When it comes to motorcycle sales success, timing is critical. Indian has spent two years winning America’s flat-track championship. Now it is attempting to turn those race victories into a sales winner with the FTR1200, revealed at last month’s Intermot show.
In the past 10 years, flat-track has morphed from an American-only sport to a worldwide cult embracing dirt-track racing and customising. So the time is right for a road-going racer.
Indian has tread a fine line turning last year’s FTR1200 concept into a showroom model without losing the rawness of a typical flat-track racer.
This model is a massive departure for a firm that’s built its reputation on cruisers. The FTR1200 develops a decent 90kW at 8250rpm and a truly impressive 115Nm at only 6000rpm from its 1203cc, water-cooled, DOHC V-twin engine. It might not be Superbike power, but it’s a lot more than anything else carrying an Indian badge.
The engine bolts to a sporty steel trellis frame with an aluminium subframe that also houses the 13-litre under-seat fuel tank. Inverted 43mm front forks, an offset monoshock rear and Brembo Monobloc radial front brakes complete the rolling chassis.
The claimed dry weight of 222kg is one fly in the ointment for what looks like a pretty convincing alternative to the likes of Ducati’s Monster 1200. American bikes have a reputation for being hefty, and this is no exception.
As well as the base FTR1200 there’s a higher-spec FTR1200S, with fully adjustable suspension, lean-sensitive traction control with three riding modes, and the ability to disengage the standard ABS brakes.
Available in Australia in the first half of 2019, the FTR 1200 will start at $19,995 ride away while the FTR 1200S starts at $22,995.
AMCN has already ridden both variants of the new Indian. You can find the full review in the current issue of AMCN magazine Vol 68 No 10 on sale now
by BEN PURVIS
