By NastyNils·
Motorcycle comparison · Cruiser
Harley-Davidson Softail Street Bob 114 FXBBS (MY2021) vs Indian Scout (MY2015)
Off a stoplight with a fat handful of throttle, the Harley-Davidson Softail Street Bob 114 FXBBS doesn't wait for revs and lunges ahead at the first twist. On the Indian Scout, power swells steadily with the throttle.
So which one do you buy?
The Softail Street Bob 114 FXBBS has the edge if…
Character, looks and sound
Inches ahead: Softail Street Bob 114 FXBBS
The Softail Street Bob 114 FXBBS has a bit more presence and character. Put it down to a purer look and a better engine note. This one still comes down to taste.
The Scout has the edge if…
Daily commuting & city riding
Edges it: Scout
For the ride to work, the Scout noses ahead. The reason: friendlier manners and a smaller footprint. Don't let that alone make the call.
Keeping running costs low
A touch ahead: Scout
Running costs lean slightly toward the Scout. A well-kept example of either matters more.
Sporty riding on twisty roads
Small edge: Scout
In the twisties, the Scout asks a bit less of you to go quickly. Call it a modest edge.
Which one's the smarter buy
Better value: Scout
The Indian Scout is the better buy at these used prices. You get more bike for the money with the Scout.
What makes each one tick
Softail Street Bob 114 FXBBS
The Street Bob's Milwaukee-Eight twin pulls hard from idle clean to redline, and there's always shove left for a pass or a long climb. On Iron Mountain Road, its narrow tires and sorted suspension get the bike turning into each bend without a wrestle. The weight doesn't show. The mini-ape bars stretch the grips up into the wind.
Scout
The Scout's liquid-cooled twin pulls hard and doesn't turn rough as the tach climbs. The gearbox doesn't fumble a shift. Once the brake lever has brought the Scout to a stop, its 26.5 in (673 mm) seat sits low enough for both feet to land flat. Its ground clearance keeps the pegs off the pavement.
Nils rode the Scout in the Canary Islands in 2021 (NastyNils Testride).
The Voice of Experience
What actually separates them
- The Scout has the lower wet weight: 558 lb (253 kg) vs 655 lb (297 kg).
- The Scout makes more peak power: 100 hp (75 kW) vs 94 hp (70 kW).
- The Softail Street Bob 114 FXBBS makes more peak torque: 119 lb-ft (161 Nm) vs 72 lb-ft (98 Nm).
Which one for the way you ride
Comfortable long-distance riding
Not built for this
For all-day comfort, both fall short. Keep the rides short and you'll get on fine with either.
Who each one is built for
What's good, and what you'll live with
Softail Street Bob 114 FXBBS
What owners say
Strengths
- Agile handling for its size
- Huge torque from the Milwaukee-Eight 114
- Minimalist, cool styling
Scout
What owners say
Strengths
- Low seat height for approachability
- Smooth and powerful engine
- Good clutch feel and gearbox
Known problems to check before you buy
Softail Street Bob 114 FXBBS
No confirmed faults on file yet. That's not the same as fault-free.
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 4-year-old Softail Street Bob 114 FXBBS with a 4-year-old Scout.
- Softail Street Bob 114 FXBBS
- $14,100
- Scout
- $9,500
At four years old, the Softail Street Bob 114 FXBBS sits around $14,100 while the Scout lands near $9,500. That's a $4,600 gap in the Scout's favor. These figures come from earlier used-market records, not live listings.
What they share
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Final drive
- Belt
- Fork
- Telescopic
- Rear tire
- 150/80-16
Where the spec sheets split
| Softail Street Bob 114 FXBBS | Scout | |
|---|---|---|
| Seat height | 26.8 in (681 mm) | 26.5 in (673 mm) |
| Wet weight | 655 lb (297 kg) | 558 lb (253 kg) |
| Softail Street Bob 114 FXBBS | Scout | |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1868 cc | 1133 cc |
| Engine | 45° V-twin | 60° V-twin |
| Cooling | Air/oil-cooled | Liquid-cooled |
| Power | 94 hp (70 kW) | 100 hp (75 kW) |
| Peak power at | 5,020 rpm | 8,100 rpm |
| Torque | 119 lb-ft (161 Nm) | 72 lb-ft (98 Nm) |
| Peak torque at | 3,000 rpm | 5,900 rpm |
| Softail Street Bob 114 FXBBS | Scout | |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy | 47 mpg (US) / 5 L/100 km | 44 mpg (US) / 5.4 L/100 km |
| Fuel capacity | 3.5 US gal (13.2 L) | 3.3 US gal (12.5 L) |
| Softail Street Bob 114 FXBBS | Scout | |
|---|---|---|
| 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
| Softail Street Bob 114 FXBBS | Scout | |
|---|---|---|
| ABS | Option | Standard (from 2016) |
| Cruise Control | Option | Not offered |
| Heated Grips | Not offered | Option |
| Luggage System | Not offered | Option |
Head to head, area by area
Both bikes on the same scale, one area at a time.
