2019 Indian FTR 1200 S Test Ride | Worth The Hype???

[@rod8763]

So I'm the genius that laid the bike down, ground was just a bit further away than I judged. It was great meeting you guys today and please tell Uncle Ken and Roadblock thanks again for helping me pick the bike up.

[@MrKeneal0330]

No worries

[@BikeNBird]

It happens to EVERYONE man. It's not IF you'll drop a bike but when and where.

[@Whatyoutakinbout]

Poor guy. You drop you buy. Hope you enjoy your new bike

[@rod8763]

@@Whatyoutakinbout Not how that works, but thanks?

[@MrKeneal0330]

@@Whatyoutakinbout Not quite how that works, bud.

[@paden501]

Good review. My father in law actually just took delivery one one of these on Saturday so I have some seat time on it now. I can agree with most of what you said here EXCEPT the bit about it being an acceptable beginners bike. There is no way I would recommend this bike to a beginner. Even with all the nannies that it offers the bike has enough power to get you into trouble, and let’s be honest, it’s just too tempting to turn the aids off and rip around. Someone who’s never owned a bike would certainly get them self hurt on this machine. If a completely new rider wanted something in this style/ride position, I’d be pushing them toward a CB300 or SV650 instead of this. Those options offer similar experience (especially the SV which is a vtwin) with much more approachable power than the FTR1200. Now that said if someone with a season or two under their belt asked me if they should look at this bike I’d say sure. It’s a great bike and like you said, has a lot of room to “grow into” for there “novice but not new” rider.

[@gigasombreroantilgbtfurrie2538]

Im a biginner and i own this bike and its easy to ride

[@stanleyblazeraznik6047]

I am pretry sure my 40 years plus riding has prepared me for what the FTR 1200 is dealing out.

[@darrengriffith9680]

Stanley Blazeraznik he said it’s not a good beginners bike, what’s your point?

[@KyleCanessa]

I agree. Just got my ‘23 base model. It’s not for beginners

[@shadetreesurgeon]

I'm stoked to try one myself

[@bradleyalexander5821]

That was a good review. Covered all the questions I had. Well done Mr Bird.

[@gimmesomespeed4538]

Great (honest) review! It was nice to finally see it on the road instead of just in pictures :)

[@jamespolucha6911]

I was trying to sell some bikes to be able to buy a FTR but my wife bought it for me as a surprise, I have all types of motorcycles but this one is the best just a blast to ride it’s in a class of its own, can’t really compare it to anything, I have a Ducati also and it’s completely different who ever gets one won’t be disappointed

[@BikeNBird]

Agree 100%. This and the livewire are the only 2 bikes I would test ride again if given the chance. Actually now that I mention it, that would be the only bike I could even try to compare it to. Of course, two TOTALLY different bikes, but rider ergo is similar.

[@jamespolucha6911]

I road tested one for 5-6 hours and had a blast, I had more fun riding this than any other street bike, I’m going to buy one after I sell a few bikes, just a blast to ride

[@johnnymcquinn6025]

In college, I plan on buying one when I get out. Love this bike. & what gloves do you use?

[@khaccanhle1930]

Good info. No one else has mentioned the low speed handling

[@The1mybuddy1]

I'm debating on getting out of Road Racing and just doing trackdays. This bike makes me think really hard about throwing a set of Pirelli Diablo SC3 tires on it and have a nice daily rider and a formidable track bike. Put a higher set of rear sets on it to get more than 43° lean angle. The fact that the front and rear suspension in fully adjustable makes this bikes potential on the track alot better than most trackday riders. Then to have Brembo brakes lever to rotor is awesome as well. It will take a while to get used to the Pro Taper bars, but those could also be replaced with some aftermarket clip-ons for the track. Great review.

[@arhale09]

Former trackday rider and current FTR owner here, I wouldn't recommend this as a track bike. It's got INCREDIBLE torque and it's "grin factor" is off the chart, but it's not meant for the track. With a substantially longer wheelbase than a sportbike, hustling it through chicanes (think Barber after the museum turn or the mini corkscrew at VIR) would really be a chore, and putting clip-ons on it would really stretch it out to maybe uncomfortable levels. Add to that no front fairing and the windblast above 100 mph gets pretty noticeable. If you have the coin, the Ducati Panigale 959 is an almost perfect track weapon. I know you didn't ask my opinion, but I thought I'd chime in. I HIGHLY recommend the FTR, but not on the track

[@bharattaker]

Will it be fun n comfy for long tours. Wind factor in a windy country?

[@desmoface]

My only complaints the 18” rear wheel, it severely limits tire choice.

[@anxiousappliance]

Pirelli trail 2 is available - a great tire. But yeah- odd wheel sizes.

[@jamespolucha6911]

I have a 18 inch tire on two of my bikes never had an issue with tires

[@shawnballard1661]

Yes I got the new 2022 it has standard 17s front and back

[@rockinaadventures]

Good review! I rode it yesterday as well and agree it is worth the hype

[@Joric78]

In terms of design, ergos and handling (clearly not engine performance) I'd have thought the XR1200X would have been the closest Harley?

[@MrAndrew1953]

I’m 5’8” low seat setup or just forget about this one. Have heard of a version of this bike called a hooligan - very loud and hardcore - beautiful black paint job. Tone it down softer suspension, street legal pipe, twin discs like the 1200.

[@pinhead_sid]

When you lay a bike down like that on a demo or test ride do you have to buy or pay for it or does it just ding your personal insurance? Asking for a friend.

[@MrKeneal0330]

As far as I know small incidents like this are just brushed off. If you however cause significant damage to the bike or other property then you're on the hook for it.

[@wingerm1]

Thanks for the video. Test rode one today. Seriously considering trading my FXBB. This bike is FUN.

[@Willy2Gunz]

I won a free Harley Academy course and attended it this weekend. A lady laid a bike down a total of 6 times in 16 total hours of course maneuvering. Point is that it just isn’t for everyone. Thank god for that because it is already dangerous enough with all the distracted cagers.

[@wingerm1]

Been looking at that bike looking forward to more info on it. It'll probably not be in my garage in the near future as I'm still loving my street bob, it's a fun looking bike I'd love to have a chance at. Thanks for doing this review.

[@axslinger99]

Great review! I have a 2018 metallic burgundy Scout and love it. Lots of power, sharp looker, handles great. Indian is doing some great things. I've got my eye on the Springfield. Hope to have one by February.

[@roguecheddar]

I got my 2019 Springfield this past Febrary. It is all I ever wanted and more. I hope you got yours as well.

[@joshuawhite5662]

Did a test ride last weekend on it in Ft Worth, it's definitely a wheelie machine.

[@mariuss.6607]

That Indian that went down will be sold as 'never been down'

[@shanelumsdon11112]

lmao

[@MrKeneal0330]

Well it's a demo bike that travels the country to be ridden by anyone with a license, so it won't cost much anyway.

[@FranBunnyFFXII]

It had a crashbar on it. It likely has next to no damage or even scrapes on it. They'll just replace the scratched up crashbar and call it good.

[@mariuss.6607]

@@MrKeneal0330 that's why you stay away from demo bikes

[@MrKeneal0330]

@@mariuss.6607 They still have a life to live. Lol

[@FNGMOTO]

Your review was really good. I enjoyed how you gave an honest answer as to why you wouldn’t buy the bike. Nicely done sir.

[@EasyDoesitmoto]

Very good review big fella! I feel that I must ride one for myself now

[@triumphrider2002]

It seems to be a great bike and I know Indian was going for the dirt tracker crowd but in my opinion which isn't worth much ,I think 17 inch wheels would be great. You would have a bigger selection of tire choices. You could really dial the bike in for mountain roads. A 190 tire on the back and a 120 on the front would be a great improvement. You still would not have the power the Ducati 1200 Monster has but it would make things interesting.

[@majorgunn]

Indian must have been listening to you... is that not exactly where they took it!?

[@triumphrider2002]

@@majorgunn now I just need the money to buy one.

[@peerkuusch]

Great soundtrack at the beginning. Who's is it? And yeah... really cool bike.

[@oldschoolmobile]

How would you compare this bike to say a Duke 790, MT-09 or maybe even a Super Duke 1290R since the price is up there?

[@Meianju]

Sweet review got yourself a new subscriber. This will be my second bike been looking for more videos on it to see and hear more of it. Really liked the way you presented this and you answered some good questions too

[@georgevillareal2381]

Hey since we both rode the same scooter my take is about the same the one thing I would change is to take out the cat from the exhaust system. I mean I’ve no reason to go to California. And this is Texas. Mite let that motor sing. Right?

[@georgevillareal2381]

Hey I was there myself said hi to ya and rode that same scooter later that day fantastic bike . I’m just too old lot of memories flooding back to my younger days. Nice meeting ya I knew you were busy so I did say much . Was with my wife latter

[@Jay_Michael]

Great bike. I was looking forward to seeing all of the reviews when it hit the street. A little expensive for what it is though..

[@heithwatkins]

I disagree. Price a custom race type bike. ARCH is $80,000 dollars.

[@shawnballard1661]

I disagree also I purchased 2022 base for only 12999 in NC.

[@Mr.XR8996]

Bro I caught it on video too! LOL I felt terrible! Met you at the demo event man awesome channel!!! New subscriber

[@Hipporider]

Interesting red gloves! What brand please

[@BikeNBird]

Thrashin Supply Stealth Gloves V.2 - Red

[@Rubeneides246]

I test rode one last week and for 12k before TTL, it ain't worth it IMO, the bike was specifically designed for flat track racing almost like dirt racing just a bit toned down. Your much better off getting an MT10. In addition to that the seat I was riding on vibrated so much, granted a had the lower tier one, not the S. All in all if it was around 9k to 10k I would be more inclined to buy it, but the S model is $15,499 BEFORE TTL. I don't think the hype was worth it considering what you get.

[@wpspeed2738]

hows that touch screen work in the rain ?

[@JZilla76]

Great choice of subject matter and great review!

[@zacharyfett2491]

Did you find yourself looking at the gauge screen more than you wanted?

[@BikeNBird]

Not at all. It reads very well even in direct sunlight and its HUGE so I could almost tell my speed with my peripheral vision

[@mikeskidmore6754]

I am very short due to seat height and weight I may have to lean towards the KTM 790 Adventure which suits the long distance riding I want to take with luggage and windscreen ..

[@johnnywassfelt4276]

Thanks for a good video / review! I´m going to trade in my Harley Street Rod -06 and get me one of these lovely looking Indians. I´m so looking forward to this!

[@kimk8674]

Very nice unbiased review! Well done!

[@mikeyrocc951]

For the seating position, you mentioned it was aggressive. When you’re saying aggressive are you comparing it to cruiser style bikes? I want to see what this bike is about but I’m on a gsxr600 right now and I’m trying to get away from that supersport riding position

[@michaeljkasnter]

The -KTM-1290 has 60hp more and weights less, and has 2- Brembo M-50 calipers- Da

[@edwardm9227]

and is ugly as sin and costs loads more ‐---------!

[@michaeljkasnter]

Rottweiler-Stage 5 on the KTM will destroy back tire in 1 afternoon with TC off, absolutely BRUTAL Power in any Gear.

[@donlyons899]

Good first bike ?

[@specialed5098]

Very good review, but as a former mc instructor no this is not a beginner bike. Sometimes we have to take a good look and say just because we can ride it that doesn't mean we should. Other then that one comment the video was was very helpful.

[@michaeljkasnter]

KTM-1290 Superduke-R has 60 more HP, weighs 100lb less, 100x better brakes , handling is like a Sport-Bike, no brainer!!

[@heithwatkins]

Best comment yet. But I still love this bike.

[@JohnSmith-zi9or]

KTM-1290 lists at $20,500. Sure you can get a better bike if you spend $5000 more.

[@RedC63AMG]

Then get an Aprilia Tuono RR for slightly less than this Indian. Other worldly chassis and a 175 hp V4. Owns the standard class.

[@fvgc454ss]

Not everyone wants a hypernaked. This bike is a fun bike and I'm sure the motor will last alot longer. After riding one my only complaint was it could b a bit lighter but otherwise I loved it. The Indian does alot of things really well and looks awesome. Wheelies easily. Can ride for hours. And that coming from someone with an EBR1190sx with Adam's exhaust/ecm putting down 170rwhp. turbo vrod, xb12s and 88 inch sportster. I liked the indian for what they wer going for they did a great job. All the Japanese bikes are nice but the tend look n feel cheap plastic everywhere wires all over and not everyone wants a bike that u see at every gas station. Not everyone wants a full blown superbike for commuting. And some people just want something unique. And there really isnt many bikes out there like the indian. What it lacks in top HP it makes up in a very broad torque band. Where u actually ride these bikes. Take one for a spin and I'm sure you'll find you like it if u like a bike that handles, comfortable and has good power.

[@CraigSmith568]

The Harley Lowrider is cheaper than this. Not really a comparison to any Harley though. More in style of the Yamaha MT-09. The Yamaha is about $8000 less.

[@warrenseiboth3466]

I love my mt09 which is about 100ilbs lighter with my mods

[@CraigSmith568]

@@warrenseiboth3466 I have an FZ-07 and am thinking about moving up to the MT-09 or Tracer 900 GT.

[@jimmansi1187]

Best review I've seen yet, I love it. This bike is 60 lbs lighter & has double the HP of a Sportser which is what I ride. A little pricey but it needs nothing so probably worth the$. I'm definitely going to check one out, nice job!

[@the88tlc]

great review. looking at one of these in my future.

[@RobertOrtiz1015]

Thanks for video! I sat on one at COTA and i must say its not a bike for me... i like the concept of it but i think its not worth the money for me personally... now i have not ridden it... probably never will because i have little interest in it... love that Indian released it tho! Hopefully we see a true street fighter and sportsbike one day from them.

[@axslinger99]

BTW, Topcoat F11 is overpriced snake oil! Use Produxa. Works just as good at half the price.

[@xxkalevalaxx]

really good review, thanks

[@hoss6048]

HD needs to take account of theis

[@1990-t1j]

Only weighs just over 500 lbs. 235 kilos wet to be accurate, and that is heavy for a 1200 twin.

[@butteredbiskit3497]

wow! that's heavy!

[@TzeiEm]

I like the specs and the numbers on the bike, but it just looks ugly to me and that is the biggest reason why I'll probably never buy one. Next year Harley will introduce their streetfighter and I'm hoping it will have at least similar gadgets and power to this because I really like the look of that (although it might look different when it actually hits the market). Too bad I'm 100% certain it will be expensive af

[@dsiz9421]

And probably won’t have the power

[@iwilrage]

Imagine how much harley would charge for what this bike comes standard with..123 hp with a way smaller vtwin. Better tech...better breaks...better suspension...abs standard. Traction control standard..adjustable shocks...ridiculous

[@isaac2152]

HD would probably charge a minimum of 22k for this bike.

[@RichieD088]

Nice job Bird, enjoyed it. peace

[@slopoke5806]

I don't really watch but at times and I really like you tried indian and hope you tried some others too ..so u can feel the other side

[@robertbowen79]

Great review! Would love to have a s a second to my 18 Fatbob, Haha. Speaking of Fatbobs, eagerly awaiting some Fatbob content from you, I'm sure you have some big plans. Keep up the great vids

[@sportglidejim9001]

The best kept secret is the Fat Bob! It rocks😎

[@heithwatkins]

For the money, it's hard to find a more detailed and exotic custom looking motorcycle. Go price Roland Sands, or ARCH. This bike is a steal compared to the competition.

[@CoreyGrey]

The MT-07 on steroids. The KTM dukes wild brother. Lol

[@Ww-dl7vr]

A lot more weight though.

[@Quickshift636]

Great video man.

[@JorgeLourenco000]

why wold you disable ABS on a normal comute ?

[@Below-Average_Joe]

Wow! Wheelies during a sixth gear roll on? Now that is special!

[@shawnballard1661]

..... I am 42 yes old disabled vet I love my 2022 base. Just wish had bigger gas tank

[@RaulSanchez-qg9te]

10 of 10, no way José, but good video amigo

[@shawnballard1661]

I love my 2022 ftr

[@nevillegreg1]

HD can learn from this bike, HD doesn't have anything like it. This would be more attractive to the younger market than the ugly FXDR.

[@Lynkx1985]

12:08 lmao! Nice review man

[@paultaylor701]

There’s a world of bikes out there, you don’t have to use Harley’s as your benchmark.

[@macleodmoto]

The renderings looked great on this bike but kinda meh now that its out. Looks like a fun ride but hard pass on owning

[@socalgolf9978]

the display looks funky like it has a ipad on the handlebars.

[@ryansitler5285]

Love u bike and bird

[@Below-Average_Joe]

Why are you comparing the FTR1200 to Harley’s? This bike is more comparable to European and Japanese bikes than it is to any Harley.

[@Willy_Milano]

That's as much a beginner's bike as a Corvette is a beginner's car. The Corvette is an automatic with cruise and traction control and nobody who's sane would give one to a beginner driver.

[@duncanhastings389]

I though the UK had had roads.😂

[@shanelumsdon11112]

id ride it

[@kcfox3130]

shame about fuel capacity

[@fivespeed3026]

kc fox and wheel sizes.

[@gsabella4]

Dream bike

[@briangraham6421]

Touch screens are absolutely the worst idea ever on a motorcycle. Toggling is fine. Touch screen shouldn't even be an option.

[@JohnSmith-zi9or]

Why?

[@CraigSmith568]

I don't like these screens on a bike at all. Digital speedometer is awful and a digital tach is absolutely useless.

[@JohnSmith-zi9or]

@@CraigSmith568 What in the world are you talking about?

[@CraigSmith568]

@@JohnSmith-zi9or I don't like them. I am a drag racer and digital gauges are useless when racing. Same way when I am on the street trying to get the most out of my shift points. Don't know why you need to try and fix something that isn't broke.

[@JohnSmith-zi9or]

@@CraigSmith568 I am not fixing anything. I am just curious why you think digital things are useless.

[@gazzareece7082]

Really like it BUT 17k !!!!!!!!! Not worth it at all, I mean 17k Bhahaha, get something with around 150 plus hp for less.

[@stanleyblazeraznik6047]

The loser is the dude who dumped it. He totally went way too hard on the front brake. Rookie.

[@servicarrider]

I'd burn my money before I'd buy a Harley.

[@MrKeneal0330]

None of these were Harley's

[@servicarrider]

So what's your point? You sound as if somebody claimed they were?

[@worldtravel101]

😂4:49😂

[@ChaohsiangChen]

Livewire has a touch screen.

[@BikeNBird]

Livewire also isnt a softail

[@Jonnyroadblock]

You can buy 2 of these for the price of a live wire, it better have something!

[@Ww-dl7vr]

Acrapovitch. No dude.

[@BikeNBird]

Sorry there Bill.

[@bigdog5268]

Let’s keep it family friendly!!!

[@jeff-le1tp]

Take a chieftan for a rip.

[@theoriginalmungaman]

ABS and traction control have no business on a motorcycle, if you need it you dont know how to ride!

[@aguthrie91]

2nd or 3rd or something

[@nomaad000]

5th on the like button.

[@stangkillinS10]

First

[@ryansitler5285]

First comment

[@91Bronco]

I’m gonna have to throw a nah at that bike. Lol thing looks ugly

[@Ww-dl7vr]

You're ugly.

[@lancemccormick4171]

get the geeks off the bikes

[@lancemccormick4171]

who wears tan pants leaves his buddy bike over come on get a real biker to do show

[@michaelwills7884]

Love your vids but leaving a rider down sorry man thumb down

[@macleodmoto]

People were already helping him up it doesn't take 4 people to lift a tipped over bike. Also if your laying a bike down like that on a test ride maybe the bikes to big for you

[@guambra2001]

There was plenty of people to help him out. It must have been pretty embarrassing already.

[@mrsbikenbird5669]

Sometimes the right call, is to call less attention. He'd never leave anyone that needed help 😉

[@rod8763]

I'm the guy that laid the bike down. Uncle Ken and Roadblock were already helping out. One more person would have just been in the way. I share your sentiment about not leaving a downed rider, but Bird did the right thing by not making an embarrassing situation worse.

[@MrKeneal0330]

There were five people there, one being an Indian associate. We had it covered.

[@Prowlgmail]

One the only Indian bike I want to try out. Lol