Who has a Scout and rides two up on it? Getting older and with the heat here in Arizona I am looking to down sizing to maybe a Scout. I have had two shoulder operations, a hip and knee surgery and at almost 68 the Chieftain is getting heavy for me.
Although I don't ride 2up, I have heard it is no problem for most day rides. However, weight could be an issue. No offense, but what are your combined weights? Anyway, there are mods and adjustments for the Scout so you can make what you need. Good luck on your choice.
I've been riding 2up on a 2016 Scout for years, often on the road for a few days at a time. Upgrading the shocks and springs was a must to stop that frequent kick in the backside from the stock shocks bottoming out. I've got Nitron R1s on there now and they work well for the way we load down the bike. The later Scouts do have better factory shocks than the 2016 but I've never toured on a later model bike so can't really speak to their 2up performance. Basic touring needs will be larger bags, touring seat and backrest for your passenger, and a carrier for a backpack or similar. We also sometimes use a tank bag on the longer trips. I've tried a few screens but have always prefered riding a naked bike so end up taking them off again. Others on here have found screens that work for them. Power is never going to be a problem as the Scout can move, but the fuel tank is a bit small; having said that I've never run out of fuel and the stops are usually welcome for a leg stretch anyway. The ride is probable not as comfortable as you're used to on your Chieftan but if it keeps you riding then it's got to be good. Test rides are the first step.
I would suggest you go and ride a scout and 2 up not on your own find a road that is bumpy. By the time you replace both front and rear shocks buy bags etc it gets up there in price. An no you cannot get a successful suspension result by doing rear shocks only or front only. Indian did change front suspension 2019 onwards but it is still rubbish.
Well I have ridden several Scouts on demo days, however none of them are setup for two that the wife would ride on as the rear seat is too small. I come in at about 215lbs and she is at about 120lbs. As far as bumpy roads any road in Tucson is very bumpy. We don't plan on any over night trips anymore just daily rides that would be about 200-250 miles as everything is spread out here. If not the Scout what should I look at? As being retired it will need to be used or under $15K.
Take a look at the new Chief line up. Both the 111 and 116 engines provide plenty of power and they weight in about 650lbs.Still may need some suspension upgrades for two up riding. The super Chief has the backrest and shield and bags. Worth a look.
My wife and I ride a scout 2-up, and neither have ever had any issue with it. It's a 2021, so it's a newer model, and the suspesion is ok. Might change it in the future, but it does the job, it's not the horror story I hear from older models. As far as touring, we do a fair amount of touring in it, though being a new bike, we haven't had as many chances as with our previous bikes. We did manage to tour a little last August, did a few shorter weekend trips, and each month we go visit her family, which is a 375 miles round trip (not really touring, but it's more or less equvalent to a day trip). We were perfectly fine and comfortable. As for extras, we got the touring seat and backrest, which are IMHO a must for longer rides, specially for the pillion. Ton of a difference compared to the standard 2-up seat that was on the demo bike. Getting the touring seat is a must if you're riding 2-up, as far as I'm concerned. We also got the quick release bags, and as great as they look the feel somewhat small, specially the upper opening. Honestly, if I were to do it all over again, I would probably get some aftermarket bigger bags, and to hell with the quick release. A luggage rack is a must for additional bags when staying overnight or touring, but that's always the case for any bike I've owned (never had a trunk). We also have an aftermarket windscreen, and it's been the first time I've had one on a bike. I find it comfortable, so I must be getting softer in my old age lol, but not an absolute necessity. As for power, I find the scout has more than enough power to tour. Could you get more from a 116 thunderstroke? Yes, of course. Do you really need it to tour? Not IMHO. As for heat, I live in Spain, so I'm guessing we have a similarly warm weather. The scout does get warm when you're waiting a red light in the summer, specially when wearing shorts and the fan starts spinning and sending all the scorching-hot air right into your calfs. But what can you do? I think the thunderstrock must be way worse in the heat department, but I've only ridden a chieftain once, and it was late winter, so I didn't notice it.
Thanks.for replies, we would be doing any overnight rides, and yes it does get hot here. The monsoons are hit and miss this year and it is starting to cool down from 113f to low 100's but high humidity! So not much riding unless it is before or right at sun risie, as the Chieftain does get hot in this weather.
We're at 90ºF and 68% humidity here right now at 6:30 pm, if that's any indication as to how similar/different the weather is from your place.
I did have a 2015 Scout, reworked front and rear suspension. I was about 220 lbs and X was @125 lbs. It was OK for short distances, but was only ridden for my "shock and awe" campaign. I did not set it up for two person riding, nor did I intend to when I bought it. I did find the bike unacceptably uncomfortable for anything beyond 75 miles (At the time, I also had a '09 Ultra in the garage for two up longer distance). I'm not saying it can't be done on a Scout (which was attested to in this thread), but I do think you'll be happier if you went to something like a Springfield/Spr DH. Feels much lighter and handles great without the mounted fairing and is still a fully adaptable two up - any distance you want to ride- bike.
I have a friend that rides all over two up in UK and to France with this! When I was there he said they go everywhere on it.