Can’t admit Harley made a superior bike for a similar price? This is when the Harley hate gets pathetic. Aesthetics is subjective, hard numbers the Sportster S is simply superior. So are you willing to pay the same money, probably more for an inferior bike?
I was writing it but then saw you already mentioned this. I am surprised this wasn't known in the video. It reminds me of going to Best Buy and I find myself educating the hired help on the products they are supposed to be selling.
The dealer promised that it will come standard like that in my region... and he actually had one in the showroom. But, he also told me not to sit on it... so, why would I want a plus on a bike that technically is only available to be admired from a distance? It probably is better than those for the US market: my camera is. Yanks mainly want their vehicles to rattle and shake, and buy on credit while the children in Gaza are starving. When you ask me...which you did, that is what I found. The obligated warranty on bikes sold in my country is much stricter than in neighbouring countries: Manufacturers therefore are less likely to risk being convicted by our consumer protector. Be aware that she is a woman. They have no mercy. My guess is that they do not export bikes to my country that were produced on a Monday.
I work at a harley dealership. The new models, from the liquid cooled rev-max in both displacements to basically every M8 powered bike has come back for fixing. Not just routine maintenance. Computer flashing so the motors don't cut out even brand new untitled bikes. Bikes won't TURN OFF. Electronic suspension staying stuck in place. Basically, it can be said harley davidson may offer tech and whatnot but HARLEYS CURRENTLY ARE NOT WORTH THE HARD TO COME BY MONEY they charge or allow you to screw yourself out of. H-D monthly payments on bigger baggers is a mortgage payment...
Thanks, found that out the hard way. I didn't finance with them, but I could see how they are eager to screw people over with high interest rates on already overpriced products. 😢
I had zero issues with my 2020 M8 softail slim before I sold it. The dealer was always trying to upgrade me to a bagger. I told the sales guy “you know I can buy brand new Toyota Rav 4 for the same price. Sorry not paying that for motorcycle.
@@joel8034 I'm also a technician at a Harley dealership in Pennsylvania and what you speak of is bs... I've seen wear and tear on these new m8's and revolution Max's but it was due to riders abuse. U are flat out lying
GREAT Video. Was waiting for something like this, as I like both bikes. Like you, I've test ridden the Sportster S and can't wait to ride the Scout 101. Thanks.
Bought a used 2022 sportster s at my local harley dealer a month ago. It already had mid controls, and a windshield. I've put over 4600kms on it since i bought it. I had to adjust the clutch cable, and had a loose connector on the throttle control, both of which I corrected myself. No other issues. Starts just fine with no hangups. No battery drain issues. It has the latest software updates on it, no codes. Pros: 1. waaay faster than I expected 2. About half of the time I stop anywhere it gathers a group of onlookers 3. The most fun harley I've ever ridden 4. Very easy on fuel.... even if the tank is tiny. Lots, but cheap fill ups. Cons 1. Second gear takes a bit of effort to go in when cold. It's fine once it starts to warm up. 2. Rear suspension travel could definitely be more friendly.... fine until you hit a bump bigger than 2". Get your butt off the seat if you see it coming. Firm otherwise. 3. Takes a bit to get your butt accustomed to the seat and the suspension. Once I rode it regular for a few weeks, I had no problems with pain even with 7hrs on the bike in a day on somewhat patchy rural canadian roads. 4. Not great as a distance cruiser due to fuel, suspension and storage...but thats not its purpose anyway. In person the bike looks great. Overwhelmingly positive comments from those who have seen it. My biggest gripe was the sound, particularly when cold initially. Once its warmed up, its actually been growing on me. Nonetheless, I'll be putting an exhaust on it. It's not traditional like my old ironhead sportster... but I'm very happy with my purchase. If I want pure sound enjoyment, I jump on the ironhead. Otherwise, this thing is a blast.
A good friend of mine had a H.D. sporster S and had so many problems that he had it. Problems with the gasoline pump, with the alarm, premature front tire wear on one side only and prematurely worn front brake pads at 5,000 miles.
I have a 2022 scout rogue and it’s pretty quick. Not sure why you would want to go faster on a cruiser. With all the new tech and cruise control on the 101 it’s a no brainer. The Indian scout is a solid well built machine.
I don't have the money to buy either bike but there are 4 things I don't like about the Harley. 1. Those silly pipes. Not just the looks but I like saddle bags and they would just be in the way. 2. Not enough travel on the back shock. I need more comfort than that. 3. That tiny little seat thingy. Is that really good for a long trip? I doubt it. 4. Looks. It looks like some weird sport bike naked bike thing. The looks aren't terrible but to me they aren't that great either. The Indian seems better in all the ways that matter to me. It's absolutely beautiful. It seems like it would be really comfortable. It seems practical too. I just cannot see a problem with the Indian. I think it will be really fast too.... just not quite as fast as the Harley but so what? I guess that matters to people who plan on drag racing them.
The Scout 101 and the Sportster S really need to come standard with mid controls. It makes no sense to make a performance oriented bike with forward controls lol it's so counter productive it's wild.
I saw the Harley on the expressway as I was coming home from work the other day. It looked killer. That said, the 101 is just beautiful. I think the Sportster is more of a drag bike. The Indian is more of a boulevard bruiser. That's my opinion of course. Both bikes are similar in specs but set up different. I have a VRod and I've taken her on long trips and was very comfortable. So, I can see myself on the sportster on long rides. Thank you for the specs on the Indian. I hadn't seen anything really substantial on it. Everything is on looks not specs.
it's actually not in the same category, the H-D Sportster S is in the sports bike category and the Indian Scout is a cruiser. A better comparison would be the lowrider S or the Street Bob as both are in the cruiser class
I'm interested to see if they're going to improve the FTR with a souped up version of this new 1250 Scout engine. As for the new Scout, I'm kind of surprised by the lack of performance increase with this new engine. Only 5 more HP for the base model (100 HP vs 105 HP) and for the fancy 101 it's only 1 more HP than the stage 1 tuned older Scouts (110 HP vs 111 HP).
I rode the Sportster S when it came out and I thought it was awful and I own 2 proper air cooled Harley Davidsons. The engine sounded like a bag of spanners and the ride and comfort, or lack of it, was dreadful. With those tyres and their profile it was like the bike was balancing on a knife edge. I cut short the test ride to get it back to the dealer so I could get off the damn thing. If you are considering these two bikes, get a good ride of both before buying. I ended up buying a Triumph Speedmaster which I much preferred. I also can't wait to get a test ride of the new Scout 101. The new Scout update is a master stroke for Indian.
I’ve had a 2025 indian scout on order for over a month and haven’t heard a peep from the factory. Thinking about getting a Ducati so I don’t miss the riding season and see what happens next year. They are beautiful (the Indian scouts) but non-existent at the moment.
The Indian 101 comes standard with the Top trim & tech package it’s not optional like the rest of the other models. But the Sportster S is still my pick.
Why does human nature steer us to absolutes? Competitive design has made these bikes very similar. This makes choice subjective. Taste, style, appeal & hopefully rider comfort.
Love the looks of the Scout. That said, I have a 2017 HD XL1200CX(Roadster) with a Stage 4 along with upgraded clutch and shocks, and Bassani two to one exhaust. At 75mph on the Interstate it turns over 3900 to 4K RPM. HD should have brought out the Bronx, that was a clear miss. I sometimes think HD's new CEO is an idiot. He certainly did not grow up in HD Culture. That Scout is one pretty bike. My GF may be getting a Scout, given its comfort and greater reliability. The best HD alternative I can think of is a Heritage Classic with a stage three upgrade.
Are we talking my rack? If so, I bought some self-adhesive rubber sheet, about 3mm (1/8") thick, cut some strips and stuck them to the underside of the rack.
I have ridden Sportster S and I can say that the engine is good, really good. But that's all. Rear suspension with very short travel is stiff, front brake is enough for commuting, but not for any way of sport ride. Front wheel and tyre makes turns hard, which is uncomparable even with ADV bikes. Has nothing to do with naked sport bikes... Indian 101 looks much better (suspension, brakes...), but have not ridden yet.
I enjoy your channel and the reviews you do. Would like to know if you ever rode and reviewed the indian Springfield. If not would you consider doing a review on it?. Ty
I did ride the Springfield Dark Horse but I wasn't comfortable with the handlebar position and setup on the test bike I rode. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-xMBRqnZqjzM.htmlsi=6nunJ-UsUOUOiMWk I made a video but would like to revisit this one and do another test ride. I've since sat on the Springfield with different handlebars and was much more comfortable. If I was doing longer distances the Springfield, Chieftain line would definitely be a good option for me.
The Sportster S is so ugly on the left hand side that I would have to learn to throw my leg over from the right hand side as I couldn’t stomach looking at the ugly side every time I get on the bike. HD sales brochures don’t show the ugly side photos that not even a mother could love.
Limited tech + comes standard on the 101. Since your comparing it to the 101 and not the scout itself, that part need to be left out of the video and the price will not raise to add it. Great video otherwise I like both bikes, im 6’4” and the scouts are just to small for me, i fit ok on the sportster, but its not to comfortable to me.
If you want to sell me on a sportster than they gotta stop pretending people can't see the left side of the bike. As it sits Indian is a better buy and they aren't overcharging you for the privilege.
IMO Harley ruined the Sportster S with the exhaust. The rest of it looks great but that exhaust takes all the focus for me off the rest of the bike. It’s huge and way too high.
I completely agree. The custom exhaust on the Sportster S I test rode looks way better. Video here - ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-HCpgV0CVkIk.html
Sorry My good friend Paul, You are going to send me to hell If I keep bothering you with my indecision on which of these two magnificent motorcycles is my favorite one, So I promise you this will be my last decision, so as I've told you before I'm a Strong Motorcycles fan ever since I was a child and My favorite of them all has always been The Amazing Harley Davidson, So in this Special case I have studied these two Wonderful Bikes deeply besides based on your Terrific and clear explanation No doubt at all That I Stand with The Amazing Harley Davidson Sporster S which in fact I like and it's also much more better Motorcycle than the Indian Scout 101, Sorry, and My Deepest Respect and apologize 🙏 for bothering so much about this Amazing video of yours, Truly Appreciate you a Lot my friend Paul ❤, Thanks for sharing 🙏, and See you soon 👊👍✌️🤍!!!
Eh, it definitely looks better than the cafebobbervrod Sportster S, but the Nightster is a pretty sharp bike. They just need to pair the regular looking motorcycle with the 1250.
I can't get over the looks of the Sportster S. I've owned two of the last gen Sportsters and loved them both, but the new ones do nothing for me. The Scout 101 is super sexy in every way. It looks like what we all wanted the new Sportsters to look like. The Sportster S looks like someone over inflated it, and it could POP at any minute. It's just silly looking. The new Scout 101 is beautiful!! Indian beat HD by making what we all wanted HD to make. I'm hoping to get a new Scout when they come out!! I'll probably go with the Sport Scout.
This right here. Hell, the nightster was them trying to take market share from the metric market Honda opened up with the rebel 1100 with less tech and charging way more and even fans of the Rebel will tell you it's more of a torque-y naked mid sport cruiser than an actual cruiser.
Ah yes. The Victory Octane, the original and ONLY pedigree of the Indian Scout. It was perhaps the most under rated motorcycle of its time. An innovative motorcycle that I am happy did not die with the retired Victory line. Cheers!
The Indian looks great. One of best looking bikes out imo. No detail seems to have been overlooked and it's gonna sound way better than the Harley revmax.
Like your vids. But numbers are numbers....imo the Sportster S has no Sportster DNA. I like classic retro bikes so despite the numbers I'd go the Indian....the rest is a pissing contest for bragging rights. Cheers
I won’t go into details but 14 serious warranty claims on a new Harley Davidson turned me off Harleys. They flew a Harley engineer from America to look at the bike as they were concerned it may be a worldwide problem. I live in Melbourne Australia and had to contact Harley Davidson in America to get help after crap dealership customer care. A major dealership here virtually lost everything over it and they kept it so quiet. I would definitely look at the Indian Scout 101 and show HD where to go. The Scout 101 looks great and looks classic to this 63yr old. Top notch comparison video!
Quit being nice. How many Sportster S have you actually seen on the road. I am from Kansas and have never seen anyone actually driving an S. I see Scouts all the time. Harley dominates overall in Kansas. I am an Indian fan boy, but nobody ownes a Sportster S. I really want to see a Sportster S but they are no where to be seen.
Great video! Thanks for reading and sharing my previous comment. I wanted to add on the cost side of the bikes that H-D (US) will charge you anywhere from 2-3K in transportation and prep fees, plus a $500 just because fee (they didn't provide a reasonable explanation, just pointed out the website listing it) and the maintenance is VERY expensive, which you are NOT allowed to do it yourself. I had to pay almost $500 for the 1000mi svc check (glorified oil change). If you don't, they will give you a hard time with warranty claims. Bottom line is, DO YOUR HOMEWORK, research about all the problems people are having with the S and Panamerica, which are quite a few. It feels like H-D is not really fixing the early year's issues for some reason. Just put everything together when making a decision, otherwise you will be destined to regret, like I sadly am right now!
The #1 reason I started looking at Indian Harley Davidson: WOKE Polaris/Indian: NOT WOKE Aside from that the more I research the Indian the more I like it.
Fair-minded analysis. To me the Sportster S looks, I dunno, lumpy. It lacks the cruiser look of the older Sportsters. The new Scout 101 and the other new Scout models retain the sleek but muscular cruiser, almost chopper appeal. The smaller rear wheel really works visually.
A very fair and objective commentary. For me the HD is surprisingly ugly. I couldn't stomach buying a bike that was embarassing to look at: i know I have a keeper (and that's after 53 years of riding and owning multip;le bikes) when I look back after I finish a ride to admire it. To me Indian have hit a home run witn the Scout, with interchangeability of parts across all five models, superior suspension, and whilst it has less power and torque, it should be a better and quicker handline bike, particulalry with a slightly steeper rake and thinner diameter tyres. Either way as Paul said, DYOR!
First; thanks for your review. I own a challenger and a pursuit so you can say that I’m an Indian fan. However, and having said that, I would have liked the new scout to have lost some weight and I would have loved the engine, which comes from the FTR, to have more FTR-like HP and torque out of the box. I also want to point out that the engine on the 2024 scouts is not a new platform. It comes from the FTR, so one can expect teething issues to be nonexistent or perhaps minor. Looks and overall aesthetics are important. In this respect the scout is a much prettier bike. I also think that the paint on the scout is finally up the Harley’s level.
Tire pressure monitoring is within the menus, I don't know if they fitted the sensors on the rims, but the capability is there. I pre-ordered an 101, so I will know soon. The Scout is way more handsome than the Sportster in my opinion. The stock suspension on old Scouts is abysmal - the first thing you have to do is to change it with Fox, Ohlins or Progressive, on the new Scout, the stock one looks fine. The new Scout's frame made it highly customizable as well...
As far as design and style of bike, I think the Sportster S almost is more akin to compare against the FTR rather than the Scout. I personally would pick the 101 over the Sportster S, but they seem like bikes in two different categories now.
I have owned a Bobber Black with X pipe and YSS suspension an Indian Scout Bobber with pipes and standard suspension and I currently own a Sportster S with pipes and standard suspension and hands down I feel the Harley has it over the other 2 in power, handling and suspension. I’m 80kg the Triumph was a shocker for suspension, the Scout tolerable and the Harley with my weight I can use the scope of the suspension to be more comfortable the rear short travel is an issue if you are heavier though.
Yeah, I reckon you're right Mark. Previous Triumph's I've owned in the past have all lacked in the suspension dept. And after test riding both the Scout and the Sportster S, I'd give the win suspension wise to the Sporster S too. Although the Fox shocks on the Scout would certainly level the playing field. You have good taste in bikes! :)
Indian Motorcycle has, for obvious reasons, not placed its Scout 101 too close to its own FTR in terms of performance. The FTR is Indian Motorcycle's version of a sports bike, For Harley-Davidson the Sportster S is their version of a Sports bike. That's why I think the Indian Motorcycle FTR is the real competitor of the Sportster Sport (S). Then I must also say something about aesthetics. Harley-Davidson Sportster S (and Nightster) Let's be honest - The new Indian Scout is a beautiful, and oozes quality in comparison to the A and B sided, lumpy, strangely over "radiatorised" hose chaotic, exposed wire, bundled up Sportster S (and Nightster). Study the engine and plastic details, and how things are put together, covers and the like. The previous generation Scout looked better than Harley-Davidson Sportster S and Nightster, the new generation Scout makes the contrast even more noticeable.
A little off topic, but never the Iess, I would like to recommend the Super Hooligan races and MotoAmerica. There you will be able to see the Indian FTR engine in competition with Harley's Revolution Max engine. Great entertainment. And once you're there : King of the Baggers! - Really exciting racing
I don't want any ABS, traction control or any other electronics controlling my bike. I've been ridding over 50 years both on and off road and i can ride better than whoever programed the bike not to mention conditions dictate what is needed not a damn computer. If you need the electronics to ride safe, learn to ride or don't ride at all. My skill outperforms any computer. Skill and quick reflex have kept me and my wife safe for over 50 years.
Lol you think you can but that's factually untrue. I don't like ABS and the likes easier, but even the best riders on a bike all else equal except one has ABS and the other without ABS and the bike with ABS is going to stop faster. The same applies for almost very rider aid.
@@jonnymac8925 Ignorance from a bad ridder. Why do you think NO pro bike has ABS? Because it's for idiots who don't know how ride. Not one single bike on any pro track has ABS. You ignorant little person.
Yeah but catering to you old fogies is what's got HD in the position they're in now. The name of the game these days is attracting new riders, and we all want ABS and rider modes.
The brands are competitotors, but I don`t think the bikes are exact competitors - scout 101 is a cruiser with a performance makeup while the sportster s is a standard-naked-ish bike with performance v twin. I tend to like cruisers estetic more, for JHarley the estetic is not for me. The specs are comparable but they seem different class of bikes, maybe against a Ducati 1200 would be more direct comparison. any way, it`s good to see bikes getting better. LE - scout has hateful ergos for taller riders, don`t like the feel on it - 6.1 and 200 pounds me.
If I'm worried about speed and weight I'd get a 1000cc sports bike..... but to cruse and no where particular to go, I'm getting a Indian 101 Scout in red top of the line trim. Looks better IMO between the two.
I think the sportster s looks really cool , could have a lot of fun through twisties and city streets even track . I would get the sporster s tbh but i do love the classic simple look of the softail standard aswell. thats the two im deciding with , two vdry differnt styles but i like them both . i thought the indian looked nice but compared to the s it looked outdated and like the older sportys , hard to compare for me i want them all ! haha but out of these to its teh sporty s , its something ive never seen before , she looks quick
I have 3 bikes just picked up a used sportster 1200 with the bigger tank , I will not buy a bike with ABS, gps, all digital controls, I can fix it myself and get aftermarket parts . keep it simple. I will never buy a new bike again. people have forgotten how to ride
I love the looks of both. Styling is in the eyes of the holder thing. I prefer the HD Sportster personally, but the Scout 101 is undeniably a gorgeous bike. I'm not familiar at all with the reliability for either bike, having not read into it. I can say that my nephew was cross shopping these two for some time and bought the Indian Scout 101 with the top tech upgrade earlier this month (Aug 2024). It's battery died and left him in a real bind which he isn't happy about.
I really don’t think there’s a comparison from this 101 to the sporster s. They look like two different bikes if you’re looking for speed then I would skip both these bikes and jump on a sports bike if you’re looking for speed and looks 101 all day.
I love the looks of my Sportster S. What I really don't like is too fat tires and short suspension travel, which are things I am going to address shortly. That said there's nothing wrong with the Scout:)
The 101 Scout competes directly with the nightster not with the Sportster S, Indian cannot really (smaller ) different bike like Harley did , the scout comes with 60 but still the same bike , but Harley gives different platforms
