When I heard my local Indian dealer was having a big demo event where you could come ride around on new motorcycles and eat free food, it wasn’t hard for me to decide it was an event I wanted to attend. Since everything in the Indian lineup is bigger than the biggest bike I've ever owned, my first choice for the bike I wanted to try out was the smallest, cheapest Indian motorcycle available, the Scout Sixty.

Eric Brandt

It wasn't until after I was registered that I actually saw the bike I'd be riding. This one was equipped with what Indian calls “reduced reach” equipment. These ergonomic adjustments optimized the riding position for riders 5' 6" and shorter. I am 6' tall. This was not ideal.



When I took off on the bike and put both feet on the pegs, my knees were higher up than the top of the fuel tank. Instant thigh cramps. After a little wiggling around and scooching my ass as far back on the saddle as possible, I managed to get into a fairly comfortable position.



Despite the awkward ergonomics, this was a very nimble bike. I wouldn't call it flickable, but the handling was quite competent. The lean angle was steep enough to be fun, but you won't be dragging any knees on a Scout Sixty. Beyond that, I can't speak much to the ergonomics since the one I rode was specifically modified for people at least a half-foot shorter than me.



What I can talk about is the fantastic engine. It’s a liquid-cooled 60 cubic-inch V-twin that smoothly delivers 78 horsepower and 65 ft-lbs of torque. The bike had plenty of grunt with a nice, linear torque curve. I experienced the Scout Sixty in a mixed setting of county highways and city streets and it never felt like it didn’t have enough power.



It was easy to shift with a forgiving clutch and the power was manageable enough to just pick a gear and go without the bike getting away from you. In fact, this would be a great bike to learn how to ride on. The engine sounded to me like a Japanese V-twin with American sounding exhaust. It was a pleasant, tasteful, moderate sound that I personally prefer over the characteristic growl of another American cruiser brand that will remain nameless.

Indian Scout Sixty in Thunder Black