INDIAN’S READY FOR ACTION
FTR range gets streetwise with 17in rims and an electronics revolution
‘A switch to 17in rims means better tyres’
Indian Motorcycle have heavily revised their FTR for 2021 with changes designed to appeal to corner-carving Europeans. The range sticks with four models (FTR, FTR S, FTR R Carbon and FTR Rally) but each has been tweaked for the new riding season.
The biggest change across the range is a switch to 17in wheels for the FTR, S and R, which widens the tyre options considerably. The previous model had a 19in front with an 18in rear, which reduced tyre choices to the OEM Dunlops plus select adventure bike rubber. With the exception of the Rally, the FTR now comes with Metzeler Sportec Street rubber.
Reducing the wheel size has had other knock-on effects too: the head angle is now steeper, and the trail reduced, which should make handling snappier, while the seat height has dropped by 36mm, making it easier to jump on for shorter riders. To match the new front wheel and handling characteristics, the bars have been narrowed by 40mm and suspension travel reduced by 30mm. So that’s two of MCN’s gripes fixed, what else have Indian looked at?
Well, for a start the engine electronics have had a tweak. The throttle has been remapped for a smoother response, the rear cylinder deactivates while idling when it’s hot and there’s a fresh map to improve cold start up. Three more big ticks in the improvement box.
The rest of the updates are model specific, so starting from the bottom the standard FTR gets fully adjustable suspension instead of the old non-adjustable units on the current model as well as some funky new paint schemes. The FTR-S now comes with the titanium Akrapovic pipe as standard (previously only standard on the more expensive Race Replica) as well as a selection of new colours.
At the top of the tree now sits the FTR-R Carbon, which comes with fully adjustable Öhlins forks and shock, as well as flashy carbon panels, a black Akrapovic pipe and a fancy seat cover. In a nice move, the Öhlins suspension will be available separately as an accessory option, say if you prefer the look of the S model.
Pick your FTR
The base FTR (£12,299) features an analogue gauge and is available in Black Smoke with red accents throughout, including red pinstripes on the wheels, red Indian Motorcycle script branding across the tank, and a red rear shock spring. The base FTR is also available in a reduced power version for A2 compliance.
If you want a higher level of spec, how about the FTR S (£13,699) which comes in two paint options, Maroon Metallic and White Smoke. The premium offering includes Indian’s 110mm (4.3in) touchscreen display, which offers phone integration via Bluetooth or USB and configurable gauges. The FTR S also comes standard with an upgraded Akrapovic exhaust, three ride modes, wheelie control with rear lift mitigation, stability control, traction control and cornering ABS. Additionally, a fast-charging USB port provides a convenient means to keep personal devices such as phones topped up.
Open wide and say R
If you still want more, then you need the FTR R Carbon (£15,599) in your life. This model sets itself apart with the addition of carbon fibre tank covers, front fender and headlight nacelle, fully adjustable Öhlins gold front forks and gold piggyback shock, a black Akrapovic exhaust, premium seat cover, and numbered badging on the console.
Rally raider
If you want to maintain some of the original FTR’s scrambler aesthetic, go for the FTR Rally version (£12,999), which features Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR tyres over wire-spoke wheels with an 18in rear and 19in front. Like other FTR models, the FTR Rally receives the refined engine calibration and throttle response, along with rear cylinder deactivation. The FTR Rally’s ProTaper handlebars are 50mm higher than on the other FTR models for better comfort and handling with a more relaxed ergonomic position. The FTR Rally features an analogue gauge and is available in Titanium Smoke. Like the base FTR, the FTR Rally is also available in a reduced power version for A2 compliance.
Whatever flavour tempts you most, you can learn more at your local Indian Motorcycle dealership and by visiting www. indianmotorcycle.co.uk.