Indian has just launched not one, but three separate entry-level models to take on the Harley-Davidson Nightster.

By Luke Zietsman  Courtesy TOPSPEED

While the Nightster aims to please all prospective buyers with two trim levels, the Scout Sixty comes in three distinct flavors that will each appeal to very different buyers. The most basic of the three undercuts the Nightster by quite some margin, but if you want more features, or chrome, the two up-spec models are still priced competitively. For the 2025 model, we also see several big updates, as it gets a new frame and a more powerful engine. It certainly isn’t a ground-up redesign, though. The design remains mostly the same as the previous generation, with the same profile and exactly the same tank.

Indian Has The Nightster Firmly In Its Sights

Variety Is The Spice Of Life

While there may be several metric cruisers competing in this space, the only other American V-twin is the Nightster. The Nightster was certainly guilty of stealing sales away from the previous generation Scout Sixty. Much of the credit went to its powerful liquid-cooled Revolution Max 975T engine, which was essentially beating Indian at its own game. So, it was permanently clear that an appropriate reply was necessary. 

We now have that in the form of the updated Sixty range. The need for more power has been addressed with the Sixty range getting the updated SpeedPlus engine identical to the bigger 1250 Scout. The same architecture is there, but the bore has been reduced to achieve the smaller 999cc displacement figure. This new V-twin is good for 85 horsepower (7 more than the previous generation). On paper, that is a few short of the Nightster, but certainly more than enough to keep it in the race. Indian are not after a paper victory. The objective is to offer consumers more options with a distinct three-prong assault.

Indian Scout Sixty And Harley-Davidson Nightster Engine Comparison

The 2025 Scout Sixty Bobber Offers Impressive Value

Starting MSRP: $9,999

At a dollar shy of $10k, this is a big statement of intent from Indian. Not only is this undercutting Harley (by some margin), but this also sets its sights on buyers cross-shopping metric cruisers like the Honda Rebel 1100. With the Bobber the aim of the game is accessibility, with the lowest seat height out of all three and a pretty short features list. You do get ABS as standard fitment, and if you want traction control and ride modes, you can choose the Limited Trim (more on that later).

Naturally, that low seat height is a double-edged sword as it also has the least suspension travel at the rear (2-inch), and cramped ergos for taller riders. Taller riders will be pointed in the direction of one of the other bigger cruisers in the lineup, but you will need to fork out a fair bit more money. 

2025 Scout Sixty Dimensions

Indian’s Sport Scout Sixty Is The Most Direct Nightster Competitor

Out of the three models, there is little doubt that the Sport Scout Sixty is the bike competing most directly with the Nightster. It undercuts the Nightster by a good $500, and you don’t exactly lose much in the way of style or features. All three bikes make use of a new frame (also from the 1250 model), but we feel it is this model that makes the best use of it.

Mini-ape hangers, a 19-inch front wheel, and quarter fairing transform the Bobber into a much more modern-looking cruiser. It complements the more modern engine and frame rather well and certainly offers consumers a realistic alternative to the Nightster, and in some ways, the Nightster Special. Unfortunately, the Sport Scout Sixty doesn’t offer any passenger accommodations as standard fitment. Adding a couple of options will rectify that for a good deal less than what you need to shell out for the Harley, though. Win-win?

Sport Scout Sixty Features

• Mini-ape hangers
• 19-in front wheel
• Quarter fairing
• Modern design

An Affordable Classic Rounds Out The Range

MSRP: $11,999

As is customary today, if you want a classic look, be prepared to pay extra. The Classic is the most expensive of the three, but it is arguably the only one that doesn’t really have a like-for-like alternative currently on the market. You could argue that it is directed at customers with a $12k budget, but want a more traditional cruiser design, with a lot of chrome. In truth, that is a bit of a reach. It is more a case of Indian offering something different for buyers currently cross-shopping other similar style-centric metric bikes, and none of those can offer a proper American V-twin. The only downside – and this applies to all three models – is the fact that the Limited Trim costs $700 extra. With that, you would get cruise control, ride modes, and arguably most importantly (if personalization is important to you), color choices. The standard trim borrows a quote from Henry Ford: “You can have any color you want, as long as it's black (in this case, metallic)!”

To round off, the Indian Scout Sixty range excels over the Nightster primarily by offering you more options and better value for the money. The money you save shall help you deal with whatever minor setbacks you encounter with the Sixty, which, in turn, means you'll have a bike suited to your needs. That said, if you don't care about variety or money, and just want a modern cruiser with an American heart, the Nightster still edges the Sixty. Emphasis on edges.

Limited Trim Features

• Color options (4 for the Bobber and Sport, 3 for the Classic)
• USB charger
• Cruise control
• Traction control
• Three ride modes (standard, tour and sport)

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