The Indians Just Keep Coming…

Only a week ago BikeBrewers presented the ‘Road Runner’, a custom Indian Scout Sixty built by the guys from MotoShedUK.

Now Indian Motorcycle announces to have set a new standard for American motorcycling with the unveiling of the FTR 1200 and FTR 1200 S.  The iconic brand claim the FTR platform proudly breaks new ground and answers the call of enthusiasts around the world anxiously awaiting its debut.

This includes the team of BikeBrewers.com!

Inspired by Indian Motorcycle’s storied history and success in flat track racing, the FTR 1200 and FTR 1200 S take design and styling cues from the championship-winning FTR750 race bike that has dominated American Flat Track since it was introduced in 2016. It also takes styling inspiration from the FTR1200 Custom, unveiled a year ago as an exploration of what a flat track-inspired street bike could be. The platform delivers an American motorcycle with true flat tracker style and the performance to back it up.

The FTR 1200 combines race inspired design and nimble handling with an upright riding position to create a commanding riding experience. A new 1203cc V-Twin engine with approximately 120 horsepower (90 kW) provides an impressively flat torque curve for flexibility and strong acceleration in any gear.  The new platform is a key component in the company’s broader mission to expand its global appeal and reach new riders.

Built around a trellis frame with a sporty riding position, both models feature an inverted front suspension with radially mounted dual Brembo brakes for exceptional control and stopping power. The fuel tank is strategically located under the seat for a lower center of gravity and more centralised weight distribution. Similar to the FTR750 race bike, the airbox is positioned directly above the engine to optimise airflow and maximise power.

Both models feature a similar rear suspension and swingarm design as the FTR750 to not only provide a race bike look, but also ensure maximum grip with a compliant ride. Newly-developed Dunlop street tyres with flat track-inspired tread, a chain final drive, and ProTaper flat tracker aluminum handlebars complete the race bike look.

Propelling both models is a powerful new liquid-cooled 1203cc V-twin engine making an approximately 120 horsepower (90 kW) and 85 ft-lbs (115 Nm) of torque. A flat torque curve ensures a progressive, predictable power delivery with loads of low-end punch and flexibility. The engine features a 12.5:1 compression ratio, high flow 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 crankshaft that allows the engine to rev to its redline quickly for thrilling acceleration.

The FTR 1200 S features all that and more, including:

• Fully adjustable front and rear piggy-back suspension with preload, compression, and rebound adjustments so riders can perfectly match the bike to their personal riding style
• 4.3-inch customisable Ride Command LCD touch screen with Bluetooth compatibility
• Lean-angle sensitive stability control, ABS traction control, and wheelie mitigation control for improved confidence and control
• Three Ride Modes (Sport, Standard, Rain) with unique throttle response traction control intervention levels

Answering questions from BikeBrewers Ben Lindaman, Indian Motorcycle Senior International Product manager replies: “These bikes have gone through a rigorous, multi-year design and testing process to ensure that they perform as good as they look. The process was incredibly robust, including over one million miles logged through simulated rides. We also accumulated tens of thousands of test miles on the street with input from racers, including our championship winning Wrecking Crew flat track team and former Grand Prix racers.”

The FTR 1200 is available in Thunder Black with a choice of power variants, a full power (90kW) model or a reduced power (70kW) model which can be restricted further for A2 compliance. The FTR 1200 S is available in Indian Motorcycle Red over Steel Gray, Titanium Metallic over Thunder Black Pearl, and a Race-Replica paint scheme, matching the iconic FTR750 race bike. Both models will begin shipping to dealers in the first half of 2019.

It goes without saying that the BikeBrewers team are looking forward to taking the bike out for a decent test ride as soon as it is available.

Hell yeah!