9 Best Indian Motorcycle for Beginners (With Pictures)

Indian motorcycles were the first American motorcycle company in history, with roots going back to 1901.

Since Polaris acquired the brand in 2013, they’ve churned out some of the highest-performing and most powerful cruisers in the game, some of which are downright too much for an entry-level rider.

This article lists the 9 Indian motorcycles best for beginner riders. It includes the differences in dimensions listed on Indian Motorcycle’s official website, so new riders can consider which bike would provide the most comfortable fit.

1. Indian Scout Sixty

The Indian Scout Sixty makes the perfect motorcycle for beginners.

The Scout Sixty has the same frame and style as the base model Indian Scout but stocks a 999CC, 60 Cubic Inch liquid-cooled V-Twin with less aggressive tuning, more ideal for entry-level riders.

Furthermore, instead of the full-sized Scout’s 6-Speed transmission, the Scout sixty features a smooth-action, gear-driven 5-speed with fewer gears for riders to work with on the learning curve while adjusting to manual foot shifting.

As you can see from the specs below, the Scout Sixty offers beginner riders a chance at some high-performance riding without being intimidating:

2. Indian Scout Bobber Sixty

Another excellent choice for a first Indian motorcycle is the Scout Bobber Sixty. It combines the beginner-friendly Scout Sixty motor with the stylish and straightforward Bobber trim package.

Its engine and suspension specs are the same as the standard Scout Sixty, except the Bobber has an inch less rear suspension travel due to its lower seat height.

Where it differs from the case model, it’s in its dimensions and features”:

3. Scout Rogue Sixty

The Scout Rogue Sixty offers entry-level riders the engine, gearbox, and performance of the smaller-displacement Scout Sixty inside the modern, aggressive style package.

While most of its specs mimic the base model Scout Sixty, its dimensions and trim packages differ from the base model Sixty and the Bobber Sixty.

Beginner riders should choose the style that gets them the most excited to ride and the model that fits their height and allows them to relax and pay attention to mastering the basics.

Dimensions

• Lean Angle: 29°
• Overall Height: 46.5 in (1,181 mm)
• Overall Length: 87.5 in (2223 mm)
• Overall Width: 39.2 in (995 mm)
• Rake/Trail: 29.0° / 4.7 in (120 mm)
• Seat Height: 25.6 in (649 mm)
• Weight (Dry / Wet): 520 lbs (236 kg) / 540 lbs (245 kg)

4. Indian Scout

The Indian Scout is a mid-sized cruiser for beginners who want that extra power for mastering the highway and even light touring. It stocks a 69 cubic Inch, 1133cc engine and a responsive and intuitive 6-Speed gear-driven transmission.

Here are the specs for the new 2023 Year model Scout:

5. Indian Scout Bobber

The Indian Scout Bobber is the bobber-style version of the full-sized Indian Scout; it rocks the same 1133cc engine and 6-speed transmission but is brand new.

And while its traditional bobber-styled handlebars and seating position may be a little more challenging for beginners than the more natural seating of the original, its iconic styling may be worth it if it inspires you to practice riding every day.

The Scout Bobber is more aggressive than the base-model 1133cc Scout in its riding stance, but that shouldn’t deter new riders, as it’s also more lightweight:

• Fuel Capacity: 3.3 gals (12.5 L)
• Ground Clearance: 5.1 in (129 mm)
• GVWR: 988 lbs (449 kg)
• Lean Angle: 29°
• Overall Height: 41.5 in (1,053 mm)
• Overall Length: 87.5 in (2223 mm)
• Overall Width: 36.5 in (926 mm)
• Rake/Trail: 29.0° / 4.7 in (120 mm)
• Seat Height: 25.6 in (649 mm)
• Weight (Dry/ Wet): 533 lbs (242 kg) / 553 lbs (251 kg)
• Wheelbase: 62 in (1,576 mm)

Make sure you know how much Indian Motorcycles weigh before buying one, as some can be pretty heavy for beginners.

6. Scout Bobber Twenty

The Scout Bobber Twenty combines the standard Scout’s modern performance-centered enhancements with the original 1920s Scout vibe’s vintage bobber styling..

Its dimensions vary from the other scout models. It stocks a unique wheelset, seat, and stylish mini-ape handlebars with vintage hanging circle mirrors, among other special trim feature upgrades.

Features

• Finish Color: Black Metallic, Silver Quartz Smoke, Maroon Metallic
• Factory Warranty: 2 Years, Unlimited Miles
• Meters: Digital tachometer, odometer, trip meter, engine temp, low fuel lamp
• Infotainment: N/A
• Lights: Headlight, tail/brake light, turn signals, license plate light, speedometer, and indicator lights
• Standard Equipment: Wire wheels

7. Scout Rogue

Riders looking for a beefy, modern American cruiser powerful enough to rule the highway riding on but still beginner-friendly should check out the Indian Scout Rogue.

The fenders are chopped down and come from the factory with a stylish quarter fairing, mini ape hanger handlebars, a larger 19″ front mag wheel, and a more aggressive seat.

The Indian Scout Rogue offers the same engine and frame as the original Scout, with its spec most closely aligned to the base model, apart from its wheelset and features. Its mini-ape bars are more like the bars on the Scout Twenty.

Features

• Color / Graphics: Black Metallic, Black Smoke, Sagebrush Smoke, Storm Blue, Stealth Gray.
• Icon: Black Azure Crystal, Copper Metallic
• Factory Warranty: 2 Years, Unlimited Miles
• Meters: Digital tachometer, odometer, trip meter, engine temp, and low fuel lamp
• Infotainment: N/A
• Lights: Headlight, tail/brake light, turn signals, license plate light, speedometer, and indicator lights

You should also read our article about how much used Indian Motorcycles cost.

8. Indian Chief

Responsible new riders who feel ready for a full-sized, big twin cruiser they can grow into should cautiously check out the Indian Chief.

Although its powerful, Thunderstroke 111 makes it a certified, large-displacement motorcycle, the recent Chief was redesigned to be more straightforward. Its mid-mounted foot controls make it comfortable for riders still learning, although they should be careful not to hit the throttle until their used to the bike’s weight.

For enhanced safety, the modern Chief also features multiple riding modes that beginners may find more comfortable, like rain modes.

Still, we suggest beginners ease up through the RPM and throttle ranges, as this bike is as powerful as any cruiser in the American market, despite its comfortable riding position and easy handling.

Features

• Paint Finish: Black Metallic, Maroon Metallic Smoke, Silver Quartz Smoke
• Meters: Electronic speedometer with odometer; dual trip meters; digital tachometer; ambient air temperature; fuel range; average fuel economy; battery voltage; gear position display; real-time clock; vehicle trouble code readout; low engine oil pressure; and 9 LED telltale indicators: cruise control enabled, cruise control set, neutral, high beam, turn signal, ABS (if equipped), check engine, and MPH or km/h unit designation; electronic fuel gauge with low fuel indicator
• Lights: LED Headlight, LED Tail/Brake/Turn Signals
• Standard Equipment: Ride Modes, Keyless Ignition, 12V Charge Port, Rear Cylinder Deactivation

Also read about how much new Indian Motorcycles cost if you’re interested in one. 

9. Chief Bobber

The Bobber version of the Indian Chief builds on the Indian Chief’s minimalist style.

The bobber version trades out the mag wheels for vintage spoked wheels.

The Indian Chief Bobber features forward and comes stock with a vintage-bobber-inspired seat and mini-ape handlebars that may be more suitable to learn on for riders who want a more relaxed riding position, providing they can use self-control and not access this bike’s full power while they’re still learning. 

Sources

Indian Motorcycle – America’s First Motorcycle Company

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