It’s one of the most anticipated models to come out of the Indian Motorcycles factory since the reemergence of the iconic Scout nameplate, and now the high-performance Indian FTR1200 has slid into New Zealand.
Based on Indian’s incredibly successful FTR750 Flat Tracker, which has been taking back to back AMA Flat Track Championship Titles for the Springfield based company since 2017, the FTR1200 brings the flat tracker attitude to the street.
Pricing is a sharp $20,995 for the base FTR1200, while the up-specced FTR1200S which boasts fully adjustable suspension, TFT display and three rider modes is priced at $22,995. The bike is clearly designed to not only hit that nostalgia market which Indian has tapped so well to date with its established models, but it also has been designed to punch strongly in the fight for the modern classic class performance crown.
Case in point is the 1203cc 60-degree V-twin engine punching out 120hp/115Nm matched to an aggressive power delivery, which is particularly evident in the up-specced FTR1200S.
Key features include a unique tyre and wheel combination of 19-inch front wheel and 18-inch rear wheel, both clad in Dunlop DT3R – which are based off the company’s competition flat track tyres – which have been specially developed for the FTR1200.
Chassis also hints at performance with a rather Italian looking trellis frame, alloy subframe and tubular steel swingarm cradling the fuel tank and airbox. However, the traditional looking tank you grab with your knees is, in fact, the bike’s airbox which has been designed to allow a more direct route for air to reach the engine’s dual throttle bodies.
The fuel tank has been stealthily relocated to under the seat and has the effect bringing the bike’s centre of gravity lower in the process.
Attached to all this are beefy suspension units. While the inverted forks and monoshock of the base FTR1200 are nothing to sneeze at which non-adjustable forks and rebound and preload adjustment in the rear, the FTR1200S brings fully adjustable suspension to the fore at both ends of the bike.
The 1200S moves ahead in the electronics department also and makes its case well for its $2000 premium over the base bike. Not only does it have switchable ABS and traction control, but it also gains three rider modes (rain, standard and sport) which are controlled via the 4.3” Ride Command touchscreen TFT dash. The base FTR1200 makes do with the familiar clocks we’ve seen previously on the Scout Bobber which Indian has revised the LCD insert to finally include a fuel gauge.
While Flat Trackers aren’t exactly known for their braking abilities, things are more equitable between the two FTR1200 variants when it comes to the braking system, with both bikes boasting the aforementioned ABS matched to premium Brembo 4-pot calipers matched to 320mm discs up front and a single 2-pot/265mm combo out back.
As is the case with most manufacturers, Indian has debuted the FTR1200 with a full suite of LED lighting on both bikes.
Indian also has developed over 40 accessories spread over four distinct collections for owners to customise their FTR1200, with the ability to mix and match to tailor the bike further - including luggage.
With the soft road modern classic segment already at boiling point, we’ll have to wait for Indian Motorcycles to give us the keys for a proper test to see just how the latest addition to the class stacks up against the established players.
