Indian FTR1200, FTR S and FTR R Carbon Get 17-inch Wheels and Sportbike Cred for 2022

John Burns
by John Burns

Lower seats, lower prices, less confusion

The FTR seems to be one of those love-it or hate-it polarizing kinds of motorcycles. With this trio of 2022 Indian FTR1200s, Polaris wants more love and less hate. When loosed upon the public in 2019, a large part of the confusion had to do with its 19-/18-inch wheel combo, complete with flat-track inspired Dunlop tires. What is this thing anyway? A sportbike? An ADV bike? A Ducati Monster wannabe? The only thing certain was that it wasn’t much like anything we’d seen before from a (major) American motorcycle manufacturer, or any manufacturer for that matter. The answer, of course, was that the FTR was a little of all those: a 120-horsepower liquid-cooled V-twin naked sportbike that was happy to blast down dirt roads too. Indian went so far as to hold the bike’s press launch in Baja, on a ride that included 40 miles of sandy dirt road. On the other hand, you could also just cruise, in the time-honored American idiom, thanks to the nice upright ergos and standard cruise control.

You can still get that adventurous FTR1200 in the form of the Rally, which continues on with the bigger (wire-spoke) wheels and dirty road capabilities. Now, Indian’s brought three new 2022 FTR1200s to bear, all with 17-inch wheels front and rear shod in proper sportbike rubber, revised suspension to suit, a lower seat, a refined engine tune, and – Indian hopes – a whole new appeal for people who have no intention of leaving the pavement. I think we all wondered why they didn’t build this one first? Probably because they were trying hard to make the flat-track-dominating FTR750 connection.

—————————————————————————————————–

Indian Press Release:

MINNEAPOLIS (January 26, 2021) – Indian Motorcycle redefined what an American V-Twin can be with the introduction of its category-defying FTR platform in 2019. Now, America’s First Motorcycle Company is taking the beloved FTR platform to a whole new level with a host of enhancements to the 2022 FTR lineup. Born and evolved as the ultimate intersection of style and performance, the FTR updates include a thoughtfully refined engine, a suspension tuned for the street, and 17” tires and wheels; together delivering world-class performance while making the bike feel more compact and maneuverable.

“The FTR is unlike any other motorcycle in its ability to deliver superior performance while making a powerful statement of style and self-expression. The updates we’ve delivered further solidify that promise for even the most discerning riders,” said Mike Dougherty, President of Indian Motorcycle. “Indian Motorcycle has always pushed the bounds of motorcycling, innovated, and continuously improved and I think the new FTR is another great example of that.”

FTR, FTR S & FTR R Carbon

The FTR, FTR S, and FTR R Carbon models are outfitted with 17-inch cast aluminium wheels wrapped with Metzeler Sportec street tires – resulting in precision handling in corners and nimble handling on the street. Smaller wheels, along with the bike’s front and rear suspension which offer 120mm of travel, contribute to a lower seat height by 1.4-inches – opening the door for more riders to throw a leg over the FTR. Additionally, the ProTaper handlebars were trimmed by 1.5-inches (40mm) to support the bike’s nimble handling and give riders more control.

Additional updates for the new FTR line further refine rider comfort. These three models offer fully adjustable front and rear suspension, a new feature added to the FTR base, as well as cylinder deactivation to manage engine heat when the motorcycle is idle.

Additionally, each FTR model packs a host of standard features that carry over from previous FTR iterations. An inverted front suspension tuned for the street, along with radially mounted dual Brembo brakes provide riders with exceptional control and superior stopping power, while cruise control contributes to a comfortable ride.

Key points of differentiations between models, include the following:

FTR1200 (base model)

Starting at $12,999, the base FTR features an analog gauge and is available in Black Smoke with red accents throughout, including red pinstripes on the wheels, red Indian Motorcycle script branding across the tank, and a red rear shock spring.

Base and FTR-S are carrying on with fully adjustable Sachs suspension, now with 120mm travel front and rear, revised for sporty street use.
The seat’s 1.4 inches lower, the aluminum handlebar 1.5-in narrower. The base model retains the single round instrument pod instead of the 4.3-in touchscreen TFT display of all the others.

FTR S

With two paint options, Maroon Metallic and White Smoke, the FTR S begins at $14,999. The premium offering includes Indian Motorcycle’s 4.3-inch touchscreen display, which offers phone integration via Bluetooth or USB and configurable gauges. The FTR S is standard with an upgraded Akrapovic exhaust, three ride modes, wheelie control with rear lift mitigation, stability control, traction control and cornering ABS. Additionally, a fast-charging USB port provides a convenient means to staying charged.

FTR R CARBON

The FTR R Carbon sits at the top as the premier model in the FTR lineup. In addition to the aforementioned features listed with the FTR S, the FTR R Carbon sets itself apart with carbon fiber tank covers, front fender and headlight nacelle, fully adjustable Öhlins gold front forks and gold piggyback shocks, a black Akrapovic exhaust, premium seat cover, and numbered badging on the console. The FTR R Carbon is available starting at $16,999.

Indian says the FTR R Carbon is three pounds lighter than the others – 479 lbs versus 482, dry. Our scales said 511 pounds for both FTR and FTR S, with the too-small 3.4-gallon tank full, two years ago. And speaking of two years ago, when’s the last time you saw prices go down? FTR 1200 and FTR S are both $500 cheaper.

FTR Rally

MO tested the FTR Rally pictured here last year.

Maintaining its scrambler aesthetic, the FTR Rally features Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR tires over wire-spoke wheels with an 18-inch in the rear and 19-inch in front. Like other FTR models, the FTR Rally receives the refined engine calibration and throttle response, along with rear cylinder deactivation. The FTR Rally’s ProTaper handlebars are two inches higher than other FTR models for better comfort and handling with a more relaxed ergonomic position. The FTR Rally features an analog gauge and is available starting at $13,999 in Titanium Smoke.

Accessories

An ideal platform for personalization, the FTR also receives an expanded offering of style, performance and comfort accessories. New style accessories include new tank pads available in black and clear, while a host of carbon fiber parts are now available, including chain guards, V-Covers, radiator guards and a

17-inch front fender. Riders can also upgrade their suspension with an Öhlins forks and shock kit, while riders looking to go the extra mile can add a rear rack bag, R Carbon Seat and a USB charging port.

In addition, Indian Motorcycle is carrying over more than 60 FTR parts and accessories. Designed with the perfect fitment, riders can personalize their FTR with a full accessory line ranging from tank covers to high and low-mount Akrapovic exhaust options, storage bags, a luggage rack, a mid-windshield and more.

John Burns
John Burns

More by John Burns

Comments
Join the conversation
2 of 30 comments
  • C w C w on Feb 09, 2021

    ...still waiting for the "T"-for-touring version of this.

    I wonder if anyone is making Victory throwback decals yet.

  • Dan bogosian Dan bogosian on Feb 19, 2021

    The bike became more desirable. Just too much money for me. Can see getting a leftover or test ridden low mile used.
    Still waiting for a next gen xsr900 built off the new mt09. Will be best bang for buck.
    I'm not upgrading unless I can get next gen IMU, lean sensitive abs, and better suspension. Z900rs will follow suit too and the leftovers for people that don't care about those are gonna be steals. Still, this bike is cool. Indian is making things better.

Next