The motorcycle world is a rich tapestry, my friends, but finding an American cruiser that’s both affordable and capable enough to truly “do it all” narrows the field quickly. The Indian Scout Bobber hits that balance point squarely. With a base MSRP starting at $12,999, it undercuts many larger American cruisers while still offering a V-twin with enough punch for highway miles, weekend escapes, and everyday riding.
More importantly, it’s a blank canvas. Through Indian’s Curated Collections, riders can configure the Scout Bobber to suit their own definition of “do it all,” whether that means added comfort, touring capability, or sharper urban style. The base price gets you in the door; the personalization is where it becomes yours.
To give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from Indian Motorcycle. The information provided is current as of the time of this writing.
The Most Powerful American Cruiser Motorcycle Under $11,000 From 2024
The Indian Scout Bobber Sixty combines performance and affordability in a nice package
Big Power With Real-World Versatility
Power for the Scout Bobber comes from a liquid-cooled, 60-degree V-twin with a short-stroke layout that favors strong horsepower delivery without sacrificing usable torque. The 1,250 cc V-twin produces triple-digit horsepower, giving it serious passing authority at highway speeds. The result is an aggressive performance profile that sends the relatively light Scout Bobber forward with real urgency. There’s more than enough reserve for confident interstate roll-ons and clean passes at highway speeds, which is exactly what you want from a bike that’s supposed to “do it all.”
The standard model keeps things simple with minimal electronic intervention, but stepping up to the Limited + Tech package adds cruise control, traction control, and selectable ride modes. That upgrade transforms the Bobber from a stripped-down hot rod into a more versatile all-rounder, allowing riders to tailor performance and control to their specific needs.
Indian Scout Bobber Engine And Performance Specifications
|
Engine |
60-degree V-twin, liquid-cooled |
|
Displacement |
1,250 cc |
|
Power |
105 HP @ 6,800 RPM |
|
Torque |
82 LB-FT @ 6,300 RPM |
|
Transmission |
6-speed |
|
Top Speed |
~115 MPH |
Hardtail-Inspired Styling Coupled With Modern Suspension
Indian channels the look of a classic hardtail through clever frame geometry and laid-over rear coil-over shocks that sell the illusion without sacrificing modern suspension travel. Unlike more complex hidden-shock setups, the Scout Bobber keeps things straightforward while maintaining clean lines.
At 542 pounds, it’s relatively light for an American V-twin cruiser, which helps it feel manageable at low speeds and responsive once underway. A single front brake handles stopping duties, backed by standard ABS for added confidence. Despite the stripped-down aesthetic, the swingarm layout is conventional, and the steering geometry delivers quick, predictable turn-in. With a 31-degree lean angle, it allows for spirited cornering before hard parts touch down, which is more than enough for real-world backroad riding.
Indian Scout Bobber Chassis And Suspension Specifications
|
Front Suspension |
41 mm forks, 4.7 inches of travel |
|
Rear Suspension |
Dual coil-over shocks, 2 inches of travel |
|
Wheels |
Cast alloy |
|
Front Tire |
120/90-16, Pirelli® |
|
Rear Tire |
150/80-16, Pirelli® |
|
Front Brake |
298 mm disc, 2-piston caliper, ABS |
|
Rear Brake |
298 mm disc, 1-piston caliper, ABS |
10 Cheapest V-Twin Cruiser Bikes With Over 100 Horsepower
The most affordable V-twin cruiser with over 100 horsepower is an American bike priced under $13,000.
Accessory Packages Help Adapt The Scout Bobber To Your Riding
As a proper bobber, the Scout Bobber keeps things lean with pared-down bodywork and a blackout-heavy finish that emphasizes its mechanical lines. The stance is purposeful, minimalist, and unmistakably American. Color options vary by trim, ranging from deep metallic tones to understated blacked-out schemes, giving buyers room to dial in their preferred vibe.
Here’s where the “do-it-all” argument gains traction. Indian offers four curated Accessory Collections designed around specific riding needs.
- Commuter Collection adds a two-up configuration
-
Open Roads Collection equips it with a windshield and
saddlebags
for
light touring - Stealth Collection brings a compact fairing and streamlined storage
- Overnighter Collection swaps in touring glass and luggage support in place of the pillion pad
Beyond those packages, riders can mix and match individual components to further tailor the bike. Opting for the Limited + Tech package adds the full RIDE COMMAND system with navigation, traffic, and weather integration, turning a stripped-down bobber into a connected, road-ready cruiser.
10 Cheapest New Cruiser Bikes With Impressive Torque
The cruiser bike with the highest torque rating on this list is not American but German
Affordable Without Compromise
The beauty of the Indian Scout Bobber is that it doesn’t try to be everything at once. It gives you the foundation to decide what “everything” means. That’s the difference. Affordability here isn’t about bargain-basement compromises; it’s about access. The entry price puts genuine American V-twin ownership within reach, while leaving room for riders to build outward rather than buy upward.
And that’s where the “do-it-all” claim earns its keep. Some riders want a stripped-down solo machine for city runs. Others want light touring capability, passenger accommodation, or modern tech support for longer days in the saddle. The Scout Bobber allows those paths without forcing unnecessary bulk, cost, or complexity from the outset.
It starts simple, strong, and purposeful, then adapts. That adaptability, combined with real-world performance and manageable size, makes it versatile in practice. You’re not locked into one version of riding. You’re choosing a platform that evolves with you. For an American cruiser, that balance of attainable price and built-in flexibility is what truly makes it capable of doing it all.