Indian FTR 1200 S 2021 — Specifications

What do you do when you're a century-old American manufacturer, specialist in heavy cruisers and gleaming chrome, and you want to prove to the whole world that you can also build sporty muscle? You release the Indian FTR 1200 S. Born from the flat track universe, this machine has gradually migrated to tarmac to become a punchy roadster, built for the road and capable of giving established references like the Ducati Monster or the Triumph Street Triple a run for their money. With 123 horsepower extracted from a 1203 cc V-twin at 8250 rpm and 117.9 Nm of torque available from 6000 rpm, the engine doesn't lack for arguments. The 12.5:1 compression ratio, 4 valves per cylinder, double overhead camshaft, and liquid cooling confirm that this twin-cylinder is anything but a grandpa's engine. The Indian FTR 1200 S 2021 spec sheet speaks for itself.

The tubular steel trellis frame houses a fully adjustable inverted fork and a rear shock with a separate reservoir, also adjustable in every direction. Braking relies on dual discs clamped by 4-piston calipers up front, complemented by a single 265 mm disc and a 2-piston caliper at the rear. The whole package weighs 235 kg wet, which remains reasonable for a motorcycle of this size, even if a Triumph Street Triple RS does significantly better on the scales. The tire fitment in 120/70 R19 at the front and 150/70 R18 at the rear betrays its flat track origins and gives it a generous 183 mm of ground clearance, but the handling remains more road-oriented than track-focused. The 1524 mm wheelbase favors stability without entirely sacrificing agility.

What sets the S version apart from the standard FTR is its electronic equipment. Inertial measurement unit, cornering ABS, traction control, anti-wheelie, three engine maps, cruise control: the arsenal is complete. The 4.3-inch TFT display with the Bluetooth-compatible Ride Command system replaces the basic instrument cluster of the entry-level version. You also get the Akrapovic exhaust system that gives the V-twin a raspier voice. Those looking for an Indian FTR 1200 S race replica will find in this variant the most accessible competition spirit in the lineup.

The downside is a tank holding just 12.9 liters, which forces frequent stops on long trips. For a machine priced at 16,490 euros, that's a sore point. The 840 mm seat height will also rule out shorter riders, and above all, this version cannot be restricted to A2 compliance: it's exclusively for full license holders. Reviews of the Indian FTR 1200 S converge on another sensitive issue: the heat thrown off by the V-twin between your legs, although the rear cylinder deactivation system at idle mitigates the problem in the city.

At the asking price, the Indian FTR 1200 S 2021 faces formidable competitors. A Ducati Monster 1200 offers a comparable temperament, the KTM 1290 Super Duke plays in a higher power category, and the Yamaha MT-09 SP costs significantly less. The real selling point of this Indian is its unique character: this blend of American culture, flat track heritage, and modern roadster can't be found anywhere else. If you're looking for a used Indian FTR 1200 S, the 2019 or 2020 model years represent an appealing entry point, as the mechanicals have changed little. On the aftermarket parts side, the catalog of parts and accessories has expanded over the years. The fact remains that this motorcycle demands a rider who owns their choices: it makes no compromises to please the masses, and that's precisely what makes it so endearing.