Ducati Monster 1200S, Indian FTR1200 and 1200S Shootout at the Yamaha XSR900 Corral

As the philosopher said, a foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of small minds. What were we supposed to compare the new Indian FTR1200 to?
On my first ride of the FTR back in May, those exhaust pipes said Ducati Monster to me, and the Monster 1200S has also been upgraded since last we rode one, so that was easy enough. I admit that the Yamaha XSR is a bit of an outlier: It’s an 847cc Triple going up against a pair of 1200 Twins. But when I saw an XSR a while ago in Yamaha’s warehouse, at a distance, I actually asked, “who’s old flat-tracker is that over there?”
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[@santiagoa3943]

Don't knock the XSR as an occasional touring bike, I've taken it cross-country over 4,000 miles in 15 days and every second felt great, the CP3 engine is a god-send.

[@mrvwbug4423]

The 3.7 gallon tank, not so great for touring. Though the FTR only has a 3.4 gallon tank, so why the thing even has cruise is beyond me, it is not a long range bike.

[@HeyAddieImTojo]

Santiago A put the CP3 engine in the R6 chassi. I think that wpuld be fun ;)

[@RowdyMornings]

I’ve been debating on a Monster 1200s cross country. Then I saw the xsr900 and now I cannot decide. Sound over reliability is my problem.

[@mrvwbug4423]

Well, the XSR900 motor sounds pretty badass too, and will be rock solid reliable. While it has a small tank, it is comfortable, so can be used for some light touring if you don't mind stopping for gas a lot.

[@Accurize2]

@@mrvwbug4423 The small tank is a deep vein thrombosis preventive feature. 😂

[@No_Handle]

Ditch the music, hearing 5 bikes riding along a mountain pass is all the sound we need.

[@tadreinsch8354]

Dave Bailey facts

[@debrisbit]

4

[@dahveed284]

Need to swap out the pipes first. Get Yos or Akrapovic to sponsor these. My XSR900 with the full Yos exhaust sounds amazing! Thank you prior owner to bitting the bullet and putting it on for ME.

[@richdubbya]

XSR900 all day long. More fun, good styling, inexpensive accessories and far cheaper to maintain.

[@saadologue]

Love mine

[@mrvwbug4423]

Actually, the FTR is probably the cheapest bike to maintain in this group. It has hydraulic lifters, never needs a valve adjustment. Literally just change the oil, and replace tires, brake pads, chain/sprockets when they wear out. The modern Indians in general are cheap bikes to maintain, much cheaper on maintenance than Harley, and certainly ducati.

[@fingerscrossed2317]

@@mrvwbug4423 interesting Facts 👍👍

[@stanleyblazeraznik6047]

Good styling? Blah!😳🤣

[@elithegreat6463]

Those Yamaha CP3 Engines are Simply Gold. When Yamaha made those it was money in the bank 👍

[@charliesparta7947]

Well said

Those close geared transmissions are simply told. When Yamaha made those it was money in the bank.

[@stanleyblazeraznik6047]

Ugly ass bike the rice burner is.

[@bkj427dvl]

Buddy of mine has a wicked tune qs forward clubman bars, its a fucking killer on the track. I have the ft1200s but i also ride alot more daily than he does. Both rad bikes

[@toofastnobrakes]

Now if only they would put a good suspension under it

[@kidomark3819]

I rode an FTR. Bought it straight away. I’m an ex racer and that thing was just fun, absolute hooligan bike. Made me smile and gave me adrenaline. If you don’t know how to ride at all I could see it’s not enjoyable. Looking at these old guys yarn about the bike. Seeing how they ride. They’d have no clue how to throw around a bike like that.

[@kiasax2]

Interesting response. However, I'm an old guy and an ex-racer of both bikes and cars and I'm about to buy an FTR. Throwing a leg over that sweet big V twin down there is just bliss. When I first began to see them I felt like a shark with blood in the water. But, I'm a disabled Native combat veteran with a never-ending, intractable migraine from combat TBI. Nevertheless, I've been riding for 55 years now. Yeah, I bought my first bike at 10 and raced motocross, then graduated to track bikes and speed, then to cars and Formula Fords. But, I've always had motorcycles, always. There is one sitting in my barn right now. But, even my wife is excited about me buying the Indian FTR. That's the kind of wife to have, am I right? Good luck on your FTR journey, Brother Rider! I'll be joining you soon.

[@usmcvet0313]

FTR hands down for me. It's the best looking thing on two wheels to my eye. It's got big torque down in the bottom of the rev range, which is where you want it on the street. People pay way too much attention to peak numbers (HP & torque). It really doesn't matter that much to me if the Ducati makes 130 HP at 10k rpms, because I won't be cruising around at 10k rpms on the street. The FTRs torque curve shows it's awesome for the street. I'll take the more spacious cockpit on the FTR too. I care a lot more about being comfortable on the street than being in an 'aggressive riding position'. The bigger tires on the FTR will be better for soaking up rough pavement, and gravel backroads too. Heck the FTR's debut was in Baja mostly in dirt, and it went well! A bike that does that, and can stay close to the Ducati on the street is purely awesome.

[@fvgc454ss]

I always look at the midrange hp and torque figures. Hp just sells bikes. Midrange is what u ride with. I'd take torque over hp for a streetbike any day. I have a EBR 1190sx with exhaust and ecm and a few buells. Love the twins. Rode and FTR1200s this summer n felt it was an awesome all around bike. Can do everything well. Is it a hyper bike? No but that's not its intention. For what they wer going for they nailed it. Just could be a tad lighter.

[@pauld.b7129]

I really like the FTR750 race bike. The final product looked nothing at all like that though. It looks alot more like a Ducati and they buried the engine in the frame... I'm sure its a great bike, not somthing id look at though

[@usmcvet0313]

@@pauld.b7129 I love the FTR750 too, but if you ever thought they'd bring that to the street market you're mistaken. It has none of the equipment required by dot to be street legal, and a thin piece of rubber for a seat. Even if they could bring an exact copy to market, they wouldn't sell. Most people would take one ride, and say F that my back is killing me. They gotta walk the line between aesthetics, and functionality.

[@pauld.b7129]

@@usmcvet0313 obviously it wouldn't be the race bike. Nobody expected that. But the new design and the race bike aren't even close to the same. The race bike had an Enduro look with a sweet vtwin with nice chrome accents right in the center, exposed. The production looks like a Ducati Monster with Indian badges. All they had to do was throw the scout engine in a double cradle frame and it would have been perfect. The trellis frame ruined it in my opinion.

[@usmcvet0313]

@@pauld.b7129 well they're coming with an adventure bike, so maybe that will be more to your taste. For me the production model is the ticket. I have zero interest in a scrambler, I have dirtbikes for going off road. A 1200cc pig is too heavy to have real fun.

[@theCycleReport]

I rode the FTR1200s this summer and was blown away. I also had low expectations coming in, but it was so so good. Seemed quite a bit more like a Ducati in feel than anything made in america. Super impressive, first effort or no.

[@catdaddy3302]

I agree. I rode one a couple months ago. I’d choose it out of the others. You can put a messenger bag on the left side and a top case bag, and I’d take it anywhere in North America. And get there fast too.

[@khakimzhanmiras]

seems their gripes derive mostly from the big 19 inch wheel and it probably feels heavier because of the jacked up suspension. If I'm not mistaken it has more ground clearance than a vstrom. Spec for spec I'd say the Indian should have gone up against something like a multistrada 950s or vstrom 1050xt.

[@theCycleReport]

@@khakimzhanmiras I honestly didnt notice any complaints with the larger front wheel. Of course I wasnt riding it back to back with these other two which I'm sure helped separate it. On its own I really didnt notice those nor the relatively narrow tires much at all. It just... worked. It worked well. Honestly I'd bet that the biggest standout feature of this FTR that would make it seem odd to the rest would be the extra weight. Its not that heavy but certainly more (close to 500lbs) than these others. Either way its definitley less like a Multistrada or Vstrom. This is a good grouping for comparison.

[@khakimzhanmiras]

@@theCycleReport I rode a 950s and I'd say it's probably the closest bike to the ftr in terms of handling characteristics and seating position, although I would rather choose the Indian for it's torque. I have to note that the multistrada's suspension was a bit more compliant as opposed to the unadjustable suspension on the Indian test bike.

[@kidomark3819]

@@khakimzhanmiras are you smoking crack? You think a multistrada is like an FTR?

[@thealtered7]

I would have enjoyed a Kawasaki Z900RS in this mix as well. It doesn't really fit into whatever category you want to call this (neo retro performance?), but I bet consumers are cross shopping that bike here as well. Also a Triumph Speed Twin.

[@BamfIamone]

Yep exactly

[@BucketWheat]

For a Track Day or a Drag Race... it would have to be the DUC ... But for a day in the mountains, or winding country roads, I would go with the Yamaha ... or a Z900RS. My Brother LOVES his new one almost as much as he Loved his Original KZ900. I WISH it had a lower seat height -- matching the original. I have a rather short inseam , 29/30, and the seat height of 31" plus means I am on my toes at every stop. But the comfortable seat is GREAT compared to my FZ1.

[@Justen1980]

I was interested in FTR, XSR, thruxton, I ended up getting the z900rs café and I love it

[@mrvwbug4423]

The Z900RS might have won that had it been there. It edges out the Yamaha in performance and handling, is comfortable enough to do a little touring on, and the fit and finish is incredible.

[@capngeo2002]

. . . and of course a Ruckus, probably not being shopped here either, along with whatever fan boy names need to be dropped.

[@wanderlpnw]

Evan was possessed by Satan in the opening. Hope he's feeling better.

[@rzu7120]

That may have been Evans' evil twin.

[@adamh603]

In post they must have just thought.... fuck it, we don't get paid enough to even put a little explanation up

[@bailey9r]

@@adamh603I guess they thought the mic in his hands (only one there) was explanation enough. ;

[@IRLtrolls]

XSR all day no question. Best engine out there.

[@charliesparta7947]

Putting a lot of miles on mine such a fun engine.

[@zak_7354]

Amen

[@dahveed284]

I have an XSR. I can't imagine how the Monster is worth $9k more. The Olins suspension is good, but you can get that for $800 for the XSR (rear only).

[@blurglide]

Love it in my FJ-09. Plus you get Yamaha reliability. It did awesome against these bikes that have 1/3 more displacement.

[@zefe3886]

@@dahveed284 add an ohlins cartridge kit, you are good to go. Excellent, excellent machine.

[@stevec9959]

Please never use that music again ...

[@khaccanhle1930]

It's not ideal, but believe me, I've heard much worse. I live in Asia and their idea of "music" is what the CIA would use for torture.

[@basilisanastasiou]

2 years xsr owner in love with my bike by first sight. I also like monster it was my first option then I saw the xsr900 and I told that's my bike.Every bike has something special

[@disekjoumoer]

Best video you guys have put out in a while. Good to see Tom back, too.

[@dantheman4life]

Well at least you didn't fall asleep standing up this time John.

[@ShaunaFox]

this is the best review I've seen yet of the FTR...love seeing the comparison. I was drooling over those FTR's when they first announced them...I'll prob still get one just because they're badass looking

[@alyf1115]

I'm 5'2 hoping I can get it to fit me, I've been eyeballing them forever now. Beautiful bike and all reviews they are having so much fun

[@TheImtoomuch]

I wasn't a fan of Burns before, but the more I watch him the more I realize it was just because I didn't understand him. He's awesome. Put him in all review and test videos! Also give him some commute videos.

[@davidelizabeth4933]

He's like that quirky and slightly off-center uncle you gravitate toward during big family get togethers. We love you, Mr. Burns! 😘

[@rantANDrave1987]

Burns is the man. He actually describes the feel that the specs have on the ride, not just the specs that anyone could go read

[@mickeyroberts77777]

Glad to see Tom, thanks for the video guys.

[@kellycote9428]

While owning a kawasaki zrx1200r ive been looking at the xsr900 for a while. Happened to see a fxr 1200 on the way home, youre video is just in the nick of time. Great review.

[@floridamankyle5461]

I have an HD XR1200, and it is good for it being a Sportster, but not for a sport bike, it's fun and American and that's why I would choose the FTR1200-S, the quality, features, power, torque, style and its American(mostly), it's the bike the XR1200 should have been.

[@AlienApe.]

Let John lead on more of these - love his irreverence!

[@techtoth1]

Thx 4 the great video! Incredible scenery. Much envy.

[@clubstyleridahd4695]

Love the look of the ftr , I own a fz09 love it also. Ftr is my next bike

[@SSN70]

Always great vids !

[@dantheman4life]

Good seeing Tom again.

[@davereinhart9933]

Well done guys!

[@Cheedee]

XSR any day of the week.

[@rayb5394]

2020 shootout: xsr900, RnineT Pure, speed twin, shiver 900, z900 RS, v9 bobber sport as wildcard.....

[@zbfire1389]

XSR is the way to go. no questions asked

[@gknettel22]

I have a 2019 FTR 1200 base, I had it tuned and put an exhaust on it and it’s unbelievably fast, also ditched those mirrors, gorgeous motorcycle, you got to ride one!

[@cadeere74]

So good to see my four favorite presenters

[@BrokenFiddles]

Troy's criticism of HD XR1200 really surprised me. The motorcycle was really praised by everybody when it came out. At least one publication named it standard bike of the year. The biggest gripe was the weight. However, everybody said that it handled very well.

[@jeepstertj556]

Trying to compare it to a brand new bike of course it's not going to be as good but the xr1200 was a good bike and best sportster made

[@vmonk1474]

I bought the 2022 Indian FTR Rally, and I love that thing.

[@skyworks1621]

Always love big cc comparisons, because of your show I went with the Vstrom 1000 XT.

[@MZ-bl6wg]

sky works save money from all of these and go Yamaha MT10 ,..a true Supernaked you can commute track and tour on and the quickest 0-60mph of any production Motorcycle in history . I guess it's not same type of style of a ftr, xsr, or even a cb1000R but no better bank for your buck than a Supernaked MT10 got mine new at launch thousands under msrp ($9,200 out the door from one of the biggest Yamaha dealers I realized the US). Ordered too many at launch and had to dump 2 within 2 weeks so sold at cost 2 weeks after the big launch lol AMAZING bike total hooligan wheelie machine. Great track bike, commuter and tourer extremely reliable and cheap.

[@skandix]

Whats with the cheesy music?

[@AT2Productions]

skandix gotta go copyright free to maintain monetization.

[@siraff4461]

Could you compare the FTR to some of the scrambler models out there? I'm thinking Triumph, BMW, Ducati and so on.

[@damnlogin]

What's with the vintage filter on almost the whole video?

[@rodneyhull9764]

good to see Tom back.Questionable fashion sense can never blunt a learned bike journo

[@RaulSanchez-qg9te]

Bravisimo, you guys rock. Saludos

[@modesteanton5632]

Nice review and commentary guys. Love the banter. XSR 900 will be my pic. Price, performance, adjustable suspension really checks some boxes and offsets advantages the other bikes may have. XSR, really nice package

[@tomphan6438]

I personally went with the XSR900 however I was looking forward to upgrading the suspension and make personal upgrades.

[@AnthonysWestTexasRides]

Evan's sounded like a Trader on Tatooine!

[@henrywes2628]

The Indian is not a sportbikes, it's a street version of a flat tracker. The other 2 are of a more sportbike lineage obvious by front tire size alone.

[@AndreasBrOlesen]

Henry Wes And rear tire size. There is no sporty tires that fit an FTR.

@@AndreasBrOlesen many sport touring tyres will fit. For example conti road3 and metzeler roadtec01

[@Texarmageddon]

Miika Venäläinen well I won’t ever ride behind you, because if you’re fitting ST on this bike you messed up. ST tires are not fitting on this bike. Load ratings and sidewall strength would be all over the place. FYI Metz doesn’t make a Sport touring that would fit the back here

@@Texarmageddon ok. What would you suggest for sporty riding on tarmac for the FTR1200?

[@Texarmageddon]

Miika Venäläinen look at adv touring or enduro tires... you’ll find the correct sizes there

[@leobuckey]

Evans, speaking to us live from a submarine. 2:55

[@Lawman-196]

.....even if all were free, I would go with the Yamaha! Great engine and Uber maneuverable= fun, fun, fun!

[@pavoutsinas]

Really nice mountain roads. What location is this filmed in?

[@Supernova12034]

"blue phone, blue hook, blue hook your telephone up to that" XD

[@edwardm9227]

These are all great bikes with differing objectives. I loved the ftr but the one I rode had metzelers and I'm 6'4" so I like a ride with range and the weight isn't excessive. I have one coming next week 😛

[@thomasmrozovich7631]

Y'all have good chemistry. Fun review.

[@Joric78]

That dip in the torque curve at 3600 for the FTR is unfortunate. I wonder if it's just a matter of a pipe and flash?

[@mrvwbug4423]

Definitely, a pipe and minor retune would do wonders. The fueling is quite smooth, and it pulls hard once it comes on the cam, and the off the line grunt is good too. My only complaint about the motor from my demo ride was it was a little vibey in the mid range.

[@hootertexas9711]

I can’t wait to get my hands on a FTR!

[@wrzl1675]

I have the FTR 1200 S and immediately upgraded the exhaust and put some much better street tires on it, I also had it Dyno tuned, only because of the exhaust swap. It makes it an entirely different bike from what you guys just rode. The lazy-ish midrange is now “ better be holding on” lol and top and low end is the same to slightly better. The tires made the biggest difference, it’s damn near full on sport bike handling now.

[@hugieflhr03]

I think some competition would make these videos better. Some drag racing, timed runs, braking.

[@Stelf101]

I hope you revisit this including the Triumph 765 or T100 and Ktm 790 or 1290

[@josephandreuccetti8043]

I feel like all of these bikes have there own class even if there close together. Each one of them is very very different and has its own niche. Its up to the rider.

[@MZ-bl6wg]

Joseph Andreuccetti exactly, the Ducati didn't belong here at all,..the Honda cb1000R is a retro/modern hipster bike like these,..Kawasaki has one too and if Ducati a scrambler or cafe fits this class better than a sport 1200S. Total random group.

[@wooblebloc]

Can’t wait another 3-4 years and see what the ftr will be like in the future.

[@bigboyblue2837]

Are y'all going to do an updated video on the FTR1200? It's changed a bit in the last few years.

[@caypercifield1778]

I know I'm not watching a video filmed in the 90s because the Indian came out this year, but it feels like a video from the 90s.

[@netcad3d]

El sonido de fondo no deja escuchar vuestras voces. Excelente comparativa. Gracias.

[@Bass.Player]

Money matters so, Yamaha

Buy an older bike if money really matters

[@Bass.Player]

@ I did

[@edwardweiszbeck1649]

I like John Burns as the host. He tells it like it is. I, a 55 yr old rider, riding bikes 42 yrs, appreciate his non brochure, non whitewash reviews.

[@patricksandeberg8184]

When did Indian make a street bike like this the last time? Never right? So for their first go at it, I'd see that they did a really go job. And it looks awesome! 👌🏽

[@skoshunt]

Make a freek n' choice please, thanks Tom you made a choice and explained why simple. let me decide what I want, save money, a nice American sunday ride, or most fun $ repair cost but most fun.

[@DrTranofEvil]

I’d go Monster (I have a lot of highway miles on my way to work), honestly. I like the touch screen option on the Indian (looks-wise, the round display is cooler), the headlight is pretty awesome. That said, I know the Yamaha will likely be the cheapest to own, but I’ve come to appreciate the personality of the euro bikes (own a Speed Triple).

[@MZ-bl6wg]

D. Hunter of these is for monster too,..but truthefully would save the money and get an MT10 Supernaked! Cheaper than all of them other than the xsr and obliterates all of them. Outperforms the monster 1200R too ontop of the S. Amazing comuter and bike of the year 2017,..quickest 0-60 mph of any production bike in history ,..I track mine,band with a few mods it's extremely competitive , I've done 1,500+ mile trips on it, commute year round in utah USA and now that I think of it I actually paid less THE the xsr cost lol . Got mine new at launch from a dealer in California that ordered too many and needed true dealer allotment so they dumped two of the grey and yellow for $9,200 out the door, no dealer fees ,..saved a shit load and the best and most fun bike I've owned! Total hooligan bike and competes with the other Supernaked Tuono, superduke , s1000R , and a crap ton less expensive and more reliable.

[@MZ-bl6wg]

D. Hunter speed triples bad ass. Saw 44teeth S review of the RS, looks awesome

[@ajikmee206]

Exciting!

[@Hustler9g]

Song at 4:00?

[@dahveed284]

So what I'm getting is they're all really good bikes. Its nice to have choices like this. Thank you capitalism! I purchased a slightly used (1,900 miles) 2018 XSR with about $2k of goodies on it. I love it, but agree its not a road trip bike. I'll need to get some suspension work done. Or move to a place with smooth roads...

[@DaBinChe]

wait till 4k miles the suspension will soften up a little and fell smoother

[@BuddhaRice]

I have an 821 stripe, should I replace it with an FTR 1200?

[@touristtrapezoid]

821 is an amazing bike, I'd keep it!

[@petrosfragis6945]

If you must, replace it with an M1200S

[@therealturbofanisme]

-> on the 101 for 300-400 miles ->cruise control usable for about 5 of those miles

[@edysinsimon8646]

I want the Indian FTR1200 in rally spec'd version!

[@anxiousappliance]

Lose the silly tires on the ftr and i bet it helps the handling a lot.

[@I_am_Thursday]

This was good timing...I'm considering part exing my XSR and Fat Bob 114 in for a new 1200S. I think I would regret getting rid of the Yamaha.

[@yassim0008]

Maybe. I have the XSR900 too but my man rides the monster. He rode my bike too. The monster has more torque (can imagine needing more than my xsr) but he say mines is lighter and more flickable🤷🏾‍♂️

[@MZ-bl6wg]

will M ever considered the Supernaked Yamaha MT10 ? Hypernaked performance , track worthy, total hooligan wheelie machine , great tourer super reliable, quickest 0-60mph of any production motorcycle in history and a lot cheaper and more reliable than a monster 1200S definitely more futuristic looking than a classical xsr so may not be your cup a tee but I got mine new at launch for $9,200 In 2017 of ya search around they're or there and the performance is Supernaked levels , awesome comfort . Greatest bike I've owned in 26 years of sport bikes.

[@I_am_Thursday]

@@MZ-bl6wg Yep. Ridden one 3 times, including the SP, so I have about 3 hours on one. Best bike I think I've ever ridden. Wouldn't buy one though...

[@arthurpendragon9079]

I would love to see a sport-touring version of the Indian, complete with belt drive, bags and full-on wind protection. They'd have to redesign the tail pipes and figure out how to add at least two more gallons of fuel, though.

[@mrvwbug4423]

I've ridden the FTR, it would make a great sport tourer, with wind protection and a bigger tank. The riding position is comfortable, the bike is easy to handle, remarkably stable on gravel patches (I rode through a construction zone on my demo ride). Steering isn't that quick, handling reminds me of the V-Strom 1000, turn in is kinda slow, but rock solid stable when leaned over.

[@Dukerdr]

@@mrvwbug4423 They have a Touring Edition and a Rally package. I rode the 1200S and was amazed at how much fun it was. Great torque off the bottom end. Thank God for Wheelie Control...

[@george3053]

What’s that song??

[@markhall3434]

2022 up XSR900 has both Cruise control, and UP/Down quick shifter, 6 ax IMU with all the ABS/Lift control modes.. stronger chassis, 890cc 117HP. Fully adjustable, KYB, TFT all for $10199

[@markhall3434]

only 420 Lbs wet to boot

[@6tdegrees]

Very... odd comparison test considering the engine size difference and rider style. Ducati monster 1200 s: super naked class bike, really you’re chucking an orange in with a sack of potatoes. XSR900 : retro neo naked (better to be compared with the z900rs) FTR1200: more of a flat tracker representation and not many bikes can really fit into this category... maybe the triumph scrambler 1200 (on road use of course) but that’s really pushing it. There’s really not much out there that can be compared with the FTR.

[@Beyondthepress]

For Indian money you could get super duke that would just eat all of those bikes :D

[@mcdick]

Hardly the point of these bikes.

[@jordanJohnn]

Late reply but brah, the super duke is ugly as f.

[@maximusmax4557]

The 2020 1290 R lists for $18,700. The FTR1200 S lists for $14,000. Ummmm...

[@maximusmax4557]

@@jordanJohnn Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I think my 2014 looks amazing from every angle except head on. Most people only see it from the rear anyway, so...

[@jordanJohnn]

@@maximusmax4557 that's fair mate and I agree I just hate his argument cause you could say for super duke money I could just by a r1 and be faster as well. speed ain't the point there's always something faster, and if there isn't then you probably wouldn't enjoy riding the bike anyway. as long as you love the look and feel/purpose of your bike your sweet.

[@Land-Shark]

John Burns, Tom Roderick, Evans Brasfield, and Troy Siahaan are The Four Ironhorsemen of the Funpocolypse. :) I'd go for the FTR1200.

[@kennethsyland6409]

Just wish that the base FTR redid the clocks and did digital speedo and used the analog clock for RPM's instead. Would just be more functional and cooler in my opinion.

[@fvgc454ss]

I agree the tft rectangular screen doesnt fit the style of the bike. But otherwise I liked everything about it when I rode one. Power is similar to a vrod.

[@jdman7170]

Monster all the way. As far as being original, the Monster is it. I cant count how many people said the FTR looked like a Monster when it came out. BUT... good on Indian for taking the first step! I'm sure the bike will get better. Also, the XSR is a great bike for the $$$.

[@CVarden]

Editor forgot to color grade this video

[@jeffhudspeth6397]

Yamaha for me!

[@BoZhaoengineering]

if we strip off subjective things in terms of looking and brand subtle fancy, the Yamaha CP3 engine is clear the winner. Doing the same job surprisingly well, even arguably better, but the most inexpensive bike in the line, the best money performance ratio. Japanese bikes are known as their affordable service cost.

[@funkyfedaykin]

The RnineT Scrambler would have been a good comparison bike; it's a stripped back 1200cc naked twin like the FTR and Monster.

Ducati scrambler 1100

[@Blind_Side94]

Trust me lads just buy the ducati If you ask your head: yamaha If you ask your heart: indian If you ask your ball sack: ducati

[@MZ-bl6wg]

Blind side of this bunch the Duc is 100% a no brainer , none of these will compete with it, but personally I wouldn't buy any and get an MT10 Supernaked, less than all of these but the xsr and a Supernaked that hangs with the supernakeds of Europe . This comparison was wierd. 1200S didn't belong in it lol the cb1000R is exactly what these are , maybe a Ducati scrambler , much more hipster retro than a 1200S ??? This was wierd

[@Blind_Side94]

@@MZ-bl6wg it was an odd comparison and yes the mt-10 is just a f****** hooligan of a bike

[@anxiousappliance]

@@MZ-bl6wg or gsx s1000 which will also blow away the ducati. Sadly you have to look at it after you get off - but...

[@phil8249]

I have the XSR. It's a fucking beast! Not too mention about $5000 less then the others!! There's no comparison here!

[@boomerhgt]

Fabulous bikes the XSR what a blast and great fun

[@jeremycox8261]

A buddy of mine sold his xsr900 yammie and sometime later bought the FTR 1200 S. He said the yammie never really gave him much motivation to ride and said the Indian was the best bike he has ever ridden. Having also ridden an ftr 1200 S I have to say it really put a smile on my dial. No its not the sportiest bike out there but it makes you feel good which is what it’s all about really.

[@nicksavich7970]

I disagree. I liked rhe FTR1200, but going into my 4th season with rhe xsr, I can't find a reason to replace it.

[@jeffruebens8355]

For the money, either the XSR, Tracer 900, or 900GT, unless you have extra money for the looks of the others. I also like the Yamaha SCR 950 for its V-twin engine braking at 20 mph and good for very tall or very heavy riders, unlike the Bolt more for shorter riders.

[@jgcapers3860]

It felt like there was a lot of politicking and fear of calling out the shortcoming of Ducati and Indian compared to the XSR until Tom straight up broke the ice.

[@hoodyneighbor5416]

If you are a person with broad knowledge about these bikes you will choose the XSR.

[@kurtwille3667]

I have broad motorcycle knowledge as you say, I own the 1200S. Its rippin fast and I love it. Personally, I think the XSR is butt ugly. Yes I am a Ducati guy and I have owned numerous Yamaha's in my life but that XSR is UGLY !!!

[@ssshhellbbyy]

Monster for me please! I'll pay the extra $$ for that beautiful bike.

[@jimmys2103]

I can’t enjoy the look of the new monsters really, they’ve gone so far from their original vision and I miss the look of the older air cooled monsters.

[@skeeterjames912]

"they didn't get the fueling dialed on the MT09 even after the retune, but the XSR is dialed". In 2017 they literally used the XSRs tune on the MTs. It's the same motor...with the same tune. You'd think a motorcycle magazine would keep up on service bulletins for popular bikes.

[@uberwhitey]

No speed twin?

[@anxiousappliance]

- nice road on a nice day , no one wanted to ride slow.

[@uberwhitey]

@@anxiousappliance I wouldn't consider 1200cc and 96 hp to be slow

[@anxiousappliance]

@@uberwhitey That's a lot of ccs to get to 96hp. Pretty sure there's 750's that put that out. I have an 800 that's easily at 110. Curious.

[@anubhavroy2309]

Street Rod is a lot cheaper than any of these bikes ... So it's not fair to compare them. It is quite good for what we pay for.

[@maximus9401]

Never could get used to the styling of the monster. Just looks weird. Like a toy. Like a scaled up mini bike

[@cdubbleyoo]

Interesting... Especially considering that those minis are often styled after the Monster.

[@BamfIamone]

But it's beeeeauuuuuuuuutiful

[@BrokenFiddles]

The original looked just right.

[@hectormejia499]

hah love how they predicted the carbon, loved the video!

[@dry509]

What model year is the XSR?

[@santiagoa3943]

Pretty sure that color scheme is only available on +2018, +2019 for the XSR

[@shreksexy6879]

2019 model

[@boomerhgt]

Santiago A Tank panels are bolt on get any paint you want

[@Logan_valdez11]

Where's the R nine t? Should be included

[@sanket3210]

Yamaha looks damn good... Just the headlight bucket is a bit big

[@UncleDon226]

I really wanted the z900rs cafe. But due to insurance classifying it as a "supersport", I wouldnt be able to afford $2,000/year just in insurance. I "settled" for an XSR900. It was the best thing I happened to fall back on. Looks good, insurance classifies it as a "standard", really affordable, and goes like a bat out of hell. It really is a wolf in sheep's clothing....

[@stringandreed]

Such a surprise, motor journalists living in a fantasy world. We would have never guessed.