Indian's new leg burner FTR1200

[Shorty]

Got myself on the Indian M/C mailing list somehow. Here is a page with videos of their new scrambler/street tracker FTR1200 :

https://www.indianmotorcycle.com/en-us/ftr1200/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=selligent&utm_campaign=ind_1806_ftr1200_announced#explore-ftr-1200-gallery

Looks like it may be a hoss....

[bigbikerrick]

Finally an Indian that I can relate to. Their other products so far have not been my cup of tea.
Rick.

[LowRyter]

I'd like to check it out.  I've asked the local shop when Indian was going to make a Scout with rear sets.

[bad Chad]

Is it an actual production bike?

[Sheepdog]

I like what I’ve been seeing from Indian. I guess it helps that I adore the old ones...

[LowRyter]

Is it an actual production bike?

No.  But they are developing a production version for sale in the Fall. 

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

Is it an actual production bike?

"Production Version Coming 2019".

[bad Chad]

 Cool,  sounds like fun.   Maybe folks won't tear it down before they even get eyes on it.

[john fish]

I like the looks of it.  Kinda.  Have to see it up close to check the details.  I'd be interested to know how much it weighs.  Under 475 lbs (all fluids except fuel) and it could be great fun.

[twowheeladdict]

I'd like to check it out.  I've asked the local shop when Indian was going to make a Scout with rear sets.

HUH?

[zebraranger]

Good to see Indian try something different, I kind of like it. But, that fuel tank looks awfully small, hopefully the production unit will have a decent fuel capacity.

[jas67]

Looks like loads of fun 

Finally, an American motorcycle that isn't a cruiser (yes, I know XR1200 and Buell, but, those are no longer made).   Hopefully, it last longer on the market.

[LowRyter]

HUH?

what?

[LowRyter]

I like the looks of it.  Kinda.  Have to see it up close to check the details.  I'd be interested to know how much it weighs.  Under 475 lbs (all fluids except fuel) and it could be great fun.

remember, this isn't the bike that will be produced.  This one is a show bike with a mixture of production and racing parts.

[john fish]

Good to see Indian try something different, I kind of like it. But, that fuel tank looks awfully small, hopefully the production unit will have a decent fuel capacity.

Good point.  100 to 150 mile fuel range would be a turnoff.

[Guzzistajohn]

Watching the races on fanschoice Saturday night they did advertise a scout w/o the damn foreward controls. Caught my attention. That’s a bad ass motor on those scouts.

[jas67]

remember, this isn't the bike that will be produced.

Hmmm.   I remember when Victory teased us with the Project 156 hill climb motorcycle, and all they brought to production was a slightly restyled Scout, yet another feet-forward cruiser 

[LowRyter]

Hmmm.   I remember when Victory teased us with the Project 156 hill climb motorcycle, and all they brought to production was a slightly restyled Scout, yet another feet-forward cruiser 

man, both of those bikes are ugly as sin.

[jas67]

man, both of those bikes are ugly as sin.

Yes, but, the first one would be a hoot to ride.   The second one, at least for me, is an ergonomic disaster.
I HATE forward controls and ultra low seats + short travel suspension.   That would KILL my back on the first bad bump.

[Guzzistajohn]

I like the 1st one, most of the victory’s were ugly as a mud fence as far as I’m concerned.

[twowheeladdict]

what?

There are pillion accommodations on the scout.

[LowRyter]

There are pillion accommodations on the scout.

what's that have to do with rear sets?

[boatdetective]

I think it looks fantastic. To me, the Chiefs are way over the top. I have some respect for the scout. This thing could be fun and who cares about the tank?  For the love of God, not everything is a touring bike.

[LBC Tenni]

I�m no fan of high pipes, but the rest is intriguing. Best looking American bike I�ve seen since Buell.

HD best find some inspiration right quick. Polaris means business.

[john fish]

This thing could be fun and who cares about the tank?  For the love of God, not everything is a touring bike.

True, but having to get fuel every 100 miles would be a downer for me.  No worries, different strokes, etc.

[JohninVT]

I test rode a Scout.  The fit and finish is great.  The engine rips and has about 100hp.  I absolutely hate the pegs and the rear suspension needs about 3" more travel.  This bike addresses both.  As for the tank, the Scout has a similar size tank as a Sportster.  It's 3.3 gallons.  I don't know if this bike will have the same capacity or not but the Scout is meant to steal sales from the Sportster so the size is fine for most people cross shopping them.  The Scout weighs 560lbs so I doubt the FTR will weigh 100lbs less but we'll see.  I really hope they don't stick with those enormous wheels.  It's screaming for 17" wheels so premium rubber can be mounted.       

[Rusnak_322]

True, but having to get fuel every 100 miles would be a downer for me.  No worries, different strokes, etc.

My Ducati Monster gets 90 miles to a tank. We go on lots of long rides and have to plan the route on me fueling up.
I would still rather have a good looking bike vs a huge tank. And a larger tank would wreck that Indian flat tracker. 

That said, I bet the production version will be unrecognizable compared to that prototype. From the site "The new FTR 1200 will take inspiration, design and performance cues from these two predecessors, but will maintain a look and style all its own."

[steven c]

 Which doesn't make any sense when the show bike is what people want.

[Lannis]

True, but having to get fuel every 100 miles would be a downer for me.  No worries, different strokes, etc.

My BSA Firebird Scrambler is like that.   High pipes, birdcage exhaust heat shield, 2 gallon fuel tank.

It works well when you're ready for it.   The heat shield is very effective; when you come to a stop, you can take both hands off the bars if you need to, and lean the shield against your leg to support the bike while you do whatever.

You have to refuel every 100 miles or so.   I like big tanks myself; both my Norton Interstate and my Triumph Trophy SE get 320+ miles per tank, but when I'm on a trip on the Firebird, I just adjust.   I wouldn't take it on Rt 50 across Nevada, or up the Canol Road, but for going from Virginia to Ohio or South Carolina, it's not an issue.

No pillion, though.   The passenger peg is almost unreachable under those pipes.

It makes a good addition to the fleet when conditions are right.   Once, it was my only bike; then I bought a Centauro ......

So I think if someone really wanted this Indian, they could make it work for anything except transcontinental touring ....

Lannis

[roadscum]

I like the styling  but unless it's got a 200 mile range between fill ups, weighs 500lbs. or less, and doesn't overheat my leg, foot or ball,  handles well, and is ergonomically comfortable …….. it's not for me. I've learned that the pleasure of riding eye candy alone doesn't last long for me.


Paul