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Indian Black Bullet Scout Hotrod to Scorch the Desert

Some two years ago, we were told that things were only starting as far as the new era in Indian Motorcycles' history was concerned. Halfway in 2015, it's clear for everybody that those weren't just idle threats. Here's the Black Bullet Scout, a new creation signed by the hotrod guru Jeb Scolman.
Indian Black Bullet Scout 9 photos
Photo: Todd Williams
Indian Black Bullet ScoutIndian Black Bullet ScoutIndian Black Bullet ScoutIndian Black Bullet ScoutIndian Black Bullet ScoutIndian Black Bullet ScoutIndian Black Bullet ScoutIndian Black Bullet Scout
It's not the first time when Indian and Scolman get together. Back in 2013, Jeb also designed the Spirit of Munro streamliner Indian used to introduce the all-new Thunder Stroke 111 engine. However, for the Black Bullet Scout, Scolman received no creation brief. All he got was a 2015 Scout engine and a free hand. He could build whatever he wanted, no questions asked.

Jeb Scolman wanted to recreate the pure speed bike design of the '50s and '60s, the same bikes that started the land speed record madness and the whole drag racing thrills that endured until nowadays. He then knew the machine he would build was not going to look like other common ones.

All-custom, all-metal, all-handmade

Speed has a direct relationship with the aerodynamics of a vehicle, so Jeb Scolman went on to explore some of the solutions the early speed freaks used back in the day. Indian recollects the post-war days of motorcycling reminding how people would use airplane drop tanks for race cars hulls and adopting various nose cone shapes to cut better through the wind.

Since "speed" was the keyword, the streamliner design was obviously the only choice. Scolman even revised the engine architecture a bit, casting a custom intake manifold that could be turned sideways, allowing for a tighter engine packaging.

The whole body of the Black Bullet Scout is governed by minimalism, with a diminutive seat integrated with the fluidly-shaped fender, and low-mount clip-ons. The neo-retro vibe is enhanced by one-piece windscreen that protrudes in front of the small headlight and is fixed by a chromed bezel riveted to the front cowl.

It indeed looks like a bullet and the small-diameter, elongated tank also comes with a small profile, providing support for the rider that almost rests on his or her chest. The foot pegs are attached to the rear axle mount, adding to the Bonneville-esque riding position.

The chromed-out rims introduce a dash of modern looks, and you will observe the missing brakes on the front one. This bike was built to scorch the desert and will also be present at the Bonneville Salt Flats in early August, in case the Bonneville Speed Week isn't cancelled due to the decay of the salt surface we told you about yesterday.

Those attending the Sturgis rally thins year will also be able to meet the Black Bullet Scout in person, at the Indian display booth on Lazelle St between July 31st and August 8th.

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