Indian FTR Vs BMW R NineT - Which Premium Roadster takes the Crown?

[@MrAndrew1953]

Having owned 2 Boxers, being 5’8” I’d go for the BMW with its lower set engine weight and shaft drive. Love that BMW torque rock.

[@jimberger7362]

They are both great bikes! I’m looking to buy an 2021 Indian Springfield or a BMW RT 1250 I KNOW THEY ARE TWO DIFFERENT BIKES BUT BOTH ARE HIGH QUALITY ! I LOVE MY GW BUT THE NEW ONES ARE BEYOND WHAT I CAN AFFORD ! Retired 2.5 years ago!

[@TK-cl1jm]

It's going to either be the R NineT or the R1250R for me!

[@nils284]

​@@TK-cl1jm which one did you get?

[@mkoehler222]

I rode both of these back to back 2 years ago. Rode the BMW first and picked the FTR before I got off the parking lot. 12000 miles on the FTR now. 50 mpg no matter how I ride it.

[@keithhasafastcar]

How many miles are you getting to a tank? ~150? I've been interested in getting one but all the reviews talk about how bad the range is

[@mkoehler222]

@@keithhasafastcar 50 to 52 mpg

[@yormomstits]

Did you get a tune for it?

[@mkoehler222]

@@yormomstits No, I can't ride it to its limits stock. I like it just the way it is.

[@hughtuller6344]

Rocking a 2019 FTR 1200S. Live the looks with the larger wheels. I live in Hawaii so the size of the fuel tank is no problem here. It is a hoot to ride and draws a lot of attention.

[@Kwackajack]

Oh true! Yea they are head turners for sure

[@highbrassrule]

Despite how similar they are, I would absolutely love to have both. I already own a carbon and adore it, literally cant not look back at it every time I park it. But the BMW evokes similar feelings and I think if they were ever parked next to each other in garage, it would be to the envy of many

[@bradstiennon]

I have the 2022 FTR s and i love it! and my mpg is closer to 50 mpg and average about 130 to 140 miles per fill up.

[@Kwackajack]

Love to hear it! Thanks for sharing your experience with it

[@M4NAH1MEK0]

You must ride "very slow" then...😉

[@steveh7108]

Finally someone made the comparison I've been waiting since ftr has been released because this is the obvious comparison to do.

[@Mitch10x]

The BMW R ninet with it's torque and cafe styling.....

[@VinylTherapy]

I literally had to make this decision 2 years ago. I was on my way to purchase the Indian, but about half way through the hour + drive to the dealer, I was like, “screw this, I’m not driving this far every time I need service.” Turned around, headed to the Bmw dealer and bought the R 9 T.

[@Kwackajack]

I think servicing and dealer support is an underrated factor when it comes to owning a bike. How are you finding the BMW?

[@VinylTherapy]

@@Kwackajack I like it, although it’s only comfortable for shorter rides - which is all I do anyways. But it’s fun and it looks awesome!

[@siddarthesteem3]

Thanks for the very informative review...I've been eyeing the indian for about 6 months now...I test rode one a few months ago and just fell in love with it....but I never knew about its tiny tank...now...that is a very big let down, consider that I go on long rides and cannot be bothered about running out of fuel...just for that...and onnly that...I go with the bimmer

[@TheChuggg]

I been looking at both of these as my second bike and I can’t decide. They both are awesome and great lookers.

[@flatcapcaferacer]

I haven't ridden the FTR but own an R9T. The R9T is a better handling and has better performance than I expected on the road and drag strip. I've owned a slightly modified Triumph Thruxton R for 5+ years and I'd probably have to give a slight edge in handling and performance over either of these stock bike, over the R9T for sure. My BMW R9T is a little more comfortable than my Thruxton R and both bikes are beauties. I would like to add a Kawasaki 900 RS Special Edition to the garage....enough differences to make it interesting.

[@floridaboy7787]

gotta say that ftr some how is a real looker ............... usually i go for fully faired bikes but some thing about that indian just speaks to me ............

[@Kwackajack]

Completely understand, it is a real beauty hey. Shame about the tank 😭

[@Yoda8945]

I owned a 2014 R9T for four years until it was totaled by a VW Beetle. I had planned on keeping that bike forever. I test rode the Indian FTR (first rendition) and loved it also due to its quickness and stability. The only reason I did not buy that bike was because of the small fuel tank. One of the rides that I frequently take is some very spirited twisties and the distance between gas stations is at the upper range of the FTR. One other advantage of the BMW is the shaft drive. Even though I have both shaft and chain drive bikes, I prefer the cleanliness of the shaft. I can put up with the slight power loss on bikes that I tour on.

[@bbhue1238]

Had a bmw, great bike it was, I have an ftr, I’ll never sell it.

[@mobileDubby]

The FTR is absolutely beautiful

[@Kwackajack]

100% a stunner

[@zexifyz]

New sub, love what you do, keep it up 🖤

[@maciejbuczkowski1056]

Got 2020 FTR 1200s RR. I was eyeing R9T for a whiule also with XSR900 and Triumph SpeedTwin, but Indian just tickles my pickle the most and offers the most for the price in terms of quality and features.

[@martinslocombe2288]

My 2012 twin cam BMW1200gs which is a similar motor to the R9T does 54MPG and i`m not hanging about ! The Indian is no looker its heavy and its got a short tank range . Even with euro 4 compliant boxer engine i would take the Beemer it sounds unique , V twins sound ordinary these days even Triumph vertical twins sound like a V twin . The R9T looks nicer has maintenance free shaft drive , lower centre of gravity and therefore better handling . I do respect the Triumph speed twin though .

[@transilvaniak8485]

How does the Beemer handle? Does the torque steer influence it through turns? I have a bike (inline 4 Honda XX) and I am looking at something retro but without the old :-) That shaft attracts me and sure, has to be a looker... Thanks!

[@callofgeorge]

I'm torn between the 2022 FTR R carbon and Triumph Speed Triple RS (not the new 1200 RS). i love the way the FTR rally looks, but i want the features and upgrades the R carbon has.. just wish the R carbon came in other color options.

[@christopherherreen2090]

BMW R nine T 👍

[@cuk5506]

Great comparison and finally I found a review that talks open about what the weakness of the INDIAN FTR 1200 is, the too small tank. That is what prevents me to buy it, even when I liked it very much on a test ride I made two years ago. During my test ride I had a fuel consumption of about 6 liters / 100km, giving me a range of hardly 200km / tank. Not really a bike for cruising long distances.

[@Kwackajack]

Glad it was helpful!

[@MegaWorthington]

Been left confused by this test ... You priced all the Indians but only one of the BMW variants . Was the price you quoted for the Classic or Pure ??

[@steveh7108]

I agree that the tank has kept me from buying the FTR. They really do need to fix that problem.

[@devinbreeding5412]

Its not a problem to fix really if you understand why they designed the tank the way they did. Want more range? Buy a different bike or carry a spare can. There are a plethora of quality bikes that get more range if that is what you need. I’ll take the smallish tank to keep the aesthetics and balance of the ftr.

[@steveh7108]

@@devinbreeding5412 that may be true for you but I know hundreds of people which means there's probably thousands out there that would buy the bike if it had a better fuel capacity. You are a minority.

[@devinbreeding5412]

I don’t believe it would be possible to expand the tank and keep the same aesthetics/balance. 130 miles is plenty for the style of bike it is. You want to tour, deal with the small shortcoming of frequent fill ups or look elsewhere. Sure, if they could make it look and handle the same and add a gallon or more, I’d be all for it. You say I’m in the minority which may be true, however Indian built the bike and I along with many others paid them for it and are incredibly happy with it. I’d say best looking bike out since 2019. tied in my mind with several Ducatis.

[@steveh7108]

@@devinbreeding5412 what do you mean you don't believe it is possible to increase the volume of the tank. Of course it is possible. I can think of a half-dozen ways they could expand the tank without severely changing any Aesthetics. It's just not easily possible for a do-it-yourself person in their own garage and that's precisely why Indian should seriously make the effort to do it themselves or give you the option. At 33 miles to the gallon you're lucky to get 100 miles unless you want to risk pushing it home. I now this bike is not a long-distance Touring bike nor is it a 50 mph commuter. They originally marketed this bike as a Scrambler type or a canyon Carver type bike. You will not find yourself in either of those two situations always near fuel station. It is a beautiful awesomely engineered motorcycle except for one very critical thing. The range is ridiculously bad. Frankly you could get everything this bike has to offer and more in a electric motorcycle with nearly zero maintenance. So why bother. It does not require some kind of engineering Marvel to expand the fuel tank and it won't change the geometry anymore then the difference of you wearing tennis shoes as opposed to boots or a full-face helmet as opposed to an open face helmet. So your geometry argument is just ridiculous. Put simply: they designed and made this bike in order to make money. They would make more money and sell more if it was more usable. Not everybody lives in the city with a gas station on every corner. Most motorcycle enthusiasts actually ride their motorcycles and put some miles on them.

[@devinbreeding5412]

There are multiple videos and material from Polaris as to why they chose an under seat gas tank. Mainly for creating a weight balance low (like many race bikes) and aesthetics. Owning one I can tell you that every inch of space under the airbox covers all the way to the rear fender is taken up. I don’t see where it would be possible to add more tank anywhere without expanding any of those areas which would impact aesthetics and the low center of gravity. If you look at the BMW in this video for example the tank is much more bulbous due to not following the same design decisions. Look at a motoX bike with similar design as an FTR and any time you expand the gas tank, you add visual bulk. I would not mind Indian coming out with a dual sport built on the same platform with a larger tank and such. it would be sweet bike. However it would be a sacrifice in other areas that would make an FTR not an FTR anymore. This bike is perfect as is with the exception perhaps of the stock tune. I welcome any additions to the platform from indian though. I say 130 miles because that is what you are able to get to a tank without stress. The light is usually on with slightly less than a gallon of gas left around the 100-110 mark. Luckily in the motorcycle world, you have a lot of choices. If the FTR isn't for you, oh well move on. Other designs meet your desires. For me, it is everything I want in a motorcycle and I’ll likely keep it through my life. Most bikes in existence would sell to a different demographic but for different engineering choices. However, you usually have to sacrifice what makes it what it is. Although I and most others don’t tour on an FTR, a windscreen and a side rack with a spare can it could be done joyfully. Another note to your comment, I also love electric motorcycles but when they run dead charge times limit you much more than a gas bike that is easily topped up.

[@ravenmoto5948]

The biggest fail of the FTR is its fuel tank, that's a deal breaker for lots of people

[@no-tc6qj]

The bmw has a single sided swing arm, that's a beautiful thing

[@Not_Sure-2020]

Didn't notice this being said but it looks like the Indian is chain drive while the BMW is shaft drive. Not sure if that makes a difference to anyone...

[@125ZJK]

R Nine T everyday and twice on Sunday.....Great analysis

[@NYCZ31]

I bought a RNineT as the boxer engine makes it a unique riding experience that is evergreen

[@burtblahnik6074]

Got the 2021 BMW R 9T with options and so far it does everything well and it’s a joy to ride even in the twisties

[@warlok9]

All FTR’s have cruise control. Sure, I’d like more fuel range too, but when I ride long trips I usually plan stops every couple hours anyway. The cruise control ends up a nice trade off. You don’t know how much you want cruise control on a bike until you have a bike with it. It should be on every bike, at least as an option. Makes highway travel so much easier, just set it and forget it. No more looking at your Speedo, adjusting throttle for hills, headwinds, etc.

[@paulmarion7578]

My 77 sportster had cruise control just screw in the screw that was on the throttle cable to take it out of cruise control twist the throttle the wrong way . Dangerous .? Naaa I was 20 years old 😎

[@tomgilson9180]

Bmw for sure as I'll take a shaft drive over a chain any day of the week, especially when the shaft drive bike is lighter.

[@rodm1949]

The shaft drive will save you heaps in the long run, and a Beemer will wear in - not wear out after 48,000 km.

[@adrianp7475]

no thanks.......

[@paulgregory777]

If you use a Scot Oiler or other chain lube... chains last forever... and virtually no maintenance either...

[@a.k1311]

option &19 kills it..... R nine T!!

[@maxbreemer]

Did you actually ride either of them?

[@Dooby0071]

Whichever one has the bigger gas tank

[@PedroDVC]

Love the Beemer but I think I'd go with the Indian S version

[@ezekielchariot]

Id heard the FTR tank is under the seat and the normal tank area is all just fake tank parts, I dont know how much volume those fake parts cover up but it would be great if someone made an aftermarket booster tank that could go where a normal tank should be and could keep the under seat tank topped up, extending its range.

[@transilvaniak8485]

Fake part cover up is what bikers know as airbox... air filter, intake and for many bikes even the carburator is in there...

[@dingoog1]

A lot of gripes about the tank from all review on the Indian. Maybe Indian will make a bigger tank for owners to swap out or buy?

[@gordonworth6740]

Just bought an R nine t.

[@Kwackajack]

Congrats! What model did you go for?

[@hgm8337]

so did you ride these bikes? Or just hunt down stock footage?

[@TheBaki75]

Let's discuss standard PM, like a battery change . Took me almost 4 hours on my Racer 9T. Awful experience and job.

[@BlAzEAnGeL85]

The comparison should have been the Indian FTR vs BMW R1250R!!

[@Stevevm21]

Spec comaprison here doesn’t really tell you anything. I had the Indian Ftr S. it got written off while parked. I then test toad the RnineT. And bought it. It handles better, torque is incredible as is the FTR but the latter lacks in refinement and the throttle isn’t stable, ever! The RnineT is a better bike in my opinion and i agree, the range is horrible on the FTR, and because it’s under the seat, it’s hard to fill. I got 130km per tank in the city.

[@jimberger7362]

Indian for sure!

[@Kwackajack]

Definitely a looker isn't it

[@MsKatjie]

xt500 1976 11:1 camed up vs all takers!

[@ravenmoto5948]

I'm surprised the left isn't crying trying to change the name 🤣

[@surferdude642]

I wouldn't worry too much about that. I think they'll go after mainstream sports first, like Chiefs, Braves, and some big time college mascots.

[@burtblahnik6074]

😂

[@jasonhughes3587]

Funny you should mention it, researching the ftr I have seen a couple woketards whining about the brand name in comments.

[@stitchjones7134]

Heart says FTR, head says R Nine T. The fuel tank size makes a difference for me

[@lordniss]

Mitt val är R1200 Nine T, gillar karaktären på den.

[@Warspite03]

Why not compare the R1250R, the RnineT is the retro, not the Premium bike.

[@chrisman1985]

Because it would blow the FTR out of the water on power, handling, fuel economy, range and pretty much everything. It's not even close

[@adrianp7475]

@@chrisman1985 he he he.... B.S

[@chrisman1985]

@@adrianp7475 B.S ? What would the Harley win ? HP? NO Torque? No Handling/ suspension? Nope Display? Nope Harley d**licker? Yes . Harley sucks 😆 .

[@matsete1427]

the r9t will always be my dream roadster. sendding support from the land of kamote 😂

[@nortyblonde]

+Wrong..... black rninet is the top spec...pure is base model..Indian is much taller than the top spec bmw ..bmw scrambler is as tall as you say...

[@captainbarnicle8548]

R nineT for me!!

[@Bodhi7007]

Z900RS VS CB1000R pls

[@highbrassrule]

I think the logical choice is the BMW, the heartfelt choice is the indian

[@paulmarion7578]

FTR carbon for me thank you 👍

[@Nickbaldeagle02]

I'd have the Bee Em

[@diegosauda9596]

Indian for life

[@M4NAH1MEK0]

Even though I like the Indian...BMW will never let you down,anyway Big Twins Rule...always! 😎

[@pedrobaraona3517]

La r1200r es su competencia

[@scottstewart5784]

Sub-200 mile range is a deal breaker.

[@clementquirder]

R nine t no doubt

[@Cgreen-ky7vi]

Indian ftr

[@rodrozil6544]

I prefer the 2021 Honda cb1000r

[@Kwackajack]

Interesting, could be in a future comparison!

[@remusstealth9419]

@@Kwackajack too bad we dont get the all new cb 1000 black honda a.u to focused on the learner market.

[@ravenmoto5948]

Honda lost its way IMO , they went all top end power which doesn't help it riding on the streets

[@ivinraj2025]

😇😘😇😘

[@MoMo-ik8dv]

FTR is better hands down.

[@udxpierre]

All day everyday the FTR. I would pay money to not be seen as a modern day Beemer owner...not cause of the bike, but cause of the wankers that MOSTLY ride them.

[@vdhazer]

Indian FTR.. Does this mean India manufactured this monster? I never knew about this. I'm very impressed.

[@MsKatjie]

strap a tank on it

[@tarabusaw4627]

Indian.

[@user-cs1ne8gx9u]

Cb1000r vs monster

[@cjla298]

The FTR is such a beautiful bike, but I would be so uneasy with owning a bike called "Indian". It has NOT aged well lol

[@Kwackajack]

Whys that?

[@cjla298]

@@Kwackajack Because it's blatantly racist. The discrimination that the indigenous community (not just North America but all over the globe) has and is continuing to experience is some of the worst in history. As far as I know, "Indian" is just taking culturally important titles and names and using them as commodities. Sure, there are some indigenous people who have taken on the name "Indian" as a way to combat the racism, but here in Canada, "Indian" is something you never call an indigenous person.

[@markellott5620]

@@Kwackajack Given that sales of Indian are strong since Polaris revived the brand, it's aged perfectly well and if anyone is offended, it is because they have chosen to take offence. I am not remotely concerned about owning a bike with Indian on the tank as it is an iconic brand dating back 100 years. It's a part of motorcycling history and we should leave politics out of motorcycling. On the main subject, however, I've ridden and owned BMW boxers since the early nineties. I have a couple of BMWs in my garage. I've ridden R nine T variants and they are nice bikes. Really nice bikes. The Indian FTR though is on a whole other plane. It reminds me of that Laverda 350 I had in the early eighties - small, neat, impeccable handling - but unlike the Laverda it has serious V twin grunt. While the BMW is okay, the Indian grips my soul, which is why I bought one. Sure, you can put down the facts and figures and I wouldn't argue with you about its drawbacks, but I bought this bike with my heart, not my head and I have no regrets. It makes me smile and that's good enough. It also looks gorgeous standing still.

[@TK-cl1jm]

@@cjla298 Oh FFS... Really?! We have to deal with BS virtue signaling on MOTORCYCLE channels now?! The perpetually offended are the most offensive douchebags in society today.

[@cjla298]

@@TK-cl1jm Ok. All I said was why I would not purchase from Indian. If I insulted your buying choices then I am sincerely sorry for offending you.

[@tinman3586]

BMWs just lack style period. Only bikes they make that actually look decent are their dual-sport bikes.

[@liberty5565]

Think I would go with the MT-09.

[@crazyass4873]

BMW VS Indian?????? Indian??? hahahahahhahahahaahahahah Nahhh I will stick with the BMW... not some crappy brand from USA.