By NastyNils·
Motorcycle comparison · Cruiser
Harley-Davidson Dyna Low Rider FXDL (MY2014) vs Indian Scout (MY2015)
Tip the Harley-Davidson Dyna Low Rider FXDL into a bend and it doesn't wallow: the stiff frame and fork hold your line. The Indian Scout's gearbox clicks down clean on entry.
So which one do you buy?
The Scout has the edge if…
Daily commuting & city riding
Inches ahead: Scout
The Scout makes slightly more sense as a commuter. Thank friendlier manners and lower running costs for that. Don't read much into a gap this small.
Sporty riding on twisty roads
Edges it: Scout
Once the road starts to bend, the Scout noses ahead. Put it down to stronger brakes. Your own skill counts for more than a gap this size.
Keeping running costs low
A touch ahead: Scout
The Scout is a touch easier on the wallet to run. Condition still matters more than the model.
Which one's the smarter buy
Value pick: Scout
The Indian Scout is the better buy at these used prices. Its edge in sporting capability helps justify the lower cost.
What makes each one tick
Dyna Low Rider FXDL
Low in the revs, the Dyna Low Rider FXDL's twin pours out a flat pull that doesn't need chasing. Higher up the tach, the rubber-mounted motor buzzes through the bars and pegs, and it'll wear you down on a long day. You're asking the brake lever to haul 666 lb (302 kg) of cruiser down from speed. The chrome pipe channels the original.
Scout
A flick at the bar points the Scout down Iron Mountain Road, and its pegs don't touch down early. The liquid-cooled twin won't stop pulling as the revs climb. The clutch takes up softly.
Nils rode the Scout in the Canary Islands in 2021 (NastyNils Testride).
The Voice of Experience
What actually separates them
- The Dyna Low Rider FXDL has the lower seat: 25.5 in (648 mm) vs 26.5 in (673 mm).
- The Scout has the lower wet weight: 558 lb (253 kg) vs 666 lb (302 kg).
- The Scout makes more peak power: 100 hp (75 kW) vs 75 hp (56 kW).
Which one for the way you ride
Comfortable long-distance riding
Both fall short
Hours in the saddle won't flatter either of these. They're happier on shorter runs.
There's no real gap on character. Sit on both and let fit and price decide.
Who each one is built for
What's good, and what you'll live with
Dyna Low Rider FXDL
What owners say
Strengths
- Surprisingly agile handling for a big cruiser
- Timeless, aggressive hot-rod styling
Trade-offs
- Excessive engine vibration at certain RPMs
Scout
What owners say
Strengths
- Smooth and powerful engine
- Good clutch feel and gearbox
Known problems to check before you buy
Dyna Low Rider FXDL
- Ignition switch failure from engine vibration Recall 16V283000 Engine vibration between 4500-5500 RPM can damage the internal electronics of the ignition switch, leading to engine stalling while riding. Affected 2014-2016 models. Recalled: NHTSA Campaign 16V283. Dealer installs improved switch with snap ring and reinforced PCB.
Scout
- Rear brake master cylinder recall (2015, NHTSA Recall 15V-142) Recall 15V142000 Approximately 806 early 2015 Scouts were recalled due to a potential rear brake master cylinder issue that could reduce braking power. Authorized dealers inspect and replace the component free of charge.
What they cost used
These prices compare a 10-year-old Dyna Low Rider FXDL with a 10-year-old Scout.
- Dyna Low Rider FXDL
- about $11,900
- Scout
- about $8,000
At ten years old, the Dyna Low Rider FXDL sits around $11,900 while the Scout lands near $8,000. That's a $3,900 gap in the Scout's favor. These are US market estimates, not live listings.
What they share
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Final drive
- Belt
- Fork
- Telescopic
Where the spec sheets split
| Dyna Low Rider FXDL | Scout | |
|---|---|---|
| Seat height | 25.5 in (648 mm) | 26.5 in (673 mm) |
| Wet weight | 666 lb (302 kg) | 558 lb (253 kg) |
| Dyna Low Rider FXDL | Scout | |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1690 cc | 1133 cc |
| Engine | 45° V-twin | 60° V-twin |
| Cooling | Air-cooled | Liquid-cooled |
| Power | 75 hp (56 kW) | 100 hp (75 kW) |
| Peak power at | 5,010 rpm | 8,100 rpm |
| Torque | 101 lb-ft (136 Nm) | 72 lb-ft (98 Nm) |
| Peak torque at | 3,500 rpm | 5,900 rpm |
| Dyna Low Rider FXDL | Scout | |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel capacity | 4.7 US gal (17.8 L) | 3.3 US gal (12.5 L) |
| Dyna Low Rider FXDL | Scout | |
|---|---|---|
| Front brake | 300 mm | 298 mm |
| Front tire | 100/90-19 | 130/90-16 |
| Wheelbase | 64.2 in (1631 mm) | 61.5 in (1562 mm) |
What comes fitted, what costs extra
| Dyna Low Rider FXDL | Scout | |
|---|---|---|
| ABS | Option | Standard (from 2016) |
| Luggage System | Not offered | Option |
Head to head, area by area
Both bikes on the same scale, one area at a time.
