Indian Motorcycle’s annual Forged program is a high-stakes competition where renowned custom builders are tasked with transforming an iconic model into a one-of-a-kind masterpiece. This year, the spotlight was on the 2025 Scout, a model deeply rooted in India’s century-old heritage.
Three exceptional talents Roland Sands Design, Brittney Olsen, and Ronna Noren were selected to reimagine the classic cruiser. The builders were given a creative challenge: to draw inspiration from Indian’s storied past and craft a custom motorcycle that pays homage to the brand’s legacy while infusing it with their unique design vision.
Let’s kick things off with Roland Sands Design’s creation, a custom Scout built for Twenty One Pilots drummer Joshua Dun. Roland Sands, a luminary in custom motorcycle design, and Joshua Dun, the rhythmic force behind Twenty-One Pilots, started a collaborative project to redefine the Indian Scout.
Rather than go into mechanical modifications, Sands opted for a radical aesthetic overhaul, infusing the cruiser with the spirit of a flat-track racer. By incorporating key components from the FTR model, such as the front end and rear suspension, Sands transformed the Scout’s silhouette, imbuing it with an aggressive stance and performance-oriented character.
A meticulously crafted fairing, stripped-down rear, and custom wheels shod with performance tires further enhance the bike’s dynamic appearance. The cherry on top is a paint scheme that honors the legendary Indian motorcycle racer Ed “Iron Man” Kretz, creating a harmonious blend of classic heritage and contemporary design.
Brittney Olsen, a name perhaps less familiar than that of country music star Nikki Lane, is poised to shift the spotlight. At the helm of 20th Century Racing, Olsen has crafted a custom motorcycle that is as much a tribute as it is a testament to design ingenuity. Serving as a living homage to the iconic Indian Chief motorcycles of the 1940s, the bike also honors the pioneering spirit of Cecilia Adams, a female rider of that era.
A modified rear fender and a teardrop fuel tank, skillfully integrating Springfield and Chieftain panels, redefine the Scout’s silhouette. The bike’s aesthetic is further enhanced by a striking dark paint scheme, punctuated with pops of yellow and chrome, which complements the original engine. A custom stainless exhaust system adds a final layer of individuality to this extraordinary machine.
Olsen’s attention to detail is evident in every aspect of the build, resulting in a motorcycle that is as much a work of art as it is a high-performance machine. Ronna Noren’s Unique Custom Cycles has pushed the boundaries of Scout customization with the bike built for Scorpions drummer Mikkey Dee. A radical departure from the cruiser’s original form, this custom creation is a bonafide chopper.
The bike’s dramatic transformation was achieved through extensive modifications to its chassis. The frame was elongated, the fork stretched and raked, and the upper frame narrowed, dramatically altering the motorcycle’s stance and handling characteristics.
To complement the custom chassis, Noren introduced new stainless-spoke wheels at both ends and a visually striking single-sided exhaust system that not only enhances the bike’s aesthetic appeal but also improves engine breathing. The bike’s bodywork was completely redesigned, featuring custom-fabricated fenders, handlebars, a slimmed-down fuel tank, and a uniquely crafted seat that perfectly complements the chopper’s aggressive character.
