Indian Scout Bobber vs. Harley Davidson Sportster Iron 1200

Though many types of motorcycles exist, cruisers are arguably the most favored category among most riders in the United States. Cruisers are versatile two-wheelers capable of low and high-speed maneuvers, capable of going on short commutes and longer rides. Over the years, motorcycle companies like Indian Motorcycles and Harley Davidson have produced multiple cruiser lineups with diverse designs and features that make each model better suited for different tasks. Recent examples of American-made cruisers include the Indian Scout Bobber and the Harley Sportster Iron 1200.

Before the company became known as Indian Motorcycles, it went through several identities, including the Hendee Manufacturing Company and Indian Motocycle. Founded in 1901, Indian Motorcycles entered the motorcycle scene with its first two-wheeler, the Indian Scout. After its introduction in 1920, the Indian Scout evolved into several variations that were used by both civilians and military personnel, such as the Standard Scout and the Scout 741. This eventually led to the birth of the bobbers, stripped-down cruisers that only kept the bare minimum components. The Indian Scout Bobber was one of the earliest bobber-style cruisers that Indian Motorcycles produced.

Founded in 1903, Harley Davidson has since become famous in the global motorcycle community as America’s top motorcycle manufacturer. One of the company’s earliest creations was the Harley Model K. Inspired by the Harley Model K’s design, features, and build, the Sportster series came to be in 1957. The first Sportster models started small with 883 cc and 1100 cc engines, gradually being upgraded and growing in size over time. After the Sportster 1200 model was introduced, several versions were created using the Sportster 1200 as a base, the Harley Sportster Iron 1200 being one example.

The Indian Scout Bobber is a lightweight, stripped-down custom cruiser that encourages an aggressive riding style. This vehicle is built with a 2.9-inch stroke, a 3.9-inch bore, and a 29° rake angle. The Indian Scout Bobber has mini-ape handlebars that are positioned slightly lower than other cruisers, putting the grips slightly below shoulder height. The front suspension is a 41 mm telescopic fork, while the rear suspension includes dual shocks. The front brake is a single 298 mm rotor with a two-piston caliper, while the rear brake is a single 298 mm rotor with a one-piston caliper. The cast black front and rear wheels are fitted with Pirelli MT60RS tires, with the front tire being a size 130/90B16 67 H and the rear tire being a size 150/80B16 77H.

The Indian Scout Bobber has a largely blacked-out chassis, with the engine, front and rear fenders, and fuel tank painted over. The license plate is mounted to the side, which helps keep it out of the way of the rear wheel while complementing your motorcycle’s look. The side mirrors at the ends of the handlebars are pointed down to reduce air drag. This vehicle can come in the following colors: black metallic, silver quartz smoke, stealth gray, and spirit blue metallic.

The Harley Davidson Sportster Iron 1200 is a custom factory-made cruiser constructed with an edgy look. This vehicle is built with a 3.8-inch stroke, a 3.5-inch bore, and a 30° rake angle. The Harley Sportster Iron 1200 is fitted with mini-ape handlebars with a conservative rise and bend that encourages proper back posture and a comfortable riding position when traveling on city streets. The front and rear brakes are fitted with dual-piston calipers. The nine-spoke black front and rear wheels are fitted with a size 100/90B19 57H and a size 150/80B16 77H respectively.

Most of the Harley Sportster Iron 1200’s frame is covered with a blacked-out finish from the powertrain to the exhaust pipes. Though the thin frame is fitted with modern technology, the fuel tank is designed with a pattern reminiscent of the 1970s to give it a traditional aesthetic. The remaining part that is blacked out includes the seat. The rest of the Harley Iron 1200’s chassis can be painted with the following colors: vivid black, black denim, and stone-washed white pearl.

The Indian Scout Bobber is powered by a 69 cu in liquid-cooled V-twin engine. The Indian motorcycle has a six-speed transmission system connected to the rear tire via a gear drive train. The Indian Scout Bobber can produce a maximum torque of 72 ft-lbs and a maximum horsepower of 100 hp at 5,900 rpm. Designed with a 3.9-inch bore and a 2.9-inch stroke, the V-twin engine allows this two-wheeler to travel at a top speed of 118 mph. The liquid-cooled system will consistently keep the engine cool and prevent it from overheating regardless of the distance you travel and the air temperature.

The Harley Davidson Sportster Iron 1200 is powered by a 73.4 cu in air-cooled Evolution V-twin engine. This Harley model has a five-speed transmission system connected to the rear tire via a chain drive train. The Harley Sportster Iron 1200 can produce a maximum torque of 73 ft-lbs and a maximum horsepower of 60 hp at 3,500 rpm. Designed with a 3.5-inch bore and a 3.8-inch stroke, the Evolution V-twin engine can help this motorcycle achieve a top speed of 128 mph. The air-cooled system will work best on shorter trips and in moderate to cool weather conditions. However, the air-cooled system may not reliably prevent the engine from overheating if you travel long distances and in hot weather conditions.

The Indian Scout Bobber comes with a leather bobber-style seat that stands at a height of 25.6 inches. This Indian model has a slightly forward riding position due to the handlebars being more toward the front and the foot controls being closer to the ground. Because of the extra arm and leg room, this vehicle can be operated by shorter, average, and taller riders. Due to having a relatively low seat height, high ground clearance, and an aggressive riding style, the Indian Scout Bobber’s overall design is better suited for traveling in urban areas. However, the Indian Scout Bobber’s weight, height, speed, horsepower, and torque make it suitable for touring, if just barely. If you wish to improve its touring capability, you can install aftermarket parts on the Indian Scout Bobber, including a crash bar, fairing, luggage rack, and/or sissy bar.

The Harley Davidson Sportster Iron 1200’s seat is designed as a jet-black café solo seat standing at a height of 25.7 inches. This Harley model is built with an upright riding position and mid-mounted foot controls that allow the rider to comfortably rest their feet and steer the vehicle without needing to stretch or bend forward. With its modern throwback style, the Harley Iron 1200 is ideal for moving through traffic, making sharp turns, and traveling in urban areas. Though the Harley Iron 1200’s seat height is only slightly higher than the Indian Scout Bobber, its low ground clearance of 4.3 inches means that only shorter riders can safely maneuver without the bottom scraping against the ground. This vehicle can be ridden by both novice and expert riders, being most useful as a means of intercity travel. If you need to carry your belongings, the Harley Iron 1200 can increase its storage capacity by installing saddlebags, tank bags, sissy bar bags, tail bags, trunks, backpacks, or solo bags.

The Indian Scout Bobber and the Harley Sportster Iron 1200 can be reliable motorcycles for newer riders to practice and improve their riding skills. However, both new and experienced motorcyclists can operate these two vehicles. The overall build of these two cruisers makes them better equipped to travel through urban areas. Both motorcycles have a fuel capacity of 3.3 gal, meaning that neither has better or worse fuel economy than the other. When examining the Indian Scout Bobber and Harley Iron 1200’s specifications, there is only a slight difference in their seat heights, torques, and rake angles.

The Indian Scout Bobber has better overall performance since it can produce a higher horsepower and top speed than the Harley Sportster Iron 1200. It is also a more versatile mode of transportation since it can do intercity and interstate travel. The Indian Scout Bobber’s lightweight build and aggressive riding style make it possible for shorter and taller riders to ride in relative comfort at high speeds. This motorcycle has better customization options due to its many bright color schemes. Whether for short rides or long vacations, you can attach luggage to the Indian Scout Bobber, like saddlebags, tank bags, sissy bar bags, tail bags, trunks, backpacks, or solo bags.

The Harley Iron 1200 has an engine with a larger displacement, a bulkier build, and a heavier overall weight, making this vehicle more durable. This Harley motorcycle is less likely to suffer irreparable damage in the event of an accident. The Harley Iron 1200 offers better safety and more reliable braking due to having an ABS installed as a standard feature. While the Harley Iron 1200 is not suited for touring, it can be transformed into a touring motorcycle if it is heavily modified with aftermarket parts, including a crash bar, fairing, luggage rack, and/or sissy bar.

Indian Scout Bobbers can travel at least 80,000 miles within their lifetime so long as you provide maintenance regularly, the vehicles never suffer any significant damage, and they are put away in safe storage space. If you manage to keep your Indian Scout Bobber in pristine condition and do not ride it frequently, it can last well after a mileage of 8,000 miles.

The Indian Scout and the Indian Scout Bobber mainly differ in their exterior designs. The Indian Scout has higher suspensions, a full rear fender, a chrome-style chassis, swept-back handlebars, and a large seat that can fit two people. Meanwhile, the Indian Scout Bobber has lower suspensions, a half rear fender, a blacked-out frame, mini-ape handlebars, and a solo seat.

If you prefer a vehicle with a high seat height and ground clearance that allows it to travel over bumpy or uneven roads without scraping the bottom, then the Harley Sportster Iron 883 is the better option. However, the Harley Sportster Iron 1200 offers better handling, stability, and balance when making tight turns or traveling at highway speeds.

The Harley Sportster Iron 1200 is a suitable motorcycle for female riders due to its low seat height, lower overall weight, stable handling, and adequate power output, making it easy for women to ride comfortably and remain in control.

Though built by different motorcycle brands, the Indian Scout Bobber and the Harley Sportster Iron 1200 are well-constructed, good-quality, and highly functional cruisers. Their overall design, features, and specifications are almost alike. But a few key differences make the Indian Scout Bobber and Harley Iron 1200 better and weaker than each other in certain areas. The Indian Scout Bobber is accessible to all riders regardless of skill level, has less weight, has more customization options, and is suitable for shorter and longer trips. Meanwhile, the Harley Iron 1200 has a heavy-duty frame, is better at maneuvering through heavy traffic, and has more reliable braking. Analyze these two motorcycles’ pros and cons, compare them to your daily needs or riding style, and pick the cruiser that you feel most comfortable riding.