Indian Motorcycle released the Scout all the way back in 2015, and the bike has remained mostly the same ever since. Sure, they introduced the Bobber, and the Scout has seen some minor updates, such as the addition of ABS and new suspension internals. However, the important parts, meaning the engine and the frame, are still the same as when the Scout first saw the light of day.
The Indian Scout features a liquid-cooled engine and a twin-shock chassis design, and some would say the bike was so good, it didn’t really need any updates from the factory. Now, however, the Honda Rebel 1100 and the Harley-Davidson Nightster have caught up to the Indian Scout. Luckily, Indian took notice, and in the summer of 2022, they gave us a new model, the Scout Rogue.
Can the Indian Scout Rogue, a bike built on an eight-year-old platform, compete with the brand-new bikes from two of the world’s largest and most popular motorcycle companies? Will the Scout Rogue give the Honda Rebel and Harley Nightster sleepless nights? We think so, in fact, it's probably the most badass of them all.
The information for this article was gathered using online resources such as Indian Motorcycle and YouTube reviews.
What Separates The Indian Scout Rogue From The Regular Model?
The Indian Scout Rogue is by far the most in-your-face version of the Scout. The bike has been given a club-style (also referred to as West Coast style, or thug style) makeover. This includes mini-ape handlebars, a quarter-fairing that wraps nicely around the headlight, a 19-inch cast-aluminum front wheel, a sporty-looking solo seat, and lots of murdered-out components.
Indian Motorcycle is owned by Polaris, who also owned Victory, the company that brought us the Victory Octane back in 2016. The Victory Octane actually shared roughly 35% of its parts with the Indian Scout, but offered more power, more torque, and increased lean angles, all in a package that weighed 26 pounds less than the Scout. While the Scout Rogue could've been the Indian equivalent to the Octane, it doesn’t have more power, improved lean angle, or any weight savings, compared to the regular model, which is a little disappointing. However, it does look just as mean as the Victory Octane, and a lot meaner than the standard Scout.
The Indian Scout Rogue's Engine
The Indian Scout Rogue's 1133cc (69ci) V-Twin engine is a tried and true unit. Fire it up and hear the claimed 100 wild horses roar to life, accompanied by 72 lb-ft of torque. The exhaust note is nothing like the potato-potato sound we know from air-cooled Harleys, it’s beating softer and quicker than that. Most reviewers will say that it feels a bit sluggish under 2,500 rpm, but it produces near-peak torque from 3,000 rpm to 7,000 rpm. Cruising below 4,000 rpm, the engine is buttery smooth, with plenty of power available without having to downshift.
When you do decide to wring the throttle to the max, the Scout Rogue’s power figures mean it can really get up and go all the way to the redline, with peak power kicking in at 8,260 rpm — close to the rev limiter. The engine alone makes it one of the most badass cruiser bikes of 2023.
The Indian Scout Rogue's Ride Quality
When you throw a leg over the Indian Scout Rogue, the first thing you should notice is the low seat height. At just 25.6 inches, the Rogue’s seat is actually more than an inch lower than the Honda Rebel 300’s. This does make it more approachable for short riders and newbies, but it will probably feel cramped if you’re taller than the average Joe.
Indian swapped the standard 16-inch front wheel for a 19-inch unit wrapped in 130/60 rubber, and this actually provides benefits beyond the aesthetics. This wheel and tire combination is close to 1.5 lbs lighter than the Scout Bobber’s setup, and the skinnier rubber also makes the bike more agile and lighter to steer than other Scout models.
We expect the Rogue’s fairing to actually provide some wind protection, at least at highway speeds, and the seat certainly looks more comfortable than the one on the Scout Bobber. Looking at the spec sheet, the biggest letdown is that it only offers 2 inches of rear suspension travel, and reviews report that the suspension is also very harsh. This means it easily bottoms out, and any bumps or unevenness on the road are transmitted to the rider. It's certainly not among the most comfortable cruiser bikes on the market. There's a solution to this, though; fit a set of fully adjustable shocks that offer more travel.
Another reason to upgrade the rear suspension is the Rogue's unimpressive 29 degrees of lean angle. This will cause the foot pegs and exhaust to scrape whenever you decide to have some fun on your favorite twisty road. Raising the rear suspension is actually more in line with club-style bikes anyway, and would give the bike an even more authentic look. It should be noted that this may not be a huge problem for some riders, especially those who prefer going at a slow, comfortable pace, or mostly ride on the highway.
Seeing as the Indian Scout Rogue’s limited suspension travel is pretty much the only thing that holds it back performance-wise, everything should be fine as long as you’re not riding aggressively on winding roads — but the solid chassis and mini-apes should also be perfect for aggressive countersteering and all-out hooliganism in the bendy bits.
When it’s time to bring this beast to a halt, it’s nice to know the brakes are actually capable of doing their job. The Scout Rogue features a two-piston caliper on the front and a one-piston caliper at the back. While not the most technologically advanced setup on the market, reviews reveal that the brakes are effective at scrubbing off speed and bring the 545-pound Rogue to a halt without any drama. The lever does require a bit of a squeeze, but it offers decent feedback, as does the rear brake pedal. ABS is available for those who want extra safety.
Indian Scout Rogue Features And Equipment
Indian Scout Rogue MSRP: $12,749
While the Indian Scout Rogue’s engine is a modern unit, this is otherwise very much an old-school motorcycle equipped with stuff we’d expect to find on a 15-year-old bike. In other words; it’s very bare-bones. This can be good or bad, depending on what you’re looking for in a motorcycle.
There aren't any ride modes or traction control, making it the perfect choice for those who proudly proclaim “this is my traction control!”, while making twisting motions with their right fist up in the air.
The clutch is cable-actuated rather than hydraulic, and while a setup like that sometimes does require a bit more effort to pull, it shouldn't be too much of a handful, so to speak.
Instrumentation on the Scout Rogue can only be summed up as fairly basic. There’s a round analog speedometer with an LCD inset panel that displays which gear you’re in, the time, and a tripmeter. The Rogue actually has a 12-volt charging port and self-canceling turn signals, but that’s pretty much all there is as far as amenities go on the base model.
Those looking for additional creature-comforts will have to check out Indian’s accessory department. The first item we'd add to the shopping cart would be the rear suspension that offers an extra inch of travel and improved ride quality both at high and low speed. At $829, they’re not cheap, though. As previously mentioned, ABS is an optional extra, and it comes in at $900.
There’s a pillion seat available for $215, footpegs retailing for $199.99, and a variety of seats, luggage, handlebars, exhausts, and even a tacho with a shift light. Those who ride after dark would perhaps be interested in the Pathfinder adaptive LED headlight. It costs a whopping $530, but it replaces the Rogue’s standard halogen lamp with 15 individual beams that projects the light farther and faster, based on the bike’s lean angle.
If Indian doesn't offer the upgrades you're looking for, chances are that the parts are available in the vast aftermarket. One of the benefits of buying a cruiser bike is the huge supply of parts and modifications.
Make and model | Indian Scout Rogue |
Year | 2022 - 2023 |
Displacement (cc) | 1133cc |
Configuration | 60-degree V-twin, liquid cooled, DOCH, 4 valves per cylinder |
Transmission / Drive | 6-speed, belt |
Suspension | Front: 41mm telescopic fork, 4.7" travel Rear: dual shocks, 2.0" travel |
Power | 100 hp |
Torque | 72 lb-ft |
Wet Weight | 545 lbs |
Seat Height | 25.6 inches |
Fuel capacity | 3.3 gal |
0-60 Mph | 5.1 seconds (estimate) |
Top Speed | 115 mph |
Final Thoughts On The Indian Scout Rogue
The Indian Scout Rogue is a well-styled and cool-looking motorcycle that oozes character. The club-style look really suits the bike and should be a hit with those looking for a feet-forward American cruiser. With its small fairing, tall handlebars, the sweeping line of the gas tank that goes on all the way through the frame and ends where the shock meets the swingarm, and the 16- and 19-inch wheels, the bike’s proportions are nigh-on perfect. Indian has really nailed the stance on the Scout Rogue.
The Rogue also manages to capture the traditional cruiser bike look and feel, while offering the performance of a modern liquid-cooled motorcycle, and the engine has a pleasing and almost traditional note at idle.
While there’s nothing revolutionary going on here, Indian did such a great job when they initially released the Scout, so even now, more than half a decade later, it's just as good as the competition’s brand-new models. The Rogue looks better than the base model Scout, and is only let down by its limited lean angle and suspension travel. All things considered, this most certainly is a cruiser bike that every self-respecting biker should ride at least once.