Why The Indian FTR1200 S Grows On You - First Ride Review

[@fj60driver]

Hey Harley Davidson! This is how you get younger riders interested in your brand! Take notes.

[@johnspencer2560]

My most RECENT Motorcycle, was a 2011 Dyna StreetBob. I bought it NEW. I broke My arm, Ribs & HIP, on that bike. It's SOLD & In Duetschland now. I broke My Right leg TWICE, on a Hinckley Bonneville. I WANT 2 Indians. I want a Challenger & a Scout. Tell The Captain & Red, "Spencer said Hello." (All the way from Long Beach Ca U.S.A.)

[@skratchhh]

I am not into cruisers myself but soon as I saw the FTR I fell for it immediately. Few months later bought my own (base model). I'm 34.

[@Patrick-HD]

i mean harley made an sportster xr 1200 wich indian based their FTR on

[@fj60driver]

@@Patrick-HD the XR was kinda MEH

[@fj60driver]

@Darius Grouch III I think Harley Davidson is more like that 50 year old cougar that doesn't understand why her husband would hook up with a 25 year old. She still wears the same clothes and perfume from 25 years ago thinkin that is still attractive and can't get someone younger than 70 to look at her.

[@jamespolucha6911]

Thanks for the video, I road tested this bike for 5 hours and fell in love with it , I was on my back screaming kicking my legs in the air so my wife surprised me at Christmas and bought it for me, damn I didn’t even think she liked me anymore, it’s just a blast to ride, I know everyone is saying you should have gotten this other bike so much more for the money but I road tested every bike on the market and loved this one the most

[@eldritchshiner]

Wow, if only I had a wife nearly as awesome as yours.

[@robbeltran]

Still trying to convince mine. This is exactly the bike I want.

[@wustachemax]

that's quite the present. better be riding your wife as much as you ride your bike.

[@tbillyjoeroth]

@@eldritchshiner so? She spent his $$$. That's what women do.

[@High_Desert_Tanner]

Don't lie... Did she pay for it with her own money? A joint account? Or YOUR money?

[@rowettfly]

Feel like I'm watching the Gadget Show for motorbikes. Incredible production quality, love the content

[@fredthebarber]

Just liking and commenting for support before I have time to watch this. My work is shut down for a few weeks, so I’m sure I’ll have plenty of time to blow up your comments! Stay well, buddy!

[@motobob]

I was wondering whether people will be watching more KZbin over the next few weeks! Not much else to do when you're stuck at home...

[@stevesteve1965]

Seems Harley need to up their game. Needs to be a good size tank under there for a big twin! That exhaust would be replaced immediately!! Good review Bob.

[@motobob]

Cheers Steve!

[@craigfinnegan8534]

I try to play the field with these different motorcycle reviewer channels, but increasingly I've been finding myself typing in "motobob" after the year, make and model, because I know I'll see the bike shown, ridden and described better than in the other reviews. Straight to the point but hitting all the points is the way to go.

[@cjbrisco2145]

I would recommend testing the base model. It's got the top end of sport mode, and the bottom end of one of the lesser modes. It's a peach. And yeah the tires slip. But when you spool it up intentionally, theres loads of control. It's based on a bike designed for high speed drifting.

[@khaccanhle1930]

I am thoroughly impressed with all that camera work. That must take a lot of effort to set up.

[@revelationakagoldeneagle8045]

Thanks for an awesome test ride! You were very professional and your video is very informative. Ride On ✌️

[@michaeljkasnter]

Take out that MV-F3 in the background!!! Rode the 2017-Honda-CBR-1000-SP2 yesterday, staggering performance /handling that is a Honda !! New FireBlade inbound!!! Life starts above 120-mph!!!

[@workshybum]

Some great new camera angles in this one. Excellent work once again 👍🏻

[@motobob]

Cheers WSB!

[@ampm9771]

More looks like a mix of Monster/diavel/scrambler. That exhaust is just taken from the monster!

[@motobob]

True - it does have a mix of those bikes. But especially in the race replica colours it looks most like the FTR750

[@richardd9976]

Great review. Thanks for taking the time.

[@motobob]

Cheers RD

[@hildand.arifwirayudha]

Always awesome videography and editing

[@TheSar]

Really well reviewed, filmed and edited - well done mate.

[@garys8415]

Liquid cooling is very nice 🦋 The bike is simply irresistible 🦋

[@briananderson2219]

I am here from the states just south in Indiana where the bike is made from, so I might be a little bit biased, but I feel like that is the best looking bike available at the moment. Put 123 hp great brakes great handling, sounds like you can’t miss with this bike

[@devansh4every1]

This guy deserves a ton more subscribers.

[@leegingerninja]

You know I've been waiting for this review! 😎🤟👍👍.

[@annysyusciandika879]

Hate that rear mud guard, replace those turn signal beside tail light, install mud guard from indian accessories below tail light and replace that license on the left side

[@briananderson2219]

Your boots are cool AF

[@robbikebob]

I loved this bike as soon as I sat on one at the NEC a couple of years ago. It's a shame you didn’t also get a go on the lower spec model too, for comparison. The problem is that it's price puts it right in the middle of dozens of other choices of bikes and it's so niche that they are never going to sell enough. It's a bit heavy for some, too aggressive for some, too American for some, doesn't handle well enough for some, too expensive for some and not high enough spec for some. And they are just the ones that like the styling. That doesn't leave many who'll buy one. 😕

[@motobob]

It’s a good starter tho if they want to move outside of just doing cruisers. The new rally trim looks decent. I agree tho that it’s a bit niche, but that’s what I liked about it. Price is always a tricky one - there’s always a slightly cheaper bike that performs better, or something a little more expensive that gives you something extra

[@dadmadforgot4050]

Looks great, poor dealer network in the UK : (

[@pete24p]

i think u meant to say the gauge clusters used to be larger like the ipad... the gauge on it now is the size of an iphone!! just twisted your words up a bit thought i would let u kno.. cheers, -P3T3R

[@mikeskidmore6754]

Sure there are lots of Naked Street bikes , but the FTR-1200 is very solid very stable .. it can handle dirt roads pot holes ect.. the Stock suspension was way too stiff for me @ 170 # on the base model ..

[@graemeneedham5899]

I've sure you have reviewed my top 3 bikes and love all your videos, but which would you pock 1- MV Agusta Turino Voluce 2- BMW R9T or 3 - the Indian FTR. I know they're all different, but which would have?

[@timothy9596]

I'm in the market for a naked bike and if the FTR had standard 17" sportbike rims, it would probably be my #1 choice.

[@jx7230]

How would you compare this to the speed twin? This has more power but the speed twin is lighter, which would you prefer?

[@michaeljkasnter]

J X7 speed twin

[@motobob]

The FTR has the better suspension and brakes, more power, TFT dash, IMU with cornering ABS/TC. But it’s more expensive. Personally I really liked the Speed Twin tho and you could always upgrade the suspension with the spare I change. I do wonder if they’ll bring out an RS model at some point tho...

[@funkla65]

I think the Z900RS is more practical, but this looks like a lot of fun.

[@maximignatyuk9836]

How would you compare it to BMWs R9T and Triumphs ? In a way they all are modern classic bikes))

[@larrynorsworthy8582]

I have the exact same bike. It's a keeper.

[@kennethhume8628]

I think it is quite a good looking bike and I thoroughly enjoyed your video .

[@motobob]

Thanks Kenneth!

[@leepearce787]

dude, you forgot to link your boots! like em. Thanks for vid mate

[@motobob]

They’re the icon 1000 Elsinores - not sure if they’re discontinued now though...

[@leepearce787]

@@motobob thanks mate, ill have a look.

[@darrenboyd1]

Awesome bike. Where are your boots from?

[@TheBenshreds]

Yes please, what are those handsome boots? Helmet brand also please! I'm picking up an FTR in two weeks. Can't wait!

[@ryantipping]

Did you get to ride the KH Scout Hooligan back in July Motobob? Intrigued on the ride comparison between these 2 bikes.

[@motobob]

Not yet but they said I ought to take it soon. Hopefully I can get up there to ride it at some point

[@ryantipping]

@@motobob I will keep my eyes peeled for that installment then. Keep up the good work, your vids are great!

[@lakest7573]

Sat on this bike at the NEC,I thought it was a bit small for us tall lads.

[@motobob]

Cramped in the pegs? Or do you mean the bar height too?

[@lakest7573]

@@motobob Both mate,its just too small,felt my legs were up my arse and the bars weren't comfortable. Keep up the great footage👍

[@servicarrider]

This oower plant is capable of so much more power. I really wish that they would have met or exceeded Ducati in that regard.

[@mattwilliams9758]

All the coolest looking bikes happen from crazy horse...

[@donaldelder540]

Could you put the touring seat on the ftr to take some of the vibration out?

[@motobob]

Maybe a gel insert or something would help

[@zardozal8239]

Those tyres would have to go before I got on that.

[@motobob]

Yeah that would help, although 150 is still skinny for a 120hp bike. Also not sure on how much choice there’ll be with the unusual rim sizes...

[@ToastyClam]

Thats actually my only complaint about this bike

[@zardozal8239]

@@ToastyClam Scramblers and flat track bikes all come with tyres not really suitable for real world riding.

[@ToastyClam]

@@zardozal8239 I'm aware of that....

[@DavidBlack101]

I felt the same way when first got mine but a couple of months riding on them has changed my mind. It’s fun a little bit loose and does it gradually. I might feel different if had to ride on wet, diesel slicked roads all the time tho.

[@michaeljameslawrence2965]

Simp,y stunning. Ticks all my boxes on looks alone.

[@peterrick3339]

Well done review. Nice! And the bike seems good too.

[@ampm9771]

Could you please review the CB1100RS.

[@motobob]

I’ll try to get one at some point

[@ampm9771]

@@motobob I am looking forward to it! Cheers

[@Tobeon2]

Thank you for your review. I really like the look of FTR1200, but it was not as comfy (!?) as I hoped for along with other things when I test rode it 2 weeks on a demo day. I think a bit more street ride friendly will make this bike really popular.. (maybe FTR800?? 🤔)

[@Masdyl1319]

I haven't rode it yet, but im 6'2 and 260, so I dont know how well I'll fit on it. My eyes keep going towards thr busa or zx14r.

[@MrAndrew1953]

So which would you put your hard earned on Africa Twin or the Indian?

[@motobob]

The Africa Twin was pretty good to be honest - but if it was my money I'd go for a Tiger 900. It's better value than either of these

[@fyorbane]

@@motobob Good bike the Tiger 900 but the power output [for a 900 triple] is too low in my opinion [94 hp]. That makes it the least powerful in this class. It should be around 110-115 hp with an off road mode that cuts power to the said 94 hp.

[@vintagerealityvr]

This bike is fun but I'd never own it. I rode one for 1 week and ended up thinking 'wow that was fun, not gonna miss ya". So many weird quirks. Now, the bmw r nineT, I rode for a week, and I can't stop thinking about it.

[@Ben-wq4zf]

What are those boots??? Like brand and name of those boots

[@motobob]

Icon 1000 Elsinore

[@iainmckay3387]

Great review, very informative.

[@motobob]

Cheers Iain!

[@trevorpeel3003]

is that corrosion on the rear alloy caliper mount??

[@i.v.2824]

what kind of boots you wearing in this video bro?

[@motobob]

Icon 1000 Elsinore - they just brought out a new version called the Elsinore 2 I think.

[@fogstreet108]

Is it even close to a Harley in Torque and HP?

[@motobob]

More hp

[@nebu7612]

Any of these eats any HD in any road... diferent beasts.

[@sweetheartnineotwoneo8542]

Amazing Bike,Amazing review!

[@prudentiusinvader6652]

Seems theres too many parts to swap, exhaust and tires.

[@acharyasandeepkumar6795]

Proud to be indian 🇮🇳 😀👍

[@j4zzx297]

You started doing lamb chop style 360 camera shots?

[@motobob]

Only one of the angles is on a 360. The company that makes them we’re sending them out to motovloggers a few months ago so I guess you’ll be seeing them everywhere

[@j4zzx297]

@@motobob you should learn how to do the sweeping shots from the front to the back, and add them to the bits you accelerate, it actually looks quite good (adds the look of speed).

[@Eisho.G]

Is this better than Yamaha xsr900?

[@michaeljkasnter]

Bike is a death trap with the stock tires, would be the first thing to go if someone gave me this bike

[@prudentiusinvader6652]

Why is that? Are the tires cheap?

[@johnsumser9743]

Like the boots.

[@motobob]

Thanks John - they’re Icon 1000 Elsinores

[@leonmcdonald6567]

Are your gloves from Goldtop???

[@motobob]

Yes indeed - Goldtop Predators

[@leonmcdonald6567]

@@motobob I was looking at those in my local bike clothing shop. I already have a pair of Goldtop cafe racers. Crack gloves, and great value 👍

[@MrAndrew1953]

I’d like to know if Indian have overcome the problems owners have been having filling the fuel tank. This is a real turn off for me as the bike is known to be thirsty with fuel consumption and needing refuelling regularly.

[@jakeford2324]

I own one and an FZ-09, its no worse to fill than the 09 in either range, or filling to top. and is its own riding experience.

[@johnDukemaster]

Well done Bob! Funny with these regulations...we have a whole industrial section making silly numberplate holders that no one keeps....making a whole industrial section that makes numberplate holders that people wants, which do not live up to those regulations, but no body cares!

[@motobob]

Haha fair point John. It’s a waste of plastic...

[@michaeljkasnter]

I wanna heat your thoughts on the CB-1000 ? This Polaris is 5k overpriced

[@motobob]

I’ll get to the CB1000 but might be a few weeks. Honda gave it to me for a month which is pretty great of them. So far I love it

[@paulrose6359]

Give me twin gauges. and I'm sorry but the rear fender/plate "Thing" out back is really ugly. Sorry JMO.

[@raymorris952]

Nice looking bike, But at 6ft and about the same weight as a Cyberdyne T800 ! Its too bloody small. Same problem with the Street Twin! Bugger . Going to sell me house, buy a Rocket and a caravan ! Nice vid , stay safe young man.

[@motobob]

Cheers Ray! Rocket and a caravan sounds like a dream to me 😂

[@raymorris952]

@@motobob me too, But the wife ain't having none of it! Cow !

[@daylightbrightdlb6010]

Rotax engine?

[@joedunne9492]

Totally Indian! USA baby!

[@garyloucks7682]

Informative review

[@UncleBensChannel]

Such a purty bike.

[@johnspencer2560]

MotoBob, Are You familiar with Captain Rambunctious or Red Renna ? The Captain was My first KZbin personality. The Captain got Me familiar with "Red Renna." Red has moved to "Munchen" with Her Old Man. RECENTLY She & Duetcher Phil, had a Daughter. Red & "The Captain" know I've got 35 years on 18 Wheels (Lorry) & 50 years on Motorcycles. I don't know how many Motorcycles I've had. JS Long Beach, California U.S.A.

[@t_tsering]

brilliant review. not the bike for me, but fantastic video nonetheless.

[@motobob]

Thanks tian appreciate the support

[@viperq]

Only if it had better tires.

[@juanvaldez6321]

Those MVs tho

[@grenphelps7455]

It amazes me when bike journalists make a statement like it vibes a little bit, all twins vibrate, end of.....nice bike though, if u can put up with the vibes 🤦‍♂️😅😅

[@motobob]

I ride a street twin so I know how twins vibe. But the vibes through the seat on this bike were more noticeable than others I’ve ridden lately. I even rode the scout bobber a few weeks back which is the same engine and didn’t notice it. So I concluded it must be the seat

[@grenphelps7455]

@@motobob no it'll be because it's a twin, is the engine rubber mounted or not

[@ToastyClam]

You haven't riden enough

[@scottielambert9312]

Love it

[@monkeydust100]

Looks like a nice bike but the exhaust look horrible.

[@motobob]

I’d swap it

[@robertpolkamp]

It is NOT selling in the USA. When moto journalists and vloggers are running out of fuel @ 90 miles then surely this bike has a major flaw, 3.4 gallons of fuel capacity just doesn't cut the mustard.

[@scottygdaman]

I often wonder why reviews of motorcycles talk so much about ergonomic set up. I.E . Bar length n height Peg orientation lever placements etc When these are all basically adjustable.? Why don't these test drives include these basic set up adjs? Fork shock.. i mean are the mirrors not set right? Would be nice to see a reviewer set the bike up correctly like an owner would/should. When i hear " the shock is to soft" i scream adjust it geeez

[@Iscariot18]

What? Bar height and footpeg orientation are not adjustable without aftermarket parts on most bikes. Stock ergonomics are extremely important as I'd put my money that most people don't make any changes there.

[@timcameron9023]

A 150 back tire on a 1200 is dumb.

[@brianmcmanus4286]

Nice.

[@sey3500]

BADDA BING

[@davidfalgout7304]

agree.... vibes to much

[@michaeljkasnter]

Ducati Hypermotard 950 better choice

[@yassassin6425]

Why? It entirely depends on what you want it for. If it's simply performance then there are many other nakeds that outdo the Hypermotard and look way better too. I bought mine, because I wanted a road going flat track rep. Had to spend additional money to get it looking raw and spartan but it's the most fun on a bike I've ever had - and I've been riding for 35 years. If I wanted performance, I would have kept the R1 and routinely blown Hyper-retards into the weeds. This bike is inimitable, has rich pedigree and I'd much prefer to support Indian as a brand than Ducati.

[@1990-t1j]

Horrible TFT. I'd rather have the base model. But I'd ratjer have an RNineT Urban G/S.

[@motobob]

For an extra grand, fully adjustable suspension, 3 riding modes and cornering TC/ABS seems like decent value. But the TFT is a necessarily evil for changing the riding mode settings. I didn’t really mind it personally tho

[@brianhampton9392]

Took one loaned bike to go pick up another loaned bike..lol

[@motobob]

🤷‍♂️😂

[@jakemorandthemomoz8154]

im to early I asume.

[@Ojref1]

1200cc's, 120HP - either that's detuned for safety or detuned by bad engineering

[@abdullahal-shimri3091]

I’d rather get a Yamaha CBR

[@ronaldwhite5670]

Not for me

[@alistairharris7891]

13l fuel tank won’t get you far

[@tbillyjoeroth]

With that seat you won't want to ride very far. And the vibration from the v-twin.

[@raymondrumbundaberg]

Needs a decent can

[@michaeljkasnter]

Problem with this bike is Ducati exist!!!!

[@anthonyrosa5006]

The engine looks like a black blob. You cant really see the V twin in there. Ducati does a much better job. Also the Cat and pipes are fugly. Pass. Have fun with that.

[@yassassin6425]

Absolutely - so cat delete, link pipe and a slip on race can (Toce, Basini or S&S) - of if you can afford it, the high level S&S twin pipes like the Wrecking Crew race bikes. Rasping.

[@davehahn5639]

That bike is for track day or going to dinner with the hipsters it has no purpose in any of the other genres sorry useless bike for touringn or commuting unless you back pack everything it is a play toy

[@pconrz]

An Indian dealership called Krazy Horse? The Brits are completely oblivious (as most Americans are) of how obnoxiously offensive and racist this is, but you wanna play motorcycle so go on now.

[@michaelzimmermann7718]

Thin skin !!