The vision behind the RSD Scout
The RSD Scout is the first of three unique custom bikes based on the new Indian Scout platform. This creation embodies what Roland Sands Design is all about: transforming cruisers into powerful machines.
“What makes an RSD bike is the ability to take a machine and make it better,” explained Roland Sands. “We’ve always turned cruisers into sportbikes. This bike has the signature RSD silhouette, and the impressive thing was how easy it was to fit the new Scout into the RSD pattern.”
Inspiration from Ed ‘Iron Man’ Kretz
Each Forged bike is inspired by a historical figure, machine or era from the Scout’s 100+ year history. For this build, RSD chose Ed ‘Iron Man’ Kretz as inspiration. Kretz was known for his never give up attitude and built many high performance race bikes for Indian Motorcycle. Sands commented, “It was like, okay, what would Ed build today? A wild racing motorcycle.”
Technical details of the RSD Scout
To bring Kretz’s racing spirit to the 2025 Sport Scout, RSD drew on its extensive experience with Scout and FTR flat track race bikes. For improved performance and handling, the front forks and triple clamps were upgraded to FTR parts. Braking performance was increased through the use of Brembo dual disc brakes and radially mounted calipers. An FTR swing arm was installed at the rear, which was combined with Indian Piggyback shock absorbers and a Brembo brake calliper. The bike now rolls on 17-inch RSD Dymag wheels with Dunlop Sportmax Q5S tires that take full advantage of the improvements.
Aaron Boss added: “From there we continued with some modifications, such as adapting the front fairing to the new forks and adjusting the stock footpegs for a sportier riding position. With the engine already well tuned from the factory, I made a custom titanium exhaust system and the rear end is based on the original RSD flattrack rear end design for the previous generation Scouts, but we upgraded it with new sides and a lower fender.”
Stylish details and colors
The bike was finished with a custom seat from Saddlemen and an eye-catching black and yellow color scheme. A special detail is the image of Sylvester the cat emblazoned under the tail, inspired by an old business card of Ed Kretz that the team found in the archives.
Joshua Dun and his first encounter with the RSD Scout
Joshua Dun, who is relatively new to the motorcycle world, had previously ridden an FTR and opted for a Scout Bobber as his first bike. When he first saw the RSD Scout, Dun was immediately impressed: “Wow. This thing is perfect. The colors are perfect. The whole thing makes sense. And I think my gut feeling was right, that the brand and the people behind Indian Motorcycle are just a cool bunch.”
Aaron Boss added: “The reason I build motorcycles is to inspire other people. And when he walked in and his jaw dropped, I knew he was excited.”
Roland Sands added: “This is 100% a bike I would personally own. How do you design a bike that makes you feel like a badass? I think that’s the recipe for it.”
Technical specifications of the RSD Indian Scout
Custom Fabrication
- – Rear wheel guard: Standard brackets and mudguard removed
- – Rear section: RSD custom-made Saddlemen rear section
- – Seat: Saddlemen
- – Bodywork: Scout Bobber upper fairing adapted to FTR fork
- – Exhaust: RSD custom stainless steel with SC Projects silencer
Chassis
- – Handlebar risers: RSD Sector 8″ risers with custom 3D printed spacer and speedo bracket
- – Triple clamps: FTR 1200 as standard with modified steerer for Scout
- – Handlebars: Pro Taper Carmichael Bend
- – Front suspension: FTR 1200 forks
- – Clutch lever: FTR 1200
- – Hand controls: Standard Scout
- – Switches: Standard Scout
- – Foot controls: Scout Bobber footpegs on center controls with RSD traction pegs
- – Front brakes: Brembo with remote reservoir FTR 1200
- – Front brake calipers: Brembo radial mounted from FTR 1200
- – Front brake disks: Brembo for FTR
- – Front mudguard: FTR 1200
- – Front wheel: RSD Sector x Dymag 17 x 3.5 for FTR 1200
- – Swingarm: RSD modified FTR 1200 from Trac Dynamics for Scout, relocated swingarm axle in drilled and tapped Scout engine
- – Rear shock absorbers: Scout 101 with RSD shock absorber plates to increase ride height
- – Rear brake: FTR 1200 with FTR brake disk, standard
- – Rear wheel: RSD Sector x Dymag 17 x 6 for FTR 1200
Lighting
- – Front light: Scout as standard
- – Rear light: Baja Designs rear light
Tires
- – Front tire: Dunlop Q5S 120 – 70/17
- – Rear tire: Dunlop Q5S 180 – 55/17
- – Drive: Talon rear sprocket 45 – 525
- – Chain: D.I.D. chain – 525
finish
- – Graphics: RSD Design realized by Air Trix
- – Coatings: Specialized Powdercoating
- – Fastening elements: SpeBolt
Social Media
- – Joshua Dun – IG @joshuadun / FB @joshuadun
- – Roland Sands Design IG @rolandsandsdesign / FB @RolandSandsD
More episodes of the Forged series
The Forged series, hosted by Roland Sands, shows in six parts how customizers were involved in the design and development process of the new Indian Scout from the very beginning. The final two episodes will feature the finished builds by Brittney Olsen and Ronna Norén.
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