2025 BMW R 12 S vs 2021 Indian Scout

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2025 BMW R 12 S 2025 BMW R 12 S

Custom / cruiser

Engine
Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, two camshafts and four radially aligned valves per cylinder, central counter balancer shaft.
Power
81 kW / 109 hp @ 7000 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
220 kg / 485 lbs
2021 Indian Scout 2021 Indian Scout

Custom / cruiser

Engine
Four stroke, 60° V-Twin, DOHC, 4-valves per cylinder
Power
100 hp / 74.5 kW @ 8100 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
253 kg / 558 lbs
Full Specifications
General
Year20252020 - 21
Make ModelBMW R 12 SIndian Scout
Dimensions
Seat Height795 mm / 31.3 in673 mm / 26.5 in Laden 643 mm/ 25.3 in
Wheelbase1511 mm / 59.5 in1562 mm / 61.5 in
Ground Clearance-135 mm / 5.3 in
Height-1207 mm / 47.5 in
Length2131 mm / 83.9 in2311 mm / 91 in
Width871 mm / 34.3 in880 mm / 34.6 in
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight-244 kg / 538 lbs
Fuel Capacity15.9 Litres / 4.2 US gal12.5 Litres / 3.3 US gal
Maximum Load / GVWR-449 kg / 988 lbs
Oil Capacity-4.73 Litres
Wet Weight220 kg / 485 lbs253 kg / 558 lbs
Performance
Max Power81 kW / 109 hp @ 7000 rpm100 hp / 74.5 kW @ 8100 rpm
Max Torque115 Nm / 81 lb-ft @ 6500 rpm72.2 ft-lbs / 97.7 Nm @ 5900 rpm
Engine
Displacement1170 cc / 71.4 cub in1133 cc / 69 cu in
Engine DetailFour stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, two camshafts and four radially aligned valves per cylinder, central counter balancer shaft.Four stroke, 60° V-Twin, DOHC, 4-valves per cylinder
Bore x Stroke101 x 73 mm99 x 73.6mm / 3.898 x 2.898 in
Compression Ratio12:110.7:1
Cooling SystemAir/oil cooledLiquid cooled
EmissionsControlled 3-way catalytic converter, exhaust emission standards EU-59-
Engine Oil Specification-SAE 15W60
Exhaust-Split dual exhaust with crossover, exhaust control two O2 sensors, one each bank, single three-way catalyst in each muffler
Fuel InductionElectronic intake pipe injection / digital engine management system: BMS-O with throttle-by-wireElectronic fuel injection, closed loop, 60 mm bore
Fuel TypeUnleaded super (premium), octane number 95-98 (RON) (rated output at 98 RON)-
LubricationWet sumpSemi-dry sump
StarterElectricElectric
EV Specifics
Battery Capacity-12 volts / 12 amp/hour, 210 CCA, Maintenance Free AGM
Drivetrain
ClutchSingle dry plate clutch, hydraulically operatedWet, multi-plate
Final DriveShaftBelt drive, 141 tooth
Final Drive Ratio-2.357:1
Gear Ratios1st = 2.375, 2nd = 1.696, 3rd = 1.296, 4th = 1.065, 5th = 0.939, 6th = 0.8481st 10.782:1 2nd 7.328:1 3rd 5.841:1 4th 4.957:1 5th 4.380:1 6th 4.034:1
Primary Drive-Gear drive wet clutch
Primary Drive Ratios1.737-
Transmission / Drive6-speed, claw-shifted transmission with separate transmission housing6 Speed sliding-mesh/foot shift
Chassis
Frame TypeFour-part frame concept with front frame and three-part rear frame, load-bearing engine-gearbox unit, rear-seat frame removeable for one-up riding-
Suspension - FrontUpside-down 45 mm forks, compression, rebound and spring preload adjustable;41 mm Telescopic fork,
Suspension - RearCast aluminium single swinging arm with BMW Motorrad Paralever; central spring strut, spring preload fully adjustable by hook wrench, adjustable rebound-stage dampingDual shocks
Rake27.7 °29°
Trail112 mm / 4.4 in119.9 mm / 4.7 in
Wheel Travel - Front120 mm / 4.7 in 120 mm / 4.7 in
Wheel Travel - Rear120 mm / 4.7 in76 mm / 3.0 in
Electrical Systems
Charging System-35 amp max output
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - FrontTwin disc brake, floating brake discs, diameter 310 mm, 4-piston Monobloc radial brake caliperSingle 298 mm rotor with 2 piston caliper
Brakes - RearSingle 265 mm disc, 2 piston floating caliperSingle 298 mm rotor with 1 piston caliper
ABSBMW Motorrad ABS Pro, partial integral-
Rims - Front3.50 x 17-
Rims - Rear5.50 x 17-
Tyres - Front120/70 - ZR17130/90-16 72H
Tyres - Rear180/55 - ZR17150/80-16 71H
WheelsAluminium cast wheels-
Wheels - Front-Cast 16" x 3.5"
Wheels - Rear-Cast 16" x 3.5"

Verdict

Too close to call

The 2025 BMW R 12 S and the 2021 Indian Scout are evenly matched across the key measurable criteria. Your decision comes down to personal preference, riding style, and which brand's dealer network best suits your location.

Key Differences

2025 BMW R 12 S - Advantages

  • Lighter: 220 kg vs 253 kg - easier to handle and less fatiguing on long trips.
  • Standard ABS: A meaningful safety advantage in emergency braking on wet or loose surfaces.
  • More rear wheel travel: 120 mm vs 76 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.

2021 Indian Scout - Advantages

  • More power: Produces 100 hp vs 81 kW - a meaningful performance advantage.
  • Lower seat height: 673 mm vs 795 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
  • Liquid cooling: Consistent engine temperature in stop-start traffic and hot climates.

2025 BMW R 12 S vs 2021 Indian Scout - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2025 BMW R 12 S and 2021 Indian Scout?
The 2025 BMW R 12 S uses Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, two camshafts and four radially aligned valves per cylinder, central counter balancer shaft., while the 2021 Indian Scout is powered by Four stroke, 60° V-Twin, DOHC, 4-valves per cylinder.
Which is lighter, the 2025 BMW R 12 S or the 2021 Indian Scout?
The 2025 BMW R 12 S is lighter at 220 kg compared to 253 kg for the 2021 Indian Scout - a difference of 33 kg. This is a meaningful difference that affects handling and rider fatigue.
Which has more power, the 2025 BMW R 12 S or the 2021 Indian Scout?
The 2021 Indian Scout produces more peak power at 100 hp, compared to 81 kW for the 2025 BMW R 12 S.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2025 BMW R 12 S or the 2021 Indian Scout?
The 2021 Indian Scout has the lower seat at 673 mm, making it more accessible. The 2025 BMW R 12 S sits higher at 795 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Does the 2025 BMW R 12 S or 2021 Indian Scout have ABS?
The 2025 BMW R 12 S is listed with ABS as standard. The 2021 Indian Scout does not list ABS. ABS provides a meaningful safety benefit in emergency braking on wet or loose surfaces.
Which should I buy, the 2025 BMW R 12 S or the 2021 Indian Scout?
Both are strong choices. The 2025 BMW R 12 S has the edge in lighter kerb weight and standard ABS, while the 2021 Indian Scout stands out for more peak power and lower seat height. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.