Indian FTR 1200 S 2019 — Specifications

When Indian decided to transpose the raw energy of American flat track racing onto the open road, nobody expected such a radical result. The 2019 Indian FTR 1200 S is neither a classic Milwaukee-style cruiser nor a sanitized European roadster. It's a hybrid, edgy machine that smells of dirt track beneath its sport-road varnish. A 1203 cc V-twin, 120 horsepower at 8,250 rpm, 117.9 Nm of torque available from 6,000 rpm. On paper, it plays in the same league as a Ducati Monster 1200 or a KTM 1290 Super Duke R. On the road, the temperament is different. More visceral, less surgical.

The V-twin engine breathes through four valves per cylinder, boasts a 12.5:1 compression ratio, and spins with a precision that belies its American origins. The generous 102 mm bore against a 73.6 mm stroke reveals an engine that prefers revving high rather than pushing hard at the bottom of the tachometer. The belt final drive, paired with a six-speed gearbox, delivers a level of riding comfort that chain-drive enthusiasts will envy. On the chassis side, the tubular steel trellis frame houses an inverted cartridge fork and a rear monoshock, both fully adjustable for compression, rebound, and preload. This is the real difference from the standard version: here, the suspension isn't a fixed compromise. The 1,524 mm wheelbase and 183 mm ground clearance allow for confident lean angles, almost provocative for a machine weighing 231 kg wet.

The onboard electronics partly justify the listed price of €15,990. Cornering stability control, traction control, anti-wheelie, three engine maps, and a 4.3-inch Bluetooth-compatible touchscreen: the Indian FTR 1200 S spec sheet rivals the best European competitors. The Ride Command system centralizes function management and replaces the basic instrument cluster of the entry-level version. It's a genuine ergonomic upgrade, even if the screen sometimes lacks readability in direct sunlight. The braking, handled by four-piston calipers on dual front discs and a single 265 mm rear disc, proves powerful and progressive. No complaints there.

The 12.9-liter fuel tank is the machine's obvious Achilles' heel. With a realistic consumption of around 6 liters per 100 km under spirited riding, the range flirts dangerously with the 200-kilometer mark. For a motorcycle marketed as a versatile roadster, that's short. Long-distance riders will look elsewhere, while urban riders and those who enjoy carving through back roads will be perfectly satisfied. Worth noting, the 840 mm seat height makes it accessible to average-sized riders, but shorter pilots will have to contend with the weight and width of the V-twin. Important point: unlike the base version, the Indian FTR 1200 S cannot be restricted for the A2 license. The choice is clear — this bike is meant for full license holders.

For those who want to push things further, the Indian FTR 1200 S Race Replica adds an Akrapovic exhaust and a competition livery for roughly €1,300 extra. A modest investment to gain in sound character and visual personality. On the used market, 2019 and 2020 Indian FTR 1200 S models currently trade between €11,000 and €13,000 depending on mileage, making them an attractive proposition against a Triumph Speed Triple or a Yamaha MT-10 of comparable age. The aftermarket parts catalog remains more limited than the Japanese or European competition, but it grows every year. Indian planted an unexpected flag on the sport roadster battlefield with this FTR. Not perfect, but singular enough to deserve a closer look.