Indian Unveils Bobber Trifecta at 2017 Brooklyn Invitational

Words & Photos by Andrew Campo & Indian Motorcycle

A few weeks back I was presented with the opportunity to take in the weekend alongside the team at Indian Motorcycle while attending the 9th annual Brooklyn Invitational Custom Motorcycle Show. The invite included a front row seat to the unveiling of three custom Indian Scout Bobber’s from renowned builders Satya Krause, Keino Sasaki, and a collaboration effort from Steve Caballero and Roland Sands. 

A weekend in a Brooklyn soaking in one of the most sought after shows on the calendar for the first time was soon a reality. Life was grande as I settled into my room at the exquisite William Vale Hotel perched high above the bustling Williamsburg neighborhood below. I counted my blessings while sitting on out on my balcony taking in the sea of glistening lights from the Manhattan skyline just across the East River. I reminded myself that night’s like these are few and far between as I began to photograph the streets below and began to feel as tomorrow could not come fast enough.

The following morning was spent in the company of fellow media peers downstairs eating lemon-ricotta pancakes, laughing as Roland entertained us with his stories, and listening to Steve Caballero explain why he does not believe that natural talent exist. You sir, are a wise man. The day could not have started off any better and I was simply honored to be in such good company. Anticipation was building and after the final sips of coffee rolled out of our cups we gathered our gear and headed out and around the corner to the venue at ROOT Studios to experience the the show first hand.

Before the doors opened to the public we were treated to a private introduction with the three commissioned Indian builders and they each walked us through their inspiration, vision and processes as they unveiled their finished creations. This was an impressive and respectableoffering by Indian as they honored the show through a creative offering that allowed each builder the opportunity to work from the one canvas expressing individual genius. Sponsoring an event is one thing, contributing opportunity in addition is another. Well done.

The end result being three totally unique custom interpretations of the Scout Bobber, which showcased the versatility of the platform and wide range of creative options each builder had to work with.

Keino’s build seemed to be from another world, it is a work of art and took on a creature-like life form that fit perfectly within the gallery setting.

“It was a great opportunity for me to work with the new Indian Scout Bobber with freedom of creativity and ideas. When I stripped the bike down to its main chassis, I knew it could go beyond its styling originally intended.  I hope this bike showcases the possibilities of the Scout Bobber with little imagination and creativity.”

Kraus presented a performance inspired caged monster that breathed insane notes through its 2-into-1 exhaust while creating curiosity through its unique styling.

“When we build on the foundations laid by tradition we are reminded to learn from the past and push the limits beyond what has been done.  Indian Motorcycle has opened the opportunity to recreate American made quality standards and performance.  Each Indian model platform has unique qualities that offer the aftermarket and consumer opportunities for customizations to easily reflect individual styles and designs.  It has been a complete pleasure to customize and build upon the foundation laid by Indian Motorcycle's engineers.”

The tasteful Caballero inspired Roland Sands street-tracker was oozing with attention to detail and truly resembled the man himself.

“The Indian Scout is a fantastic platform for customizations, and when we decided to customize a Scout Bobber for the Brooklyn Invitational I knew I wanted to work alongside Roland and his team at RSD. As a renowned bike builder, Roland has extended experience with the Scout platform and has a suite of offerings for the street flat tracker look we wanted to achieve.”

The room was alive with energy, it reminded me of a bunch of starry eyed kids in candy factory, all three builds warranted great respect and garnered a lot of attention throughout the show. The opportunity to see, touch, and hear these bikes in a personal setting brought to life a river of conversation that flowed all the way through lunch at the Keg and Lantern where we gathered with the team from Indian to watch their boy Jared Mees clinch the 2017 American Flat Championship. The beers began to pour and it was a treat getting to celebrate such an iconic moment alongside so many that have helped the brand to reach new heights after a 60 year hiatus from flat track racing.

We then returned to Brooklyn Invitational to experience the show and community. A beautiful collection of machines from the likes of Walt Siegl, Toshiyuki Osawa, Jim Garrison, and Nicke Svensson and others were on display thanks to the efforts of Jessica Wertz, Keino Sasaki, and John Copeland the team that curated the space and brought this years event to life. Live music belted out from one room, while ringing tattoo guns drew blood in the other. Everyone was drinking Coors Banquet, and I felt right home even though I was 1,800 miles away in Brooklyn.

The show didn’t stop at ROOT in fact it spilled out for blocks on end in every direction with custom bikes of all makes lining the streets, an impressive party indeed. I wondered around for hours just looking at bikes and making new friends. I fell in love with Brooklyn and the community and for the first time found myself inspired with the thought of riding daily in an urban giant like NYC. We capped off the night at the Westlight rooftop bar taking in one the most beautiful views the city has to offer and once again I found myself counting my blessings while imagining my return. 

The Builds

CUSTOMIZER: Keino Sasaki

BUILD TIME: 6 Weeks

INSPIRATION: Harkening back to the 1950's, 60’s and 70's, Keino’s custom Scout Bobber was inspired by streamliner trains, airplanes and automobiles.

MODIFICATIONS: 

• Aluminum fuel tank
• Front/rear fender
• Front fairing
• Exhaust pipes
• Beringer inboard brake system
• Custom spoke wheels
• Stock Modified rear set foot control

CUSTOMIZER: Satya Kraus / Kraus Motor Co.

BUILD TIME: 4 Weeks

INSPIRATION: Kraus Motor Co. was inspired by a new generation of motorcycle riders looking for quality and performance in their American motorcycle and aftermarket products.

MODIFICATIONS:

• Inverted Front Suspension with Ohlins Forks
• Beringer Radial Brake Caliper
• Beringer Master Cylinders
• 320mm Brake Tech Rotors
• Rotobox Carbon Fiber Wheels
• Pirelli Tires
• Clearwater LED Headlights
• Linear Steering Damper
• Kraus Isolated Risers
• Moto Style Bars
• Rizoma Mirror and Lever Guards
• Custom Seat by Saddlemans
• Billet Rear Shock Mount / Fender Struts
• Ohlins Rear Shocks
• Chain Drive
• Rear Radial Brake Caliper and Oversize Rotor
• Foot Controls - Rizoma Components & Beringer Master Cylinder
• Taylor Schultz Paint Job
• Stainless Steel 2 Into 1 Exhaust Executed by Fab28 Ind.

CUSTOMIZER: Steve Caballero with Roland Sands Design

BUILD TIME: 3 Weeks

INSPIRATION: Steve Caballero’s custom Indian Scout Bobber was inspired by the style and designs of a street flat tracker.  Utilizing Caballero’s number 360, he worked with Roland Sands to feature a variety of RSD’s premium offerings for a clean and classic look.

MODIFICATIONS:

• Narrowed Gas Tank 6 Inches
• RSD Enzo Solo Seat
• RSD Hand Fabricated Aluminum Oval Number Plates
• RSD Track Stainless Steel 2-into-1 Prototype Exhaust
• RSD Custom Stainless Steel Mesh Radiator Guard 
• RSD Front Belt Guard
• RSD Pulley Cover
• RSD Rear Belt Guard
• Front & Rear Wheel – Indian Spoked Hubs, Re-laced with Excel Rims (Pinstriped by Sonny Boy)
• Front Tire - Dunlop DT3 Flat Track Race Tire (130/80-19)
• Rear Tire – Dunlop DT3 Flat Track Race Tire (140/80-19)
• RSD Traction Grips
• RSD Radial Master Cylinder 9/16’ bore (custom 1”-to-7/8” reducers)
• RSD Radial Cable Clutch Perch & Lever (custom 1”-to-7/8” reducers)
• RSD Mid Controls
• Barnett Cables & Clutches
• Renthal FA Tbar Handlebars
• RSD Pullback Riser 1-1/8”
• RSD Gauge Relocator
• Turn Signals Removed with Custom Spacer
• RSD tracker Fork Brace
• 12.0” Proressive Suspension 970 Series Reservoir Shocks
• RSD Verticle Shock-mount Taq Bracket
• Jesse Davis Pain
• Sonny Boy Pinstriping & Indian Headdress and 12k Gold Leaf Work
• Colors – Grigio Telesto with Brushed Silver Sides
• Powdercoat Work by Specialized Coatings (Huntington Beach, CA)