The Indian Scout Bobber pays homage to the purposeful, stripped-down motorcycle builds of America’s post-war history. The American motorcycle maker launched the Bobber at India Bike Week 2017 in Goa for Rs 12.99 lakh (ex-showroom, pan-India). The bare and aggressive-looking bike shares its frame and powertrain with the now more expensive Indian Scout.
Working towards its rugged Bobber styling is the blacked-out headlamp surround, instrument cluster and exhaust. The bike also has considerably less chrome on the engine and gearbox covers. The Bobber is also equipped with a minimalist LED tail-light (with integrated stop and turn signals) and a dual-tone leather seat. However, the chopped front and rear fenders are by far the most substantial design elements seen on the motorcycle.
The Bobber shares the 1,133cc, V-twin engine – that makes 94hp and 97Nm of torque – and the frame with the Scout. The flat-track-style handlebar and closer foot pegs change the seating ergonomics. The biggest (and only mechanical) change, however, is the shorter travel rear suspension. The bike has reduced an inch of rear travel with the use of shorter springs. This gives the Bobber its cool, low-to-the-ground look but also reduces its ground clearance from 135mm to 123mm. The lean-angle clearance has also gone down from 31deg to 29deg.
The Indian Scout Bobber is priced closer to the Rs 13.81 lakh Moto Guzzi V9 Bobber than the Rs 9.32 lakh Triumph Bonneville Bobber (all prices ex-showroom).