Motorcycle tests at motorradtest.de

Indian Scout Bobber Review (Baujahr 2025)

The new Bobber with 1250 V2 is simply different...

13.03.2025

Photos: Motorradtest.de

The new Indian Scout Bobber vintage 2025 is one thing above all: black. Of course, the looks alone would not be enough for a new model, which is why Indian has treated the new Bobber to the more powerful 1,250 cc V2, which is now homologated according to Euro5+. Dietmar has taken a lap and describes his impressions here.

I see black!

The last test of an Indian Scout Bobber was seven years ago and yet I still remember it as if it were yesterday. Why is that? It's hard to say, but somehow Indian builds motorcycles that are different. There are already some oddities on the spec sheet, for example, Indian does without a USD fork and installs a single disc at the front.

This may seem strange to some potential buyers, but it is also a statement somewhere: This is not about winning numbers for the quartet, but about the quintessential essences of "real" motorcycles: engine, sound and looks. Everything else is apparently secondary for Indian.

Differences in equipment: The Ltd.+Tech can do much more than the standard.

The new Bobber is available as standard for €15,390, as a limited for €16,390 and as a Ltd. + Tech for €17,390. The differences in equipment are shown above. For the Powersport Nord test, we were provided with the Tech variant with a full house and a Jekill & Hyde Vox exhaust. This model is available in these three colors:

Colors of the Scout Bobber vintage 2025. Bronze is also chic, but actually it has to be black.

Dimensions and seat test

Oh oh oh, there it starts with the special features of this machine. You really sit like a monkey on a grindstone. The typical Bobber seating position includes a very low solo seat (seat height 665 mm) and footrests moved far forward and upwards. You have to literally throw your feet up if you want to start. And you sit bent over like Quasimodo - that sounds monkey and now it gets even better: It's totally cool!! Well, GS switchers will feel like they're in the Wild West, but that's exactly what makes the Bobber special: Everything here is somehow different from other motorcycles.

The machine weighs 246 kg (ready to ride), which is not that heavy for a motorcycle of this type. The very low seating position allows even dwarfs to stand safely and maneuver safely. By default, the Bobber comes as a solo seater, but it is prepared for passenger footrests and a pillion seat, both of which are available in Indian accessories. By the way, the view to the rear is very good thanks to the bar-end mirrors.

That's what it's like to sit on the Bobber. Quasimodo sends his regards. Nevertheless, really cool.

360 degree tour around the Indian Scout Bobber

Technology of the 2025 Ltd. + Tech

The tech variant tested by comes with a 4" touch TFT color display in a circular design. The display is very easy to read and can also be operated via a joystick on the handlebars. The initial setup via smartphone and the first operating steps of the navigation solution are a bit annoying, but afterwards everything works all the better. By the way, the full-map navigation system also works with a mobile phone connection - and looks really chic!

The equipment of the new Bobber is okay. Although there are no lean angle sensors, there is Ride by Wire, three riding modes, keyless ride, traction control, a USB port and the connectivity solution via the Indian "Ride Command" app.

The new Bobber doesn't show any weakness when it comes to light either. All bulbs come with LED technology and there is a hazard warning light system and an automatic turn signal reset. At the rear, the rear and brake lights as well as turn signals are housed in one housing.

This looks good and since the turn signals shine quite brightly, they are easy to see even when braking despite this construction. The front turn signals are circular in proper style, but some buyers will still want to use smaller turn signals, but they are also available in Indian accessories.

Jekill & Hyde Vox rear silencer. Loud, strong, good.

This is how it drives

Before we hit the road, we listen to the sound. Our test bike has the new Vox system from Dr. Jekill & Mr. Hide. As we have learned, Indian drivers are very sound-savvy and very often switch from the standard rear silencers and systems with flap system. The Vox already sounds very characterful when closed - and it all blows up in your face. This can be really addictive, as Dietmar had to learn during his test drive. By the way, the Vox can be switched in three variations: Quiet, medium and really loud. Whatever the case, every Indian fan should more than agree with this bag. Soundcheck top right...

The first few meters on the Indian Scout Bobber take some getting used to - at least for bobber newcomers. This is mainly due to the special seating position and the wide tires, plus the powerful engine, which is already respectful. But: After a short time you get used to it and then it starts to be really fun. The Bobber is not a cornering predator in the classic sense, but it still rides well with a surprisingly sporty touch. Even if the lean angle clearance is not comparable to a super sports bike, you still like to lean into the curves with the Indian. The very low center of gravity helps you energetically.

The new V2 with 1,250 cc, 105 hp and 108 Nm. Pressure and culture in equal measure.

The new V2 has a lot of steam and is surprisingly cultivated. Below 2,000 rpm it starts to rattle V2-tpisch, but above that the engine is really surprisingly lively. He already has a lot of punch at the bottom and revs up willingly. As with the "Scout Sport" test, we were surprised at how elastic this V2 is.

Actually, you like to drive a cruiser at very low speeds. This is also possible with the Scout, but it is actually more fun at higher revs. There, the engine not only feels right at home, but also pushes forward like crazy. Fortunately, you sit very safely on the solo seat with support to the rear, so you can step on the gas...

Front brake: Single disc and axially mounted 2-piston floating caliper. There is a better way.

The view of the front wheel is not quite as great. On the one hand, the Scout Bobber has a conventional telescopic fork and then we only see a single disc with a 2-piston floating caliper. Okay, we're not talking about a performance bike here, but Indian would have liked to have served up a better front brake here. This is all reserved for the Indian Scout 101: There is an adjustable upside-down fork as well as radially attached Brembo 4-piston brake calipers on two discs.

What all scouts lack is a QuickShifter. But that's not so bad, because the 6-speed gearbox works wonderfully and, above all, the hand force on the smooth-running clutch is very low. The small tank and the consumption of 5.6 liters per 100 kilometers leads to a calculated range of only 232 km. As I said, the Indian Scout Bobber doesn't give a damn about things that may be important for the quartet. But let's be honest: Who drives a Bobber through the desert?

Great look: Black, black & black.

Warranty, Service and Competitors

Indian gives a two-year warranty on the Scout models. The starting service is due after 600 km and then at the following intervals: 8,000, 16,000, 32,000 km. You have to come up with the idea first! Well, for free - usually you push your bike to the service once a year anyway, and for safety reasons you should actually do the same, at least if the machine is new.

As competitors for the Indian Scout Bobber, we see the Harley Street Bob and the Sportster S, the Triumph Bonneville Bobber and, to a limited extent, the Honda CMS 1100 Rebel (comparison here).

Result

The Indian Scout Bobber is a wonderfully unreasonable motorcycle. Extreme seating position, extreme sound, extreme looks and an extreme feeling engine. Indian drivers will rather make fun of the points of criticism. If you value perfection, please buy a Japanese woman. If, on the other hand, you like the really fat appearance, you will choose the Indian. Cool bike with a casual factor.

Powersport-Nord provided us with the test bike. This Indian dealer in Appen near Hamburg not only provides the Bobber for test rides, but also other Indian bikes and motorcycles from CF-Moto.

Vergleiche die
Indian Scout Bobber 2025
mit anderen Motorrädern