I started by reverse engineering the Bobber. I digitalised the engine with a scanner to get the exact geometry and dimensions to design around. With the 2D design as reference, the frame started to take shape 3D, via Autodesk Fusion 360 CAD software.
Straight away, I generated 16 parts that needed to be milled from solid aluminum. These went to Scheffers Engineering in Norway, and were combined with tubing to create a new three-piece aluminum frame.
The 69ci (1,133cc) V-twin engine was the only part of the original Scout that I kept—aside from the axles. Everything else was designed and built from scratch.
“At this point, half the available time had already passed,” “Time became my enemy. Working my day job 40 hours a week, and building this bike as well, started to take its toll. My only choice was to work late during the nights.”
The handmade gas tank was an even bigger challenge than the frame, because I needed to fit several components inside.
The tank literally forms part of the frame—there is no backbone under it—and hides the engine air intake, the air filter and the electronic brains of the Scout. They’re split into two boxes: a Motogadget m.unit control unit and a Carrot ECU engine management system.
The tank is entirely handmade out of sheet metal. The left and middle sections hold the fuel and air intake, and the right side (where you can see the body gap) is a cover that hides the electronics, throttle body, air filter and fuel pump.
Fortunately for me, a helpful selection of partners jumped into the fray. There’s a full carbon fork from CeraCarbon Racing, with diamond-cut ceramic-coated carbon fork tubes to add a modern race feel. The rear suspension is a one-off system inspired by modern MTB bike design.
A set of one-off rims from JSR Service are fitted with a custom Moto-Master brake system and Brembo calipers. Old Dutch Leatherworks made the seat and DNA Performance Filters produced a one-off air filter to fit the space underneath the gas tank.
Finally, Kellermann supplied the ridiculously small turn signals, which also act as braking lights.
Sending off all the parts for paint, powder coat and anodizing gave me a few days to catch up on sleep and focus on planning a trip to Akrapovič.
Together with a friend we put the semi-assembled Scout Bobber into a rented van and drove over 1,200 kilometers across Europe to the titanium foundry at Akrapovič’s headquarters in Slovenia.
“We were overwhelmed with what we saw, and the way Akrapovič committed themselves to the project.” The Slovenian experts also have form with custom Indians: they helped with the amazing Appaloosa Scout Bobber from Workhorse too.
When you press that start button there is just the sound of violence. The two short Titanium pipes just roar and you can feel the sound trough your entire body. flames spitting out of the exhaust, exhaust pressure just blowing everything out of the way. Riding the bike is a complete different story then riding my regular ride a MT-07. This really gives a feel of how loud and noisy the board track races must have been 100 years ago with barely 20″ long exhausts.
I’m very curious to your verdict as judges and looking forward to the reactions of the audience.