2022 Indian Motorcycle FTR R Carbon Review | MC Commute

Indian Motorcycle tweaked the formula of its FTR street-tracker for 2022. Pure road focus is the game, but does that translate to an improved streetbike? To find out, Santa Claus-whose legendary workshop is currently too busy with toys to build Santa his own motorcycle-snagged the top-of-the-line FTR R Carbon ($16,999) from Indian Motorcycle’s factory in Spirit Lake, Iowa. The jolly old elf used the FTR to deliver a load of Mattel Hot Wheels to the new Thompson Autism Center at the Children's Health of Orange County Hospital in Southern California.
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This clinic, established in 2020, helps mentor autistic children and establish a lifelong learning path in conjunction with nearby Chapman University. Don Lawrence, a healthcare planner with Blue Cottage of CannonDesign, helped design the clinic. He has an autistic son, and his parenting experience helped drive a design that makes use of indirect lighting, calm colors, and nature images.
“As the parent of an autistic son, I can tell you it’s a nightmare to try and find resources,” said Lawrence in a CannonDesign blog post. “There was no center like this when my son was born, so it was a real challenge for me and my wife to find the resources to get interventions. Now that there’s more awareness of autism, we’ve seen more and more providers noticing and diagnosing autism early. Intervention at a facility like this can make a huge difference in their lives.”
Even with smaller-diameter rims, we’re fans of the FTR’s stance and aesthetic. The bike may be stepping away from its dirt track racing roots, but it maintains reasonable proportions, and we’re particularly fond of its carbon fiber drip (front fender, headlight cowl, and fuel tank cover). The faux carbon fiber print on the sides of the saddle is also a nice touch.
Lift the FTR off its kickstand and it’s no featherweight; claimed curb weight is 513 pounds, 5 pounds less than the 19/18-inch wheel equipped FTR 1200 S. When seated at the controls riders will immediately notice the FTR’s lower stance, a plus for the height-challenged, though it feels a bit wide between the rider’s legs. The handlebar is narrower than we remember, with a fair degree of rearward sweep. This makes it feel more entry-level, engine displacement notwithstanding. The rear-mounted footpegs are positioned high making for a tigher squeeze for tall folks. The footpegs are a tad teensy for our taste, too. For short local rides, the FTR is comfortable, but the seating position is a tad demanding for longer commutes and/or rides.
The FTR continues to use a good old-fashioned mechanical engine key, which is a good thing. But the design of the key is cheap, especially for a nearly $17,000 motorcycle. Thumb the starter button and the 1,203cc V-twin settles into idle with a tone reminiscent of an L-twin Ducati. We also appreciate the aesthetic and sound of the shotgun-style Akrapovič mufflers.
Twist the right grip and you’ll notice that the FTR now offers a smoother, more well-calibrated response during launches from a stop. The cable-actuated clutch is responsive and well-weighed, a plus for novices and pros alike. A short first gear makes for quick getaways and sixth gear is tall enough to pull 4,000 rpm at 70 mph. Considering its price however, we’d like to see a bidirectional electronic quickshifter.
The last time we dyno-tested this engine it pumped out a respectable 80.5 pound-feet torque at 5,800 rpm and almost 112 hp at 8,200 revs. So the FTR is no slouch. The engine pulls hard and feels particularly direct-feeling in the most aggressive Sport mode. A total of three combined engine power/throttle map settings are offered: Rain, Standard, and Sport. We appreciate the smoother response from the ride-by-wire throttle when cracked, but in Standard and Sport modes, the throttle feels less refined at speed, making it difficult to modulate wheelies. IMU-powered traction control keeps the rear wheel in line and can be manually disabled, if desired. The engine drinks from a small 3.4-gallon fuel tank, which gives the bike a range of only around 100 miles.
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Photography: Jeff Allen
Video/edit: ‪@AdamWaheed‬
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[@spjyoutubechannel6844]

As a motorcycle enthusiast on the autism spectrum, I appreciate this video. Merry Christmas! What better sleigh for Santa to deliver gifts in, than one made by Polaris Industries?

[@AdamWaheed]

Thanks for sharing this with us. Happy holidays and we hope to see you on the road one day.

[@UvidCo]

My son is on the low side of that spectrum slso. You appreciate the video I appreciate you commenting on a motorcycle video being a motorcycle enthusiasts and having autism. 👍👍

[@JCarl-qq8kj]

Can you elevate the angle of your camera a tad higher so we can feel like we’re riding with you instead of staring down at a tft the whole time?

[@sdefiel3719]

Adam's fans have been asking him for years to turn the camera up a bit more. Feel fortunate, it once was lower. He is getting better. S

[@jonnycando]

Camera mounting options in a Santa Suit are somewhat limited……

[@AdamWaheed]

@@jonnycando LOL. Nice one.

[@theonlyredspecial]

Santa dyes his side hair blonde. Very sexy. Bike is pretty too ! Merry Christmas from Ireland 🎅🏻🤘🏻

[@scottieray]

Nice review. Props for taking it out in those conditions. Look at the FTR this way...this is modern Indian's first performance motorcycle that still retains some 'American' muscle bike character. I can't wait to see what they come up with in the future. My riding on my FTR is around the Ozark Mountains in Arkansas and it's a hoot.

[@broncoridesagain3176]

What conditions?

[@porschetech72901]

Scottie.... hey from Ft Smith area!!! i ride a xsr9 and a RZ350 on street an wouldnt trade our riding habbitat for any other olace on earth it seems we have it all .... have fun be safe jus wanted to say hey

[@joeblow5037]

He hits that rev limiter all the time in first like I used to on my old Shadow Sabre 1100...haha

[@scottieray]

It revs up fast. I have the Rally version and I really feel the Rev limiter should be closer to 10k. It almost feels like Indian is holding this motor back, like they are leaving some performance untapped.

[@JDelta87]

Santa reviewing and bringing Hot Wheels to the kids on an FTR. Nice work, Adam.

[@k6racebike]

You ALMOST lost me at that annoying intro... You DID lose me shortly, after.

[@MichaelTaylor-xj6tf]

I actually own this bike -- got one of the first models shipped to California -- and I love it! Agree with Adam's criticisms: the suspension could be better and it should have a quick shifter, but it's just a fun ride and it looks cool as shit -- many months later, I can't stop looking at it whenever I'm in the garage. It also feels very light and nimble. Then again, my other bike is a Goldwing. ;)

[@Darkcarts]

Yeah I rode my brother-in-law’s and fell in love with it. The engine is just too torquey and fun and it looks amazing. The headlight is one of the coolest looking on any bike

[@notfromhere3460]

Ordered mine today .. dealer said 10-12 weeks or sooner ! Can’t wait !

[@JCarl-qq8kj]

Not everyone wants a quick shifter, and rider aids/fancy tech are not necessarily desirable. I would pay extra to have less tech and to have a cable throttle as a “feature”. Quick shifters are for moto gp & WSBK bikes to reduce lap times. Since when is not having to use the clutch somehow more fun?

[@elmoomle4565]

100%. I like the feeling of riding a motorcycle well due to my personal skill that has been acquired and has continued to develop throughout my lifetime. And I also accept my personal limitations in skill and conduct myself accordingly when riding. Too many 'nanny' aids available today which considerably lowers the bar on the required skill level necessary to ride high power motorcycles...sad.

[@elevationmoto6208]

I am pleased with myself when I make a swift and smooth manual shift, either with or without the clutch. If things are too easy "I can't get no satisfaction".

[@Michael-kn2kw]

Someone has never used a quick shifter. Someone also doesn't know how to clutchless shift without one.

[@UvidCo]

I love the look of the FTR. I can't ride sport bikes anymore and I think this would be perfect for me and still have a sporty feel and look.

[@phoenix3580]

You talk like you're eating something mate, those tongue sounds ever couple of seconds are hella brothersome. Couldn't watch more than 3 minutes.

[@TomSmyth453]

Excellent narration as always Adam! Fair and honest.

[@dmytro.tryhodko]

Sorry, but 10k miles oil change will kill any engine at the distance( pls guys, change the oil every 250-300 motor hours (4.5-5k miles) and do not believe manufacturers.

[@erickmorales9638]

Merry Christmas to all the motorcyclist magazine team, I wish you all the best! Feliz navidad desde México 🇲🇽

[@yvonnegonzalez5616]

Schwinn=Bike;&Ndian/H.D.=Cycle.

[@lil_grip2384]

The smacking was too much for me…clean bike tho

[@oscarsheen3045]

What the hell was indian thinking? Another bike that ain't for taller people. The 2019-20 model was the one I'd go for.

[@highbrassrule]

Quickshifters are super cool, and one as an option would be nice... but if I wanted an automatic bike id buy a honda goldwing.

[@bella_testastretta]

not really an automatic since you have to use the clutch to start and still use the clutch to rev match when you downshift or just shifting in general if you want. It's just a luxury feature to have and once you use it trust me you won't wanna go back lol

[@KB-yj5xp]

@@bella_testastretta agreed, once you have it I wouldn’t want another bike without one, it doesn’t make the bike anything like an automatic the OP clearly has never tried one

[@yvonnegonzalez5616]

FTR'z;Mechanical-Cheetah!

[@jordanjoestar8839]

Tip of the day! How to pronounce 'Akropovic'! "Ah-crop-oh-veetch" Ride safe!

[@highhplainsdrifter9099]

As always, a top notch Adam Waheed review that is both fair & full of detailed information. Possibly the best motorcycle reviewer on the internet.👍

[@xorbe2]

I haven't seen any FTRs on the road, yet this is probably one of the best street bikes available. Wow the new Speed Triple screen takes a bit to boot up, but the FTR is easily 5x slower. That reality change after 19:00 and the audio doesn't even glitch. 😵

[@igorshvytov619]

Same here. I own this bike since June 2021, and I never saw another one on the road! I was debating between FTR and Monster 1200s, and I got to say after riding this bike for a few month I love it! Feels great on road. Riding it in the mountains is awesome too. If you aren’t going bananza it is very responsive at low/medium speed as Adam mentioned. Would I buy it again - YES!

[@dougabbott1548]

Another A+ review. I now feel like I’ve ridden this machine myself! This is one of my favorite looking bikes on the market that I want to love……. but unfortunately can’t.

[@yvonnegonzalez5616]

Thanx Dude!

[@kugangles9860]

17K for a 120hp naked bike dressed up to look like a flat tracker? Hard pass for me.

[@asherlito3801]

Mc is probably one of the best moto journalist around

[@B-U-T-C-H-E-R]

"indian motorcycle let's please not only make the coolest looking motorcycle in the world that has the most amazing performance cost $$30,000. Name a cooler american bike? Name one that cost under $20k? Quit bitching

[@SSS-mp8th]

Love the looks but at that price I'm looking at the Ducati Streetfighter v2 or spend a little more for a 1290 Duke R. Maybe an FTR S with a couple grand off on sale seem more reasonable.

[@Adventure_blac]

True the price for the spec makes no sense.

[@thierryfaquet7405]

The carbon model is for the deep pockets. The S is more than fine, even the base model is really fun.

[@natecote1971]

Im supposed to get my 24 s1000rr this week but am having second thoughts about getting one if these

[@motorcyclemechanictutorials]

Wow, I'm sure Another informative content...🤗👍😊🏍️

[@philipjames3526]

I regret not buying this bike - bought a Thruxton RS last year instead - then went to a bike show, saw the FTR - looks awesome!

[@botchman5947]

Skip 5 min in.

[@JoMoJack]

legend

[@CraigSmith568]

I don't like that TFT screen at all. I also was disappointed in the power. I thought it would be a lot more powerful than it was with over 100 horsepower. The one I rode also about cooked me in stoplight traffic. I would buy an MT-10 or even an MT-09 over this for a lot less money and a KTM 1290 SD for about the same money. Really just a naked bike.

[@kugangles9860]

Yeah, buy MT09 SP and save 5K or buy a MT10 SP for about the same price.

[@samroot7987]

Please!!! Stop smacking your lips!!!!

[@davecummings3335]

Powertrain is one word. Your speech is too choppy.

[@otlndsh]

That's one hell of a Christmas present! 😁

[@JohnSmith-zi9or]

I have a 2019 FTR 1200S and I agree with every one of your main gripes. Mirrors are useless at high RPMs. Fuel mapping, you just have to get an aftermarket fuel map but holy cow this brings out the monster in that motor! But the biggest for me is the fuel tank ... what a PITA to top off. FIX IT INDIAN!! Lastly, the headlights do suck in turns. Indian are you listening ???

[@mikemerrill175]

Great support of the Thompson center. 👍

[@Elgixxer2006]

Why is the akrapovic exhaust so quiet?

[@jeremycox8261]

I never feel as though Adam considers his comments very thoughtfully. He seems to be always searching for words to explain very simple ideas. The FTR is obviously a bike of character, even though it’s been dumbed down with 17 inch wheels, and probably not suitable for everybody given that it’s not in the a ADV segment which seems to be the flavour of the last decade or so. I think categorising the FTIR as a one trick pony doesn’t come near explaining the unique qualities of this bike.

[@doncappo1509]

Thinking of selling my RSV4 21 factory for this ? Would I be disappointed? Wrist are killing me and not track riding like I used too

[@pgrangeio1]

I've never seen a review of this bike focosing on the fueling of the bike in real trafic jams, on the stop and go in the city. It's always in large roads with little trafic

[@triwolfindustries69]

You in the bay area?

[@emak4558]

Wait - you said, delivers a good ride as long as you don’t hit any bumps. Hu? A bike with no suspension does that too. So , what would a bike have to do in order for you to say the suspension sucks? I mean really ?

[@Reverie100]

Vista!

[@ciphfer6925]

Great review! Bought a 2022 Carbon and your inputs are spot on!

[@ortegastix]

Cool vid but don't blame the elves for the sound dude that's just wrong.😊

[@devonnobles1083]

That engine vibration above 5k rpm was very disconcerting to me. It was the one thing that kept me from loving this bike. If I owned it I would never want to rev it out. Otherwise an excellent bike. Although the carbon is not worth the xtra cash to me.

[@aluisious]

Didn't even mention that it stalled out when you started riding. That's a major strike against any bike.

[@billvick7011]

Nice fair review Adam. At times, the camera angle is too low but maybe that's just me. The driveway density of that twisty road you ride is very NJ-ish lol.

[@JCarl-qq8kj]

After he said that ABS intervenes too easily and that there’s no way to turn it off, that was a deal breaker for me. No longer interested in the bike. “Herky-jerky” throttle is another nail in the coffin.

[@highbrassrule]

So I own one of these, and the ABS was never an issue for me. I never tried turning mine off, but I can lose the back end no problem on some spirited riding. But I can still see how its a valid complaint. HOWEVER, the "herky jerky" throttle is purely a non issue. Once you drive it for about 10-15 miles it feels as linear and predictable as any other throttle on any other bike ive owned or driven.

[@darrengriffith9680]

On my 2019 you can absolutely turn it off. You go into track mode and you can then click off abs and traction control separately. I don't know why the 21 would be different.

[@highbrassrule]

@@darrengriffith9680 I just double checked my bike and you can absolutly turn it off. Not sure how this video got it so wrong so boldly

[@Ferraiolo_1]

@@highbrassrule on the 22+ bikes you cant turn off abs. only traction control. Part of the global platform.

[@darrengriffith9680]

@@Ferraiolo_1 oh wow that sucks

[@69mag]

I'd trade somebody an old Ironhead Sportster for one of these newfangled machines, any takers?

[@sdefiel3719]

Adam, your hair never looked so good. ;) S

[@marcoluoma3770]

Thanks for a super-fun video. I *really* wish I could think of a reason I need this bike. Sadly, I can’t.

[@Toddwith2dogs]

Bought the 2022 FTR S in Smoke White a couple weeks ago. I can't stay off it. The clutch is meh at times, and second can be missed when being pushed hard it sometimes wants to land in neutral. The blue tooth music feature works but freezes the volume at a low level with my setup. Rear brake is a bit weak and have to press down harder than I am used to. Other than that, this bike hits it out of the park. Extremely light on its feet and massive amounts of power. Great canyon carver and I like to describe it as being great in a knife fight. My other bike is a 2017 Victory Gunner and when riding that directly afterwards, it feels like a riding a couch. Great review and thanks for doing it!

[@Toddwith2dogs]

BTW, this bike was on clearance for $13K to make room for the 23 models. I feel like I stole it. :)

[@helmysetiabudi9915]

Awesome! Merry Christmas from Indonesia 🎄🎄🎄🎉🎉

[@sleepindragon179]

Shity riding conditions. Better to be full wet or dry imo rather than that greasy in between surface.

[@1990-t1j]

I'd rather have to original FTR. The base model. Good review, nonetheless.

[@chriscraft999]

Hey, you rode by my house in Bonsall California Way Cool!

[@karlfonner7589]

Thank you Adam to everybody in the motorcyclist crew merry Christmas and happy new year!

[@andres5353]

stop moving your hands in front of the camera shot!!!

[@scott7345]

Please get your dang paws out of the video. 😂😂

[@dreamerman7470]

Which one do you think is better FTR or bmw r nine t

[@MotoTvWoodsFarm]

merry Christmas

[@kevincraig8257]

I would have to open the exhaust up a touch. been waiting for that bike come out

[@BarnettSpeedSuzukiThou]

Man you ride differently

[@laynetravis]

I adore Indian 😍 bikes

[@viperq]

I knew Santa was real all this time.

[@trippyrides5674]

30:02 little dude left him hangin'

[@maxk5134]

Dig the review! 👍

[@daytrading5456]

🤮

[@1MrBryn]

The lack of a quick shifter is a bit of a bummer at that price point.

[@Adventure_blac]

Sometimes I’m not sure what manufacturers are thinking. I get you want premium for your bikes bike why leave off easily add features that don’t increase costs much

[@yohansudubandara9101]

Nice review

[@emak4558]

Quality review, thank you

[@amirtz3342]

This is a great holiday video for us!!

[@rstrakovsky]

I have grown to really love the FTR's design language. It's almost....art deco? I dunno man, the curves are muscular and beautiful and unique. Definitely a grower and looks super fun to ride.

[@thierryfaquet7405]

It’s a stunning bike for sure. Indian design is really strong these days.

[@ilusv]

Mr. Waheed, thank you for another excellent review. Regarding the Fueling issue(s) that you discussed, how does it compare to the MT09 (Pre 2022 models)? I disliked the Fueling on my 2018 MT09 so much that I had the ECU remapped, but it's hard to justify a remap expense at the FTR price point. Thank you P.S. were you wearing the REV'IT! Sand 4 Gloves?

[@JohnSmith-zi9or]

FYI ... I understand the price point / fuel mapping issue you bring up. However, I feel Indian secretly gives you more bike that you can have remapped and get around the EPA issues that Indian otherwise couldn't sell off the lot. I have the Lloydz Ryan's Tune... it completely transforms the bike. There's just no comparison to the original fuel map.

[@ilusv]

@@JohnSmith-zi9or Thank you for the feedback

[@yohansudubandara9101]

Nice review

[@mikemerrill175]

Great looking bike.

[@joeblow5037]

Go show those kids a good time, Santa Adam 😁

[@IceFish.]

its gross

[@joek81981]

I just bought this bike today, St Patty's Day. I cannot believe how inexpensive (e=mc2, etc) it was. My parents are spinning in their graves.

[@lieugebo805]

Definitely a good review but whether it's legal or not where you were pulling alongside of all those cars to get ahead of everybody at that light that's pretty ignorant

[@glendecuir6317]

Man stop the kissing speech. What's up with that man. I like the channel and I like the interviewees, but this kissing sound is killing me it's like saying you know you know

[@AdamWaheed]

Are you telling me something, man? I don't swing that way, LOL.

[@glendecuir6317]

@@AdamWaheed I don't know brother is that just a California speech thing. I like the motorcycle, but the electronics has got to go, I am old school from the seventies. I'm 64 and still ride to this day, I've written everything and anything not comfortable with electronics. I trust my field in handlebars and foot pegs✌