Indian Scout Bobber Sixty: Urban Prowler

The 2021 Indian Scout Bobber Sixty: A Deeper Dive into Urban Riding

It's not uncommon for a new motorcycle to slip under the radar, and the Indian Scout Bobber Sixty is a prime example. Debuting mid-year in 2020, a year overshadowed by global events, its launch was rather subdued. Without an official introduction, and with personal circumstances taking precedence, this particular model was missed in our reviews. While we didn't catch it in 2021, a recent attempt to link to a review unearthed this oversight. Although a 2022 model wasn't yet available, we managed to get our hands on a 2021 edition, which remains largely unchanged for the current iteration. So, with a bit of a delay, let's explore the 2021 Indian Scout Bobber Sixty.

Understanding the "Sixty" Designation

For those unfamiliar, the "Sixty" in the Indian Scout Bobber Sixty refers to its 60 cubic inch (ci) engine. This is a variant of the 69ci DOHC liquid-cooled, 60-degree V-twin found in the standard Indian Scout models. Indian achieved this displacement reduction by narrowing the bore by 0.237 inches (6mm). This modification results in a power output of 78 horsepower, a reduction from the standard Scout's 100 horsepower, with the peak power arriving 900 rpm sooner. Torque also sees a dip, peaking at 65 ft-lbs, down seven ft-lbs from the standard Scout, and achieving this peak 200 rpm earlier at 5800 rpm. This is a logical outcome, as the reduced displacement comes solely from a narrower piston, leaving the stroke unchanged, creating a less oversquare engine configuration.

Transmission and Tyres: Key Differences

Another significant functional difference lies in the transmission. The standard Scout's six-speed gearbox is replaced by a five-speed unit in the Sixty. Indian's approach was rather unique: they simply removed 5th gear. Consequently, shifting from 4th to 5th on the Sixty is akin to shifting from 4th to 6th on the standard Scout transmission. Furthermore, the standard model's Pirelli Night Dragon tyres are substituted with Indian-branded Kenda 673s. Apart from these changes, the Sixty offers essentially the same motorcycle as the standard version, but with a smaller engine and one less gear, all for a $2000 price reduction. This makes the Sixty a compelling option for riders who prioritize value and urban usability.

Performance in an Urban Environment

The 2021 Indian Scout Bobber Sixty excels as an urban mount. Its power is easily manageable at lower RPMs, offering accessible grunt when needed. Around town, the lower four gears are perfectly suited for surface streets, with the fifth gear serving as an effective overdrive for freeway cruising. The engine's power delivery is predictable and smooth, making it easy to navigate through traffic. The vibrations from the V-twin are generally considered enjoyable rather than fatiguing, contributing to a comfortable riding experience.

Ergonomics and Styling

Ergonomically, the Bobber Sixty is designed for shorter rides. The forward-mounted footpegs and handlebars create a more assertive, forward-leaning stance, which, while not the most relaxed, contributes to the bike's aggressive and cool aesthetic. This styling is a significant part of the Scout Bobber Sixty's appeal. Sitting low with a relatively narrow handlebar, it's an agile machine for weaving through urban traffic. In regions where lane splitting is permitted, like California, the Bobber Sixty's compact size and manageable power make it an excellent choice for filtering through congestion. The motor's smooth low-RPM response aids in effortless manoeuvring.

Suspension: A Point for Consideration

Suspension has historically been a less celebrated aspect of the Scout series, and the Bobber Sixty is no exception. The front fork tends to be underdamped, while the rear shocks are notably stiff. This setup can feel remarkably similar to riding a modern motorcycle with a hardtail and springer front end. Riders will feel most imperfections in the road surface, with even minor potholes delivering a jarring sensation. While the comfortable solo seat and the broad 16-inch tyres do their best to mitigate this, the rear-wheel travel is limited to just two inches. For riders seeking a more compliant ride, budgeting for aftermarket shocks from brands like Fox, Legend, Öhlins, or Progressive is a worthwhile consideration, or alternatively, one must simply adapt to the firm ride.

Handling and Cornering Clearance

When the road surface is smooth, the ride quality is significantly improved. The same applies to riding through winding canyons. However, urban canyon roads, often in poorer condition, can limit the ability to fully exploit the Bobber Sixty's stable chassis. With a 29-degree rake and a 62-inch wheelbase, the chassis settles nicely into turns, offering a planted feel. On well-maintained pavement, the Indian glides through corners with confidence. The limited cornering clearance means your boot heels will likely touch down first when pushing the pace. However, the Kenda tyres are more than capable of handling the power delivery and the bike's substantial 551-pound curb weight.

The Five-Speed Transmission and Rider Input

The 78-horsepower engine provides ample performance for urban freeway runs. A notable characteristic is the significant gap between 4th and the overdrive 5th gear when accelerating to higher speeds. Once accustomed to this, riders may find themselves holding onto 4th gear longer rather than short-shifting, as one might with a torquey motor. It's worth noting that riders with larger feet might appreciate the extended shift lever. For a size 9 boot, positioning the heel on the footpeg was necessary to avoid encountering false neutrals. The shifting action on the Sixty's transmission is deliberate and requires a firm foot.

Exhaust and Styling: A Visual Statement

Our test bike was fitted with Indian's Stage 1 2-Into-1 Full Exhaust System. While claimed to boost power by 10 percent, the most significant advantage is the enhanced sound. The throatier tone produced every time the throttle is twisted is a welcome addition. While the stock dual exhaust might be preferred by some for its aesthetics, personal taste varies. Regardless of the exhaust choice, the distinctive steampunk styling of the 2021 Indian Scout Bobber Sixty consistently draws positive attention.

Power Delivery and Rider Expectations

Most cruisers exhibit a linear power delivery. The Sixty, however, features a noticeable midrange boost that can be felt during acceleration. This characteristic is not necessarily a drawback, as it keeps the engine docile in tight urban situations while providing ample power when desired. Riders may find themselves operating the engine at higher RPMs than initially expected, and it's likely that shifting out of 4th gear will only occur on roads with speed limits around 50 mph or higher.

Braking Performance and ABS

Braking is handled by 298mm discs on both the front and rear wheels, offering predictable stopping power. The front brake offers a soft initial bite, which is beneficial for urban riding, but requires more pressure on the lever for more aggressive deceleration. The rear brake mirrors this predictability, providing strong stopping power when applied firmly. ABS is standard on most colour options (excluding Thunder Black) and operates unobtrusively, enhancing safety without interfering with the riding experience.

Switchgear and Instrumentation

The switchgear on the Bobber Sixty is functional and straightforward. The instrument cluster features a single clock with an analog-style speedometer, complemented by warning lights and a small LCD panel that displays the gear position. The overall design is clean and easy to read, providing essential information without unnecessary complexity.

Conclusion: The Urban Specialist

The positioning of the 2021 Indian Scout Bobber Sixty is clear: it is an urban-focused variant of the standard Scout. Riders who primarily navigate city streets can confidently save the $2000 price difference compared to the standard Scout Bobber without feeling as though they are compromising on the overall motorcycle experience. In fact, one could argue that the Sixty's motor is even more suited for city riding. The 69ci powerplant and the 60ci mill have each carved out their niche; the choice ultimately depends on your intended use and personal preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What year was the Indian Scout Sixty made?
The Indian Scout Bobber Sixty debuted mid-year in 2020. The model reviewed here is the 2021 edition.

Q2: What is a 60ci Indian Scout?
A 60ci Indian Scout is a version of the Indian Scout motorcycle that features a 60 cubic inch (999cc) V-twin engine, which is a smaller displacement variant of the standard 69ci (1033cc) engine.

Q3: What are the main differences between the Indian Scout Sixty and the standard Indian Scout?
The primary differences are the engine displacement (60ci vs. 69ci), resulting in lower horsepower and torque for the Sixty, a five-speed transmission instead of a six-speed, and different stock tyres (Kenda 673s on the Sixty vs. Pirelli Night Dragons on the standard Scout). These changes allow for a lower price point on the Sixty model.

Q4: Is the Indian Scout Bobber Sixty good for long rides?
While capable, the Bobber Sixty is primarily designed as an urban cruiser. Its ergonomics and suspension are best suited for shorter rides. For long-distance touring, aftermarket modifications or a different model might be more appropriate.

Q5: What is the fuel capacity of the 2021 Indian Scout Bobber Sixty?
The 2021 Indian Scout Bobber Sixty has a fuel capacity of 3.3 gallons.

2021 Indian Scout Bobber Sixty Specifications at a Glance

2021 Indian Scout Bobber Sixty Colours and Prices (MSRP)

Note: Pricing and specifications are subject to change by the manufacturer. The price for the Titanium Metallic (ABS) as tested with accessory exhaust was $11,699.

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