When you throw a leg over an Indian Scout, the first question on your mind might not be about horsepower. It might be, “Can I pull off this look?” The Scout has a way of making anyone feel like a rebel with a vintage edge.
But dig deeper—beneath the chromed-out finishes and swooping tank lies an engine that’s itching to prove itself. So, let’s talk about what makes this middleweight cruiser hum. What’s the Indian Scout horsepower like?
How Much Horsepower Does the Indian Scout V-Twin Make?
Indian’s Scout lineup is powered by a liquid-cooled V-twin engine that comes in two flavors.
The 1250cc version of the Indian Scout delivers 111 horsepower—a figure that’s not just good for the cruiser class, but outright impressive. That kind of punch puts the Scout in a unique category, blurring the line between a laid-back cruiser and something with real adrenaline potential.
Meanwhile, the smaller displacement Scout Sixty engine, which is 999cc, dials it back to 85 horsepower. Still respectable, but more about smooth confidence than high-rev thrills.
For context, anything close to 100 horsepower in a cruiser feels like a cross between a freight train and a rocket.
That said, with the Scout, it’s not so much a top-speed machine as it is a torque-fueled surge. The 1250cc version of the Scout offers up 82 lb-ft of torque and the Scout Sixty provides 65 lb-ft of torque. Both are great numbers.
Twist the throttle, and you’ll feel it pull with a satisfying growl, shooting you forward with authority. Whether you’re weaving through city traffic or leaving it all behind on a winding country road, the Scout’s power delivery is buttery yet brawny—linear enough for novices but rewarding enough for veterans.
What makes this even more interesting is the Scout’s weight. At around 560 pounds, it’s not featherlight, but it’s no lead sled either. That power-to-weight ratio? Delicious. It means you can hustle through corners, roll on the throttle out of tight spots, and still enjoy the stability cruisers are known for.
Now, you might be wondering: how does it compare? Well, against its peers—think Harley-Davidson Nightster or the Sportster S—the Scout doesn’t do quite as well, but then Harley’s Sport lineup is more expensive than the comparable Scout. For dollars per thrill, the Indian is the better deal.
In the end, the Indian Scout’s horsepower isn’t just a number—it’s a personality. It’s the heartbeat of a bike that wants to be more than an Instagram post. It’s proof that Indian isn’t resting on its heritage laurels. The Scout offers power you can feel, admire, and respect, all wrapped up in a package that reminds you why motorcycles are supposed to make you grin.
If you haven’t taken one for a spin, what are you waiting for? That horsepower isn’t going to ride itself. Learn more about the Scout lineup on Indian’s website.
