Indian Motorcycle’s 101 Scout is the brand’s most performance-rich cruiser, edging out the Sport Chief in power, weight, and componentry. Indian updated the Scout platform for 2025 with a larger 1,250cc liquid-cooled engine, a new steel tube front frame, and an adjustable electronics suite. The Scout Classic, Scout Bobber, Super Scout, and Sport Scout receive different styling, but performance is nearly identical with a claimed 105 hp, 82 lb.-ft. of torque, and nonadjustable suspension. The 101 Scout is different: Dedicated ECU tuning increases the 101 Scout’s power output to a claimed 111 hp, but max torque remains the same as the other Scout models.
Indian’s SpeedPlus 1250 V-twin is redesigned for 2025. The 1,250cc (76ci) DOHC liquid-cooled engine receives new pistons, larger valves, a lighter crank, and a slip/assist clutch. Fully adjustable suspension and Brembo brakes add to the 101′s allure but contribute to its increased price ($16,999). A 43mm inverted fork offers 5.9 inches of travel; dual piggyback shocks provide 3 inches of travel. Stopping power is provided by dual 320mm discs and four-piston Brembo calipers up front and a 298mm disc with a single-piston caliper at the rear.
The 101 Scout comes standard with a 4-inch full-color touchscreen display powered by Ride Command and Indian’s Limited +Tech package. These instruments provide riders with three ride modes (Rain, Standard, Sport), adjustable traction control, cruise control, and GPS navigation.
Before hitting our in-house Dynojet 250i dynamometer, the 2025 Indian 101 Scout weighed 552 pounds on our automotive scales. On the Cycle World dyno, the 101 Scout produced 100.4 hp at 7,170 rpm and 74.9 lb.-ft. of torque at 6,440 rpm at the rear tire. For reference, the 2023 Harley-Davidson Sportster S produced 109.6 hp at 7,530 rpm and 85.2 lb.-ft. of torque at 6,000 rpm. Although the 101 is down on power compared to its direct competitor, the Sportster S, the Indian’s flat torque curve and linear power delivery provide flexibility throughout the rev range. And let’s be honest, 100 ponies is nothing to scoff at. But 101 Scout doesn’t have quite as much punch as its H-D rival.
In our review of the 2025 Indian 101 Scout, Bradley Adams explains, “Changes to the SpeedPlus 1250 engine (including a lighter crank) mean there’s not as much immediacy as you might expect at low revs, but Indian hasn’t completely disregarded the traditional V-twin character and there’s still enough grunt to get off the line with relative ease. Factor in the added top-end performance and you have a bike that’s incredibly flexible, with a wide enough rev range for anything from casual city riding to faster-pace rides on your favorite sections of canyon road.”