As you might have already heard, it's been 100 years since Indian's iconic side-valve Scout was first introduced, and Indian Motorcycle has decided to honor that big anniversary with not just one tribute model but two. Joining the Scout 100th Anniversary edition in Indian's 2020 model year Scout lineup is the Scout Bobber Twenty, which also pays homage to the original 1920 model via a carefully curated combination of paint and accessories.
So, yes, the “Twenty” in the Scout Bobber Twenty’s name is a direct reference to the original 1920 Scout, as are a few of this model’s features, such as wire wheels and a floating saddle (also seen on the Scout 100th Anniversary model). As the stock Scout Bobber is to the stock Scout, so is the Twenty to the 100th Anniversary model. Well, mostly. You get that cut-down urban brawler vibe and a third less rear suspension travel, but the Twenty ups its game with a pair of 10-inch apehangers rather than the flatter bar on the stock Bobber, and you get a choice of three new paint schemes instead of the subdued options we’ve seen in the last few years.
Actually, other than the seat, wheels, handlebar, and new color options, there’s really not much to distinguish the Scout Bobber Twenty from the regular Scout Bobber models. No special badging or trim to tell you it’s a tribute model, but the blacked-out chassis at the core still brings its mix of cast aluminum and tubular steel to deliver that moody old-school attitude—though we’d guess the new, taller handlebars open up and improve the ergonomics greatly.
All the new 2020 Scouts get upgraded brake components, so you’ll see floating rotors and new calipers and master cylinders for better stopping power, and for 2020, Indian has also rolled out a new line of exhaust and muffler options so you can switch up the look of your stocker significantly while adding ponies to boot. Choose from a Stage 1 2-into-1 full exhaust system or a Stage 1 shorty slip-on muffler kit, either of which is available in chrome or matte black (they’ll fit any 2019 and 2020 Scout model). Indian’s introduced an array of other add-ons for the Scout and Scout Sixty too, like a color-matched quick-release fairing with a 2-inch windshield, various seat options, quick-release saddlebags, and more.
-cycleworld