Indian 101 Scout (2024 - ) review

Sometimes there are straightforward cruisers, sometimes more aggressive, minimalist bobbers, and sometimes there are the hot-rod versions. The 101 Scout is quite clearly the latter in relation to the whole Scout family. To those ends it’s been pared-back, given uprated suspension, brakes and tyres and transformed with a more aggressive looking combination of blacked-out trim, single seat and a small headlamp cowling. Yes, that’s a fairly niche recipe, and also a significantly pricier one over the standard Scout. But it’s also fair to say Indian has delivered it brilliantly, the 101 is huge fun to ride and a pleasure to own. And at its heart remains the brilliant Scout V-twin. If you like the look and concept, you won’t be disappointed.

The 101 Scout is a low riding, aggressive hot-rod of a cruiser with the classy sporty dynamics and ride to match. The single seat is well-finished and, at just 654mm, ridiculously low. The bars are flat but lifted on six-inch risers and the pegs are slightly forward to give an upright but fairly comfortable ride. All at once it’s low and dinky, but also long and substantial.

Yes, it’s easy to get on with and has a small fairing but, realistically, it’s also too precious to ride all year round, has no pillion provision (as standard), no real distance or luggage carrying ability and is basically a one-trick-pony. Albeit a fun one. If practicality is a serious concern bear in mind there are other Scouts with virtually the same engine – such as the Sport Scout RT – complete with added versatility and even luggage for much of the same but with added practicality for less money.

The Scout’s slick, liquid-cooled, 60-degree V-twin engine has always been thoroughly modern and the updated 2024 version improves things further with a capacity bump from 1,130cc to 1,250cc, new crankcases, crank, pistons, rods, cams, larger valves and flowed heads. The result is 111 horsepower and 109Nm, all transmitted via a six-speed gearbox and belt drive with three switchable riding modes. It’s not just punchy for a cruiser, it’s punchy and potent full stop. When just cruising, it’s tractable, effective, flexible and predictable with perfectly spaced gear ratios. But when in the mood (and in Sport mode) it moves up another level, catapulting out of corners with an eagerness few cruisers can match, pulling hard all the way to the 9,000rpm redline with a gruff, characterful exhaust note. In fact, it’s a good job the equally uprated brakes, comprising twin 320mm discs clamped by Brembo four-piston radial calipers and a single 298mm disc at the rear, are equally up to the job.

The 101’s chassis is uprated over the standard Scout, with new and fully adjustable 43mm USD Sachs forks and similarly configurable piggyback shocks at the rear. The 19-inch/16-inch cast wheels wear Metzeler CruisTec tyres, the resulting ride classy and plush with light and precise steering while the low centre-of-gravity offers great stability. All in all, while we still wouldn’t fancy long motorway miles in busy British traffic it’s more than enough for lazy, largely comfortable cruising yet also with sports bike-worrying ability when you’re in the mood, at least as far as the ground clearance and pegs allow.

For an ‘entry-level’ Indian it’s by no means cheap and it’s worth stating the comparable Harley-Davidson Sportster S is also quite a bit less. Indian residuals aren’t quite up there at Harley standards, either. On top of that, the performance billing, weight and power may see you getting through brakes and tyres at a rate, though the belt drive at least saves on chains and sprockets.

Modern Indians have always been over-engineered, durable, premium products ever since their first new bikes in 2013. The ‘entry-level’ Scout proved even more so with its bespoke 1,130cc liquid-cooled V-twin and, although fully updated in 2024, we’ve no reason to suspect this latest 1,250cc version will be any different.

The Indian 101 Scout’s warranty is fairly standard, covering two years with unlimited mileage from first registration with the option to extend if certain conditions are met. Its service schedule is typical, too, requiring the usual 500-mile ‘break-in’ service followed by checks thereafter after 10,000 miles or annually, whichever comes first.

As a heritage-inspired cruiser, you wouldn’t expect lavish equipment from the 101 Scout and there isn’t much to be going on with. But it’s not bad, either. Cycle parts are top notch, and its dash, though minimal, is a quality circular touch-screen TFT with Bluetooth and built-in sat-nav. There are three riding modes, plus cruise and traction control plus a handy USB charger, LED lights all round, keyless ignition and a smart nose fairing. On the downside, there’s only a single seat, though a pillion perch, luggage, grab-rail and whole host of cosmetic trimmings are available as options or accessories.

Hot-rod style cruisers have limited appeal and versatility this side of the pond, especially in this focused single-seater guise. But Indian’s latest Scout derivative looks smarter, goes harder and is better-equipped than most. If its style appeals you’ll be more than impressed with its improved powertrain, you’ll revel in its classy handling and sports bike standard braking plus it’s a handsome, beautifully made bike in its own right that any owner will be proud of.