Overall performance aside, the most sterling quality inherent in the 101 was its outstanding handling capabilities and its stability. On smooth roads it could be ridden handsoff at any speed, the steering being accomplished by slight body movements of the rider. A favorite trick of Scout enthusiasts was to demonstrate its self-steering qualities by performing hands-off U-turns on a city street of average width. Another stunt, which demonstrated the machine's stability was its ability to be turned sharply within a short radius, at a steep angle of heel. A daring boy racer would often cut sharp figure 8's, preferably on a paved street, where the after end of the footboards could drag and cause sparks to fly.
This same near-perfect balance made the 101 the standard vehicle for carnival 'wall-ofdeath' riders, and old, stripped-down Scouts may still be seen performing in travelling circuses or amusement parks.
These attributes, credited to Franklin's genius as a designer, together with Indian's long racing heritage, made the 101 a suitable competition mount, as, when stripped of its standard mudguards, lighting set, tool box and other non-essentials, it weighed just over 300 Ibs, enhancing its handling qualities. This delighted a whole generation of aspiring boy racers and budding competition stars.
As a young man the author vividly recalls turning a 46 second mile on a county fairground horse track on such a machine, with a somewhat modified and carefully tuned engine. In spite of a rough surface, the machine's inherent handling qualities made it controllable for the 100mph speeds on the straights and the 70mph required through the turns to make this time.
Once a few demonstration machines had been shown by dealers, orders literally poured in, and a night shift was added to the production force, bringing the daily Scout production to 75 machines.
Knowledgeable motorcyclists and automotive historians have since been in almost universal agreement that the 101 was probably the best all around machine of its time. Fast enough to overhaul the average family car, it was widely employed in law enforcement. Its small size and moderate weight made it an attraction to novice riders, yet its high performance pleased many experienced riders of heavyweight twins, large numbers of whom became Scout enthusiasts. Many of these riders then enhanced performance by 'stroking' the engine as soon as it was broken in. Many Scouts were used in various commercial activities, such as by messengers who rode solo, or with light commercial sidecars.
In addition to the 45 cubic inch model, a 37 inch version was offered in identical form, except for cylinder dimensions. As most riders preferred the higher speed and power of the larger model, the latter version sold in but limited numbers to those who sought economy in utility work. It was carried in the catalogs through the 1930 season, when it was discontinued.
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