Form over function
FOR 2020 INDIAN has added this FTR1200 Rally to the line-up. Costing £12,149, it’s scramblerised with spoked wheels, off-road tyres, altered riding position and the essential brown seat. Oh, and satin Titanium Smoke paint across its bodywork.
It sits between the standard FTR1200, on which it’s based (£11,899) and the FTR1200S with its all-singing, all-dancing electronics, sportier suspension and touchscreen dash (£12,999). Indian also offers a race replica version of the S (£14,099) plus an FTR Carbon (£14,699) with Akrapovic exhausts and, er… lashings of carbon.
To allow ‘better control under rough conditions’ the Rally gets Protaper handlebars with a two-inch greater rise, although it’s hard to imagine anyone tackling anything rougher than a gravel driveway. However, they do lend a more convincing scrambler feel. This tweaked riding position is also completely upright.
Control in town and at low speed is excellent but sustained motorway speed is pretty hard work.
This bike also has the accessory messenger satchel thing (£174) and the required side rack (£128). Not really my bag (groan) but each to their own, I guess.
There’s plenty to like about the FTR Rally. The oversquare V-twin is a fabulous engine, the chassis is quality, and it’s as well-presented as everything else that Indian makes.
It’s just unfortunate that Indian’s chosen route for expanding the FTR’S appeal affects it dynamically, as well as aesthetically. The knobblies and high handlebars give the Rally an on-trend retro-scrambler vibe but they also spoil the 1200’s handling.
I’d go for the base FTR1200 instead and invest in a set of good tyres.