PREVIEW - 2022 Indian Scout Rogue

Words: Mike Ryan

Photos: Indian Motorcycle

After exploring different styling directions for the Scout and tapping into the model’s century of history, Indian Motorcycle are now taking their popular entry-model into new territory with the Scout ‘Rogue’.

Combining short-haul touring ability with bagger styling touches, the Rogue is coming soon.

Arguably a more modern take on the Scout platform than past variations and special editions, the Scout Rogue’s standard features look like they’ll make it more practical for longer rides, too. The touring edge to this upcoming model is also a logical step for Indian, offering a bridge between the standard Scout and Chief platforms, the latter of which was completely reimagined for 2022 and has been previously covered with JUST BIKES.

While some of the features fitted as standard to the Rogue make it clear it’s a bike to be ridden long and hard, the styling has been a key consideration in this model’s creation, too. Indian are playing up the “bad boy” angle in their PR, describing the Rogue as being packed with attitude and edge.

"For so many motorcyclists, riding carries a rogue spirit – a bold statement of freedom and individuality that brings riders together – and Scout Rogue delivers that in spades," said Aaron Jax, Indian Motorcycle Vice President.

"It's an attitude that can only be found on a motorcycle, and it creates a totally unique level of camaraderie and community, and that's what Scout Rogue is all about."

Big V and Bobber Bits

Running the same chassis and powertrain as all other Scout models means the Rogue features an aluminium frame and 1133cc v-twin engine delivering maximum power of 70kW at 8100rpm and maximum torque of 97Nm at 5600rpm. This is matched to a six-speed transmission and belt final drive.

Being in the ballpark of a tourer, one would have hoped for tech like riding modes and cruise control being fitted, but they’re not a part of the Rogue spec – at least for now. ABS is standard though, working off the 298mm front and rear brake rotors (two-piston caliper at the front and single-piston caliper at the rear) that are the same as all other 2022 Scout models.

Suspension on the Rogue is taken from the Scout Bobber rather than the standard Scout, so that means there’s 51mm of travel from the twin-shock rear end instead of 76mm. Front suspension travel, even with this model’s larger wheel (see below), is unchanged at 120mm. As it’s based on the Scout Bobber, assume the Scout Rogue gets that model’s cartridge-style forks, too.

In terms of style, the Rogue’s front and rear mudguards are the same heavily docked units as the Scout Bobber and Bobber Twenty, and while longer guards may have been more practical for a bike with touring ambitions, they’d compromise the Rogue’s image, which is a big part of its appeal.

Other familiar features from the Scout Bobber/Bobber Twenty that have been transferred to the Rogue include the split dual exhaust, instrument pod with an analogue speedo and digital multi-function display, a USB charge port, forward controls, bar-end mirrors, 649mm seat height and a 12.5-litre fuel tank.

Interestingly, despite its extra features (see below), the Scout Rogue weighs in at 250kg wet - 2kg lighter than the Scout Bobber.

Defining Features

The most obvious addition amongst the parts defining the Scout Rogue is the bikini fairing (Indian call it a ‘quarter fairing’) that isn’t as large as the existing optional fairing, but still looks large enough to be practical for long highway miles.

The non-adjustable fairing is shaped to complement the fuel tank styling and features a smoked screen. It surrounds the standard Scout headlight that can be upgraded to a Pathfinder LED adaptive light.

The other all-new feature on the Rogue is its 19-inch front wheel. Breaking away from the 16-inch wheel that’s been part of the Scout spec since its launch, the larger front wheel is a cast alloy unit, in the same 8-spoke style as that fitted to the Scout Bobber. Rear wheel size is unchanged at 16 inches.

A further point of difference is that Metzeler Cruisetec tyres – 130/60 B19 front and 150/80B16 rear – are fitted as standard instead of the Pirellis on other Scout models.

Confirming the Scout Rogue’s purpose as a bike for eating up the miles, the seat is a sport-style ‘Syndicate Solo Seat’ that’s more supportive than the flatter seats on the Scout Bobber and Bobber Twenty models. The Syndicate seat features a raised rear lip to hold you more snugly when you wind on the acceleration, while the internal padding promises a blend of comfort and support.

Completing the Rogue’s standard spec are mini ape hanger bars in the same style as those on the Scout Bobber Twenty.

Add Some More

It’s worth noting that several of the new parts fitted as standard to the Scout Rogue will be available as accessories for other Scout models. For example, the fairing can be added to all MY15 and newer Scouts and all MY18 and newer Scout Bobbers, while the Syndicate Solo Seat can be added to all Scout Bobbers.

Conversely, some of the existing and new Scout accessories are suitable for the Rogue, too. These include the new-for-2022 performance piggyback shocks, a performance 2-into-1 exhaust system, an analogue revcounter, touring seat, pillion backrest and smoked indicator lenses.

To suit those who want to expand on the Rogue’s long-distance ability, there’s also a range of goodies in the existing Scout accessories catalogue, including soft and hard panniers, a rear luggage rack and complementary rack bag, heated grips, footboards, pillion pegs, a tank bag and more.

For the type of longer distance riding the Rogue is arguably more suitable for than other Scout variants, the optional Pathfinder headlight would be a worthwhile addition. Available in 7.0-inch and new-for-2022 5.25-inch sizes, the Pathfinder features additional LEDs that are activated when a specific lean angle is reached, throwing more light into the inside of a corner and thus better illuminating the road ahead at night.

Black… and Blacker

With the Rogue being an all-new Scout variant, Indian could pick and choose from colours and finishes in the existing palette or introduce some new ones. They’ve done a bit of both, with some familiar shades offered, but there’s a twist on existing finishes, too.

There’s an abundance of black, of course, but it’s not all monochrome. The available colours start with Black metallic and Black Smoke, which are gloss and satin finishes, respectively, and available on most other MY22 Scout variants.

Stealth Grey adds a black and grey two-tone finish to the fuel tank, but leaves the mudguards and fairing in black. It’s a similar story with Sagebrush Smoke; a satin dark green that’s confined to the tank.

Finally, for a blacker than Metallica paint option, Black Smoke Midnight takes the standard Black Smoke satin finish and blacks out the tank badges as well.  

Regardless of paint choice, the handlebars, indicator shells, wheels and hubs are finished in gloss black. The engine gets the full blackout treatment, too, including the exhaust system.

While some of the press images show the Rogue’s fairing being colour-matched to the paint, it appears that all units destined for Australia will be finished in either gloss or satin black, regardless of paint choice.

Mid-Year Arrival

Australian pricing for the Scout Rogue starts from $23,995 ride away. That’s a $500 premium over the Scout Bobber Twenty that the Rogue shares most of its componentry with.

While delivery dates remain uncertain due to the ongoing supply chain problems under COVID-19, Indian Motorcycle Australia expect the first units to land in local dealerships from May or June.

Talk to your Indian dealer, or go to: indianmotorcycle.com.au for updates and more details.