The Indian Motorcycle Scout Bobber spans 2018–2026 with 6 recorded NHTSA recalls and a 4.0/5 ForCar reliability score. The years to approach with caution are 2021, 2022, 2020 (most owner complaints); the cleanest are 2024, 2025, 2026. It delivers competitive fuel economy and NHTSA-rated safety.
How we score: NHTSA crash-test safety (40%), recall frequency across all years (25%) and the share of owner complaints involving a crash, fire or injury (35%). Based on NHTSA & EPA data — not user reviews.
Overview
The Indian Motorcycle Scout Bobber is one of the most popular vehicles in its class, produced from 2018 to 2026 across multiple generations.
Decode or check a Indian Motorcycle Scout Bobber by VIN
Enter a 17-digit VIN to decode this Indian Motorcycle Scout Bobber — trim, engine, plant and full specs — and instantly pull its open recalls, safety ratings and original window sticker.
How to read a Indian Motorcycle Scout Bobber VIN — every digit explained
Every Indian Motorcycle Scout Bobber carries a unique 17-character VIN stamped at the factory. Each position is a code — together they spell out where, when and how your car was built. Here's exactly what every digit means.
- WMI (1–3) — country & manufacturer. 4T1 = Toyota, built in the USA.
- VDS (4–8) — model line, body style, engine & restraint system.
- Check digit (9) — a math check that proves the VIN is genuine.
- Model year (10) — the year it was built. H = 2017.
- Plant (11) — which factory assembled this Scout Bobber.
- Serial (12–17) — the unique sequential production number.
Model-year code (10th digit)
The 10th character is the model year. It cycles through letters and numbers, skipping I, O, Q, U, Z and 0 to avoid confusion:
Where to find your Scout Bobber VIN
- Dashboard — driver's side, visible through the windshield from outside.
- Driver's door jamb — on the manufacturer sticker when you open the door.
- Paperwork — vehicle registration, title and insurance card.
- Engine bay & frame — stamped on the firewall or chassis on many models.
How many recalls does the Indian Motorcycle Scout Bobber have?
The Indian Motorcycle Scout Bobber has 6 recorded NHTSA recalls across 2018–2026. Pick a year below to see its recalls — then verify open recalls against your specific VIN.
2022 Indian Motorcycle Scout Bobber recalls 1
Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump
What's wrong. Indian Motorcycle Company (Indian) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Scout, Scout Bobber Sixty, Scout Bobber, Scout Icon, Scout Sixty, Scout Bobber Twenty, Scout Bobber Icon, 2022 Scout Rogue Sixty, Chief, Chief Bobber, Chief Bobber Dark Horse, Chief Dark Horse, Scout Rogue, Super Chief, and Super Chief Limited motorcycles. The fuel pump may fail while riding.
Risk. Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix. Dealers will replace the fuel pump and the fuel pump seal, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 6, 2022. Owners may contact Indian customer service at 1-877-204-3697. Indian's number for this recall is I-22-06.
2021 Indian Motorcycle Scout Bobber recalls 1
Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump
What's wrong. Indian Motorcycle Company (Indian) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Scout, Scout Bobber Sixty, Scout Bobber, Scout Icon, Scout Sixty, Scout Bobber Twenty, Scout Bobber Icon, 2022 Scout Rogue Sixty, Chief, Chief Bobber, Chief Bobber Dark Horse, Chief Dark Horse, Scout Rogue, Super Chief, and Super Chief Limited motorcycles. The fuel pump may fail while riding.
Risk. Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix. Dealers will replace the fuel pump and the fuel pump seal, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 6, 2022. Owners may contact Indian customer service at 1-877-204-3697. Indian's number for this recall is I-22-06.
2019 Indian Motorcycle Scout Bobber recalls 3
Service Brakes
What's wrong. Indian Motorcycle Company (Indian) is recalling certain 2019 Indian Scout, Scout Bobber, and Scout Sixty motorcycles equipped with Anti-Lock Brake Systems (ABS). After the manufacturing process, air may remain trapped within the brake system, possibly reducing brake performance.
Risk. Reduced brake performance can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix. Indian has notified owners, and dealers will perform a brake fluid bleed of the front and rear ABS to evacuate the air, free of charge. The recall began March 7, 2019. Owners may contact Indian customer service at 1-877-204-3697. Indian's number for this recall is I-18-07.
Service Brakes
What's wrong. Indian Motorcycle Company (Indian) is recalling certain accessory brake levers, part number 2883795-658, sold for use on Scout and Scout bobber motorcycles. The accessory brake lever adjustment screw may have been set incorrectly, causing unintentional front brake application.
Risk. The accessory brake lever may apply the front brake, increasing the application while riding until the front wheel locks up, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix. Indian Motorcycle Company will notify owners, and dealers will provide replacement parts, free of charge. The recall began April 24, 2019. Owners may contact Indian customer service at 1-877-204-3697. Indian's number for this recall is I-19-01.
Service Brakes
What's wrong. Indian Motorcycle Company (Indian) is recalling certain 2019 Scout, Scout Sixty, and Scout Bobber motorcycles equipped with Anti-Lock Brake Systems (ABS). After the manufacturing process, air may remain trapped within the brake system, possibly reducing brake performance.
Risk. Reduced brake performance can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix. Indian will notify owners, and dealers will perform a brake fluid bleed of the front and rear ABS to evacuate the air, free of charge. The recall began August 19,2020. Owners may contact Indian customer service at 1-877-204-3697. Indian's number for this recall is 1-18-07. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA Recall number 19V-156.
2018 Indian Motorcycle Scout Bobber recalls 1
Service Brakes
What's wrong. Indian Motorcycle Company (Indian) is recalling certain accessory brake levers, part number 2883795-658, sold for use on Scout and Scout bobber motorcycles. The accessory brake lever adjustment screw may have been set incorrectly, causing unintentional front brake application.
Risk. The accessory brake lever may apply the front brake, increasing the application while riding until the front wheel locks up, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix. Indian Motorcycle Company will notify owners, and dealers will provide replacement parts, free of charge. The recall began April 24, 2019. Owners may contact Indian customer service at 1-877-204-3697. Indian's number for this recall is I-19-01.
Best and worst years for the Indian Motorcycle Scout Bobber
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint volume across 9 tracked years, the worst years are 2021, 2022, 2020 and the best (fewest complaints) are 2024, 2025, 2026.
ForCar aggregate — our own analysis of complaint volume, not published by NHTSA.
| Year | Owner complaints | Top issue | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Scout Bobber | 1 | Service Brakes | Average |
| 2019 Scout Bobber | 1 | Engine | Average |
| 2020 Scout Bobber | 2 | Electrical System | Avoid |
| 2021 Scout Bobber | 3 | Electrical System | Avoid |
| 2022 Scout Bobber | 2 | Fuel/propulsion System | Avoid |
| 2023 Scout Bobber | 1 | Power Train | Average |
| 2024 Scout Bobber | 0 | — | Best |
| 2025 Scout Bobber | 0 | — | Best |
| 2026 Scout Bobber | 0 | — | Best |
What are the most common Indian Motorcycle Scout Bobber problems?
The most-reported Indian Motorcycle Scout Bobber problems are Engine (1 reports), Gasoline (1 reports) and Structure (2 reports) — out of 10 owner complaints NHTSA holds for the model. Here's how they break down:
Most-reported components — tap a category to read what owners actually experienced:
Electrical System 4 Read
Motorcycle speedometer failed. The speedometer on the motorcycle contains vital information such as speed, gear, mileage, lighting status, fuel level, the check engine light, amongst other pieces of information. The manufacturer has a defect with the speedometers which allows water to enter the speedometer housing and then short the circuit, causing total failure. This incident is not isolated and has been a known issue for Indian Motorcycles over the last decade. An online search will show several forms and people inquiring on the same issue, only to have the same problem of moisture shorting the system. Indian has to be aware of this issue and refusing to issue a recall to correct this very important issue. The equipment is available to be inspected. This is a safety concern due to not being able to monitor the necessary equipment of the motorcycle. The equipment has not been take to a dealer at this time. The equipment did not give any notification before going out. The only sign was seeing some moisture building up behind the lense of the housing, it then went out shortly after while driving. The motorcycle still functions, just does not display any information. The moisture was first notice about a month before the equipment stopped working.
There is a cap on the mph needle that fell off and rolls around the bottom of the speedometer inside. I was riding and all the sudden a red light is illuminating which caused me to lose focus on the road wondering what happened and why this light is now on. No inspections have been made yet. No warning the cap just fell off and rolls inside of the speedometer.
When bike gets wet the right turn signal blinks, and will not cancel. Turn bike of then the left one starts blinking, when cancelled the right one will start blinking, and will not cancel. I had to drive 300 miles with the hazards on without turn signals. Also the bright indicator goes on, and off with the brights off.
Cluster seal failed causing moisture to build up under the glass. Escalated to the point where the cluster does not illuminate at all. I can not see my speed, miles, gear, or even how much gas I have which is a huge safety concern for being able to ride in the road with other people. Knowing my speed and gear I’m in is essential to safely drive. Dealership did submit for goodwill with manufacturer which was denied due to being out of factory warranty. The issue presented itself just with water visibly under the glass about 1-3 months ago.
Structure 2 Read
1. Within 7 months of purchase, I've started noticing RUST on the bike (especially on the spokes of wheels, and threaded holes) 2. Clunky gear shifts. Having hard time with the gear change.
Cluster seal failed causing moisture to build up under the glass. Escalated to the point where the cluster does not illuminate at all. I can not see my speed, miles, gear, or even how much gas I have which is a huge safety concern for being able to ride in the road with other people. Knowing my speed and gear I’m in is essential to safely drive. Dealership did submit for goodwill with manufacturer which was denied due to being out of factory warranty. The issue presented itself just with water visibly under the glass about 1-3 months ago.
Service Brakes 2 Read
The contact owns a 2020 Indian Scout. The contact stated that while his son was driving at an undisclosed speed, while attempting to stop the front tire failed to decelerate as intended while the front brake pedal was depressed. The entire brake caliper rotated off the disc and jammed the wheel itself, causing it to lock up, and the son fell off the motorcycle, crashing to the pavement. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed with a broken front brake Caliper assembly, which caused the vehicle to fall over, causing damage to the shift lever and footrest upon falling onto its left side. The contact stated that his son's right forearm was injured however, no medical attention was sought. No police report was filed. The vehicle was left at the local dealer for further repairs. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 3,000.
Rear brakes became very spongy prematurely. Braking distance is severely affected. There is an active recall (nhtsa campaign #18v416000) for the same year and model motorcycle but only affects units with abs brakes. Mine does not have abs but is experiencing the same issue.
Power Train 1 Read
1. Within 7 months of purchase, I've started noticing RUST on the bike (especially on the spokes of wheels, and threaded holes) 2. Clunky gear shifts. Having hard time with the gear change.
Fuel/propulsion System 1 Read
I was traveling approximately 65 to 75 mph my motorcycle was in 6th gear when out of nowhere my fuel system just stopped working. I had full power to the motorcycle and engine but the fuel throttle just wouldn't work. The motorcycle was still in 6th gear when this happened I didn't know what to do I'm a beginner rider and this is my first motorcycle. The motorcycle was decelerating rapidly so I had to drop down to 4th gear kill the power to the motorcycle and start it while in 4th gear because I was going too fast for it to start in neutral. The motorcycle has not yet been inspected by the sin city indian motorcycle dealership I bought it from I'm still waiting for a response from them.
Fuel System 1 Read
The contact owns a 2022 Indian Scout Bobber Motorcycle. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V837000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The contact stated that while riding at an undisclosed speed, the motorcycle stalled. The motorcycle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 1,000.
Gasoline 1 Read
The contact owns a 2022 Indian Scout Bobber Motorcycle. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V837000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The contact stated that while riding at an undisclosed speed, the motorcycle stalled. The motorcycle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 1,000.
Vehicle Speed Control 1 Read
There is a cap on the mph needle that fell off and rolls around the bottom of the speedometer inside. I was riding and all the sudden a red light is illuminating which caused me to lose focus on the road wondering what happened and why this light is now on. No inspections have been made yet. No warning the cap just fell off and rolls inside of the speedometer.
Source: NHTSA owner complaints, all model years. Bar = share of total complaints. Full reports searchable on NHTSA.gov.
Indian Motorcycle Scout Bobber specifications & dimensions
The 2026 Indian Motorcycle Scout Bobber. Full dimensions below — engine, horsepower and trim decode from your VIN.
| Specs cache warming… |
Source: NHTSA vPIC / Transport Canada vehicle specifications. Metric values converted to imperial; generation ranges approximate.
Indian Motorcycle Scout Bobber cargo space, seating & interior room
How much the Scout Bobber holds — passengers and cargo. Seating, cargo and interior dimensions vary by trim and seat configuration — decode your VIN for the exact build.
Exact seating capacity, third-row availability, legroom and headroom decode from your VIN or vary by trim.
Passenger & cargo volume from EPA fueleconomy.gov (largest configuration). Seats, legroom and headroom from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.
Indian Motorcycle Scout Bobber tire size, oil type & owner specs
The fitment owners look up most — tires, wheels, oil and batteries. Exact wheel and tire sizes decode from your VIN or the driver's door-jamb placard; the universal items are listed below.
Exact tire, wheel, oil grade, capacity and battery group are added per trim and model year — decode your VIN above for the factory fitment. Universal items shown as-is.
What MPG does the Indian Motorcycle Scout Bobber get?
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What engines does the Indian Motorcycle Scout Bobber have? Power & range
Powertrain data warming… reload in a moment.
How much does a Indian Motorcycle Scout Bobber cost to own?
A Indian Motorcycle Scout Bobber depreciates at about an average rate. A typical example keeps roughly 46% of its value after five years — losing about 54% to depreciation. Fuel, maintenance and insurance add to the total cost to own.
| Age | Value retained | Est. resale value | Lost to depreciation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 80% | — | — |
| Year 2 | 70% | — | — |
| Year 3 | 61% | — | — |
| Year 4 | 53% | — | — |
| Year 5 | 46% | — | — |
What goes into the five-year cost to own:
- Depreciation — the biggest cost: this Scout Bobber loses about 54% of its value over five years.
- Fuel — based on EPA economy at roughly 15,000 miles a year.
- Maintenance & repairs — routine service, tires and wear items as the Scout Bobber ages.
- Insurance — varies by driver, state and trim; get a quote for your exact figure.
Resale & depreciation are ForCar estimates from typical segment value-retention curves — not a live market quote. Fuel from EPA fueleconomy.gov at ~15k mi/yr.
Is the Indian Motorcycle Scout Bobber safe?
NHTSA crash-test ratings aren't published for the Scout Bobber yet.
How many miles does a Indian Motorcycle Scout Bobber last?
A well-maintained Indian Motorcycle Scout Bobber typically lasts 250,000–300,000+ miles. It's exceptionally durable — with routine maintenance many owners report 250k+ on the original powertrain. Its ForCar Reliability Score is 4.0/5.
Decode your Indian Motorcycle Scout Bobber’s window sticker & build
Original options, specs, recalls and paint code — straight from the VIN. Free.
Decode VIN →All Indian Motorcycle Scout Bobber model years
A year-by-year snapshot of the Indian Motorcycle Scout Bobber — recalls, best EPA fuel economy and NHTSA safety. Tap a year for full details.
| Year | Recalls | Best MPG | Safety |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Scout Bobber | 0 | — | — |
| 2025 Scout Bobber | 0 | — | — |
| 2024 Scout Bobber | 0 | — | — |
| 2023 Scout Bobber | 0 | — | — |
| 2022 Scout Bobber | 1 recall | — | — |
| 2021 Scout Bobber | 1 recall | — | — |
| 2020 Scout Bobber | 0 | — | — |
| 2019 Scout Bobber | 3 recalls | — | — |
| 2018 Scout Bobber | 1 recall | — | — |
Recalls = NHTSA campaigns that year · MPG = best EPA combined · Safety = NHTSA overall stars (tested years).
Frequently asked questions
What are the worst years for the Scout Bobber?
By owner-complaint volume, 2021, 2022, 2020 drew the most reports. 2024, 2025, 2026 have the cleanest records.
How many recalls does the Scout Bobber have?
6 recorded NHTSA recalls across 2018–2026. Always check open recalls by your VIN.
How many miles does a Scout Bobber last?
A well-maintained Scout Bobber typically reaches 200,000–300,000 miles with regular maintenance.
Is the Scout Bobber reliable?
Our ForCar Reliability Score for the Scout Bobber is 4.0/5, based on NHTSA safety, recall history and complaint severity.
What's the Indian Motorcycle Scout Bobber warranty?
New Indian Motorcycle models carry a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic (bumper-to-bumper) warranty and a 5 years / 60,000 miles powertrain warranty. Coverage can vary by model year and market — confirm with a Indian Motorcycle dealer.
Where is the Indian Motorcycle Scout Bobber made?
The assembly plant is encoded in the VIN — the 11th character. Decode your Scout Bobber's VIN above to see exactly where it was built; Indian Motorcycle may build it at more than one plant depending on the year.
How much ground clearance does the Scout Bobber have?
Ground clearance varies by trim and drivetrain — AWD/4WD versions often sit higher. Decode your VIN or check the specific trim for the exact figure.