I tested one of these and I was not impressed. There are a lot better bikes for less money. It didn't feel nearly as strong as the 120 HP that they claim. It also put off an extreme amount of heat from the engine. This is still my favorite Indian though, which isn't saying much about the rest of their lineup. It's a pass for me.
Pick any Harley and that statement holds up even more. (There are better bikes for less money) Although I’d change that to say, “There are better performing bikes for less money.” #1. Yes, the FTR kicks off serious heat when the fans kick on. What I do to to solve this is simple, took me 2 rides to figure it out... just move my knees a few inches off the tank when the fans are running. The heat completely misses my legs. #2. Yes, it’s not as quick as some bikes that cost less. Coming from a tuned Yamaha FZ09 to the FTR the FZ was quicker to 60mph but just barely...If you could keep the front wheel down. That being said the FTR is far easier to launch and the real gut punch of torque isn’t in first gear, but 2nd gear. The real story of the FTR engine is the available torque at any speed. The FTR will trounce many bikes in rolling acceleration tests, including the afore mentioned FZ09/MT09. The FTR has something many of the Japanese and Euro bikes just can never have, and that’s “character”. It’s what makes a Harley a Harley. It’s not horsepower, acceleration, or top speed. When you throw a leg over the FTR, you feel like you’ve mounted that proverbial “steel horse”. It feels solid under you. It feels substantial... “special”. I imagine that’s what many Harley owners feel as well. It doesn’t hurt either that the FTR Race Replica version I own is what I think is the coolest looking bike on the road today bar none. People that know what it is stop and ask questions and take pictures. People that don’t know what it is will stop and ask “what the heck is that!? I’ve never seen anything like it.” The other day I was at a motorcycle gear shop that caters mostly to cruiser riders. It was the weekend and there was a big collection of customers bikes parked out front. From $40k baggers to custom sportsters. I come out of the store after getting my new gloves and There is a group of riders, men and women, gathered around my FTR. NONE of them knew what the bike was, but were intrigued because of how the bike looked and the fact it was an Indian. As I approached, two of the women were taking pictures of it and I overheard one of them say, “that’s one of the best looking motorcycles I’ve ever seen.” What a nice moment... and I’ve had so many of these so far in my first couple weeks of owning this bike. I’ve found that most importantly it’s a bike that I adore, but it’s also a bike that somehow bridges that gap of sport riders and cruiser (Harley) riders.
@@warlok9 I am glad you are happy with it. I didn't get the same feeling with it. I won't be buying one. Everyone is different and had different likes and dislikes. MT-07 and this bike are both rated at 3.4 0-60 times and this is what it felt like when I rode it. The main reason I buy a bike is because I like it, not because of what other people think. I think it is a good looking bike.That is why I test rode it. I would not be happy owning one though and would always be thinking I overpaid for it. You sound happy with yours and that is awesome. Hope you have many years of happiness with your choice.
Had my base model since June 2019 and could not agree more with your review. That's from someone who is about 30 years older than you. It rolls over the winter wrecked roads here in the north east US with the 19/18" tires and longish travel suspension great. It is a fun street bike.
Bought one in July...wasn’t the fastest stock....but who would leave a bike like this stock?? Once you shave over 20lbs off ( cat delete, new exhaust, license plate remount, lithium battery etc) add the obvious PV3 with a remap... THIS A COMPLETELY different machine!!! Stock = okay, After easy shaving of weight and Dyno jet PV3 remap... HOLY MOLY!!!!! What is this THING!! A KNARLY BEAST WITH TORQUE ON TAP that makes hair grow on your chest!! 😉 and leaves a you shaky like a school girl on a couple’s dance for the first time!! Sure there are liter bikes that are faster ( and twice the price) but who wants to go 180ph anyway? Stupid. It’s A to B NOT A-Z....after smoking a GSXR1000 to 100mph you can ABSOLUTELY HIT that dirt road you saw a few miles back...ON THE SAME BIKE... just turn around! Ha! Change the stock dunlaps out to some of the awesome adv tires out there and you have a back road ripper!! Have dozens of miles on dirt roads and she will hold her own for what she is. The susp travel is welcomed when off-road and with some better 70/30, 80/20 tires it will do as good as this type of bike can do!! All these reviews are judging this wonderful machine stock wah,wah 😢 ...when opened up from her cocoon into the butterfly she is... this is EXACTLY what you wanted! The do-it-all....and pretty damn good at those things too! It’s not the numbers...it’s the operator and the ability to put the numbers to pavement! This FTR 1200 easily puts more power to the wheel in a confidence inspiring way the any other bike ive ridden, just gunning ear to ear. Fun. Fun as hell! The stock form guts this bike.... you won’t be able to prove me wrong. Haha..Anyone who has wanted one... either demo rode a gutted stock one in a demo ride and didn’t like it for $13.5k ( don’t blame them) or talked themselves out of it due to the numbers ie: too heavy, not enough hp, too expensive...blah, blah, blah we get it. I had tons of reason to not buy it. Hot damn sure glad I did. Funnest bike I’ve ever owned. But what do I know💪🏽 Awesome review! 💯
@@nicksavich7970 I agree 100% lol it’s all about the rider. I guessing he didn’t think he had to give it the beans to beat me. That being said the FTR puts the power down Easy and FAST!
Just got my brand new ftr 1200 2022 , ⚫smoke base model 👌😎🙌. A ll can say is there is no such thing a like when it comes to this bike it's all LOVE. I Loveing every moment with mine and wouldn't trade nor regret anything about buying this bike. Like you said a couple tweaks here there, man oh man look out .....😇💥💯
I road tested every bike on the market from small Honda grooms to the big 6 cylinder BMWs and when I road tested the Indian FTR1200 I fell in love with it for a second bike, I like to ride coast to coast and don’t think this would do it just because of the size of the gas tank but I might get an auxiliary tank and try it
Got mine last week, awesome!! getting mid 50mpg not an issue in uk ,handles brilliant ignore talking head 😂 ,it goes like a banshee and handles so well it flatters the rider, now the improvements start 😁,it's like my T140 with quintuple the power and handling !
Good review, thanks. When you say roundabout are you just talking about a regular traffic circle roundabout? I want a video of that! High speed roundabout ripping! Subscribed
Yet again another great video buddy thankyou, I bought my new rocket from your recommendations, I think this bikes going to be in my garage next 😆 maybe the carbon version tho. 😁
Indian really needs to make a 750 street tracker based on the actual racer and get it out under $10,000 USD, Go tow to tow with the Triumph/Ducati Scramblers and Yami XSR
I think these are massively different bikes. Would definitely depends on your personal preferences and feeling for the bike. Both are rad bikes though. Im also hesitating between the two. :)
I've heard that the base version is basically in Standard Mode with some level of traction control always engaged, although you being able to slide it around turns speaks to the contrary. I wonder if the base version will allow you to wheelie? I can't imagine buying this bike and not being able to pull the front end up.
@@OathForFew this is true but if you are lucky enough to find a XR for good price with couple thousand in mods and remove some of the heavy parts you would be in the same ball park performance wise for thousands cheaper. And you don’t see the XR’s often but the FTR is very cool and I do like them that’s because they wouldn’t even be here if it wasn’t for the og XR750. But sweet bike I just won’t pay that much for one. Maybe a used one down the road
I tested one of these and I was not impressed. There are a lot better bikes for less money. It didn't feel nearly as strong as the 120 HP that they claim. It also put off an extreme amount of heat from the engine. This is still my favorite Indian though, which isn't saying much about the rest of their lineup. It's a pass for me.
because it so heavy. you cant feel the power.
Which bikes would you recommend for less money?
Pick any Harley and that statement holds up even more. (There are better bikes for less money) Although I’d change that to say, “There are better performing bikes for less money.” #1. Yes, the FTR kicks off serious heat when the fans kick on. What I do to to solve this is simple, took me 2 rides to figure it out... just move my knees a few inches off the tank when the fans are running. The heat completely misses my legs. #2. Yes, it’s not as quick as some bikes that cost less. Coming from a tuned Yamaha FZ09 to the FTR the FZ was quicker to 60mph but just barely...If you could keep the front wheel down. That being said the FTR is far easier to launch and the real gut punch of torque isn’t in first gear, but 2nd gear. The real story of the FTR engine is the available torque at any speed. The FTR will trounce many bikes in rolling acceleration tests, including the afore mentioned FZ09/MT09.
The FTR has something many of the Japanese and Euro bikes just can never have, and that’s “character”. It’s what makes a Harley a Harley. It’s not horsepower, acceleration, or top speed. When you throw a leg over the FTR, you feel like you’ve mounted that proverbial “steel horse”. It feels solid under you. It feels substantial... “special”. I imagine that’s what many Harley owners feel as well. It doesn’t hurt either that the FTR Race Replica version I own is what I think is the coolest looking bike on the road today bar none. People that know what it is stop and ask questions and take pictures. People that don’t know what it is will stop and ask “what the heck is that!? I’ve never seen anything like it.”
The other day I was at a motorcycle gear shop that caters mostly to cruiser riders. It was the weekend and there was a big collection of customers bikes parked out front. From $40k baggers to custom sportsters. I come out of the store after getting my new gloves and There is a group of riders, men and women, gathered around my FTR. NONE of them knew what the bike was, but were intrigued because of how the bike looked and the fact it was an Indian. As I approached, two of the women were taking pictures of it and I overheard one of them say, “that’s one of the best looking motorcycles I’ve ever seen.” What a nice moment... and I’ve had so many of these so far in my first couple weeks of owning this bike. I’ve found that most importantly it’s a bike that I adore, but it’s also a bike that somehow bridges that gap of sport riders and cruiser (Harley) riders.
@@warlok9 I am glad you are happy with it. I didn't get the same feeling with it. I won't be buying one. Everyone is different and had different likes and dislikes. MT-07 and this bike are both rated at 3.4 0-60 times and this is what it felt like when I rode it. The main reason I buy a bike is because I like it, not because of what other people think. I think it is a good looking bike.That is why I test rode it. I would not be happy owning one though and would always be thinking I overpaid for it. You sound happy with yours and that is awesome. Hope you have many years of happiness with your choice.
I bet this guy says brilliant and stunning a lot
Had my base model since June 2019 and could not agree more with your review. That's from someone who is about 30 years older than you. It rolls over the winter wrecked roads here in the north east US with the 19/18" tires and longish travel suspension great. It is a fun street bike.
Would you recommend for a new rider?
@@mhitson7483 I think it's to tall for an average height new rider. If you're taller than average, then test ride one and make a decision.
Bought one in July...wasn’t the fastest stock....but who would leave a bike like this stock?? Once you shave over 20lbs off ( cat delete, new exhaust, license plate remount, lithium battery etc) add the obvious PV3 with a remap... THIS A COMPLETELY different machine!!! Stock = okay, After easy shaving of weight and Dyno jet PV3 remap... HOLY MOLY!!!!! What is this THING!! A KNARLY BEAST WITH TORQUE ON TAP that makes hair grow on your chest!! 😉 and leaves a you shaky like a school girl on a couple’s dance for the first time!! Sure there are liter bikes that are faster ( and twice the price) but who wants to go 180ph anyway? Stupid. It’s A to B NOT A-Z....after smoking a GSXR1000 to 100mph you can ABSOLUTELY HIT that dirt road you saw a few miles back...ON THE SAME BIKE... just turn around! Ha! Change the stock dunlaps out to some of the awesome adv tires out there and you have a back road ripper!! Have dozens of miles on dirt roads and she will hold her own for what she is. The susp travel is welcomed when off-road and with some better 70/30, 80/20 tires it will do as good as this type of bike can do!! All these reviews are judging this wonderful machine stock wah,wah 😢 ...when opened up from her cocoon into the butterfly she is... this is EXACTLY what you wanted! The do-it-all....and pretty damn good at those things too! It’s not the numbers...it’s the operator and the ability to put the numbers to pavement! This FTR 1200 easily puts more power to the wheel in a confidence inspiring way the any other bike ive ridden, just gunning ear to ear. Fun. Fun as hell! The stock form guts this bike.... you won’t be able to prove me wrong. Haha..Anyone who has wanted one... either demo rode a gutted stock one in a demo ride and didn’t like it for $13.5k ( don’t blame them) or talked themselves out of it due to the numbers ie: too heavy, not enough hp, too expensive...blah, blah, blah we get it. I had tons of reason to not buy it. Hot damn sure glad I did. Funnest bike I’ve ever owned. But what do I know💪🏽 Awesome review! 💯
I am a fan of the FTR as well, but to say that you smoked a gixxer thou, would only imply that something went seriously wrong with the other rider.
@@nicksavich7970 I agree 100% lol it’s all about the rider. I guessing he didn’t think he had to give it the beans to beat me. That being said the FTR puts the power down Easy and FAST!
@@carter308 Oh yeah. I could see it happening. That FTR is definitely quick.
Just got my brand new ftr 1200 2022 , ⚫smoke base model 👌😎🙌. A ll can say is there is no such thing a like when it comes to this bike it's all LOVE. I Loveing every moment with mine and wouldn't trade nor regret anything about buying this bike. Like you said a couple tweaks here there, man oh man look out .....😇💥💯
The FTR I'd go for. Who needs more electronics? I bet it's reliable, too.
Agreed.
I road tested every bike on the market from small Honda grooms to the big 6 cylinder BMWs and when I road tested the Indian FTR1200 I fell in love with it for a second bike, I like to ride coast to coast and don’t think this would do it just because of the size of the gas tank but I might get an auxiliary tank and try it
Got mine last week, awesome!! getting mid 50mpg not an issue in uk ,handles brilliant ignore talking head 😂 ,it goes like a banshee and handles so well it flatters the rider, now the improvements start 😁,it's like my T140 with quintuple the power and handling !
Good review, thanks. When you say roundabout are you just talking about a regular traffic circle roundabout? I want a video of that! High speed roundabout ripping! Subscribed
Yet again another great video buddy thankyou, I bought my new rocket from your recommendations, I think this bikes going to be in my garage next 😆 maybe the carbon version tho. 😁
Indian really needs to make a 750 street tracker based on the actual racer and get it out under $10,000 USD, Go tow to tow with the Triumph/Ducati Scramblers and Yami XSR
possibly the best looking bike i know! Nice review!
Riding modes are hidden , use a engine control manager from s and s to unlock those modes and that is only 30 dollar
First thing I'd do is swap that horrible exhaust out...
What bike would be better choice? the Indian ftr 1200 or the ducati scrambler 1100??
I think these are massively different bikes. Would definitely depends on your personal preferences and feeling for the bike. Both are rad bikes though. Im also hesitating between the two. :)
would you say it has the character of an older super duke sans the ridiculous extra power and torque?
I've heard that the base version is basically in Standard Mode with some level of traction control always engaged, although you being able to slide it around turns speaks to the contrary. I wonder if the base version will allow you to wheelie? I can't imagine buying this bike and not being able to pull the front end up.
So you are at a spot and look outside and it’s raining hard. Do those pipes fill up with water? That can’t go good?!
What jacket is that?
These go to eleven.
Ooh do I get one Toad?
Review or advert?
They are cool and expensive....but I will stick with my XR1200. A lot more character and it’s almost the same bike made 10 years ago haha.
Its not the same bike thou, That FTR would blow the XR out of the water
@@OathForFew No shit it’s 10 years newer and water cooled so I would hope so...and with few mods the XR could be just as good And for ALOT cheaper.
@@thevtadventure1062 There's nothing cheap about a Harley lol
@@OathForFew this is true but if you are lucky enough to find a XR for good price with couple thousand in mods and remove some of the heavy parts you would be in the same ball park performance wise for thousands cheaper. And you don’t see the XR’s often but the FTR is very cool and I do like them that’s because they wouldn’t even be here if it wasn’t for the og XR750. But sweet bike I just won’t pay that much for one. Maybe a used one down the road