starting at $12,999. Photos courtesy Indian Motorcycle.
The Scout is incredibly important to Indian Motorcycle. It’s the brand’s top‑selling platform, with more than 110,000 sold since its 2015 debut. It comprises more than 40% of Indian’s total sales volume and more than 50% of its international sales. And, crucially, it’s the entry point for Indian, with 93% of Scout customers being new to the brand.
So when Indian decided to give the Scout a full make‑over treatment, it wanted to avoid screwing up a successful formula. No surprise, then, that evolution of the Scout was a better approach than revolution.
The Scout’s principal designer, Michael Song, sweating the details over a digital sketch.
“We needed to make sure we didn’t mess it up,” explained Ben Lindaman, product director for the Scout platform. “People love it, so that’s what made the development process challenging.”
That said, the Scout’s new frame goes far beyond evolution. The former cast‑aluminum frame was cast aside for a tubular‑steel design, similar to what was done to the Chief platform in 2021. Chassis geometry remains similar, with a 29‑degree rake, 4.8 inches of trail, and wheels spread 61.5 inches apart.
Ben Lindaman, product director for the Scout platform, peruses the clay model used in development. Lindaman was the project manager for the first‑generation Scout.
The Scout’s new frame, while seemingly backward in technology, provides a much cleaner chassis design than the bulkier aluminum structure that looked blocky and awkward in the area behind the front wheel. Surprisingly, Indian says the weight of the steel frame is similar to the former aluminum one.
Ola Stenegard, Indian’s director of industrial design, explained the guiding principles of the Scout redesign: timeless; keep it simple and clean; customizing is key.
Stenegard noted how the “S” line from the steering neck to the frame’s downtubes was patterned after the original Scout, which debuted in 1920, as well as even earlier Indians. And by using a steel frame, the modification process for custom builders was simplified: “Customizing is the cornerstone of what we’re doing,” he said.
Most of what you need to know about the 101 Scout is found in its front end sourced from Indian’s FTR but with revised tuning. The dual‑disc Brembo brakes are in a different league from the other Scouts.
Some of the best design work is invisible. The subframe area below the seat remains aluminum, but it’s a new casting that now encloses most of the Scout’s electronics and supports the modular electrical system. This enables shorter wiring and prevents components from being scattered around the motorcycle, resulting in a cleaner overall appearance.
The subframe casting also ties together the chassis behind the engine for optimum rigidity, and it’s now common among all Scout models. So instead of model‑specific seat pans and bracketry, all Scout seats and fenders can be used across the platform, simplifying things for customers, dealers, and the aftermarket.
The inspiration for the new 101 Scout was the legendary 101 Scout from the 1920s.
Less revolutionary is the Scout’s rolling stock, with wheels, brakes, and suspension largely carried over from previous Scouts. Indian says the Scout’s 25.6‑inch seat height is the lowest in its class. Tank‑empty weights range from 522 lb (Bobber) to 571 lb (Super Scout).
All five models are equipped with antilock brakes, full LED lighting, and self‑canceling turnsignals. Versions with analog gauges now include fuel level and fuel economy readouts.
The Limited +Tech trim level includes Indian’s touchscreen TFT instrumentation. It’s equipped with Indian’s Ride Command system and offers configurable gauges, ride stats, turn‑by‑turn navigation, and optional Ride Command+ connected services.
To further expand customer choice, the Scout is available with different trim levels. The Limited package adds cruise control, traction control, selectable ride modes (Sport, Standard, and Tour), and a USB charging port for an extra $700.
More features are included in the $1,700 Limited +Tech trim level, which adds keyless ignition and Indian’s 4‑inch round touchscreen TFT instrumentation. Thus equipped, riders can access navigation and additional ride info, plus it can be configured to view alternate layouts. It’s standard on the Super Scout and 101 Scout.
Indian Scout SpeedPlus 1250: Engine & Tonic
The Scout’s liquid‑cooled 60‑degree V‑Twin received a comprehensive overhaul. At first glance, the SpeedPlus 1250 appears to be just a simple overbore, punching out the cylinders from 99mm to 104mm and retaining its 73.6mm stroke to displace 1,250cc (76.3ci), up from the previous 1,133cc.
Meet the SpeedPlus, the 1,250cc V‑Twin providing the motivational force behind every new Scout. Pictured here is the 101 Scout, which is said to produce 111 hp and is highlighted by special badging. The louvers on the heat shielding over the headers are a tasteful touch.
However, there are myriad internal changes for the SpeedPlus – Indian says it’s at least 70% new. A fresh cylinder‑head design ups the compression ratio and contains bigger valves operated by new camshaft profiles. At the bottom end, the crankshaft is 5.8 lb lighter, contributing to the motor’s significant 10‑lb weight loss. Importantly for servicing access, the valve covers can now be removed without splitting the frame, and checking oil levels is made simpler with a new sight‑glass window.
The left side of the engine shows a tight induction area, and Indian engineers admit there’s top‑end power on the table for anyone who dares to open it up. Just below the seamless fuel tank is the power button to activate the keyless ignition module.
The old 2‑into‑2 exhaust system has been ditched in favor of a single large muffler. It looks bulkier, but it’s designed to be much easier to replace with aftermarket systems. The bike’s catalytic converters are contained in the junction prior to the muffler, so a simple swap to a slip‑on exhaust retains clean emissions even if noise might exceed regulations.
Behind this cover is the Scout’s new slip/assist clutch, which reduces lever effort and allows the clutch to slip in the event of high‑rpm downshifts.
Horsepower has been boosted from 100 to 105 hp. More important to regular riding duties is the engine’s 14% torque bump, jumping from 72 to 82 lb‑ft. Torque reaches its peak at 6,300 rpm, while peak ponies arrive at 7,250 revs, long before the 8,500‑rpm rev limiter kicks in. The 101 Scout has special electronic tuning that nudges its peak output to 111 hp, a tune that other Scouts can get via a dealer reflash for $219.99.
The Scout’s new 2‑into‑1 exhaust system is a sure sign you’re looking at a 2025 model.
Transmission duties are handled by a new slip/assist clutch that reduces lever effort and prevents rear‑wheel hopping during sloppy downshifts. The engine’s drive sprocket has its tooth count reduced by one, yielding slightly shorter overall gearing for punchier acceleration.
Advanced fluid dynamic testing allowed Indian to design a radiator 22% smaller to fit neatly between the frame rails yet retain the bike’s cooling capabilities.
Indian Scout Test Rides
Now it’s time for the fun part of motorcycle journalism – riding the new bikes! We set off on the Bobber, Classic, and Super Scouts for a trip through San Francisco and then south to oceanside Santa Cruz for an overnighter.
The next day, we took a return journey along twisty roads on the Sport Scout before a stop at the famous motorcycle hangout Alice’s Restaurant. After a quick lunch, we mounted up on the headliner of the platform, the 101 Scout, and tore up some more twisty roads before jumping on the freeway for our return to San Fran.
Indian Scout Bobber: The Rebel
The Bobber looks imposing with its fat front tire, low handlebar, and blacked‑out trim, so it’s easy to see why it has been the Scout’s best‑selling model. Its appearance is augmented by short‑cropped fenders for an aggressive look, and its headlight is capped with a minimalistic nacelle.
The Bobber cuts a dashing profile in the cut and thrust of the city. The low handlebar puts a rider in a gunfighter forward stance that will suit some but not all. Bar risers, available from Indian on other models, will bolt right on.
Our test bike was equipped with the Limited +Tech package, so no key was needed to fire it up. The 60‑degree V‑Twin sounds deep and authoritative, but it lacks the loping cadence of narrower vee angle motors like Indian’s Chief and most Harleys.
The new slip/assist clutch in the Scouts is an impressive upgrade. Pulling in the lever is an action repeated hundreds of times during a ride, and the Scout’s requires only minimal effort. Additionally, its slipper function kept the rear wheel turning even when dumped at obscenely aggressive revs during downshifts.
Once underway, the Bobber feels similar to the previous version, as its weight and geometry have barely changed, and its suspension, brakes, and tires haven’t at all. While I appreciate the butch look of the chunky Pirelli MT60RS tires, the tall sidewall of the 130/90‑16 front tire attenuates front‑end feedback.
The Scout Bobber looks undeniably tough. Starting at $12,999, it’s great value for an American‑made cruiser.
The underslung bar‑end mirrors were out of eyeshot without looking downward, and they’re in danger of scuffing the fuel tank at full lock. Happily, they can be easily switched to locations above the handlebar by swapping sides. Either way, you’ll be looking at empty perches above the bars where mirrors are mounted on the Classic and Super Scouts.
Riding through town didn’t allow for delving deep into the powerband, but the SpeedPlus impressed with its beefier reactions to small throttle inputs. The Scout now has the mid‑rpm juice to feel like it has even more than 76ci at its disposal.
Tackling Lombard Street in San Francisco, “the crookedest street in the world,” featuring eight hairpin turns on the steep one‑block section. It supposedly attracts 2 million visitors annually, but they all must go downhill on the one‑way road. We’re special.
The fuel‑injection tuning was mostly good, but some of our pre‑production bikes occasionally stalled while mired in traffic. Indian promises a more finely tuned EFI map in its production models. Otherwise, throttle response was excellent.
The Bobber is a fun ride, but it comes up short – literally – in terms of rear‑suspension compliance. To achieve its low‑slung look, it is fitted with shocks that deliver just 2 inches of travel; every other Scout model has 3 inches of stroke. It’s true what some say: Even 1 inch can make a big difference in performance.
Indian Scout Classic: The Traditional One
If you’re a rider who hasn’t yet warmed to dull colors and matte‑black trim, turn your head toward the Scout Classic. Instead of the Bobber’s tough‑looking colorways, the Classic responds with brighter paintwork and plenty of chrome accents. Full fenders – rather than bobbed ones – are gracefully old‑school. Prices start at $13,999.
The Scout Classic glistens with chrome finishes and bright colors. Also note its traditionally styled flowing fenders and perch‑mounted mirrors.
Both bikes use 16‑inch front and rear wheels, but the Scout Classic substitutes 40‑spoke wire wheels for the Bobber’s cast‑aluminum hoops. And rather than the dirt‑track‑inspired Dunlops on the Bobber, the Classic is fitted with Pirelli Night Dragon tires that proved to be more responsive and easier to steer.
The Scout Classic I rode was fitted with a windshield and saddlebags from Indian’s accessory catalog.
I found the riding position of the Classic preferable over the more compact arrangement on the Bobber. Its bars are placed higher, which makes the bike slightly easier to steer and maneuver in tighter spaces at low speeds.
The Scout Classic (and every other Scout) proved that 3 inches of travel is considerably better than the 2 inches on the Bobber. Meanwhile, the SpeedPlus drivetrain continued to impress, and for some reason, the engine never died on me like the Bobber’s.
Indian Super Scout: The Versatile One
The Super Scout takes its inspiration from the Super Chief, as they’re both equipped with a windshield, saddlebags, and a passenger seat to make them suitable for two‑up travel. And on a warm day the windshield quickly detaches for wind‑in‑the‑face riding.
The Super Scout looks like a traditional cruiser but can really scoot when prodded.
Like the Scout Classic, it has chrome finishes, longer fenders, a higher handlebar, and wire‑spoke wheels. And that appreciable extra inch. All that adds up to the heaviest Scout model, scaling in at 571 lb. Prices start at $16,499.
Significant others will appreciate the passenger accommodations and the roomy saddlebags accessed with quick‑pull tabs. Indian says the previous Scout bags can fit inside these new ones.
The handlebar placement felt neutral to my hands, and the seat felt good to my…seat. Chrome mirrors on perches aren’t my style, but they kept my rearward view unobstructed. The Super Scout’s windshield produced more noise than the accessory shield fitted to the Scout Classic I rode.
The Super Scout is a smaller‑scale version of the Super Chief and is suitable for light touring duties. It’s fitted with saddle-bags, a quick‑detach windshield, and a rear seat.
Like the Bobber, the Super rolls on the same chunky Pirelli MT60RS rubber, and again I didn’t warm to their duller responses as compared to the Night Dragons. Also feedback from the brakes was dull, the front in particular. While braided‑steel lines provide a firm lever, the Scout’s brakes are average at best.
Indian Sport Scout: Going Rogue
Remember the Scout Rogue introduced in 2022 (see our June issue), which was equipped with a quarter fairing, drop‑down mirrors, and a 19‑inch cast‑aluminum front wheel? Well, that formula can be found in the new Sport Scout, which reprises an Indian model name from the 1930s.
The Sport Scout provides a terrific balance of style and sport. Note the side‑mounted license plate holder that cleans up the bike’s tail and neatly folds sideways for parking in tight confines.
This new model also receives different ergonomics. Machined triple‑clamps fitted with 6‑inch risers and a moto‑style handlebar put riders in an aggressive posture. A sport‑style seat has a taller rear section to keep riders aboard when accessing the strong power available from the SpeedPlus.
The Sport Scout is blacked‑out like the Bobber, resulting in a menacing appearance augmented by the Rogue‑like quarter fairing.
On the road, the engine and transmission feel well‑suited to the Sport Scout. Although down on ponies compared to the 121 hp of Harley‑Davidson’s RevMax in the Sportster S, the Indian motor generates more vibration and exhibits a character more in line with a cruiser.
The Sport Scout’s best asset is the neutral steering feel provided by the 130/60‑19 Metzeler Cruisetech front tire. Going to a shorter‑profile tire enhances the feedback felt at the bars, and this arrangement was preferable over the chunky 16‑incher on some other Scouts.
Like the other Scouts, the 528‑lb Sport Scout retains its composure while leaned over in corners.
With prices starting at $13,499, the Sport Scout has the potential to topple the Bobber from the top of the sales charts – it would be my target if walking into an Indian dealership. Sure, its quarter fairing provides more style than wind protection, and I’d have to dig out extra dollars for the extra tech features I’d want to have, but it has the best capabilities‑per‑dollar ratio of any American motorcycle.
Indian 101 Scout: A Legend Reborn
The 101 Scout is perhaps the most revered Indian motorcycle ever made, so reviving the historic nameplate wasn’t taken lightly. With a special tune claimed to deliver 111 hp, the result is the highest‑performing Scout to date.
I found my happy place on a twisty road while riding the new 101 Scout. The Pathfinder LED headlight on the 101 leads the way.
In a nutshell, the 101 Scout is a Sport Scout with the front end of an Indian FTR bolted on. That not only brings the security of an inverted fork with a full range of adjustability, but also a front‑brake setup that shames the capabilities of the other Scouts. Instead of a single disc with a 2‑piston caliper, the 101 has dual 320mm discs bitten by a pair of 4‑piston Brembo radial‑mount calipers. The increase in power and feedback is astonishing.
Like the Sport Scout, it has black 6‑inch risers with machined highlights and a moto‑style handlebar, providing purposefully aggressive ergonomics. Unlike other Scouts, the 101 has piggyback shocks that are adjustable for preload and rebound/compression damping. It also sets itself apart with a custom‑stitched gunfighter‑style solo seat and exclusive 101 Scout badging, paint, and graphics.
The new 101 Scout is the fastest production Scout ever offered from the factory. It retails for $16,999, the exact price of Harley‑Davidson’s Sportster S.
I wish I could tell you that the 101’s engine tuning felt much more powerful compared to its lesser siblings, but the difference is felt only at the top of the rev range, a zone rarely accessed on public roads. I couldn’t tell the difference when riding at casual revs.
There is a more notable improvement with the 101’s suspension, especially at the rear end. The fully adjustable shocks provided extra control, and bump absorption got even better after I dialed up their rebound damping via the hand‑adjustable clickers.
Rear suspension is provided by ZF shocks with gold-anodized piggyback reservoirs that are topped by hand‑adjustable compression‑damping adjusters. Rebound damping is adjusted via a knurled knob at the bottom end of the springs.
The only negative to the 101 Scout is that the extra brake caliper and rotor adds weight to the front wheel, causing the bike to steer slower than its brethren and feel slightly less agile. I believe a single‑rotor Brembo setup would provide significantly improved braking performance relative to the other Scouts, but Indian contends that customers for a bike like this demand dual discs.
Indian’s goal with the 101 Scout was to reset the bar for American V‑Twin cruisers, and it succeeded. It offers more performance than any production Scout, and it does so with unrivaled capability and style.
Talent Scout
If you’re gonna proudly yell “Made in America” when buying a mid‑size cruiser, your choices are limited. Indian makes a solid case for itself with these new Scouts, and it intends to become the market‑share leader in the segment. After riding the new Scouts, that seems likely.
The Scout’s 3.4‑gallon fuel tank gets a makeover, featuring nicely sculpted surfacing and a new console. Note the spin‑off fuel cap that replaces the previous hinged design for an old‑school touch.
Harley‑Davidson’s 975cc Nightster has a starting price of $13,499, $500 more than the Scout Bobber. But with 91 hp and 72 lb‑ft of torque, it’s significantly down on power. The MoCo’s Sportster S has 10 extra horses over the 101 Scout and is priced identically, but its 2 inches of rear suspension travel comes up short – there’s that extra inch again.
The revamped Scout lineup features an all‑new frame and a comprehensively revised engine.
The new Scouts improve on the previous admirable Scouts in every important aspect: performance, style, execution, and desirability. Lindaman, the Scout’s product director, said this redesign should extend the Scout platform for another 10‑year run.
Somewhere along the line I’d like to see a cheaper version of the 101 Scout with a single‑disc Brembo brake setup and a pair of shocks with 4 inches of travel, which I was told would fit without further modifications. Until then, I’d be thrilled with a (very) long‑term 101 Scout loaner.
In its first major revamp since its 2015 debut, Indian’s Scout cruiser platform is all-new from the ground up, and the 2025 lineup includes five models, including some with names that will be familiar to any fan of Indian history: Scout Bobber, Sport Scout, Scout Classic, Super Scout, and 101 Scout. Three trim levels will be available, as well as more than 100 dedicated accessories.
Headlining the new platform is the high-performance 101 Scout, seen here facing a 1920s 101 Scout.
At the heart of the Scout platform is a new engine called the SpeedPlus 1250. The V-Twin remains liquid-cooled but has been completely redesigned, punched out from 1,133cc to 1,250cc. Its bore goes up from 99m to 104mm, while its stroke remains at 73.6mm. Power goes up to 105 ponies and 82 lb-ft of torque, and the 101 Scout gets a bump to 111 hp.
The new Scouts feature an all-new 1,250cc V-Twin that pumps out as much as 111 hp. Also seen here is the new tubular-steel frame.
Also new is the Scout’s frame, switching from an aluminum design to a simpler steel-tube chassis intended to be easier to customize, similar to what Indian did with the Chief platform in 2021. It supplies a 61.5-inch wheelbase with a 29-degree rake and 4.8 inches of trail.
2025 Indian Sport Scout in Storm Blue
“Our top priority was to uphold the iconic namesake of Scout and ensure the new lineup is as timeless as all its predecessors,” said Ola Stenegard, director of product design for Indian Motorcycle. “For us, it was imperative to keep it clean, follow the iconic lines of Scout, and create a package that offered seamless customization. To achieve this, it all started with the steel-tube frame and all-new V-Twin engine.”
The Super Scout is a light-duty touring machine equipped with a detachable windshield and saddlebags.
Indian says the Scout’s 25.6-inch seat height is the lowest in class. There are also new features and technology offered on certain Scout models and trim packages. All models except for the 101 Scout use a single 298mm front disc brake with a 2-piston caliper, and ABS is standard.
2025 Indian Scout Bobber in Nara Bronze Metallic with the Limited +Tech trim
“As our top-selling platform, Scout has long been a staple in our lineup,” said Mike Dougherty, president of Indian Motorcycle. “We’re excited to take it to the next level and continue its evolution with a robust offering of models to meet the diverse needs of our global riding community.”
2025 Indian Scout Models
The Scout Bobber is the cheapest way to get into the Scout lineup, with prices starting at $12,999.
The least expensive version is the Scout Bobber, withprices starting at $12,999. It’s a low, stripped-down model with chopped fenders, blacked-out styling, bar-end mirrors, and slammed 2-inch rear suspension.
The Scout Classic has traditional styling with
chrome trim and wire-spoke wheels. All Scouts except the Bobber have 3 inches of rear-suspension travel.
The Scout Classic (starting at $13,999) lives up to its name with a traditional design that includes flared fenders, wire-spoke wheels, relaxed ergonomics, and flashes of chrome. Their “as shipped” weights are 522 lb and 536 lb, respectively. We’ll have to wait to find out what their curb weights are when their diminutive 3.4-gallon fuel tanks are full.
The Sport Scout is thematically similar to the former Scout Rogue. It’s pictured here with saddlebags that are part of a robust line of accessories from Indian.
Reprising a model name from the 1930s, the Sport Scout (starting at $13,499) has a similar aggressive style as the former Scout Rogue, with a quarter fairing, 6-inch moto-style bar risers with machined highlights and a moto-style handlebar, machined triple clamps, along with a sport-style seat and a 19-inch front wheel. It weighs 528 lb as shipped.
The Super Scout mirrors the theme of the Super Chief, equipped for the open road with a quick-release windshield, saddlebags, a passenger seat, and 3 inches of rear suspension travel. Like the Scout Classic, it has chrome finishes and wire-spoke wheels. It’s the heaviest Scout at 571 lb, and prices start at $16,499.
Resurrecting another legendary model name from Indian’s past, the 101 Scout packs more performance than any production Scout ever made. Its fully adjustable suspension consists of an inverted fork and piggyback rear shocks. Brakes are also high-end items, with a pair of 4-piston radial-mount Brembo front calipers pinching 320mm rotors. Like the Sport Scout, it has black moto-style risers and a moto-style handlebar, but the 101 Scout sets itself apart with a custom-stitched gunfighter-style solo seat and exclusive 101 Scout badging, paint, and graphics. Prices start at $16,999.
2025 Indian Scout Trim Packages and Accessory Collections
Three trim levels are available for certain models, starting with the Standard trim package, which includes ABS, new LED lighting, and an analog gauge with new fuel level and fuel economy readouts for the Scout Bobber, Scout Classic, and Sport Scout. Upgrading to the Limited trim level ($700) on those models adds selectable ride modes (Sport, Standard, and Tour), traction control, cruise control, and a USB charging port.
The Limited +Tech trim comes with a 4-inch TFT display with Ride Command capabilities.
The top-of-the-line Limited +Tech trim includes the Limited features and adds keyless ignition and Indian’s 4-inch round touchscreen display with Ride Command that offers turn-by-turn navigation, point-to-point route planning, weather and traffic overlay, configurable gauges, ride stats, and optional Ride Command+ connected services. The Limited +Tech trim level adds $1,700 to the base pricing for the Scout Bobber, Scout Classic, and Sport Scout, and it’s standard on the Super Scout and 101 Scout.
Along with the five models and three trim levels, Indian will offer more than 100 accessories to enhance versatility, style, and comfort (including 32 ergonomic combinations). There are also four new accessory collections.
2025 Indian Scout Classic in Ghost White 2-Tone Metallic with Overnighter accessory package
The Overnighter Collection is for travelers, and it includes the Solo Luggage Rack, All-Weather Vinyl Tail Bag, 20-inch Quick Release Touring Windshield, and Touring Saddlebags.
2025 Indian Scout Classic in Black Metallic with Commuter accessory collection
The Commuter Collection includes the Syndicate Seat, Pathfinder 5.75-inch Adaptive LED Headlight, Pinnacle Mirrors, RAM X-Grip Phone Mount, Mid Foot Controls, and Passenger Pegs.
2025 Indian Sport Scout in Black Smoke with Stealth accessory package
The Stealth Collection adds aggressive style and functionality with Sleek Smoked Turn Signals, Moto Handlebar with 10-inch risers, Radial RS Mirrors by Rizoma, Bobber Saddlebags, Blacked-Out Levers, and the Pathfinder LED Headlight.
2025 Indian Super Scout in Black Smoke with Open Roads accessories package
The Open Roads Collection includes Steel Front Highway Bars, LED Driving Lights, Syndicate Low Profile Passenger Backrest, Touring Backrest Pad, Rider and Passenger Floorboards, and Highway Pegs.
Indian Motorcycle is set to release a new Indian Scout or Scouts on April 2, and it has been teasing us with a few videos that hadn’t revealed much of anything. But today it posted a new video (see below) that shows a group of five bikes riding across a desert lakebed.
Sadly, the low light in the video doesn’t provide enough illumination to reveal many details, but there appears to be four different variants of the new Scout. For reference, Indian’s current Scout lineup consists of three main models: the classically styled Scout, the stubby Scout Bobber, and the mini-faired Scout Rogue.
In the video, the leading trio of bikes have low-mounted bar-end mirrors, while the rearmost bikes are differentiated by chrome mirrors perched atop their handlebars. Of the trailing pair, the one on the right displays a smallish windshield that suggests some sort of light-duty touring version. The one on the left could be a traditional Scout of some form.
Leading the group is a bike with a mini fairing topped with a small windscreen that looks similar to the bike on its left. One or both could be a new version of the Scout Rogue. The bike second from the left has no fairing and could be a model similar to the existing Scout Bobber.
At this point, we can only speculate based on what we see in the video, so we can’t say what could be inside them regarding their engines or chassis modifications. Full details will be released on April 2. Stay tuned!
Indian Motorcycle has added to its high-end Elite lineup with the 2024 Roadmaster Elite. Like other models in this Elite program, the Indian Roadmaster Elite includes premium features and a custom paint scheme, and it’s limited to only 350 units worldwide.
The Indian Roadmaster Elite first draws the eye with its dazzling tri-tone Indian Motorcycle Red paint scheme. This paint scheme honors the Indian Motorcycle Red paint first seen in 1904. For 2024, Indian Motorcycle partnered with paint shops Gunslinger Custom Paint in Colorado and Custom Painted Vehicles in Wisconsin to ensure the highest-quality finishes. Each motorcycle will also include an exclusive Elite badging with an individually numbered center console and a silhouette of a 1904 Indian Camelback, the bike that first received the Indian Motorcycle Red paint.
“Our Elite models take the incredibly high bar we set for all of our products, and raise it even higher, offering something more exclusive for the rider who wants to make sure their bike is a cut above anything else on the road,” said Aaron Jax, vice president for Indian Motorcycle. “What I love about the new Roadmaster Elite is how we’ve taken the historic Indian Motorcycle Red and given it a tougher, meaner attitude with blacked-out styling.”
The tri-tone paint includes Indian Motorcycle Red Candy, Dark Indian Motorcycle Red Candy, and Black Candy, along with handpainted Championship Gold pinstripes, and each bike takes more than 24 hours to complete.
“Our design team is always thrilled to work on the Elite models, because we’re essentially given the keys to design our very own custom bike, but instead of just one, hundreds will be available around the world,” said Ola Stenegard, director of product design for Indian Motorcycle. “With each new Elite model, we pull through custom bike trends to create something that’s not only current and relevant, but authentically aligns with the Indian Motorcycle brand and complements each model’s inherent DNA.”
Aside from top-notch paint jobs, Indian’s Elite collection also includes premium features and components from the brand. The 2024 Indian Roadmaster Elite will include PowerBand Audio with Bass Boost & UnderGlow, which was introduced in 2023 and delivers 50% louder audio through 12 speakers in the front fairing, saddlebags, and touring trunk. Also included is the Pathfinder Adaptive LED Headlight, which improves visibility by adjusting illumination based on the bike’s lean angle. Pathfinder LED lights can also be found in the bike’s saddlebags to provide better visibility of the bike to other motorists.
Other premium details on the 2024 Indian Roadmaster Elite include a gloss black painted dash, polished driver and passenger Indian headdress floorboards, a color-matched stitched heated and cooled seat, a tinted flare windshield, passenger arm rests, backlit switch cubes, and 10-spoke precision machined wheels.
The 2024 Indian Roadmaster Elite will have an MSRP of $41,999 and will begin arriving in dealerships this spring. Find more information at the Indian Motorcycle website.
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