Mat takes a brief first ride on the Indian FTR 1200, a race replica from an American manufacturer. It arrives in South Africa accompanied by plenty of hype, but will it live up to expectations?
Man I have no regrets at all, I’m 63 and still dirt bike riding , gave up mx Racing last year not because of age or health just because too much sitting around all day waiting to go, I’m trail riding now but can’t seem to get off this FTR it’s an amazing bike I have 13 bikes and thinking of selling most of them because of this bike,I really don’t think you will be disappointed just a fun bike to ride
Spot on Mat! It's such a fine bike to ride and the more you ride it the more you love it. I encourage anyone who is reasonably experienced looking for something that little bit "special" to take one for a decently long test ride. It's simply brilliant! Thoroughly exciting, beautifully put together, well mannered until you poke it and its absolute eye candy parked up outside your favourite hang-out. Indian has most certainly learnt a few things from their recent racing successes and shows through in the development of this fine machine.
Old media. If your intro is more than 10 seconds you are wasting my time. They need to realise they are not the product. I dont care about them, their company, or their brand at all. All I came for was the bike.
Test rode one here in the US, it was a good motorcycle! However it cost $18,000 US. Too expensive. In the end I got a 2020 Z900 for $9200. Love this bike. Definitely can run circles around the FTR!!!
That would depend what you want it for - and I know which one turns the heads and gets attentions. If it's a plastic Japanese bike and performance that interests you, then simply purchase a Z H1...it'll "run circles around" your Z900.
@@yassassin6425 I’m comparing FTR to its competitor in the middle weight naked bikes. ZH2 is heavy weight naked bike. FYI FTR have just as much plastic as the Japanese bikes.
@@adamprater6216 *_"I’m comparing FTR to its competitor in the middle weight naked bikes."_* Why feel the need? The FTR is unique, it doesn't really have a competitor. *_"FYI FTR have just as much plastic as the Japanese bikes."_* I own both and no it doesn't. The finish is gorgeous. Granted, some of the stock appendages are horrendous. But I have converted mine to resemble the Roland Sands/Wrecking Crew project bike which means cat delete, high level S&S race exhaust, tracker cowl, replacement forks, aluminium spoke wheels and a very feisty remap - that was simply the beginning. That's what I bought it for. I also vastly prefer it to the faceless and identity lacking Z900. Each to their own though. This is by far the most fun I've had on a road going motorcycle - I've owned 26 of them and been riding for thirty five years. I certainly wouldn't waste my time visiting You Tube comments sections of Z900 videos telling others how underwhelmed I am by the latter and how much more unique my old Z1 was. Incidentally, this is a 2020 machine with 550miles on the clock that I acquired for £8,500. You simply have to know where to go.
I test drove one and loved it. However I drove it on the road and I don't think the bike was really intended to be an off-road bike like an adventure bike. Modeled after a Flat Tracker and riding on an occasional dirt road okay, but to use it as an off-road adventure bike I think you would have to be very skilled and it would never compete against current adventure bikes on the market today. I personally expect them to do a variation of this bike in the future for adventure but that's just my wishful thinking.
If you're truly looking for an adventure bike you've really got to do your homework. For starters how much on road vs off road you're going to want to do with it and second if you want the best of the best or just the best bargain. BMW has long been the leader of the pack when it comes to Adventure Tours. But they perform best on the road and pretty good off road and they are pretty salty in price. There are definitely better Bargains out there and there's definitely ones that perform much better in the dirt depending on what you're going for.
It all depends how far off-road you plan to go. It's not engineered to be an adventure bike. If you plan to use it predominantly on sealed roads and hard packed unsealed dirt then its' brilliant and a lot of fun too.
After the Rapture, you are going to want to escape the Earth, but you won't be able to. It'll be too late. Get your soul saved now, ask Jesus into your heart.
xxx111 lol, so what if Polaris is the parent company. It’s still a better bike then any Harley.. if it wasn’t for investment companies Harley would be dead. Remember AMF?
It's the same with many bike manufacturers. Triumph are not the original Triumph company, nor is Norton. MV Augusta and Benelli are 2 others. The list goes on. Get over it. It's a great machine and one which I would buy if I had the money.
@@slim56 it's an American company owned by an American company engineered designed and manufactured in America. Your comment was absolutely ridiculous. Most big companies are conglomerates or have parent companies or investment groups of some sort including Harley-Davidson. By your definition Harley is not Harley and Chrysler is not Chrysler and I could go on and on and on.
What a sad bit of newz thebikeshow.tv is closing :-( i did not mind paying the fee. will there be a patreon option? then i will look into that instead :-)
Why tf are people talking about H-D when this is a “ Indian motorcycle”!!! Take those garbage I mean garage ornaments and put em at the dump, so many better bikes...
hardley ableson responds by adding another 100lbs to their bike to a nimble 1500lbs and has a massive horsepower increase from 39hp to 40hp making it the fastest most powerful hardley ever made. They also expect an increase in reliability claiming it to go 3 to 4 miles before breaking down. A trifecta of improvements for other manufacturers to fear lmao
Stay with your Yamaha ,I just bought one of these Indian’s and never had so much fun riding a motorcycle as I am now just a blast to ride but we don’t want nit pickers so stay with your yamaha
I've ridden both back-to-back at Barber Vintage last year. The XSR900 has maybe 30% less of the power in the seat of the pants feel but the biggest thing is the XSR900 sounds like a superbike whereas the FTR has a very American V twin feel and sound. Lots of low down torque early on and not super revvy like the 11k RPM redline XSR900. With that being said, I bought an XSR700 after riding all 3 of them because it was the most liveable bike. All 3 suck to ride at 70+mph because of a ton of turbulence while riding. A Bikini fairing makes a difference for sure but ruins the look of the bike. Just my $0.02
@@oscartonga2668 Interesting. I haven't ridden an FTR, but I guess maybe it and the XSR deliver their power differently. The XSR does have low end, but is more about the mid to top rush. I imagine the FTR has less of this? Also the geometry of the XSR makes it very frisky, always doing little wheelies, etc, more than any other bike I've ridden. I'm sure the FTR is nice though!
I'll buy the bike on monday. But there are just 3 things that are hard to swollow: the tank size, the missing quickshifter and the price. Other than that, I think, everyone loves this bike, once you got on it. I haven't seen a single bad review, the engine and built quality is amazing! It's just special, I bet only 50 FTRs drive around in my country..if even!
I rode one and wasn't impressed. I thought it would be a lot more powerful than it was and it had a lot of heat coming off of it. For the money there are a lot of better options out there.
Now all they have to do is take a hundred and fifty pounds off it and they might accomplish what they said they were going to do. Plus if they can stay in business for 2 or 3 years that will be a plus LMAOoooooooo
They are killing it and the new bagger is selling well. Im excited for when they develop a budget model. It will undoubtedly be a good move. They know what people are asking for and manufacture less than 2 hrs from my home. Indian has my support. More and more are realizing they actually want to make what you pay worth every penny.
Polar took over Indian production in August 2013. And considering that they're out selling HDs I don't see them going anywhere anytime soon. I agree the bike could be lighter but I love it. I-m 6'2" tall and I'm glad Indian made a bike for someone my size. I look like a giant on a Ducati. I'm sure bike brands like Ducati or BMW have better specs but this first attempt by Indian is a hoot to ride.
Depends on the attitude of the driver. Most people will say to not go too big, but in the end; ride what puts a smile on your face every time you jump on it. Don't forget to be responsible.
I don't know if any beginner will ever read this reply BUT: I got my license a few weeks ago. The things is, here in europe, I think especialy in Germany, you have to take alot of lessons/hours before you get your license - so you can't directly compare it to the insane 15 mins course you do over there in the state (in some states). And I have my car license for 19 years now, so I'm not new to the "traffic". I may can read corners and the street surface to some degree(coming from over 25 years of skating). So I might see some scatchy, dangerous situations a bit before there are right into your face, I think that helps alot to keep calm and focus. How ever! The FTR was my second bike I ever but my leg over and had absolutly no problem because of the forgiving powerband and easy handling. The origin of the scout engine is there I think, you can cruise if you want and when you are in the mood, but the power is there to go ape sht, in every gear all the time(okay on the top end there are maybe with some flaws). I also drove the Fat bob and a Ducati Supersport S and the FTR has, for me, the best engine, it has power all the way when you want it, you can cruise without vibrations in low rpm and the handeling and brakes are amazing. It's pure fun. I mean, the FTR was a big factor for me to even get on a motorcycle. I waited over a year, now it's time to go for the dream and buy the damn thing! TL;DR: I think when you are mature enough and respect the power and you are willing to learn to get in and out corners safely, you shouldn't be to frightend - YOU controle the bike, just test it and get into it slowly. Cheers
Beautiful is in the eye of the beholder I suppose but to me Indian had a home run with the concept bike and changed it into a strikeout. That thing is ugly, especially the license plate holder
You're comparing apples to oranges and if you want to go that route I would compare it to one of the bikes in the Indian Scout line. And frankly I would definitely choose the scout over the HD
I just bought one waiting for the dealer to prep it, going first thing in the morning to pick it up, oh my god I can’t wait
Thinking about getting this bike, Any regrets?
Man I have no regrets at all, I’m 63 and still dirt bike riding , gave up mx Racing last year not because of age or health just because too much sitting around all day waiting to go, I’m trail riding now but can’t seem to get off this FTR it’s an amazing bike I have 13 bikes and thinking of selling most of them because of this bike,I really don’t think you will be disappointed just a fun bike to ride
@@jamespolucha6911 thanks a lot! I have a tiger 800 XCA and looking for a 2nd machine .. this could be it
What kind of things did the dealer need to prep bro?
The dealership prep is just making sure it has oil and it running right all the nuts and bolts aren’t falling off
So cool seeing Indian motorcycles in South Africa! Good vibes from FL! I will be getting the new FTR with the 17" wheels soon!
…love those South African roads - your review is very cool and that’s a nice ride - how many Rands is this motorcycle retailing for in Jo’burg?
Spot on Mat! It's such a fine bike to ride and the more you ride it the more you love it. I encourage anyone who is reasonably experienced looking for something that little bit "special" to take one for a decently long test ride. It's simply brilliant! Thoroughly exciting, beautifully put together, well mannered until you poke it and its absolute eye candy parked up outside your favourite hang-out. Indian has most certainly learnt a few things from their recent racing successes and shows through in the development of this fine machine.
Now honey, we're gonna have to sell the kid..
A 35 second into?!? Why?
Thanks for the warning haha
I was thinking the same thing.
Old media. If your intro is more than 10 seconds you are wasting my time. They need to realise they are not the product. I dont care about them, their company, or their brand at all. All I came for was the bike.
Test rode one here in the US, it was a good motorcycle! However it cost $18,000 US. Too expensive. In the end I got a 2020 Z900 for $9200. Love this bike. Definitely can run circles around the FTR!!!
That would depend what you want it for - and I know which one turns the heads and gets attentions.
If it's a plastic Japanese bike and performance that interests you, then simply purchase a Z H1...it'll "run circles around" your Z900.
@@yassassin6425 I’m comparing FTR to its competitor in the middle weight naked bikes. ZH2 is heavy weight naked bike. FYI FTR have just as much plastic as the Japanese bikes.
@@adamprater6216
*_"I’m comparing FTR to its competitor in the middle weight naked bikes."_*
Why feel the need?
The FTR is unique, it doesn't really have a competitor.
*_"FYI FTR have just as much plastic as the Japanese bikes."_*
I own both and no it doesn't. The finish is gorgeous. Granted, some of the stock appendages are horrendous. But I have converted mine to resemble the Roland Sands/Wrecking Crew project bike which means cat delete, high level S&S race exhaust, tracker cowl, replacement forks, aluminium spoke wheels and a very feisty remap - that was simply the beginning. That's what I bought it for. I also vastly prefer it to the faceless and identity lacking Z900.
Each to their own though. This is by far the most fun I've had on a road going motorcycle - I've owned 26 of them and been riding for thirty five years. I certainly wouldn't waste my time visiting You Tube comments sections of Z900 videos telling others how underwhelmed I am by the latter and how much more unique my old Z1 was.
Incidentally, this is a 2020 machine with 550miles on the clock that I acquired for £8,500. You simply have to know where to go.
one of the best looking bikes ever!
How good are flat trackers compared to adv bikes at off-roading ?! Which ones more of a well rounded package if I may!
I test drove one and loved it. However I drove it on the road and I don't think the bike was really intended to be an off-road bike like an adventure bike. Modeled after a Flat Tracker and riding on an occasional dirt road okay, but to use it as an off-road adventure bike I think you would have to be very skilled and it would never compete against current adventure bikes on the market today.
I personally expect them to do a variation of this bike in the future for adventure but that's just my wishful thinking.
@@steveh7108 thanks a ton sir!
If you're truly looking for an adventure bike you've really got to do your homework.
For starters how much on road vs off road you're going to want to do with it and second if you want the best of the best or just the best bargain.
BMW has long been the leader of the pack when it comes to Adventure Tours. But they perform best on the road and pretty good off road and they are pretty salty in price.
There are definitely better Bargains out there and there's definitely ones that perform much better in the dirt depending on what you're going for.
@@steveh7108 thank you Steve!
It all depends how far off-road you plan to go. It's not engineered to be an adventure bike. If you plan to use it predominantly on sealed roads and hard packed unsealed dirt then its' brilliant and a lot of fun too.
Just rode on a 15 min demo ride and im sold i will be selling a kindney if needed to get one
I hope Indian does well,don’t know if this the bike for me.Id have to ride though to find out.🤓
Harley Davidson can't even compete.
Put this mootor in a performance aimed Scout.
I see you have a need for speed👍
Very good looking
Its also a Duc Monster wannabe! Lets not forget that my friend!
S Gomez how?
It’s a fly track replica of old lol. Looks nothing like a monster lol
Nice bike.
Save your comments about the church, religion and politics have no place here... I ride motorcycles to escape all that.
After the Rapture, you are going to want to escape the Earth, but you won't be able to. It'll be too late. Get your soul saved now, ask Jesus into your heart.
It's Not Indians return! !!! It's POLARIS. Just an investment arm using the Name. That's all.
xxx111 lol, so what if Polaris is the parent company. It’s still a better bike then any Harley.. if it wasn’t for investment companies Harley would be dead. Remember AMF?
It's the same with many bike manufacturers. Triumph are not the original Triumph company, nor is Norton. MV Augusta and Benelli are 2 others. The list goes on. Get over it. It's a great machine and one which I would buy if I had the money.
Slim56 lmaooooo thank you, H-D will die off sooner or later 🤷🏾♂️
@@slim56 it's an American company owned by an American company engineered designed and manufactured in America.
Your comment was absolutely ridiculous. Most big companies are conglomerates or have parent companies or investment groups of some sort including Harley-Davidson.
By your definition Harley is not Harley and Chrysler is not Chrysler and I could go on and on and on.
@@fyorbane You beat me to it ;)
I'd prefer the base model without all the electronics and this daft dash. The single round one looks better.
Great review.
What, no dirt roads? Ugh! From Dirt to Street is what Indian says.
What a sad bit of newz thebikeshow.tv is closing :-( i did not mind paying the fee. will there be a patreon option? then i will look into that instead :-)
Its so beautiful... And expensive. ~18k USD, oof
Why tf are people talking about H-D when this is a “ Indian motorcycle”!!! Take those garbage I mean garage ornaments and put em at the dump, so many better bikes...
What were you suggesting they add at the end of the video? Quickshifter? You guys were talking on top of yourselves.
Auto gear box?
That helmet looks MASSIVE...
They are huge
I also reviewed one over on my channel a few weeks ago and nice to see we came to many of the same conclusions. Great bike I was v impressed with.
hardley ableson responds by adding another 100lbs to their bike to a nimble 1500lbs and has a massive horsepower increase from 39hp to 40hp making it the fastest most powerful hardley ever made. They also expect an increase in reliability claiming it to go 3 to 4 miles before breaking down. A trifecta of improvements for other manufacturers to fear lmao
What a putz, you've never been near one or you wouldn't be talking the crap you're shooting out of your pie hole
@@tommcguire6472 facts hurt don't they. Hardleys motors are antique and their power levels or lack thereof prove it lol.
Cool bike, but the Yamaha XSR 900 is much cheaper, probably faster, more lairy and more comfortable.
Yes and Yes but no does not have the Indian Torque!
@@rubo1964 Well it's got plenty of pull from low down. I'd say it's similar - probably a result of the lighter weight/better response
Stay with your Yamaha ,I just bought one of these Indian’s and never had so much fun riding a motorcycle as I am now just a blast to ride but we don’t want nit pickers so stay with your yamaha
I've ridden both back-to-back at Barber Vintage last year. The XSR900 has maybe 30% less of the power in the seat of the pants feel but the biggest thing is the XSR900 sounds like a superbike whereas the FTR has a very American V twin feel and sound. Lots of low down torque early on and not super revvy like the 11k RPM redline XSR900.
With that being said, I bought an XSR700 after riding all 3 of them because it was the most liveable bike. All 3 suck to ride at 70+mph because of a ton of turbulence while riding. A Bikini fairing makes a difference for sure but ruins the look of the bike.
Just my $0.02
@@oscartonga2668 Interesting. I haven't ridden an FTR, but I guess maybe it and the XSR deliver their power differently. The XSR does have low end, but is more about the mid to top rush. I imagine the FTR has less of this?
Also the geometry of the XSR makes it very frisky, always doing little wheelies, etc, more than any other bike I've ridden.
I'm sure the FTR is nice though!
I have one and it refuses to start in cold weather. It's brilliant when it runs but the cold start issues have really taken the shine off owning it.
Very simple remap sorts it They run them lean from the factory as standard. It really isn't an issue.
Wonderful ride machine it’s alive with a lot of character
This reviewer is anti American. Saying that good handling is UnAmerican. Biased!!!
All the torque
Confused between this and BMW r9t
Great bike. Buddy has one. It’s quite fast and capable. For someone who wants a sports bike that looks like a cruiser.
I'll buy the bike on monday. But there are just 3 things that are hard to swollow: the tank size, the missing quickshifter and the price. Other than that, I think, everyone loves this bike, once you got on it. I haven't seen a single bad review, the engine and built quality is amazing! It's just special, I bet only 50 FTRs drive around in my country..if even!
Pretty
Sorry, but it actually should be the "Indigent American" FTC 1200.
at 3,000 RPM it has some torque but at 6,000 RPM it pulls like it's turbo charged and it pulls hard to 9,000 RPM
If you haven't written it, how do you know if you would like it or not? Case in point, Harley V-Rod. Until you ride it, you know nothing.
I rode one and wasn't impressed. I thought it would be a lot more powerful than it was and it had a lot of heat coming off of it. For the money there are a lot of better options out there.
The exhaust is pronounced
AK Row Poe VIC.
Nice looking bike though .
Seth Africa eh ?
A set of pipes would help.
A-Krap-O-Vich.... ruclips.net/video/gd-gL3y5rI0/видео.html take a listen at 0:08
Hello. I am an indian and I approve this bike
Feather or dot Indian?
@@khaccanhle1930 bobs and vagene
@@khaccanhle1930 Y'all are mean as hell on this thread. Lol
Now there will be police...
Now all they have to do is take a hundred and fifty pounds off it and they might accomplish what they said they were going to do. Plus if they can stay in business for 2 or 3 years that will be a plus LMAOoooooooo
They are killing it and the new bagger is selling well. Im excited for when they develop a budget model. It will undoubtedly be a good move. They know what people are asking for and manufacture less than 2 hrs from my home. Indian has my support. More and more are realizing they actually want to make what you pay worth every penny.
Polar took over Indian production in August 2013. And considering that they're out selling HDs I don't see them going anywhere anytime soon. I agree the bike could be lighter but I love it. I-m 6'2" tall and I'm glad Indian made a bike for someone my size. I look like a giant on a Ducati. I'm sure bike brands like Ducati or BMW have better specs but this first attempt by Indian is a hoot to ride.
I like the classics 2-tone paint as well ...
I would definitely change the exhaust and tires ...
First!
Is this bike good for a beginner?
Depends on the attitude of the driver. Most people will say to not go too big, but in the end; ride what puts a smile on your face every time you jump on it. Don't forget to be responsible.
No!
@ 9:45
I don't know if any beginner will ever read this reply BUT: I got my license a few weeks ago. The things is, here in europe, I think especialy in Germany, you have to take alot of lessons/hours before you get your license - so you can't directly compare it to the insane 15 mins course you do over there in the state (in some states). And I have my car license for 19 years now, so I'm not new to the "traffic". I may can read corners and the street surface to some degree(coming from over 25 years of skating). So I might see some scatchy, dangerous situations a bit before there are right into your face, I think that helps alot to keep calm and focus. How ever! The FTR was my second bike I ever but my leg over and had absolutly no problem because of the forgiving powerband and easy handling. The origin of the scout engine is there I think, you can cruise if you want and when you are in the mood, but the power is there to go ape sht, in every gear all the time(okay on the top end there are maybe with some flaws). I also drove the Fat bob and a Ducati Supersport S and the FTR has, for me, the best engine, it has power all the way when you want it, you can cruise without vibrations in low rpm and the handeling and brakes are amazing. It's pure fun. I mean, the FTR was a big factor for me to even get on a motorcycle. I waited over a year, now it's time to go for the dream and buy the damn thing! TL;DR: I think when you are mature enough and respect the power and you are willing to learn to get in and out corners safely, you shouldn't be to frightend - YOU controle the bike, just test it and get into it slowly. Cheers
This against the Harley Bronz
Yep, the Bronx looks good!
That's a pretty terrible bike. Especially in sport mode.
why would you say that? you own one?
Beautiful is in the eye of the beholder I suppose but to me Indian had a home run with the concept bike and changed it into a strikeout. That thing is ugly, especially the license plate holder
I thought the same until I saw it in person. License plate holder is detachable.
Give me an H-D XR 1200 over this any day of the week....too much fluff not any personality!
Black Hills Boozer lmaooooooo too many bikes better than H-D’s
You're comparing apples to oranges and if you want to go that route I would compare it to one of the bikes in the Indian Scout line. And frankly I would definitely choose the scout over the HD
Take one for a ride you'll probably change you're mind...
the first comment deserves some like
NAh.
@@husky701rider9 yeah nah mate :-)
Too tall Indian seat height. Too late to the naked bike game also, like HD.