Polaris rounds out revival of Indian motorcycle brand with Scout

Indian Motorcycle of the Twin Cities became the first dealership in the country Tuesday to offer free demonstration rides of the relaunched Indian Scout, a bike that hasn't been available in roughly 70 years.

The Scout, which Polaris Industries Inc. redesigned and reintroduced earlier this month in Sturgis, S.D., will again be available for test rides at the St. Paul dealership on Wednesday. Each test ride is done in a group and covers 15 miles.

The Scout is Polaris' fifth motorcycle manufactured under the Indian name, a beloved but struggling 1901 brand that Polaris bought in 2011 and reintroduced last year with much fanfare.

While Polaris is best known for building all-terrain vehicles, snowmobiles and Victory motorcycles, it spent millions last year to relaunch the Indian line with the Chieftain, Chief Classic and Chief Vintage models.

This month, it introduced the Indian Roadmaster touring bike and rounded out the line with the Scout.

At 560 pounds and a starting price of $10,999, the Scout is the smallest bike under the Indian brand. It's expected to appeal to smaller riders who prefer a lower center of gravity. The dealership sold several on Tuesday even though they won't be delivered until December.

"It's the price point people have been waiting for," said Art Welch, owner of Indian Motorcycle of the Twin Cities. "And it's fast, small, and has a lot of power."