What's it like riding the Indian 101 Scout? Find out here...

Tested by Ben Clarke

My long-term test bike history at MCN must be one of the most varied on the team by now. Since my first in 2019, a Honda CBR650R, I’ve had a Yamaha Ténéré 700, Kawasaki ZX-10R, Indian FTR S and a BMW M1000R before last year’s much smaller Triumph Scrambler 400 X. This has been a deliberate move on my part, I want to keep an open mind and enjoy as many different riding experiences as possible.

But there’s a glaring omission in my history; I’ve never had a cruiser. The closest I got was the Indian FTR S, but with its upright riding position and 17in wheels, that bike was more of a muscular roadster than a chopper. So, when I saw the Scout on the list in 2025, I jumped at the chance to give it a go!

It’s got everything you think of when you imagine an American bike; low seat, high ’bars, feet-forward ’pegs and a massive V-twin providing propulsion. But it also promises a few added benefits, such as uprated suspension to help it go round corners properly and a surprisingly free-revving and powerful engine. I can’t wait to find out if the Scout 101 makes sense over distance on UK roads and if I could have actually been a ‘cruiser guy’ all along!

Indian 101 Scout quick specs

• Price: £16,095
• Engine: 1250cc liquid-cooled V-twin PowerPlus
• Power: 110bhp @ 7250rpm
• Torque: 80.4lb.ft @ 6300rpm
• Seat height: 654mm

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• Weight: 240kg (wet without fuel)