Indian FTR1200 vs Yamaha MT-09 SP

[@BAMK]

These new videos comparing bikes have been very useful, I’d definitely like to see more stuff like this

[@jennynester9980]

It’s like y’all saw my search history, I literally have been searching for a comparison of the mt09 and ftr and BOOM, you drop this. Hardly any comparisons are out there of these two. Great video!

[@ashercollier7365]

i just love the FTR because of what it is. It's a badass naked bike powered by a burly American v-twin, and that in itself is cool enough to make me want one.

[@TheSar]

I owned a 2015 MT09 on which I covered 50K kms from new. It was a blast of a bike, cracking motor, great all rounder - but not the best in terms of throttle transition and handling. It was wheelies a'plenty. I traded that bike for a 2022 FTR R Carbon and could not be more amazed at the engine and throttle character as well as the chassis stability. Night and day.

[@onecrazywheel]

It's probably a great idea 💡 to try both bikes and see for yourself actually which bike is better personally for your own sense of which bike suits you best. I say test ride the bikes and find which fits best.

[@MyHumboldtLife]

When looking at how closely they were matched when making pulls from a rolling start I think it boils down to horsepower per pound for each bike. And I think it also explains why the MT09 was inching forward when it got towards it's top end rpms where it was making it's peak horsepower. From my calculations, the MT09 has 0.279 HP per pound, whereas the FTR has 0.234 HP per pound. So a slight advantage to the MT09. The MT09 has 2.124 CC's per pound and the FTR has 2.33 CC's per pound, but when you look at the listed HP for each bike they are very close, with the MT09 at 117HP and the FTR at 120HP. Just some numbers to consider for fun. Thanks for the video Block!

[@dormantmenace]

You mean power to wieght ratio...

[@kodyking3090]

@@dormantmenace tomato tomato

[@italkgory99]

Being a spec sheet warrior at this point, just get what you like

[@dennisspencer546]

Keep the comparison videos coming absolutely love them. With the riding comparison and the Dyno videos I found my new favorite Channel. Keep up the good work Blockhead!

[@Zanda393]

Great comparison video. Given how close they are, it comes down to the look, sound and feel. For me it’s the FTR

[@grey5135]

I really wish Harley would stop playing games and just give us The Bronx with the same engine as a Sportster-S, but in a naked bike platform.... I would be at the dealer sooo fast trying to get mine.

[@knifetoucher]

The new CEO is killing harley with his bad decisions trying to make a quick short term buck

[@kadebrown1848]

Honestly dude I love that you’re chasing your dream and opening a shop love to see it

[@yamayari8351]

Really good video block, One of my favorites for sure! Especially when @baggerbro is on deck!

[@AntiPattern328]

I just bought a 2023 FTR 1200 Sport. I rode everything from the MT-09, Ducatis, BMW's, Triumph, Harley, Hondas.... I absolutely love the FTR!!! Handling, sound, torque, riding position, brakes, suspension... It was just 100% for me!!! Got the Black, Red, Grey!! Once you get a feel for the Indian and learn to trust what it can do, it carves twisties like nobody's business... I've looked at adding exhaust but honestly, after 1000 miles... Probably 700 at High RPM, the pipes sound 100% different. Above 5000, they really get growly and downshifting sounds great. Also, they make a speed shifter kit for the FTR for under $200... Admit it... The FTR is just a gorgeous bike!!! We only have crappy 91 octane fuel where I live so I've been juicing with VP Octane Booster and honestly, the bike absolutely loves it. More responsive, snappier all around, no dead spots... I was surprised actually.

[@karlhungus8946]

I just moved to Sanford, and my first act upon arriving was to buy myself a 2022 Z900 SE. I've been spending every spare minute riding, and I recognize a lot of the streets in the video. There's a lot of great riding down here.

[@TheAsheybabe89]

Sign up, you too can pull up and show the reality of the MT09 not being everything the Yammie cult says it is.

[@CraigSmith568]

This doesn't surprise me at all. I rode an FTR1200 a few years ago and I didn't feel like it was any faster than my FZ-07. I actually thought the MT-09 would beat it by more. Now to bring in the MT-10 into the mix.

[@OathForFew]

MT 10 and FTR are Apples and Oranges lol

[@GhostHammerX]

@@OathForFewcloser in price, weight, and displacement than the MT09 though, so…

[@soul_headshot]

@@GhostHammerX has twice as few cyclinders tho

[@alennagy3741]

I love the 09 but the ftr looks soooo good.

[@dano7480]

I'm with you on that 💯. I currently have a 2021 MT09 but FTR looks and sounds amazing.

[@アロハガイ]

I agree!!

[@ThatLad685]

If there was a strict beauty comparison tho, in my mind the FTR wins that all day. It is an incredible looking motorcycle.

[@KevinButler816]

Definitely need to do the FTR Vs the Sportster S !

[@mark.lb116]

Thank you for a very entertaining video. I own a 2019 FTR-RR and my son-in-law J. owns a 2019 MT-09. They are indeed very close in straight line performance. In real world riding (40-90 mph) on rural roads in Western PA, I personally favor the FTR because of the V-twins torque advantage. Riders of all skill levels can feel/use torque. Slight differences in peak horse power are inconsequential unless you are on a race track. I am eagerly awaiting the dynamometer numbers to confirm my statement. Also my FTR is running a Lloyd’z V6 tune. Indian definitely left some performance on the table with their lame stock map.

[@JohnSmith-zi9or]

I just posted. I too have a 1200S RR with Ryan's Secret Sauce V6. I love what the tune did for the bike. However ... gas mileage .... the lack thereof sucks.

[@ajaj6784]

I just got a 2019 FTR and was wondering about the Lloyd tune. Did you ride the bike before the tune ? If so what did it change for the bikes engine? Thanks

[@mark.lb116]

Yes - The Lloyd’z V6 tune will definitely cure any cold start, stalling or surging issues you may have. It improves overall throttle response. It finds a little extra Hp/torque and removes the speed limiter.

[@onecrazywheel]

Great video! Be careful on 415. Lots of Volusia County cops there. I got pulled over near Reed Road a while back. Great video!

[@blockheadfxstc0428]

Thank you for the video My Man! If I were in the market for a new one I am still very torn between classic cruiser vs the nakeds, I guess I'll have to work on that on my own lol!

[@SirMountainpass]

The MT09 SP any day - especially once properly dynoed by an experienced pro😎🏁🏁✌️

[@richardcerritelli9657]

Have you ridden the Indian FDR 1200 I think from the reviews on forums the fdr seems to be the better bike from most people.

[@miguelrodz2446]

That Indian should've been compared with the new xsr900

[@DoctorSleep4081]

I was originally looking at getting a FTR, but the tank size is what held me back. I ended up going with the mt09. And what you said about fun per dollar also weighed in.

[@dakotamiller6326]

Been cross shopping the new xsr900 and ftr1200 I personally think the fate is the most attractive bike made in a long time just definitely hard to justify that extra money

[@wrenchwookie3304]

I own a 2011 Ducati Multistrada, and that first service was TOO expensive. Since I'm an industrial technician, that was the only service I've paid for. I got on KZbin and learned how to do them myself! I think anyone could do it, actually.

[@marclapalme1394]

Thanks for the comparison! Now I gotta wonder. How’s the MT 09 vs the z900?

[@karlhungus8946]

As the recent purchaser of a 2022 Z900 SE, I have the same questions.

[@TheChuggg]

The Indian is amazing just because it's an American Bike that competes with the best that Japan has. It's only the first variation of the Indian FTR America's first real entry into the sports segment. I think it's the reason why Harley Davison introduced the Sporter S. My choice would be Indian all day.

[@brodi5367]

I disagree. I don't think it competes well at all. It is a 1203cc bike against the 889 cc in this video. If you wanted a better comparison they could have done the mt10. Similar price, mt10 being a 998cc. Mt10 is also very planted, ludicrously fast and a great daily driver. I have owned all of the bikes mentioned, but currently only have the FTR and the mt10. If it wasn't the looks of the mt10 it would be the only road legal bike in the garage. The FTR just looks better.

[@brianrahuba6919]

The Sportster S beats the FTR everytime . But that's a top end comparison I think normal riding they would close . Me not owning either bike mine opinion would be vague but what I'm seeing on videos the Sporter S beats the FTR everytime . But I would buy the MT09 over both of the two bike's. I rather have the lightness and playfulness attributes of the 09 has ....

[@brodi5367]

@@brianrahuba6919 the sportster is just so....hard to love the look of. I haven't got the chance to ride one yet but people who had told me you feel every bump in your spine as well. I wish they would have just made the Bronx. I also agree, the Mt09 and most Japanese bikes in general are in a league of their own for performance.

[@jocoloco1320]

Sportster is faster in a drag race, that’s it. Handling is different story, FTR wins.

[@jocoloco1320]

Plus the reason you got a new sportster is because of the FTR. Harley is panicking.

[@Stevevm21]

FTR all the way. Test rode both and the FTR has so much character. Extra bucks for a longer smile 😊

[@Firestorm637]

The lighter the bike more Flickable. Better handling, braking, and acceleration. I own a Super Duke and a YZ 250 2 stroke dirt bike. YZ is 230 pounds and 50 horsepower with a small compact engine. No top heavy spinning inertia of cams/valves etc. so much fun. Instant on/off acceleration. Your clutch is similar to additional or secondary throttle to keep bike on the pipe.(clutch feathering). So much engagement with the bike. Very special. Love the smell! Like these bikes, in your video, different bikes offer different experiences. 4 strokes you can be lazy but not with a 2 stroke so much

[@codysnell]

Reed Ellis and 415. I love riding in that area. Great video! I love my FTR S. So much fun.

[@chill0141414]

you started your pulls vs the harley at around 30 mph, and vs the ftr around 40 mph. Huge difference in powerband.

[@why_m9]

Get the FTR tuned. They had to pull it back for the new emission laws.

[@JohnSmith-zi9or]

In 2019 I bought a 2019 FTR 1200S. I knew it wouldn't be the fastest best handling yada yada yada. I bought it because I loved the looks of it. Also, I'm about the same size as Eric and guys like us just look goofy on Japanese and Italian bikes made for short Japanese and Italians. I'd be interested to see a comparison if you get Lloydz Ryan's Secret Sauce tune for the FTR. It completely changes the FTR.

[@clubstyleridahd4695]

I had the first gen fz09 and sold it because it just didn't feel planted. These videos are the ones I get excited for!

[@topshelf6623]

luvin these pull videos. keep it up. I'm seriously thinking about a Tracer. nice job guys. Bagger bro provides great content...

[@sleepyheadfpv1507]

As a 2021 MT-09 owner. Both bikes look amazing but MT is outstanding

[@charlieperry26]

I was a little surprised that the Indian didn't do "as well" as the HD did with the Yamaha. Great video though. I would choose the Yamaha personally

[@drjekyll5922]

right but where the Harley is 'exceeding' the ftr is lighter and differently engineered for better handling in any circumstance and you'll never see a sporty s at a stealership for the same pricing as either the Yamaha or the FTR since the Harley Davidson dealers want to mark new models heightened over msrp

[@charlieperry26]

I've owned 3 HD's I will not own a 4th.

[@jocoloco1320]

Indian is heavier than the sportster. It handles better but still heavier.

[@Marc-e4n]

Besides the power there are different bikes and projects...both are great

[@HobbitOfChaos]

I know nothing about bike mechanics but one day I’ll move to Fl and see if I can learn from you. Idc where I start becuase I’m ignorant to everything and will gladly learn everything you have to teach

[@tommcguire2346]

Great comparison, i would have asked for this one. Actually considering one of these and looking at both

[@SFV4]

A little rear brake and there is little to no throttle rolling off required to prevent the front to lift too much

[@Firestorm637]

You can speed shift if no quickshifter but quickshifter faster. Similar comparing car DCT vs manual. The automated dual clutch beats the manual. That is why less performance cars with manuals vs DCT.

[@defeatedhusband1593]

Any complaints on the tank size or fueling up on either?

[@cody4487]

So where's the dyno video?

[@PureEvolution]

Can i ask when you was racing the MT09 what Alltitude are you at as it seems well under powered compaired to my stock MT09SP i know this make both bikes slow just wondering as few youtubers with MT09 seem to be very tame

[@dano7480]

I agree, but doesn't the modes determine how much power is applied? From what I seen on screen MT09 says manual and Block said that he doesn't like wheelies so could have been in rain mode. Maybe it was mentioned what mode they were in the video and I didn't catch it. For my 21 MT09 feels so much different with different modes.

[@PureEvolution]

@@dano7480 from what i understand mode 4 is the only one thats little under top power but all of them just change how much throttle imput you need to give it for the desired power and even with lift control on full the front end will still come up when giving it full throttle in all modes

[@dano7480]

@@PureEvolution Yes I'm able to ride a wheelie in the first 3 gears with wheelie control on and quick shifter makes it smooth. It doesn't allow the bike to get over 45 degrees so don't worry about looping the bike. I'm taking the MT09 to the dragstrip next year to see how much power it really does kill in different modes. My Harley is faster than the MT09 in rain mode. 12 o'clock position on the MT09 is way different feeling than my other bikes. Seems higher for some reason.

[@PureEvolution]

@@dano7480 Yea the lift control on the MT09 is really quick i had a time i was in 5th on full power at 8k rpm and hit a little hump in wales as the bike front wheel came up i did react to it but felt the bike also pull power as i was about to apply rear brake and yes its is very hard or have to be very stupid to loop the bike i always ride in MODE1 and TCS set to 1 also gotten use to riding in all weather types like this

[@tunkionseisoja]

Is your gopro's aspect ratio 4:3 and you have squeezed it to 16:9? Or why the image is so "stretched" from the sides?

[@2wheelhooligan649]

My mt09 flies love that bike. Flash the ECU for as much fun as possible.

[@BlockheadMoto]

Def planning on some modifications for it!

[@jhashmi2011]

nobody notice the CVO road glide in the background? Gorgeous!

[@michaeljameslawrence2965]

The FTR for me has everything I was looking for Harley looks with sports riding position. It just looks gorgeous and hits all the boxes for me. I am saving up for one in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 wish there were more dealerships here as only three in the south where a fair few Harley’s Lind dealerships as I still would like people who could work on them. Just pedalling on my lynkskey titanium bicycle and 125 scooter for now 😆

[@johnjones928]

for me it would be the Yam and the Indian over the Harley simply because the first two's power better match their chassis capabilities. Besides i like the feel and ergonomics of lighter, shorter, upright bikes better than long, low and heavier ones.

[@popdatclutch3010]

Mt09 is an amazing bike. New gen anyways. Cant go wrong even without the sp

[@Yoah777]

Hey can you tell us what mirrors are on the Ftr ?

[@dustinslo_6963]

Digging the comparison and I would really like to c the Harley go against the Indian since they have such a history from when the first started building motorcycles

[@toofastnobrakes]

In fairness, the dude you had on the sportster S was like half of his size 😂. But the sportster s did seem to pull harder

[@BlockheadMoto]

Hence why we ran them on the dyno, removed the rider from the equation entirely 😁 - kzbin.info/www/bejne/r3a4aqd7dtCti8k

[@toofastnobrakes]

@@BlockheadMoto sweet 🤟 hope you did a comparison with the sportster dyno as well Edit: actually already saw that vid, when you dyno compare the ftr and MT I hope you also lay over the sportster numbers as well

[@iamsahilsuman6872]

If possible now do the ftr 1200 vs Harley 1200cc This will definitely be great

[@knifetoucher]

Where's the dyno video?

[@Josh-ew1le]

Hey Block, What fender eliminator kit is that on the MT-09SP? Thanks fam!

[@devinroberts2127]

Are you hiring any more motorcycle technicians for your shop or is it just you and Chris

[@tarrowspeedco.2973]

DYNO battle?

[@markusklomes2460]

"I knew that, I just like riding" 😂

[@jackoconnell1852]

Y’all must be down the road from me, enterprise osteen

[@DacisofAceS]

do you know what mirrors those are on the FTR? Just picked a carbon

[@logangodofcandy]

So, the sportster s is faster than the ftr

[@Firestorm637]

Quickshifter makes a difference as pulling in a clutche loses ground.

[@TheAsheybabe89]

Not if you actually know how to ride a bike and shift without the clutch?

[@toofastnobrakes]

Are you adding the RSD shortened swing arm to the FTR???

[@tazerc7102]

Need to compare the ftr to a triumph speed twin next video!!

[@AntiPattern328]

The race test seemed a little weird just for the fact I couldn't see when the front person let off on the FTR. Bottom end, it just rips away but then you come flying up on the MT-09 so it looks like you're catching it but it also seems like the FTR rider got off the gas a while ago.... Need a better race test.

[@powamoto]

Awesome vid guy so I brought all these thumbs ups for ya algorithms fam 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍🔥🔥

[@ASSASSINlutent]

the ftr has more ccs but the mt-09 has a shorter piston travel and 3 cyl inline which also means high rpms and consistent power delivery while the ftr has a longer displacement and being a v twin less consistent power delivery. this is why some sport 600-900 cc bikes can hit 150+ easy while a harley 883 can only hit maybe 120-135 in the best conditions

[@bradleylynn511]

What about throwing the nightster in the mix

[@frankhubbardiv8711]

I would like to see power wise, how the MT10 & Pan America do against each other.

[@chbruiser]

What brand of mirrors are on the FTR?

[@cisa1622]

Maybe adding a healtech quick shifter to FTR.

[@broquea]

Skipped RSD and went Wunderkind on my 22 S for mods; w/ContiSportAttack4 for tires. Great combo for canyon carving in SoCal :D

[@einherjar2545]

Clearly people don't understand how these engines works if they think comparing different engine size "is not fair". A Supersports, 1000cc, will completely destroy a Street Bob which is like 1700 cc. That's 700 cc more... The phrase "there's not replacement for displacement" is actually very misleading. There is replacement for displacement. If we start from an air cooled V twin that has 1700 cc, which generates something like 90 HP. We can drop 700 cc, go liquid and last but very important, go with 4 cylinders instead of 2. Boom, 200 HP with only 1000 cc.

[@TheAsheybabe89]

Most not them are idiots, fan boys, or kids. They're the same ones that specsheet shop/argue and think brakes are automatically good if they're radial mounts and automatically bad if axial mount because all they know is secondhand info, reviews, and marketing materials without even knowing how the brakes are different or the reason they're different in the first place lol.

[@slsumf]

So the 2021mt09 has an auto blipper?

[@chiwiitube]

Interesting how the Sportster S is faster considering your other video

[@ChaseJasperDown]

I think they’re both comparable. But I’d go with the tried and true MT-09.

[@johlin491]

I truly thought this was real and after todays ride with my buddy FTR and my 22xsr900 something is wrong in this video. He has exhaust and I’m completely stock on xsr900 and it absolutely blows the bike out the way

[@WoodyRides]

FTR vs Sportster S?!?!?!?!

[@SFV4]

I never understand the US speed limits. Is it the minimum speed you are allowed to ride instead of the maximum speed as would be the case in Europe?

[@anthonyacosta23]

I wonder how the sportster s gose with the mt10 since Mt09 and ftr are similar then try the mt10 with sportster s and then compare on dyno

[@anthonyacosta23]

But I still want to buy the ftr I've been eyeballing that bike for a good min

[@Rabessey]

The biggest advantage the MT-09 SP has is the ASV Brake/Clutch levers...all the difference in the world! ;-)

[@paulhope3401]

Perhaps but they are not stock. What is so good about them... and worth the money?... is it the being?

[@OathForFew]

The Indian is just flat out badass, Def a unicorn

[@tomseymour123]

I hope you put a yoshi on that MT09 and let that triple sing!

[@bryanteet7635]

Instead of pulling in the clutch and shifting just let off the throttle and up shift then get back into it. I don't ever use the clutch to up shift.

[@Honoer]

Dang the sportster s is faster than the ftr

[@Firestorm637]

I raced professional motocross and flat track. Many manufacturers, Tesla great example, Vertical integration. Try to keep costs down manufacturer everything in-house. Tesla batteries, Tesla seats, Tesla motors. KTM WP suspension all in-house. Brembo makes great brakes and people expect brembos on premium bikes. Truthfully, unless you race, where every horsepower, every once of weight, perfect brake feel all matter as the bike is raced at 110%. The other 99% of us will never approach limits of bikes and regular brakes are just fine. Brembos do not necessarily make you stop Any faster just the progressive feel. The rider makes the most difference to the tool they are riding/using.

[@-ihad2clipem-429]

Seems like people are overlooking the quick shifter on the Mt09. Quick shifter vs manual. Seems a bit uneven for a drag race, or any other kind of race on that matter. For the FTR to be neck n neck tells a lot. Heavier bike with a manual shift keeping up with a lighter bike w/ a quick shift & similar power.

[@paulhope3401]

Uneven? On the contrary... the FTR's extra cc and v-twin grunt should way more than equalise a quickshifter'd 890 triple... On paper it's actually an unequal comparison in favour of the FTR, the MT09 should get batch slapped... but it doesn't.

[@-ihad2clipem-429]

@@paulhope3401 That's not true at all. It applies to bikes and cars. Quick shifters are way faster. Doesn't matter if you're a pro or an amateur. Especially a drag race it makes all the difference if the bikes are pretty even on power.

[@paulhope3401]

@-ihad2clipem-429 If all bikes were completely even in all aspects there would be no point in doing a comparison. They are 2 completely different bikes each with their own advantages, strengths and weaknesses. The FTR would stomp on the mt09 from a standing start to about 40-60 or more due to its longer wheelbase and higher torque... before the mt09 would start to gain on it again. I think you just don't like the comparison because you are a FTR fan and the mt09 was slightly better in this particular metric. It would lose on others if that makes you feel any better. Personally I found it quite fascinating and the fact that the mt09 could match it in a rolling race was a surprise to me.

[@-ihad2clipem-429]

@@paulhope3401 The point I'm making is the quick shift. A quick shift makes ANY bike faster. The reason why I bring it up. Because of people like you deceived into thinking the mt09 is the underdog in a drag race against an FTR. The bikes are pretty close on power. Of course imports aren't going to match the torque of American engine. But a lighter bike with a quick shifter has the advantage over a heavier bike with a little bit more power and a manual shift. So yeah, it's impressive an FTR could pull on it that hard.

[@paulhope3401]

@-ihad2clipem-429 Yeah a quickshift always helps but after seeing that Harley leave the MT09 for dead on this channel, I was expecting the FTR to do it too tbh.

[@Firestorm637]

Great video! Compare FTR vs Sportster S. Both $14,999

[@Teklien]

I'm leaning towards the FTR Rally Black Smoke

[@BlueJ502]

It's better to compare relatable engine sizes

[@stevem4783]

Oh boy, gonna be a lot of butthurt on this one. I wonder why everyone always complains about the Sportster S's price and always brings up how you can get a hypernaked that gives you more performance for less $$$, yet nobody ever says the same regarding the FTR...

[@ronaldwalters9488]

Just bought a used MT07, maybe I should have went with the 9? 🤔

[@kennethdraper1838]

FTR1200 vs Sportster S next!

[@darrynbolden2137]

No one: Guy riding the Indian: ...Purple! 🤣🤣

[@stubbingtonmarigold3032]

Price is always a factor, people cross shop price point the most.

[@stevotaylor6548]

Don't lean, but countersteer and push on the footpegs...

[@toofastnobrakes]

I say put the S&S 2into2 pipe on the Ftr. “With a lloyds garage tune” It doesn’t make the most power. But it looks the coolest 😎 also ftr desperately needs taller gears

[@sleipnir1166]

Nah I say a toce exhaust would be better and they worked with Lloydz for the most power

[@BlockheadMoto]

We're actually putting an RSD pipe on the FTR, we'll have some episodes soon on it!

[@toofastnobrakes]

@@sleipnir1166 oh it definitely makes more power. But I just think It doesn’t look good on the bike. I’ve also talked with the tuners at Lloyd’s. The peak power difference is minimal between the two. The toce just makes more mid rpm power

[@toofastnobrakes]

@@BlockheadMoto damn 😢

[@danmancino22]

@@sleipnir1166 Don't ever put toce on any bike. Over priced that look like shit and sound like shit

[@markward-panatieri5434]

Mod them all out and then run the comparison again

[@jamiehernandez4378]

Let’s see the sportster s vs ftr 1200