American-V 097

Yes, that is a Scout on stilts on the cover, except it really isn’t any more than a Buell was a Sportster in a tracksuit. Welcome to a new face of American motorcycles.

For the better?

Yes, of course it is: diversity is good for business providing it is done properly, and Indian deserve to have a winner on their hands here, even if it does lack the traditional heartbeat of a classic American v-twin. So did a Twin Cam to those brought up on Shovels, and I daresay a Shovel did to those who loved Knuckles.

To counter that, we’ve got our first full test on the Heritage Classic since its launch, and the masters of modern Harley customising have put their stamp on a stunning Pan that I want to own more than I can put into words … or that my bank manager would put at my disposal.

Add a stunning KHK survivor, a Softail-style single-cam big twin custom that has never seen the inside of a Motor Company factory, and Boz’s stunning experience with S&S’ 50-state, emission-compliant Superstreet, and you’ve got American-V 97!