More importantly (to me), the Scout's engine appears to be a harbinger of even more exciting things to come. I really think the Scout may usher in a new era of large-scale diversification in American-made bikes. For years I've found it sad that Harley Davidson refuses to compete with the rest of the world in any segment outside cruisers. And I was disappointed when Polaris decided to do the same thing with Victory.
Please understand, I love the fact that small manufacturers like Erik Buell Racing (EBR) and Motus are making the bikes Harley and Victory don't have the guts to make. But small manufacturers lack the economies of scale that make great products affordable for us ordinary folk. I just can't afford a Motus or an EBR for now.
Now that Polaris has Indian to take the traditional cruiser fight to Harley, however, Victory is free to branch out into non-cruiser bikes. And the Scout's 1130 cc, narrow angle V-twin is the power plant that can finally make it happen.
Check out this dynamometer graph from Motorcycle USA.
Tue, 85 hp isn't all that impressive for an 1130 cc, dual overhead cam, four valve per cylinder V-twin. Keep in mind that these numbers are taken at the wheel (after losses to friction through the drive train), and that the engine is in a relatively mild state of tune, as befitting a cruiser.
That torque curve, though, is beautiful. From about 2,600 rpm to almost 8,000 rpm, torque remains fairly constant. That is a very flexible engine. There seems to be a lot of room for Polaris/Victory to adapt this engine to many different uses - from a cafe racer, to an adventure touring bike, to (dare I say it?) a 1200 cc, V-twin super bike.
Imagine a major American motorcycle manufacturer with an honest-to-goodness full line of street bikes that an ordinary Joe can afford.
Hey, I can dream, can't I?
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