INDIAN MOTORCYCLE has caught the world’s attention with its Intermot unveil of the new FTR 1200 and FTR 1200 S models, which are inspired by the manufacturer’s flat track heritage and feature styling cues from the US championship-winning FTR750 race bike.
It also features design elements from the FTR1200 Custom concept motorcycle, which was first seen in 2017.
With a race inspired design and an upright riding position, the FTR 1200 is powered by a new 1203cc 120hp V-Twin, which promises a flat torque curve (with a peak of 85 ft-lbs/115Nm) for flexibility and strong acceleration in any gear. This engine features a 12.5:1 compression ratio, high flow cylinder heads and dual throttle bodies for optimum throttle response and power delivery, while magnesium components throughout help to keep weight to a minimum. Meanwhile, a low-inertia crankshaft allows the engine to spin up quickly.
Via this new platform Indian hopes to expand its global appeal and reach new riders. A reduced power (70Kw) version of the FTR 1200 will also be available, allowing the model to be restricted further for A2 riders.
This powertrain is suspended in a trellis frame, with both the standard and ‘S’ models featuring inverted front suspension with radially mounted dual Brembo brakes. Many components mimic those of the FTR race bike, including a similar rear suspension and swing arm design, new Dunlop street tyres, a chain final drive and ProTaper flat tracker aluminum handlebars.
The fuel tank is positioned under the seat in order to centralise the weight and keep the gravity as low as possible, while the airbox sits above the engine to optimise airflow and maximise power.
LED lights and a fast-charge USB feature on both models, while the ‘S’ adds fully adjustable front and rear piggy-back suspension with preload, compression and rebound adjustment; a 3-inch customisable bluetooth LCD touch screen; lean-angle sensitive stability control, ABS traction control, and wheelie mitigation control and three ride modes of Sport, Standard and Rain with unique throttle response traction control intervention levels.
Steve Menneto, Indian Motorcycle’s President, commented: “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.
“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.”
Senior Designer Rich Christoph added: “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.
“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.”
The FTR 1200 will be available in Thunder Black, while the ‘S’ adds the options of Red over Steel Grey, Titanium Metallic over Thunder Black Pearl, and a Race-Replica paint scheme, matching the FTR750 race bike. Both models be in dealers within the first half of 2019.
