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
https://www.totalmotorcycle.com/motorcycles/2019/Indian-models
Today Indian Motorcycle, America’s First Motorcycle Company, set a new standard for American motorcycling with the unveiling of the FTR1200 and FTR1200S. 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 FTR1200 and FTR1200S 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 FTR1200 and FTR1200S 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 FTR1200 and FTR1200S 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 FTR1200 and FTR1200S 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
- 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.
