Brave new direction for Indian Motorcycle. Indian Motorcycle has unveiled the long-awaited FTR 1200 and FTR 1200 S street bikes based on the FTR750 flat track race bike.
It’s finally here! We’ve been waiting for the road-going version of the Indian FTR750 flat tracker for what seems like ages; first there was the beautiful race bike that has dominated American Flat Track races since it was introduced in 2016, then the FTR1200 concept got us very excited, and after a while we started to hear rumours about a production bike, backed up by spy shots. The long wait was finally over when America’s first motorcycle company made the welcome announcement of not just one but two variants of the FTR1200 at the Intermot motorcycle show in Cologne, Germany. And the bikes look stunning! This could be a very big step into the European motorcycling mainstream for the US manufacturer.
A new 1203cc V-twin engine with around 120bhp (90kW) and 85lb-t (115Nm) of torque provides what Indian calls an ‘impressively flat torque curve for flexibility and strong acceleration’. The engine features a 12.5:1 compression ratio, high low cylinder heads, and dual throttle bodies for optimal throttle response and power delivery. Additionally, the engine makes wide use of magnesium to lower weight and utilises a low-inertia crankshat that allows the engine to rev quickly to its redline for thrilling acceleration.
Maybe it’s just us, but the silhouette of the bike with the red trellis frame does not look entirely unlike a more streamlined version of the Ducati Monster.
The 13-litre fuel tank is under the seat for a lower centre of gravity and more centralised weight distribution. Similar to the FTR750 race bike, the airbox is positioned directly above the engine to optimise airlow and maximise power. Newly developed Dunlop street tyres with flat track-inspired tread, a chain final drive, and ProTaper flat tracker aluminium handlebars complete the race bike look.
The FTR 1200 and FTR 1200 S models both feature full LED lighting, a fast-charge USB port to easily charge mobile devices, and cruise control for a comfortable ride.
The difference between the two models is that the S is equipped with fully adjustable suspension, a customisable LCD touch screen, a bigger brain with lean-angle sensitive stability control, and ride modes (Sport, Standard, Rain).
The FTR 1200 is available in black, while the FTR 1200 S comes in red/grey, metallic black and race-replica paint schemes. Both models will begin shipping to dealers during the first half of 2019. Prices start at £11,899 for the standard FTR1200, £12,999 for the S version, and £13,499 if you want to get the S in the race-replica colours.
Grant Bester, Indian Motorcycle’s EMEA vice president told us at Intermot that “there’s more to come next month at the EICMA show…” No idea what that could be, but we’ll let you know in the next issue of MSL.
“There’s more to come next month at the EICMA show…”
The FTR1200 (above) and the FTR1200 S (below) had their world launch in Europe. Guess where the biggest sales might be?
Specification INDIAN FTR 1200 (FTR 1200 S)
Engine: 1203cc V-twin, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, graded buckets
Power: 120bhp @ 8250rpm
Torque: 85lb-ft @ 6000rpm
Transmission: 6-speed, chain final drive
Frame: Tubular trellis steel mainframe, aluminium rear sub-frame
Brakes: (F) Dual radially mounted 320mm discs, Brembo Monobloc 4.32 4-piston calipers; (R) Single 260mm semi-floating disc, Brembo P34 2-piston caliper
Suspension: (F) 43mm USD cartridge forks, 150mm of travel (fully adjustable on the S); (R)
Tubular steel swingarm, side mounted monoshock, 150mm of travel (fully adjustable on the S).
Dry weight: 225kg (226kg)
Wheelbase: 1524mm
Seat height: 805mm laden, 840mm unladen
Contact: www.indianmotorcycle.eu
