While the issue who is going to do what with Harley-Davidson in Malaysia settles down, the other American motorcycle company, Indian Motorcycles, unveiled three custom Scout Bobbers at the ninth Brooklyn Invitational Custom Show. The three bikes were built by Keino Cycles, Kraus Motor Co and skateboarding icon Steve Caballero, in conjunction with Roland Sands Design (RSD).
The Indian Scout Bobber is an extension of the Scout range, and carries a 1,133 cc liquid-cooled, DOHC, V-twin that pumps out 94 hp and 97 Nm of torque, with power getting to the ground via a six-speed gearbox and belt final drive. The Scout Bobber is lowered by about 25 mm, and weighs in at 255 kg wet, with power getting to the ground via a six-speed gearbox and belt final drive.
Inspired by the streamliner designs of the 50s and 60s, notably in trains, planes and automobiles, Keino Sasaki of Keino Cycles built a Scout Bobber that carries a modified aluminium fuel tank, fender, fairing and exhaust pipes, with brakes by Beringer. Other design touches include custom spoke wheels and modified rear-sets, and the build took six weeks.
“It was a great opportunity for me to work with the new Indian Scout Bobber with freedom of creativity and ideas. When I stripped the bike down to its main chassis, I knew it could go beyond its styling originally intended. I hope this bike showcases the possibilities of the Scout Bobber with little imagination and creativity,” said Sasaki.
Something of a newcomer to the US custom bike scene, but rapidly building a following is skateboarder Steve Cacallero, who took a mere three weeks to come up with this flat-tracker inspired Scout Bobber. Featuring a Grigio Telesto paint job with brushed silver sides with pinstriping by Sonny Boy with 12K gold leaf, Caballero’s custom raids the RSD catalogue for various bits and bobs, and has a fuel tank slimmed down by six inches.
“When we decided to customise a Scout Bobber for the Brooklyn Invitational I knew I wanted to work alongside Roland and his team at RSD. As a renowned bike builder, Roland has extended experience with the Scout platform and has a suite of offerings for the street flat tracker look we wanted to achieve,” Caballero said.
Satya Kraus of Kraus Motor Co, who specialises in upside-down forks for Harleys and other performance mods, took four weeks to build his custom Scout Bobber for the Brooklyn show. Built with an eye to performance, the Kraus Motor machine features Ohlins upside-down forks, Beringer brakes, Rotobox carbon-fibre wheels along with a custom seat by Saddlemans and chain drive.
“When we build on the foundations laid by tradition we are reminded to learn from the past and push the limits beyond what has been done,” said Kraus. “Each Indian model platform has unique qualities that offer the aftermarket and consumer opportunities for customisations to easily reflect individual styles and designs,” he continued.
For Malaysia, the 2018 Indian Scout Bobber is expected to arrive sometime in December 2017. Estimated retail price for the Scout Bobber is RM130,000, but this is dependant on government approval and Customs duties and taxes.
Looking to sell your car? Sell it with Carro.
