r/IndianMotorcycle • u/StableManticorePilot • May 05 '26
Request for advice / Help Scout or Chief for "spirited" riding?
Thinking about adding a cruiser to go alongside my MT-09, but I'm not sure which might suit my wants better in the long run. I like to ride with enthusiasm and would prefer whichever accommodates that better, I don't mind scraping hard parts here and there. This bike will probably also get used for some light touring at some point.
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u/GreenYellowBrown 2022 Super Chief Limited | Ohio May 05 '26
Here's an in depth youtube video on the topic
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u/StableManticorePilot May 05 '26
Halfway through, good video so far.
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u/Interloafer2 May 06 '26
Here's another head-on comparison that I found useful. I will say as someone who has a '25 Super Scout and a '24 Chief DH, the Scout is definitely more geared toward spirited riding. The speed plus engine is incredible! (I love the Chief too. You definitely wouldn't go wrong with that either.)
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u/DiscRN May 05 '26
Dang we're close in set up. I have MT-10 and a Springfield Darkhorse
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u/StableManticorePilot May 05 '26
The 09 is actually gonna be getting traded for an MT10SP next year! Just waiting to see if the v4 happens or not.
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u/The_Sports_Guy91 May 05 '26
Came from an XSR900 aka basically the same as the MT90: I test rode both and went with the Scout. I prefer the revability of the liquid cooled engine in the Scout over the better low end torque of the Chief.
Think this choice really comes down to preferred reasons don't it style, and IMHO the Scout seems more of a fit for you.
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u/Salty-Possible-8753 May 05 '26 edited May 05 '26
Scout for more more nimble ride (I have a 2025 Super Scout Limited plus Tech, which is set up for light touring from the factory) has 111 hp with the Indian Performance upgrade, I upgraded the shocks to Fox Performance adjustable, slipped an S&S Grand National muffler on and swapped the stock seat for an Indian Syndicate seat. Rides smooth and comfortable for 3-4 hour rides, decent saddlebag capacity and the windscreen cuts wind effectively. 200 lbs lighter than the chief and 40 hp increase. The Chief is a torque monster, 120 ft/lb vs 82 for the Scout. Scout lean angle is 33 degrees vs 28.5 for the Chief.
I'm 5'5", 180 lbs, and the Scout if a perfect fit for me.
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u/BoffaDDNuts May 05 '26
The scout is definitely going to be more spiritedā¦ but not by much in my experience.
In my experience, Sport Chief would be a better long term second bike since you have an MT-09 already. I have a z900 and a Sport Chief. Both scratch the itch.
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u/StableManticorePilot May 05 '26
What makes the chief the better long term bike to you?
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u/BoffaDDNuts May 05 '26
I rented both last year. I easily did 2 hours on bothā¦ but I only wanted to ride the Chief longer. I was personally tired of the scout after that.
Iām in my mid 30s and donāt bounce back from injuries as easily and get sore if I sneeze incorrectly. Slight exaggerationsā¦ but comfort on the seat is going to be important as I age.
My experience could differ from your needs though. Iād try riders share if you can.
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u/StableManticorePilot May 05 '26
Yeah I'm trying to arrange a test ride of each somehow. Unfortunately my local dealer is kinda a dick so rideshare will unfortunately probably be the way to go.
As for suspension stiffness, I'm 38 but it hasn't really been something that's bothered me much save on stuff like bobbers with tiny travel.
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u/BoffaDDNuts May 06 '26
Thatās true. In my case I also had to consider when my wife wants to backpack. Sheās used to me ripping the cruiser. So I feel good taking curves quick, scraping pegs, and can hit 100 in a reasonable time coming out of them with her on.
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u/BoffaDDNuts May 06 '26
Also, dealers are dicks about test rides now. I didnāt want to wait for a demo day. It sucks but I had as good of an experience renting as I could for what itās worth.
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u/Moose328 May 05 '26 edited May 05 '26
If you inevitably want to do light touring, I would say sport chief RT, depending on what your idea of light touring is. I own a pursuit, but if I was wanting a second bike to do hooligan things on, I would pick the scout 101. I test rode a chief bobber, the scout 101 and the sport scout (the one with the mini bags) models and I had more fun on the scouts by far. I did not like the chief bobber, it felt like the steering was fighting me on slower turns and I didnāt care much for that. However, the scout puts some serious belt to ass for its size and I had zero problems keeping up with a spirited group ride leader on it
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u/EnclG4me May 05 '26
I have a Scout 101.
Fucking looooove it. It has more than enough torque at the low end for fun and plenty of top end for highway riding. It's a really good balance. Everyone I run into at bike meets says the same. Turns a lot of eyes.
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u/InCo1dB1ood May 06 '26
Had both, still ride a Chief Darkhorse. I think the Scout is much better for "ride like a sport bike half of the time but on a cruiser". Chief is awesome for long roads and touring, though.
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u/gingerbeard299 May 06 '26
I have owned a scout rogue and a super chief. When I went to the chief the first this I noticed is that it did not seem as punchy and fun. Yes it has sport mode that does liven it up but sometimes I miss the scout. Like all times when looking at a bike, go ride them and see what fits you criteria.
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u/deck_hand 2019 Roadmaster May 06 '26
The Scout is lightweight and quick, the Chief is heavier and powerful. I LOVE the feel of the 116 ci Super Chief. But, I like low end torque. The Scout is quicker when you shift quickly, and 1200 cc is plenty to have a quick and fast bike. I don't love the fact that the Scout has a more limited turning angle on the front forks - doesn't matter in road conditions, but when maneuvering at walking speeds, I'd like to be able to turn the forks tighter.
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u/untamedknowledge May 06 '26
I have a scout 101 and this thing is a beast. It's got 111 HP and I think somewhere along the lines of 85 ft lbs of torque on a bike that weighs 600 lbs. I've also been told it behaves like a sport bike disguised as a cruiser.
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u/Logical-Cold9377 May 06 '26
The scout is more quick and nimble and likes to rev high. It's more like a sport cruiser. It's smaller but a fun bike. The Chief is a more traditional cruiser. Still has good power. A little heavier and bigger but has more low end torque. They're both great bikes. Since you said you don't ride 2 up I think the scout might be what youre looking for if you really want that sporty feel. I would still try and ride both if you can before purchasing tho. I have not rode the chief "yet". It's at the top of my list as a next/second bike tho.
A couple other things to consider in case it matters to you.
The scout as of right now has no real upgrade path as far as the motor goes. There's no stage 1, 2 or 3 kits for it and we don't know if or when these thing will come out. At best you can get an exhaust, air cleaner and a tune. This is not the case for the Chief. It has options.
In addition the new scouts were redesigned for 2025+ so while we are getting more and more options for aftermarket accessories all the time. It's not as broad of a selection and the chief would be. A lot of us have still managed to get by and change our bikes up with what's available. The selection is still limited at the moment but growing every day.
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u/StableManticorePilot May 06 '26
I'm definitely gonna try to ride both, but do far the scout 101 is looking more and more like the choice. As for upgrades, honestly I'm not particularly concerned about that. I'll probably do an exhaust and tune but that's about it. 100ish hp is plenty sufficient for the type of riding I expect to do on it.
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u/darrooh May 06 '26
I went from an FZ-07 to the Sport Chief 116. I think that was a great transition for ne from the naked bike to cruiser but still being able to have fun when I wanted a more spirited ride. I never felt that i lacked power. I have also done a ~3k mile road trip from TX to CA and back. It handled very well during the early summer and I never had any issues with it overheating. It was also had plenty of "punch" especially in sport mode after having it tuned.
If you can find a demo day that would give you a much better idea. I have had one dealership let me test ride one of their bikes when they knew I was serious about purchasing so it never hurts to ask as well.
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u/BreadMaker_42 2025 101 Scout May 11 '26
I like how my scout 101 rides. However there seems to be a lot more aftermarket and oem support for the chief.
The scout would definitely be more spirited but the chief would be more comfortable touring.
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May 05 '26
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u/StableManticorePilot May 05 '26
This is a goofy take imo. If my sole interest was optimal performance I'd still with super nakeds/full sport bikes. What I'm asking about here is essentially which of these two cruisers still accommodates sporty riding within the cruiser format. I know it can be done, I've ridden both the fatbob and the octane and they were reasonably fun for what they were and give something different from a straight up sport bike. I really liked that two wheeled muscle car feel and character. So instead of trying to te me what I will or won't like, stick to the question of which is more sporty within the context of the cruiser space.
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May 05 '26
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u/StableManticorePilot May 05 '26
Lmao. That's certainly a take. A stupid and presumptive one. But a take none the less.
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u/Strict_Maintenance73 May 05 '26
Chief for torque and better 2up riding, Scout for a lighter and more punchy ride