Harley Davidson Sportster S vs. Indian Scout Bobber

Harley Davidson’s brand-new iteration of their beloved sport motorcycle is the Harley Davidson SPORTSTER S, competing against the very attractive and popular Indian model, the INDIAN SCOUT BOBBER. If any riders are interested in buying a sporty cruiser, they will indeed be drawn to these two beautiful motorcycles. While both motorcycles share similarities, this article will primarily discuss the differences between the Harley Sportster S and the Indian Scout Bobber. This detailed discussion includes the history, styling, engine performance, riding experience, user reviews, features, and most frequently asked questions regarding these two motorcycles.

The Harley Davidson Sportster S is the next generation of a motorcycle lineup that was introduced in 1957. It was one of the most popular vehicle types out of all the Harleys. The Harley Davidson Sportster series has included many remarkable models, like the Nightster, Forty-Eight, Roadster, Seventy-Two, Iron, and Sportster S. The first Sportster S was released in 2021, being described as a “sports custom motorcycle.” According to Bennetts, the Sportster S shares many specs with the Harley Davidson V-Rod, like its 1200 cc engine size, and liquid-cooled V-Twin engine. The V-Rod could deliver a horsepower of 125 hp and 111 Nm of torque, while the Sportster S can deliver a horsepower of 121 hp and 125 Nm of torque. But the V-Rod was a much heftier motorcycle with 300 kg of weight while the Sportster S only weighed about 228 kg, making it more efficient and having significantly better performance.

Indian is one of America’s oldest motorcycle companies, Founded in 1901, Indian released its first motorcycle, the INDIAN SCOUT in 1920. Over the years, many changes were made to the older Indian Scout models and many variants were launched by the company. In 2018, Indian launched another variant of the Indian Scout referred to as the “Bobber.” This variant was upgraded with side mirrors at the end of the handlebars, a low seat, low handlebars, side-mounted license plate holders, and chopped rear and front mudguards. The Indian Scout had three different variants, the standard INDIAN SCOUT, the Indian Scout Bobber, and the Indian Scout Bobber Twenty. Each of them has different handlebar setups and designs, but they all share the same powertrain. Out of all these models, the Indian Scout Bobber is the lowest and sleekest.

The key differences between both of these models are provided below:

The Scout Bobber has a more traditional cruiser style, while the Sportster S is a sporty-cruiser motorcycle. The scout bobber shares many similarities with its base variant Indian Scout with slight changes that are discussed below.

The Sportster S and Scout Bobber have a two-in-one exhaust, but they have different positions and styles. In terms of sound, they both are very different from each other, Sportster produces a large sound but it feels like it has suppressed the rumble. While the Indian Scout Bobber has a more rumbling sound like the other traditional cruiser motorcycles.

The Sportster S has a traditional round headlight with a halogen bulb that style of the headlight is already used in other models of Indian Scout, while the Sportster S has a sleek horizontal led headlight. The headlight of the Sportster S is unlike any other Sportster model.

The Sportster S has a bigger front rim about 17 inches in diameter, with its tires also being wider than the Scout Bobber’s tires.

The Sportster S has a seat height of 28.9 inches, while the Scout Bobber has a seat height of 25.6 inches. Therefore, for a tall rider, the Sportster S seems more comfortable than the Indian Scout Bobber.

The side mirrors of Sportster S are above the handlebar, while the Scout Bobber’s side mirrors are below the handlebars. The position of side mirrors can be changed and it is on the personal preference of the rider.

Overall, there are not many similarities between the Harley Sportster S and the Indian Scout Bobber. However, both share a few similarities that are provided below:

Both motorcycles have chopped front mudguards. However, the Sportster S does not have a separate rear mudguard while the Scout Bobber does. Moreover, Indian Scout Bobber has its license plate on the side while Sportster S has its license plate right behind the wheel.

Both have the same belt drive train and six-speed transmission system. Not only Sportster S but many other models have the same belt drive train. The belt drive train is effective because of its low maintenance, normally the chain drive train needs lubrication regularly while the belt drive train does not require any of that.

The Indian Scout Bobber is one of the best traditional-looking cruisers. Its 1,133-cc liquid-cooled, V-Twin produces a peak torque of 97 Nm at 5,900 rpm, similar to the HARLEY DAVIDSON’S IRON 1200, except having a slightly higher rev range and horsepower.

INDIAN SCOUT BOBBER Engine Engine

The Harley Davidson Sportster S has a 1,252-cc liquid-cooled, V-Twin that was first used in the Pan America adventure motorcycle but turned down for a bit more mid-range and low-down torque. So, as it gets a lot of the same tech like its variable valve timing and lightweight engine covers tweaks have been made to the valve ports and cams to increase the velocity of flow through the combustion chamber. That results in producing 125 Nm of peak torque at 6,000 rpm

The Sportster S has a length of 89.3 inches, while the Scout Bobber has a length of 87.5 inches. The Sportster S has a height of 42.9 inches, while the Scout Bobber has a height of 41.5 inches. The Sportster S has a seat height of 28.9 inches, while the Scout Bobber has a seat height of 25.6 inches.

HARLEY DAVIDSON SPORTSTER S Dimensions

INDIAN SCOUT BOBBER Dimensions

The HARLEY SPORTSTER S can produce more horsepower than the Indian Scout Bobber despite having a slightly smaller fuel tank. The Sportster S’s engine has a  bore size of 105 mm and a stroke size of 72.3 mm, while the INDIAN SCOUT BOBBER has a bore size of 99 mm and a stroke size of 73.6 mm.

The Indian Scout Bobber is a traditional-looking cruiser with a cast aluminum spine frame with a stressed member engine suspended on a non-adjustable fork and shock at the front and rear respectively.

The Harley Davidson Sportster S also uses a stressed member engine. But it also has a fully adjustable 43 mm shock at the front and an adjustable piggyback mono-shock at the rear.

The Harley Davidson Sportster S has a more responsive throttle experience than the Scout Bobber because of its bigger engine able to deliver more power and torque. Although the Scout Bobber has a torquey engine, its smaller engine size results in less power and torque.

Although the Sportster S has a bigger engine and better performance due to its new design, the Sportster S does not produce sound like the other Sportster models. Many traditional Harley riders prefer to change the exhaust pipes of the Sportster S so it produces a more traditional Sportster sound.

On the other hand, the Indian Scout Bobber is a cruiser that produces a pleasant sound to riders. It provides a more traditional cruiser feel. For longer rides, the Indian Scout Bobber is the better option because of its more relaxing traditional cruiser riding position.

Riding Position

The Harley Davidson Sportster S has an aggressive sporty riding position with its lower handlebars position and slightly higher seat height. The Sportster S has a powerful engine and provides a sporty vibe. However, its footrests are on the front side which is a traditional position for cruisers. With a weight of 228 kg, this motorcycle is easy to handle for beginner and female riders.

HARLEY DAVIDSON SPORTSTER S Riding Position

On the other hand, the Indian Scout Bobber provides a traditional riding position with its low seat and standard handlebars position. The Scout Bobber is easier to ride and suitable for novices and experienced riders. It is easy to handle and comfy when going on long rides. It has footrests on the front side which is a traditional position for cruisers.

The Indian Scout Bobber may be too small for taller riders, but the Sportster S’s high seat height makes it better suited for taller riders.

INDIAN SCOUT BOBBER Riding Position

Handlebars Position

The Harley Davidson Sportster S has a higher handlebars position with a higher seat height than traditional cruisers.

HARLEY DAVIDSON SPORTSTER S Handlebars Position

The Indian Scout Bobber has a lower handlebars position with a seat height of 25.6 inches, which is slightly lower than the average seat height of traditional cruisers.

BRAKING

The Harley Davidson Sportster S has a 320 mm radially mounted, Brembo Monoblock, four-piston single caliper brakes at the front, and 260 mm floating single-piston caliper brakes at the rear. These parts work together with the enhanced ABS to provide reliable braking. The Indian also made ABS optional for the buyer. If any buyer wants the ABS they can pay extra for that, while Sportster S does not has optional ABS.

HARLEY DAVIDSON SPORTSTER S Brakes

The Indian Scout Bobber has a single 298 mm rotor with a two-piston caliper at the front and a single 298 mm rotor with a one-piston caliper at the rear. This motorcycle also has an ABS installed.

The Sportster S has a larger front brake, while the Bobber Scout has a larger rear brake. However, the Sportster has more reliable braking due to its enhanced ABS and traction control.

Suspension

The Harley Davidson Sportster S has a Showa 43 mm inverted fork with compression rebound and spring preload-adjustable shocks at the front and rear linkage-mounted, piggyback fully adjustable mono-shock at the rear. This motorcycle has aggressive and sporty riding capabilities suited for riders who desire a vehicle with top-of-the-line performance and a stunning style. The Sportster S is not a sports bike, but it handles very similarly to one.

HARLEY DAVIDSON SPORTSTER S Suspension

The Scout Bobber is more of an analog motorcycle with a cartridge-type telescopic fork at the front with 120 mm of wheel travel and dual shocks at the rear with 51 mm of wheel travel. Both the front and rear shocks are not pre-load adjustable.

INDIAN SCOUT BOBBER Suspension

Although the Sportster S has a modern and sporty setup, the Scout Bobber has the more traditional look of basic cruisers.

Overall Maintenance

Both motorcycles have reliable and efficient engines that will not experience any mechanical issues for a long time if the engine oil is changed out regularly depending on how often the motorcycle is used.

Most Common Modifications

Scout Bobber Suspension and Seat

For most average and heavyweight riders, the Scout Bobber can feel a bit uncomfortable while going over a bumpy road. The front suspensions are good on the Scout Bobber, but the mono-shock at the rear can sometimes tip down. Moreover, riders have observed that the SEAT can become a bit stiff on long-distance trips. Some riders also change out the Scout Bobber’s seat to improve comfort.

INDIAN SCOUT BOBBER Seat

Extra Accessories for Scout Bobber

Attaching extra ACCESSORIES like SISSY BARS, PASSENGER SEATS, LUGGAGE, SADDLEBAGS, etc. on the Scout Bobber makes it possible to customize the motorcycle and help riders carry extra belongings during rides.

Both motorcycles have large selections of aftermarket parts available on the market. However, the Sportster S is a newer model that has only been recently introduced. Therefore, its parts are mostly available from the Harley Davidson dealerships or stores. Meanwhile, the newer Scout Bobber’s design is similar to previous models, therefore its parts are easier to find at dealerships and AFTERMARKET STORES.

Although the Harley Davidson Sportster S has a powerful 1200 cc engine, it is a beginner-friendly motorcycle. This Harley model is installed with multiple safety features, including enhanced ABS, traction control, different riding modes, etc. The Sportster S is also one of the lightest Harley motorcycles as well.

For a female rider, a motorcycle should have the following characteristics:

• Be light enough so that it is easy to handle
• Not have a seat height that is too high
• Have safety features like ABS, traction control, etc.

The Sportster S has all of these features, therefore making it a good motorcycle for female riders.

The Indian Scout Bobber has a seat height of 25.6 inches, which makes it a good motorcycle for shorter and average riders as well. The Scout Bobber is one of the best cruisers for shorter riders due to its relaxing riding position and comfortable standard handlebar position.

While the Harley Davidson Sportster S is one of the fastest midweight cruisers, the Indian Scout Bobber is the fastest of the two motorcycles. The Indian Scout Bobber has a top speed of 128 mph while the Sportster S has a top speed of 120.7 mph.

The Harley Sportster S has a bigger engine and can deliver more horsepower and torque than the Scout Bobber. The Sportster S also has more features, like its enhanced ABS, traction control, tire pressure monitoring, wheel lift mitigation, drag-torque slip control, 4.3-inch TFT display, USB charging port, Bluetooth, cruise control, map navigation, and fuel level indicator. Meanwhile, the Scout Bobber has a basic setup of features, including the analog speedometer and digital odometer which shows the gear number, rpm, and odometer. The Scout Bobber also has an ABS installed. The Scout Bobber is also cheaper with a base price of $13,149, while the Sportster S has a base price of $15,899.

Overall, both motorcycles have comfortable riding positions, with the Sportster S having a sportier feel while the Scout Bobber has a more traditional riding position. If you had to make a comparison, the Sportster S is like a smartwatch, fully compact with the latest technology and features, while the Scout Bobber is like a simple, traditional wristwatch. Both have their advantages and disadvantages, so it is up to the rider’s preferences to decide which one is better.