Performance Analysis of Harley Davidson vs Indian Scout Bobber

Overview

• Comparison of Harley Davidson and Indian Scout Bobber
  • Harley Davidson: 1.2 liters, 58 horsepower, $13,000
  • Indian Scout Bobber: Similar specs but with 83 horsepower (43% gain)

Historical Context

• Early 1900s lubrication methods were inexact
  • Riders used crude oil, leading to total loss lubrication
  • Engines were designed to be slow to prevent lubricant loss
• Old engine design: Tall with long stroke, more torque, kept RPM low

Modern Engineering Advancements

• Lubrication and machining have improved, allowing higher RPMs
• Traditional engines: Tall, slow but reliable
  • Tall cylinders: better torque, lower RPM
• Modern engines: Over-square design for higher RPM
  • Piston travels shorter distances, remains near top dead center
  • More power from higher RPMs

Challenges with Over-square Engines

• High RPM requires overhead cams, not pushrods
• Requires liquid cooling due to less heat dissipation
  • Harley’s iconic design: Air cooling, pushrods
  • Nostalgia impacts modern capability
• Example: Harley’s V-Rod was not successful in market

Indian Scout Bobber’s Design

• Over-square, overhead cam, liquid-cooled engines
  • Revs to 8300 RPM, 43% more power
  • Comparable to Harley's V-Rod in terms of performance
• Scout has historical design influences
  • Flat-footed tires, low build
  • Geared like old board trackers (low RPM usefulness)
• Critique: Sacrificed functional design for nostalgic elements

Market and Brand Dynamics

• Victory Octane: Polaris' attempt at a modern design
  • Discontinued due to lack of nostalgia appeal
• North American market: Desire for innovation with a nod to nostalgia

Conclusion

• Indian Scout Bobber is a compromise between modern engineering and nostalgic design
• Future success could lie in blending innovation with heritage-focused marketing