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Born in America, Reimagined for India: The 2025 Indian Scout Arrives

by R. Suryamurthy
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The Scout has always been more than a motorcycle. For over a century, it has carried the weight of American motorcycling heritage on its broad chrome shoulders, balancing old-school cruiser charm with bursts of modern reinvention. Now, in 2025, Indian Motorcycle is rolling out what it calls the “next generation” Scout — and this time, it is looking squarely at India.

Priced from ₹12.99 lakh ($14,800), the new Scout Sixty Bobber undercuts what Indian has traditionally asked for its V-Twin cruisers. Eight distinct models, spread across three trim levels, aim to capture riders ranging from first-time big bike owners to seasoned tourers. For India’s growing cruiser community, this is perhaps the most accessible Indian Motorcycle yet.

Lalit Sharma, Managing Director of Polaris India, summed it up at the New Delhi launch: “With the Scout, we’re not just preserving a legacy — we’re building upon it. This range brings authentic American design and performance within reach of many more Indian riders.”

Courtesy: Polaris India

The heart of the new lineup lies in two updated powerplants. At the top end, the 1250cc SpeedPlus V-Twin churns out 105 horsepower and 109 Nm of torque, paired with a six-speed gearbox. For riders not ready to wrestle with that much muscle, the reintroduced 999cc SpeedPlus brings a friendlier 85 HP and 87 Nm, mated to a five-speed transmission.

Both engines are liquid-cooled, delivering smooth throttle response and refinement without losing the throaty V-Twin character. A new steel tube frame, lower seat height (680 mm), and balanced geometry mean the Scout is more approachable, especially for riders transitioning from mid-capacity machines.

Indian Motorcycle has taken pains to give each model a distinct character.

  • Scout Bobber: Blacked-out, chopped fenders, and slammed suspension for a mean stance.
  • Sport Scout: Aggressive ergonomics, moto-style risers, and a quarter fairing for wind protection.
  • Scout Classic: Chrome, flared fenders, and wire wheels — pure nostalgia.
  • Super Scout: Saddlebags, windshield, and pillion seat — built for open-road touring.
  • 101 Scout: The performance flagship, with Brembo brakes, adjustable suspension, and exclusive detailing.

The entry-level Scout Sixty range mirrors these personalities on a smaller scale, powered by the 999cc SpeedPlus. The Sixty Bobber, for instance, brings bobber aesthetics to new riders, while the Sport Scout Sixty offers a 19-inch front wheel and quarter fairing straight from the factory.

Tech meets tradition

Where earlier Scouts leaned heavily on retro simplicity, the 2025 lineup layers in tech. ABS is now standard. Limited trims add traction control, cruise control, selectable ride modes, and USB charging. At the top, Limited +Tech trims feature Indian’s 101 mm touchscreen display with turn-by-turn navigation, bike health monitoring, and even a locator system.

That may raise eyebrows among purists, but it shows Indian is serious about blending lifestyle and practicality in markets like India, where connectivity is increasingly expected even on cruisers.

The price of nostalgia

Here’s how the lineup stacks up (all ex-showroom, INR/USD):

  • Scout Sixty Bobber — ₹12.99 lakh / $14,800
  • Sport Scout Sixty — ₹13.28 lakh / $15,160
  • Scout Sixty Limited — ₹13.42 lakh / $15,320
  • Scout Bobber — ₹13.99 lakh / $15,970
  • Scout Classic — ₹14.02 lakh / $16,000
  • Sport Scout — ₹14.09 lakh / $16,080
  • 101 Scout — ₹15.99 lakh / $18,260
  • Super Scout — ₹16.15 lakh / $18,440

A wider road ahead

For Indian Motorcycle, the 2025 Scout marks a strategy shift — from being a niche, high-priced American import to a brand trying to build volume in India’s small but growing premium cruiser market. With Harley-Davidson tied up with Hero MotoCorp and Triumph with Bajaj, Polaris seems determined to ensure Indian Motorcycle doesn’t get left in the dust.

The heavy-weight Chief and Chieftain lines remain for those who want big touring metal, but the Scout is where Indian is placing its bets. Accessible pricing, customizable options (over 100 accessories), and a model for every taste suggest the company is preparing for a long ride in India.

For riders, the appeal is simple. The Scout still looks and feels like an American cruiser. Only now, it’s closer within reach.

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