Indian’s off track for 2019
The American factory finally unveils its road-going FTR1200 and FTR1200S.
We’ve been telling you that Indian has been quietly working on a road going version of its hugely successful flat track machine for a couple of years now – and we’ve finally been proved right, as the iconic American bike builder has just revealed its all-new FTR1200 and FTR1200S at Intermot in Cologne.
Inspired by Indian’s storied history and recent domination of flat track racing, the all-new FTR1200 and FTR1200S blend super cool flat tracker styling with a powerful new liquidcooled V-Twin engine. The new bikes take styling cues from Indian’s championshipwinning FTR750 race bike that has dominated American Flat Track since it was introduced in 2016 – in addition to its FTR1200 Custom, which was unveiled a year ago as an exploration of what a flat track-inspired street bike might look like.
In essence, the FTR 1200 and FTR1200S combine race-inspired design and nimble handling with Indian’s new 1203cc V-Twin engine. Kicking out around 120bhp (90kW) and 85lb-ft (115Nm) of torque, Indian claims the engine delivers power across a flat torque curve, which helps to offer strong acceleration in any gear.
More specifically, 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.
The bikes also feature upside-down front forks with radially-mounted dual Brembo brakes, newly-developed Dunlop street tyres with flat track-inspired tread, a chain final drive, and ProTaper flat tracker aluminium handlebars. The fuel tank is located under the seat for a lower centre of gravity and more centralised weight distribution while the airbox is positioned directly above the engine to optimise airflow and maximise power, similar to the FTR750 race bike.
As you’d expect, the new FTR1200 and FTR1200S are also kitted out with a range of modern technology, including full LED lighting, a fastcharge USB port and cruise control.
Of course, the higher specification FTR1200S features all of the above and more. Specifically, it comes with fully adjustable front and rear piggy-back suspension with preload, compression, and rebound adjustments, a 4.3in customisable Ride Command LCD touch screen with Bluetooth compatibility, leanangle sensitive stability control, ABS traction control, and wheelie mitigation control and three Ride Modes (Sport, Standard, Rain) with unique throttle response and traction control intervention levels.