Indian FTR Rally 2021 — Specifications

Who would have bet a tank of unleaded fuel that the brand with the chrome grilles would one day release a roadster with a flat tracker accent, capable of holding its own against European bikes on their own turf? Yet, with the Indian FTR Rally, that’s exactly the crazy bet that Indian took on. Far from low-revving cruisers, here’s a motorcycle that pulses with the soul of dirt track but whose Pirelli Scorpion STR tires are just eager to bite into the asphalt. The heart of the beast, a 1203 cm3 V2, delivers 123 horsepower and especially 120 Nm of torque, figures that make you forget the American tradition of pushy big cubes and directly place the FTR in the sights of muscle roadsters like the Ducati Monster 1200.

With its exposed tubular frame and 84 cm high seat, the FTR Rally displays a well-tempered character. The advertised weight, 239 kg fully fueled, is forgotten once in motion, but remains an argument for those who prefer lighter Japanese or Austrian roadsters. The riding position, thanks to an elevated ProTaper handlebar, is relaxed and ready for long rides, even if the 13-liter tank quickly reveals its limits on the highway. It is precisely there that the included speed regulator becomes a valuable ally. For a successful Indian FTR Rally test, it is better to favor country roads and stabilized dirt paths, where its 183 mm ground clearance and adjustable suspension show their true potential.

Compared to a Triumph Scrambler 1200 or a Ducati Desert Sled, the FTR Rally actually plays a different game. It is not a true scrambler, despite its name and spoked rims. Above all, it is a lively and stylish roadster, dressed as an urban adventurer. Its price, around 15,000 euros, places it in the big leagues, and one can legitimately wonder if the investment is justified compared to competitors who are more accomplished in versatility or lightness. For a motorcyclist looking for an atypical custom, with understated but effective electronics and reassuring Brembo braking, it makes a strong impression. Announcements for a used Indian FTR Rally are beginning to circulate, testifying to a certain enthusiasm but also to a rapid turnover of owners.

So, who is the 2023 Indian FTR Rally for? Certainly not a beginner, intimidated by its weight and power. Nor a hardcore adventurer who will find its limits too quickly in the mud. On the other hand, the demanding globetrotter seeking a unique character, the Sunday track rider who enjoys raw sensations, and the jaded urban dweller who wants to stand out on café terraces will find their account. It is a motorcycle with a mood, a style and a temperament, which fully embraces its American heritage while defying the conventions of its category. A bold bet, not always perfect, but terribly refreshing.