Here's Why The Indian FTR S ISN'T Your Granddad's Old-School Bagger!

[@Motoboo_Marine]

I think the fact that this has been so successful shows there's a real demand for an American-made sportbike.

[@robertdavey319]

I love my 2022 FTR 1200s, easy fix the sound by removing the baffles . Tail tidy, rear wheel hugger, bar end mirrors and I'm extremely happy

[@michaelschmitzerle2587]

Love those Indian motorcycles! They just keep getting better and better!

[@BMWHP2]

I have been riding over 50 years, starting with Norton, and about every brand with over 40 bikes. But after i did a testride, this FTR1200 probably will be my next. Made me giggle and act like a kid all over again. 😎

[@illfaptothis333]

im glad you understand. they're crazy little bikes

[@andrewsmith9575]

Nice Alex! Good to see 17 inch rims! So many more good tires to choose from in that size. I think you know me well enough, I am all about corners! Head west young man! Put that thing in the canyons. As always, fantastic content!

[@JohnSmith-zi9or]

I have a 2019 FTR 1200S. It has the bigger tires. I think it handles just fine. I deleted the license plate swing arm. Changed the exhaust and deleted the cat (those OEM pipes and cat were extremely heavy). I also have Ryan's Secret Sauce tune ... now it's loud and obnoxious. I'm never selling it.

[@ganuvien]

Just curious how much range do you get out of a tank with spirited riding?

[@yassassin6425]

I have the '19 - don't like the new one, too compromised.

[@JohnSmith-zi9or]

@@ganuvien Sorry I didn't see your response. I have the "Ryans Special Sauce" flash (tune) with a TOCE low mount exhaust. So I am not factory anymore. Before the mod the bike's range was 120miles ... after the change the road raging rage is 100-110. But of course that's all rider characteristics dependent and type of road you're on. I have to admit, I bigger gas tank would be nice. Hope this helps.

[@jamespolucha8790]

I have the 2019 also the things everyone hates about it I love , makes the bike different and in a class of its own, just can’t get a seat that’s comfortable for me

[@TomSmyth453]

Your visual of torque showing acceleration in 4th and 5th is something others don’t do from what I’ve seen and I’ve seen quite a few videos. Also enjoyed your description of the touchy clutch and I could “see” in my mind how that requires “feathering”.

[@TheMostMetaTaco]

Great video! Thanks! A couple thing I wanted to clarify: 11:50 "I wouldn't call this bike a hooligan machine" 14:50 "i've been leaving it in standard" with TC on If you put it in Sport mode with TC off (Track Mode) ALL Nannies are disabled. This includes ABS and Wheelie Mitigation (this video says you cannot turn those off, but you can) Put it in Sport/Track mode and then tell me it's not a Hooligan Machine :)

[@larrynorsworthy8582]

I went to get the 2020 standard model. Dealership couldn't get the computer to link up to flash. So I went with the 19 model s with 458 miles on it. I love it!.

[@Toddwith2dogs]

I buying this exact bike this evening! Super excited to add it to my stable with my 17 Victory Gunner

[@anthonysimeone6429]

Great video. I actually like the rear license plate mount thing for some reason. Gives it a different look that I think looks good.

[@sherryryan8857]

Hi Anthony so do I mines staying. You ethier hate it or love it.

[@achikuda]

you can take db killers out and it will get loud. when you were showing exhaust it had a rubber plug for each exhaust which you take out and then bolt comes off and you get db killer out

[@adventureswithhurt8195]

Thanks Dude

[@chad3122ctb249]

12:06 my heart skipped a beat.

[@rlovell383]

Love my FTR. I like the older big wheeled bike.

[@Jasen1337]

Hey dude, nice video. Pro-tip: you can easily remove those baffles from the stock exhaust by drilling a hole in each can and removing a screw, do a search there are several write-ups about it. It makes the bike sound louder and deeper but without getting too loud or needing a tune. This is my plan for day 1 when my carbon gets delivered.

[@abriyami]

Don’t drill the hole! For mine I got a mechanic to remove the rivets from the sides, got the baffles removed. damn baffles were also welded from inside… the guy did an excellent job removing it, and readjusted the bolt hole to align with where it’s supposed to be as well (in case I wanted to reattach the baffles one day) well worth the $110 spent.

[@Darkice77]

I have the 2023 rally. People always ask me "WTF is that?" I love it. I'm going to buy a spare fuel tank and expand the sides to add 2 more gallons.

[@ganuvien]

Wish it had a bigger fuel tank.

[@chazlyle41]

Who has ever confused an FTR for an old-school bagger? haha Nice review, fellas!

[@bhoop4076]

I think the FTRs are pretty interesting bikes, and I want to demo one some day. I wish Indian would redo the tail section to increase the fuel capacity and remove that stupid plate holder/tailight from the swing arm!

[@tedbaxter5234]

But if you bought a Harley, you would have a Harley. No thank you. I’d like to see Indian open up the performance on the FTR some of. It is 130 lbs heavier than my 1000 cc sport bike, shaving a little weight would be a bonus too. Love this bike- it’s on my list. Thanks for the review.

[@MrGreenTortex]

Best review of this bike so far. Thank you !

[@viperq]

I still think the FTR is a better bike than the Sportster S.

[@Kris_P._Bey_Ken]

Harley shmarley, indian is where it's at😎

[@Motoboo_Marine]

Sportster S would have been so much better as a naked sport bike

[@Kris_P._Bey_Ken]

Technically the sportster IS a "naked" bike. Not by specs i guess.

[@Motoboo_Marine]

@@Kris_P._Bey_Ken not a sport naked though. Ergos, frame, and wheelbase still make ot a cruiser. It's definitely got the juice, just not the handling.

[@Kris_P._Bey_Ken]

@@Motoboo_Marine a naked cruiser, there 😌

[@jnobles4925]

Can't wait to hear your indian ftr vs new sportster s thoughts

[@cameronslaugh7200]

I just got this bike and so far it been amazing

[@lovelessissimo]

After I demoed the FTR, I was a little confused about what it is for, in a practical sense. It isn't comfy enough to be a cruiser, it isn't aggressive enough to be a sportbike, it can't hold enough to be a tourer, and as far as commuting goes, my undercarriage felt like my crotch was on fire whenever the bike was going slow or stopped.

[@yassassin6425]

Has it occurred to you that motorcycles don't necessarily have to be practical? It's very comfy, but that's not why I'd buy a bike. In terms of power, it's a very torquey V-twin, puts it down superbly. Huge amounts of grunt. It's completely different to a sports bike, or a tourer - so you are you comparing it? Your crotch was on fire? Ffs, why are you even remotely near a motorcycle?

[@lovelessissimo]

@@yassassin6425 That's great that you love the bike. Thanks for your insight.

[@yassassin6425]

@@lovelessissimo Thanks for your civil reply. Appreciated.

[@lovelessissimo]

@@yassassin6425 It's a new day for KZbin, where people don't have to be dicks, lol. You really don't feel like your balls are hovering over lava when the bike idles after its hot? Man, I had to sit all awkward just to avoid it.

[@yassassin6425]

@@lovelessissimo Yeah I grant you, it does run hot, which is quite welcome right now in the UK - but nothing compared to the S&S high level twin shotgun authentic tracker exhaust that the project bike had. kzbin.info/www/bejne/i3_VgneDj7qrgc0 Ridden an FTR with these and it's not ideal. Nonetheless, this is what it should look like, and it takes some dough to sort it. Form over function I guess, but that was my original point. If I was after practicality and comfort I'd have bought a KLR or a BMW 1200 GS. Regarding sportsbikes - most haven't got a clue how to use them on the road. I've kept my first gen R1, solely for track days.which is the best place for them.

[@Dave-sw2dm]

Maybe it is because my test ride of the FTR was the day after test riding the Livewire, but I was not that impressed with the FTR. It had a rawness to it and it really isn't a good value for the money they are asking for it. Now before you say the Livewire isn't a good value of the money, I agree 100 percent. Electric bikes should cost no more than their ICE counterparts. When I look at other bikes I can get for the same money as an FTR it is real hard to choose the FTR.

[@lovelessissimo]

I walked away from the demo thinking the same thing.

[@Dave-sw2dm]

@@ThatWasPrettyFunny the FTR is not an off-road bike.

[@bryanhenderson736]

Got a R Carbon and it's a great bike. No real issues with the clutch or brakes

[@bryanhenderson736]

After 3000km, I've had to buy a Saddlemen seat. Hopefully this fixes the issue of getting sore arse on rides. If anything it's the original seat that is the let down on this bike

[@mariodesmo]

Would like to see you test ride the Sportster!

[@pistolpete6321]

Great review, nice looking motorcycle!

[@bigbenck]

Thanks so much for this great video. Can you please tell us how this bike manage wheelings ? Is it easy or not to lift the front wheel for fun?

[@otherfish]

Great review, nice job!

[@DDGreyduck]

Great review I really like the looks of the FTR and am considering switching from my BMW F800R. I never would have looked at Indian if they were still all cruisers. One question…..looks like you are still wearing the A stars tech air airbag? How has it performed since the accidental activation? Still the best street airbag on the market?

[@CCaddy]

After a year on thuis bike (S)...you are spot on about your analysis day one there. Nice work. Clutch is sketchy and brakes mushy. About it. The rest is fantastic.

[@rickgates7494]

Why such a small tank? Yes, it's a street or sport bike, but would an extra ( .5 - 1.0 ) bigger tank weigh that much more?

[@seanmick7103]

Pretty sure you can use the left hand joystick to select ride mode one you are in the option screen. At least it works on my 2019.

[@damienclark7163]

2019 The original seat is trash I got a Corbin and love it. I will say it put me more on the bars and most ppl would want to change to the higher bars. I like it but its just my opinion I ride aggressively in the city daily. As far as the clutch goes, it's great if you ride hard, it's not smooth unless your hard on it and then and only then does it all make sense.

[@MoraleHazard]

Sharp looking bike and a great review.

[@MDHenry4]

Thank you for the review. How does it wheelie and soak up the landings? How it's contact patches feel? Does it feel like it has better heat dissipation than other bikes in it's class while in summer heat in stop and go traffic?

[@lovelessissimo]

It does not have good heat dissipation in stop and go traffic. It has painful amounts of heat transferred up through the seat.

[@lovelessissimo]

@HahrtDood I rode the carbon last year. It was brutal.

[@okie-rider]

Test rode the original when it came out. Wanted to get one but in the end couldn’t pay the premium price when the Japanese have them beat pound for pound by thousands of $.

[@rider6.0]

Agreed. I love my 2021 z650 and it weighs 410lbs not 500 like this beast lol.

[@adhdelirious2535]

Oh hey, Minnesota! Asa og Vana. I really want to get this bike.

[@JOHNJ0HN9111]

like the bike Alex!!! maybe the high end one had better braking

[@OzBloke]

Needs a front fender that does something 😎

[@allstate125]

Grand dads Busa will smoke that thing and never have to shift out of 4th gear.😂

[@robertwittman9227]

Nice review Alex.

[@MrBpritch100]

The older, higher sitting, more suspended ftr with 17s is the end all be all. These new ones are a touch on the under sprung side and ride extremely stiff. Plus being a tall north American man the older seat height was much better

[@l.steveguajardo8633]

How does it compare to the MT09SP?

[@dry509]

Have you tried the 2022 model?

[@rider6.0]

Pretty cool. Must be fast. Wonder whats the top speed.

[@larrynorsworthy8582]

It's limited to 124mph.

[@rickgates7494]

Did your legs get hot riding it?

[@allstate125]

This grand dads bike will smoke that two cylinder junker in 1st gear.😆

[@drashii9326]

Is it a stock v twin? If not I doubt it.

[@adiuiri16]

Now that you have got the concept right, why dont you build a proper sport bike made in USA? This bike coiuld be up there with the MVs,and Ducatis, the japonese nevr mind

[@ZuminaZX]

If you like this you'll love an old hypermotard 1100

[@WhiteGravey]

disable the cylinder deactivation thing and you will stop stalling at red lights. cylinder deactivation is the dumbest shit i have ever seen on a bike.

[@marceloperez9742]

Muy linda !

[@BarnettSpeedSuzukiThou]

I wonder what the FTR identifies as? Lol.

[@bikeaddict]

Dudes never heard of Ducati?

[@bigkiwial]

You want the torque king? Come look at my triumph rocket3 gt.......

[@1990-t1j]

I'd rather have my Buell Ulysses.

[@grabir01]

These new Indians appear to not last so long.

[@EngelbertHumperdinck86]

Compared to what?

[@rider6.0]

Why not?

[@michaelschmitzerle2587]

And you know that from having one?!

[@slim56]

Text book talking out of your ass. My Indian has 30000 miles with 0 problems.

[@grabir01]

@@slim56 Harley Evos with 300k miles and no rebuild. Yours is not even broken in yet. So.. Start blowing.