Why we love this bike:
Luuc delivered on an interesting design question. What might a current Indian Scout Bobber look like if the design hadn’t changed since the Scout’s original production 100 years ago?
Everything besides the engine on this bike is custom, and not only did Luuc create a modern classic, but he also got it done in 20 weeks! Our hats off to you.
As if completing this beauty wasn’t ambitious enough, Luuc seems to have many projects in the works (we know the feeling), and we can’t wait to see what comes next!
What was the donor bike and what condition was it in to begin with?
The donor bike was a 2019 Indian Scout Bobber, and it was brand new when I started the build. The build started as a design competition, and the winner got to build their own design.
When did you build the bike and how long did it take?
I built the bike in 2019 from the end of June up until the deadline on November 1st. That gave me 20 weeks exactly.
What was the projected budget and what was the final budget?
Haha, besides getting the bike for free, the building budget had to be my own. It ended up being my complete bank account - about 12k. Luckily, many partners were interested in sponsoring parts for the bike, such as the custom titanium exhaust by Akrapovic, the carbon front fork by Cera Carbon Racing, Motogadget, DNA performance, Kellermann, Motomaster, and a few others. Eventually, resulting in over 39k worth of parts on the bike.
What inspired the build and what were the design influences?
The inspiration came from Indian themselves. I wanted to take their 2019 model and design a bike with the following idea. What if the Scout line hadn’t changed in 100 years, but the technology did?
Please list the major modifications and fabrication completed.
Besides the engine, everything is custom, which is one of the coolest parts of the build. Specifically, the new frame that I engineered in 3D that was created out of 16 milled aluminum parts and tubing (milled by Scheffers Engineering). When I got all the parts, it was like a lego box putting everything together. Next to that was the gas tank, which also houses the bike’s: electric box, air intake, partial frame, and of course, fuel tank. The exhaust was just an experience on its own. I visited the Akrapovic factory and left with a custom titanium exhaust after a 3-day engineering and fabrication process.
Please describe the engine work completed.
The engine is actually still stock, but I had it completely dyno-tuned with a new Carrot C32 ECU. It now puts out an additional 21hp and a bunch more torque. Also, the bike weighs 71kg less than it originally did, so it roars right off the starting line.
Please list the additional components used.
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full Brembo brake system
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Avon tires
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Probolt racing bolts
Did you farm out any of the work to third parties?
Yeah, The milling was done by Scheffers Engineering and Vinco Racing. The front suspension was made by Cera Carbon Racing, the exhaust built by Akrapovic, VDB works helped with dyno tuning the bike to its max capabilities. Two friends of mine are collaborating on painting the gas tank of the bike along with a matching helmet.
What were the low points of the build?
The time crunch since it had to be all done in 20 weeks, and at the time, I still had a day job as well. So there were many, many long days and short nights. And eventually having to swap the completely new ECU with a different ECU since it just wouldn’t start. With the new ECU in, it was merely a matter of hours, and it started, compared to the 3-week nightmare of trying to get the other system work.
What were the high points of the build?
Visiting Akrapovic was one of the best experiences during the build! And as a surprise, almost everyone that helped on the bike came to the reveal of the bike, which was really cool (even all the way from Norway).
Now the build is finished how satisfied are you with the results?
I’m most certainly satisfied with the result! It’s been the most daring project I’ve done so far. Since this project, I decided to start for myself building custom bikes and doing engineering work full time.
Are you planning any future builds?
Well, of course, since the Indian, I built a 2020 Moto Guzzi V85tt for Vanguard (yet to be revealed), and I’m going to take on an XSR 700 to fabricate and manufacture a bolt-on custom kit. Along with many more projects lined up in the future.
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