Although the German Intermot show doesn’t officially start until tomorrow, Indian has gotten a head start on the party by introducing its FTR1200 and FTR1200 S naked bikes.
The machines are based on the FTR1200 Custom concept bike unveiled at EICMA last year, and styled to emulate Indian’s championship-conquering FTR750 flat tracker. Both bikes are powered by a 1203 cc V-twin engine that Indian rates at “approximately” 120 hp and 85 lb-ft of torque, with 12.5:1 compression ratio and high flow cylinder heads with dual throttle bodies.
ABS is standard on both models, along with all-round LED lighting, a fast-charge USB port and cruise control. Both bikes have inverted front suspension and Brembo brakes.
The fuel tank is below the seat for mass centralization, and the airbox is above the engine. Rear suspension design is derived from the FTR750, and the Dunlop tires are new for these bikes (120/70R19 front, 150/80R18 rear). The handlebars are aluminum units from Pro Taper, and like all flat track bikes, these machines have chain final drive.
Suspension is fully adjustable front and rear on the FTR1200 S. This upscale model also has a 4.3-inch Ride Command LCD touch screen, lean-angle sensitive stability control, traction control, wheelie control, and three ride modes.
Seat height is 841 mm for both models, and the wet weight for the FTR1200 is 230 kg. The FTR1200 S has a 235 kg wet weight.
The bikes should be available in Canada next spring, and the FTR1200 will carry a $15,999 MSRP. The FTR1200 S will retail for $18,499.
INDIAN MOTORCYCLE DEBUTS HIGHLY-ANTICIPATED FTR™ 1200 & FTR™ 1200 S
New Flat Track Inspired Street Bike Draws From Indian Motorcycle’s Storied History & Success in Flat Track Racing
All-New Platform Combines Flat Tracker Styling with Powerful New Liquid-Cooled V-Twin Engine with 120 Horsepower
COLOGNE, GERMANY (October 1, 2018) –Today Indian Motorcycle, America’s First Motorcycle Company, set a new standard for American motorcycling with the unveiling of the FTR 1200 and FTR 1200 S. The FTR platform proudly breaks new ground and answers the call of enthusiasts around the world anxiously awaiting its debut.
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 makes sure every rider feels like a pro when they twist the throttle. The new platform is a key component in the company’s broader mission to expand its global appeal and reach new riders.
“Our vision from the beginning was to be more than a traditional American V-twin brand. We continually seek to broaden Indian Motorcycle’s reach to a wider range of riders, and FTR 1200 represents a significant step forward in that strategy,” said Steve Menneto, President, Indian Motorcycle. “Indian Motorcycle was founded on performance and innovation, and we remain grounded by our founder’s mindset of constantly pushing forward. In light of that history, the FTR 1200 is a natural extension for the brand that we couldn’t be more excited about.”
Housed in 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 centralized weight distribution. Similar to the FTR750 race bike, the airbox is positioned directly above the engine to optimize airflow and maximize 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 and compliance on even the roughest of roads. Newly-developed Dunlop street tires with flat track-inspired tread, a chain final drive, and ProTaper flat tracker aluminum handlebars complete the race bike look.
“This is an extremely exciting platform for us, and after investing such a significant amount of time, expertise and energy in the design process, it’s an incredible feeling to finally show the world these motorcycles,” said Rich Christoph, the Indian Motorcycle Senior Designer who was also instrumental in the design of the FTR750 and FTR1200 Custom. “Our primary focus was to ensure these motorcycles carried the same lines and form language as the FTR750 and 1200 Custom. We knew that’s what riders around the world fell in love with. I couldn’t be more proud to turn the FTR750 into a flat tracker for the street and help launch Indian into a new era.”
Adding to the design is a host of premium features and ride-enhancing technologies. The FTR 1200 and FTR 1200 S models both feature full LED lighting, including a new headlight that provides an unmistakable face for the platform, a fast-charge USB port to easily charge mobile devices, anti-lock brakes (ABS) and cruise control for a comfortable ride.
Propelling both models is a powerful new liquid-cooled 1203cc V-twin engine making approximately 120 horsepower and 85 ft-lbs 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 airflow and power. Additionally, the engine makes wide use of magnesium to reduce weight and utilizes 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 customizable Ride Command LCD touch screen with Bluetooth for easy mobile device pairing
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 and traction control intervention levels
The new platform underwent extensive development and testing to ensure it meets Indian Motorcycle’s high quality standards and performs at the highest levels.
“These bikes have gone through a rigorous, multi-year design and testing process to ensure that they perform as good as they look,” explains Ben Lindaman, Indian Motorcycle Senior International Product Manager. “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 starts at $12,999* and is available in Thunder Black, while the FTR 1200 S starts at $14,999* and 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 be available in dealers in spring of 2019.
*$15,999 and $18,499 in Canada, respectively.
GALLERY
Check out all the pics that go with this story!
Beautiful bike with good performance and high quality finish , even has cruise control! This is one cool and exciting motorcycle , by far the most interesting novelty so far this year. Congratulations Indian!
I thought this was supposed to be a street replica of the FTR 750 not another Ducati Monster lookalike?
What happened to those beautiful high exhausts?
Sorry Indian you missed the mark in my humble no one cares opinion.