Harley-Davidson Nightster vs Indian Scout Rogue – A Showdown

It’s a cruiser motorcycle showdown!

If you’re looking for a good cruiser, there are plenty. Two of the best ones for 2022 are the Harley-Davidson Nightster and the Indian Scout Rogue.

The gents at Motorcycle.com put the bikes head to head to see which one comes out on top in their latest video.

Let’s see how these two bikes stack up against one another.

Harley-Davidson Nightster vs Indian Scout Rogue

Harley-Davidson Nightster
Image from Harley-Davidson

The Harley-Davidson Nightster is a killer new bike from HD. I have written about it before, and it looks genuinely wonderful. Here are some notes from the guys at Motorcycle.com as to what they liked and disliked about this bike.

Likes

  • Great, powerful, and willing engine
  • Sporty character
  • Good brakes

Dislikes

  • Ergos aren’t perfect
  • Could have a more finished look
  • Confused identity

My Thoughts

My thoughts about this bike mirror those of the guys at Motorcycle.com. I think the Nightster is cool, but it has a bit of an identity crisis. It’s trying to be a sporty cruiser, but I wonder if it’s better to just do one thing or the other.

Is it better to be a powerful and sporty cruiser, or just to be a sportbike with some cruiser styling elements? As it sits now, the Nightster can’t seem to make up its mind. That said, it does offer a lot to like.

Check it out at Harley’s website.

Indian Scout Rogue

Indian Scout Rogue
Image from Indian Motorcycle

The Indian Scout Rouge is a bike that knows what it is, and that’s a huge leg up on the Harley. That said, it’s not a perfect bike. Here’s what the Motorcycle.com team said of it.

Likes

  • Excellent cruiser engine
  • Knows its a cruiser and doesn’t try to be anything else
  • Styling, fit, and finish are on point

Dislikes

  • 2 inches of rear suspension travel is laughable
  • Seat limits you to one position
  • Front brake could use better (or just some) feel

My Thoughts

The Indian Scout Rogue is another knockout punch from Indian Motorcycle. The company has been on a roll with its Scout lineup, and this is another excellent bike.

While there could be some adjustments to this machine to make it an even better motorcycle, it’s about as good a cruiser you’re going to get at this price point.

Check it out at Indian’s website.

Author: Wade Thiel

Wade started Wind Burned Eyes and runs it. He's always up for chatting, so feel free to reach out.