2025 BMW R 12G/S vs 2021 Indian Scout

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles

Differences only

2025 BMW R 12G/S

Engine

Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, with four camshaft-operated valves and two overhead camshafts per cylinder.

Power

81 kW / 109 hp @ 7000 rpm

Top Speed

N/A

Weight

229 kg / 505 lbs

2021 Indian Scout

Custom / cruiser

Engine

Four stroke, 60° V-Twin, DOHC, 4-valves per cylinder

Power

100 hp / 74.5 kW @ 8100 rpm

Top Speed

N/A

Weight

253 kg / 558 lbs

Full Specifications

Differs Same

General
Year	2025	2020 - 21
Make Model	BMW R 12G/S	Indian Scout
Dimensions
Seat Height	860 mm / 33.9 in (875 mm / 34.4 in Enduro Package)	673 mm / 26.5 in Laden 643 mm/ 25.3 in
Wheelbase	1580 mm / 62.2 in (1585 / 62.4 in Enduro Package)	1562 mm / 61.5 in
Ground Clearance	-	135 mm / 5.3 in
Height	-	1207 mm / 47.5 in
Length	2200 mm / 86.6 in	2311 mm / 91 in
Width	830 mm / 32.7 in	880 mm / 34.6 in
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight	-	244 kg / 538 lbs
Fuel Capacity	15.5 Litres / 4.1 US gal	12.5 Litres / 3.3 US gal
Maximum Load / GVWR	-	449 kg / 988 lbs
Oil Capacity	-	4.73 Litres
Wet Weight	229 kg / 505 lbs	253 kg / 558 lbs
Performance
Max Power	81 kW / 109 hp @ 7000 rpm	100 hp / 74.5 kW @ 8100 rpm
Max Torque	115 Nm / 81 lb-ft @ 6500 rpm	72.2 ft-lbs / 97.7 Nm @ 5900 rpm
Engine
Displacement	1170 cc / 71.4 cub in	1133 cc / 69 cu in
Engine Detail	Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, with four camshaft-operated valves and two overhead camshafts per cylinder.	Four stroke, 60° V-Twin, DOHC, 4-valves per cylinder
Bore x Stroke	101 x 73 mm	99 x 73.6mm / 3.898 x 2.898 in
Compression Ratio	12:1	10.7:1
Cooling System	Air/oil cooled	Liquid cooled
Emissions	Controlled 3-way catalytic converter, exhaust emission standards EU-5+	-
Engine Oil Specification	-	SAE 15W60
Exhaust	-	Split dual exhaust with crossover, exhaust control two O2 sensors, one each bank, single three-way catalyst in each muffler
Fuel Induction	Electronic intake pipe injection / digital engine management system: BMS-O with throttle-by-wire	Electronic fuel injection, closed loop, 60 mm bore
Fuel Type	Unleaded super (premium), octane number 95-98 (RON) (rated output at 98 RON)	-
Lubrication	Wet sump	Semi-dry sump
Starter	Electric	Electric
EV Specifics
Battery Capacity	-	12 volts / 12 amp/hour, 210 CCA, Maintenance Free AGM
Drivetrain
Clutch	Single dry plate clutch, hydraulically operated	Wet, multi-plate
Final Drive	Universal shaft	Belt drive, 141 tooth
Final Drive Ratio	-	2.357:1
Gear Ratios	1st = 2.375, 2nd = 1.696, 3rd = 1.296, 4th = 1.065, 5th = 0.939, 6th = 0.848	1st 10.782:1 2nd 7.328:1 3rd 5.841:1 4th 4.957:1 5th 4.380:1 6th 4.034:1
Primary Drive	-	Gear drive wet clutch
Primary Drive Ratios	1.737	-
Transmission / Drive	6-Speed, claw-shifted transmission with separate transmission housing	6 Speed sliding-mesh/foot shift
Chassis
Frame Type	Four-part frame concept with front frame and three-part rear frame, load-bearing engine-gearbox unit, rear-seat frame removeable for one-up riding	-
Suspension - Front	45 mm USD telescopic forks, spring base, rebound and compression damping adjustable	41 mm Telescopic fork,
Suspension - Rear	Aluminum Paralever swinging arm, directly linked WAD spring strut, spring base, rebound and compression damping adjustable	Dual shocks
Rake	-	29°
Steering Head Angle	63.1° (63.2° Enduro Package)	-
Trail	120.8 mm / 4.76 in (121.3 / 4.76 Enduro Package)	119.9 mm / 4.7 in
Wheel Travel - Front	210 mm / 8.3 in	120 mm / 4.7 in
Wheel Travel - Rear	200 mm / 7.9 in	76 mm / 3.0 in
Electrical Systems
Charging System	-	35 amp max output
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front	2 x 310mm disc brake, with two axially bolted 2-piston floating calipers	Single 298 mm rotor with 2 piston caliper
Brakes - Rear	Single 265 mm disc, 2 piston floating caliper	Single 298 mm rotor with 1 piston caliper
ABS	BMW Motorrad ABS Pro (lean angle optimised)	-
Rims - Front	2.15 x 21	-
Rims - Rear	4.0 x 17 (4.0 x 18 Enduro Package)	-
Tyres - Front	90/90/21	130/90-16 72H
Tyres - Rear	150/70 - R17 (150/70 - R18 Enduro Package)	150/80-16 71H
Wheels	Aluminium cross-spoke wheels	-
Wheels - Front	-	Cast 16" x 3.5"
Wheels - Rear	-	Cast 16" x 3.5"

Verdict

Winner on specs

2025 BMW R 12G/S

The 2025 BMW R 12G/S edges out the 2021 Indian Scout thanks to its lighter kerb weight, standard ABS, dual front discs, higher rear wheel travel and higher front wheel travel. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2025 BMW R 12G/S - Advantages

Lighter: 229 kg vs 253 kg - easier to handle and less fatiguing on long trips.
Standard ABS: A meaningful safety advantage in emergency braking on wet or loose surfaces.
Dual front discs: Greater stopping power and better heat management under hard braking.
More rear wheel travel: 200 mm vs 76 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.
More front wheel travel: 210 mm vs 120 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

2021 Indian Scout - Advantages

More power: Produces 100 hp vs 81 kW - a meaningful performance advantage.
Lower seat height: 673 mm vs 860 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
Liquid cooling: Consistent engine temperature in stop-start traffic and hot climates.

2025 BMW R 12G/S vs 2021 Indian Scout - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2025 BMW R 12G/S and 2021 Indian Scout?

The 2025 BMW R 12G/S uses Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, with four camshaft-operated valves and two overhead camshafts per cylinder., while the 2021 Indian Scout is powered by Four stroke, 60° V-Twin, DOHC, 4-valves per cylinder.

Which is lighter, the 2025 BMW R 12G/S or the 2021 Indian Scout?

The 2025 BMW R 12G/S is lighter at 229 kg compared to 253 kg for the 2021 Indian Scout - a difference of 24 kg. This is a meaningful difference that affects handling and rider fatigue.

Which has more power, the 2025 BMW R 12G/S or the 2021 Indian Scout?

The 2021 Indian Scout produces more peak power at 100 hp, compared to 81 kW for the 2025 BMW R 12G/S.

Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2025 BMW R 12G/S or the 2021 Indian Scout?

The 2021 Indian Scout has the lower seat at 673 mm, making it more accessible. The 2025 BMW R 12G/S sits higher at 860 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.

Does the 2025 BMW R 12G/S or 2021 Indian Scout have ABS?

The 2025 BMW R 12G/S is listed with ABS as standard. The 2021 Indian Scout does not list ABS. ABS provides a meaningful safety benefit in emergency braking on wet or loose surfaces.

Which should I buy, the 2025 BMW R 12G/S or the 2021 Indian Scout?

Both are strong choices. The 2025 BMW R 12G/S has the edge in lighter kerb weight and standard ABS, while the 2021 Indian Scout stands out for more peak power and lower seat height. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.

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