2020 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight vs 2021 Indian Scout Bobber

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2020 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight 2020 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight

Custom / cruiser

Engine
V2, four-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
555.6 pounds
2021 Indian Scout Bobber 2021 Indian Scout Bobber

Custom / cruiser

Engine
Four stroke, 60° V-Twin, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Power
100 hp / 74.5 kW
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
251 kg / 555 lbs
Full Specifications
General
Year-2020 - 21
ColoursVivid Black, Performance Orange, Stone Washed White Pearl, River Rock Grey Denim, Stiletto Red-
Make Model-Indian Scout Bobber
Dimensions
Seat Heigth -Alternate (in.)28.0 inches-
Seat Heigth -Alternate (mm)711 mm-
Ground Clearance (mm)110 mm-
Ground Clearance (in.)4.3 inches-
Seat Height665 mm / 26.2 in.649 mm / 25.6 in
Wheelbase1495 mm / 58.9 in.1576 mm / 62 in
Ground Clearance-130 mm / 5.1 in
Height-1053 mm / 41.5 in
Length2164 mm / 85.2 in.2223 mm / 87.5 in
Width-926 mm / 36.5 in
Weights & Capacities
Oil Capacity (Quarts)2.96 US quarts-
Oil Capacity (l)2.80 litres-
Dry Weight247 kg / 544.5 lbs242 kg / 534 lbs
Fuel Capacity7.90 litres / 2.09 US gallons12.5 Litres / 3.3 US gal
Maximum Load / GVWR-449 kg / 988 lbs
Wet Weight252.0 kg / 555.6 lbs251 kg / 555 lbs
Performance
Max Power-100 hp / 74.5 kW
Max Torque99.0 Nm (10.1 kgf-m or 73.0 ft.lbs) @ 3500 Revolutions"72.2 lb-ft / 97.7 Nm @ 6000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio0.2632 HP/kg-
Engine
Displacement (ci)73.35 cubic inches-
Displacement (cc)1202.0 cc-
Fuel ControlDouble Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)-
Engine TypeV2, four-stroke-
Bore x Stroke (in,)3.5 x 3.8 inches-
Bore x Stroke (mm)88.9 x 96.8 mm-
CO2113.7 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)-
Displacement-1133 cc / 69 cu-in
Engine DetailEvolution® engineFour stroke, 60° V-Twin, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Fuel SystemInjection. Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection-
Bore x Stroke-99 x 73.6mm
Compression Ratio10.0:110.7:1
Cooling System-Liquid Cooled
Engine LubricationDry sump-
ExhaustBlack, staggered exhaust with slash-cut mufflersSplit dual exhaust with crossover
Fuel Consumption4.90 litres/100 km (20.4 km/l or 48.00 mpg)-
Fuel Induction-Electronic fuel injection, closed loop / 60 mm bore
Lubrication-Semi-Dry Sump
StarterElectricElectric
Drivetrain
ClutchMulti-plate with diaphragm spring in oil bathWet, multi-plate
Final DriveBelt   (final drive)Belt, 2.357 : 1
Gear Ratios-1st 10.926 : 1 / 2nd 7.427 : 1 / 3rd 5.918 : 1 / 4th 5.022 : 1 / 5th 4.439 : 1 / 6th 3.810 : 1
Gearbox6-speed-
Primary Drive57/38 ratioGear drive wet clutch
Transmission / Drive-6 Speed sliding-mesh/foot shift
Chassis
Suspension - FrontTelescopic fork41mm Telescopic fork - cartridge type
Suspension - RearTwin shocksDual shocks
Rake30.2°29°
Trail135 mm / 5.3 in.120 mm / 4.7 in
Wheel Travel - Front-120 mm / 4.7 in
Wheel Travel - Rear-51 mm / 2.0 in
Electrical Systems
InstrumentationHandlebar-mounted electronic speedometer with odometer, time-of-day clock, dual tripmeter, low fuel warning light, low oil pressure light, engine diagnostics readout, LED indicator lights-
Lighting systemHigh beam, neutral, low oil pressure, turn signals, engine diagnostics, low fuel warning, low battery, security system (optional)-
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - FrontSingle disc. Dual-piston. Optional ABS.Single 298 mm rotor with 2 piston caliper
Brakes - RearSingle disc. Single-piston. Optional ABS.Single 298 mm rotor with 1 piston caliper
RimsBlack, Split 9-Spoke Cast Aluminum w/ Machined Highlights-
Tyres - Front130/90-B16130/90B16 76H
Tyres - Rear-150/80B16 77H
Wheels - Front-Cast black 16 in x 3.5 in
Wheels - Rear-Cast black 16 in x 3.5 in

Verdict

Winner on specs

2021 Indian Scout Bobber

The 2021 Indian Scout Bobber edges out the 2020 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight thanks to its lower seat height, liquid cooling and greater ground clearance. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2020 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight - Advantages

  • Competitive all-round: The 2020 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight matches or exceeds its rival across all measured criteria.

2021 Indian Scout Bobber - Advantages

  • Lower seat height: 649 mm vs 665 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
  • Liquid cooling: Consistent engine temperature in stop-start traffic and hot climates.
  • More ground clearance: 130 mm vs 110 mm - better clearance over rocks and obstacles.

2020 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight vs 2021 Indian Scout Bobber - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2020 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight and 2021 Indian Scout Bobber?
The 2020 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight uses V2, four-stroke, while the 2021 Indian Scout Bobber is powered by Four stroke, 60° V-Twin, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2020 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight or the 2021 Indian Scout Bobber?
The 2021 Indian Scout Bobber has the lower seat at 649 mm, making it more accessible. The 2020 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight sits higher at 665 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Which should I buy, the 2020 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight or the 2021 Indian Scout Bobber?
Both are strong choices. The 2020 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight has its own strengths, while the 2021 Indian Scout Bobber stands out for lower seat height and liquid cooling. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.