The New Scout Bobber Sixty
The Bobber craze must be the most enduring motorcycle trend of all time. Since the 1920s, 2-wheel enthusiasts have been taking saws to their bikes and removing everything excessive for the most essential riding experience possible. Authors call it minimalism. Bikers call it Bobbers. Indian Motorcycle is no stranger to Bobbers. In 2017, they announced the Scout Bobber and within a few short months, this spunky 100 horsepower rocket became the bestselling motorcycle in modern Indian Motorcycle history. In early March, Indian Motorcycle launched a little brother to their ultra-successful Scout Bobber, the Scout Bobber Sixty. Some say it is a lesser motorcycle with a lesser price tag. I would say, aren’t Bobbers about less is more? I would argue, the Bobber Sixty is most Bobber, Bobber.
You might be asking, what is the difference between Scout Bobber and the Scout Bobber Sixty? Starting from the front, the bike wears a new set of wheels bespoke to the Bobber Sixty. The design is largely Scout Bobber wheels with a chunk of aluminum knocked off each wheel for a slimmer appearance. The headlight cowl is removed, as is the USB port, the Scout accent badge on the tank, and the sleek bar end mirrors. I think the mirrors are subjectively less cool but objectively more functional. What is changed? The brown contrast leather seat is replaced with a completely black leather seat. The chrome valve covers are changed to gloss black. While we’re on the subject of the engine, the 69 cubic inch & 100 horsepower Vtwin is replaced with a 60 cubic inch & 78 horsepower Vtwin. The bike also ditches 6th gear.
What is this baby Bobber like to ride? If you've ridden anything in the Scout family, you'll be familiar with this peppy bike. The suspension and riding position is similar with the low slung aggressive riding position nicked off it's bigger brother. The stance is comfortable and the weight is low. I've always argued the Scout is the easiest bike for a new rider while also being exhilarating for an experienced one. The Vtwin is down 22 horsepower but who is really buying bikes off of 0-60 figures and torque curves? 78 horsepower is quick for this little 500 pound muscle bike.
Why the Bobber Sixty? Well, just look at it. The bike may be down a couple of ponies and little knick knacks, but it keeps all the essentials of the original Bobber that everyone loved so much. You keep the gorgeous chopped fenders made of solid metal, no cheap plastic here. Included are the beautiful LED turn signals that are a clever blend of retro and modern. Staying is the slim thin seat that keeps the sharp straight line intact. The chrome accents are blacked out which gives the motorcycle an unmistakable silhouette.
The Bobber Sixty may give up some of the bells and whistles of its older brother but aren’t Bobbers about being less? Remember the original Bobber's catchphrase was Less Is More. The Bobber Sixty is less bike and more Bobber.
