Indian Fight Back

Indian Motorcycle is entering a new and exciting era with the flattrack inspired FTR 1200.

- Mark Hinchcliff

Not content with their FTR750 totally dominating the American Flat Track competition last year and this year, Indian Motorcycle is moving from the track to the street with three FTR 1200 variants due to arrive here early next year.

The basic black FTR 1200 will cost $19,995 ride away, the FTR 1200 S in red and grey or titanium and black will cost $22,995 and a Race-Replica FTR 1200 S matching the red-framed FTR750 race bike will start at $23,995.

It may be inspired by the flat track FTR750, but the production-ready FTR 1200 unveiled at the Intermot motorcycle show in Cologne is a bit of a departure from the FTR1200 Custom.

The Minnesota manufacturer revealed the prototype model at the EICMA motorcycle show in Milan last November to rave reviews.

Dealers around the world were even taking orders for the production bike, sight unseen and despite no details such as tech specs or even price.

However, when spy photos of the FTR 1200 emerged on the internet ahead of the official unveiling, there was disappointment expressed on social media that the high mount scrambler-esque pipes had been changed to look more like the Ducati Scrambler.

It might not look as tough as the prototype, but the more conventional piping would be a lot more practical and not as uncomfortably hot on your right thigh!

However, we expect aftermarket exhausts will be available fairly quickly.

The other major change from the prototype to the production model was the plumper seat replacing the skinny race perch. Again, function has won over form.