2020 Indian FTR 1200 S Review | MC Commute

There is a lot of American flat track inspiration spread throughout the 2020 Indian FTR 1200 S, from the steel-trellis frame right down to the Dunlop dirt-track pattern tires. It looks and feels like you’re behind the controls of the FTR750 pure-bred racebike from which it was derived, but it’s built for the public roads. And it’s epic.

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The clean lines and aggressive styling of the FTR’s bodywork (or lack thereof) is complemented by the red, black, and white Race Replica paint scheme (an additional $1,500) seen on our test unit. In this configuration, it really is hard to deny feeling as if you’re part of the Indian Wrecking Crew factory team.

But what makes our test unit even more unique is a number of Roland Sands Design accessories that have been developed in collaboration with Indian. The RSD FTR 1200 Tracker Wheelset ($3,499) has to be the most drawing and is also said to reduce rotating mass in comparison to the stock wheels. It is also outfitted with trick-looking levers, swingarm spools, footpegs, and frame sliders. The total cost of the RSD accessories adds an additional $4,580 to the price tag.

Thumbing the starter button to fire the 1,203cc liquid-cooled V-twin produces a viscous rumble heard through the high-mount Akrapovič exhaust and felt through vibrations in the chassis. Upon a cold start, the Indian sometimes struggles to stay running without throttle attention, but once warm, the FTR packs a spirit and personality that few other motorcycles possess, and delivers an immediate torque and highly entertaining midrange that willingly sends the front wheel skyward. In fact, the last time we ran the Indian on the dyno, it produced 111.8 hp at 8,200 rpm and 80.5 pound-feet of torque at 5,800 rpm.

Grabbing a handful of throttle sends a squirm through the FTR’s chassis that’s exaggerated by the OE-fitted Dunlop DT3-R flat track-inspired tires. The motorcycle’s instinctive rowdiness encourages hard riding and hooligan antics, but rewards precise inputs with smooth, stable handling in the twisties.

At 516 pounds fully fueled, the Indian is relatively heavy and requires strenuous steering inputs and also struggles to come to a stop in a short distance—the FTR recorded a 60-0 stop in 143.3 feet and 30-0 in 39 feet. The Brembo M4.32 calipers offer gobs of stopping power, but a lack of feel at the lever and the big-block tread pattern of the Dunlop tires struggle to cope with outright braking force without causing ABS intervention.

But turning off the ABS function is where the entertainment factor reaches its maximum for the FTR. Stopping distance aside, it’s almost irresistible to not accelerate hard into third or fourth gear, click backshifts through the six-speed gearbox, gently apply rear brake pressure, and let the back end of the Indian step sideways on corner entry. True flat track style. It’s wickedly fun, but also a danger to your license. Ride with caution!

On the open highway, the Indian FTR isn’t the most relaxing motorcycle to trek along with, nor is it meant to be. It’s race inspired. Just look at it: An aggressive ergonomic package with a one-piece motocross-style handlebar and tight reach to the pegs becomes cramped after only a few miles, and the lack of wind protection will force you to pull yourself to the bars above 80 mph. And anytime that traffic stops, the heat buildup of the monstrous powerplant will burn your behind. Ask us how we know.

So, sure, there are motorcycles that will go faster, farther, or with more comfort, but the Indian FTR 1200 S is a truly entertaining motorcycle, and one that deserves consideration for a second or play bike in the garage. It is a true example of the wickedly entertaining American flat track scene, except in a road-legal form that you can own.

I, for one, already have a steel shoe on order.

Photography: Jeff Allen

Video: Michael Gilbert

Edit: Bert Beltran

[Roy_Godiksen]

"I love this motorcycle", followed by the longest list of negatives in MC commute history... 🤣🤣🤣

[onlyboundaries]

Why does everyone complain and compare this bike to a category it’s not even in? This is not a knee dragger crotch rocket. It’s a foot dragger flat track inspired bike. It’s made for light off road use. Not scraping the pegs.

[IslandTosh]

I value these videos, but it seems like all the recent hosts have gone to the Adam Waheed school of video speaking.

The current non-Waheed hosts should work to find their own voice.

[AridersLifeYT]

Perfect timing, i just searched for a FTR1200s review, i rode one last year and loved it. i plan to buy one my the end of this year.

[tonyciriello]

Indian came out with a software upgrade that fixed the cold stalling. My dealer did the upgrade no charge. It worked. Why a 2020 doesn't have it already is strange. I wonder what the actual manufacture date on your "2020" is. S&S has a three button gizmo that allows access to the 3 ride modes for 200 bucks for the standard model. Would have to "pull the fuse" for backing it in. Your right about the engine. Its a fun street bike. The tires do let you slide around but the geometry won't snap a high side when regaining traction.

[CoreyBrass]

Thanks Indian...you gave us the motorcycle that the 883 and 1200 sportster should have been 20 years ago.

[heiner]

Switching from first into second and hitting neutral is just that, hitting neutral. That's not a "false neutral", which you would see between gears where you don't expect to find neutral.

[MRRIHW]

This started with "my most favorite bike" and said it stalls, brakes are great, the clutch is too hard, and needs a quick shifter. $3, 500 for the front wheel, haha, the whole bike is $11K! I was hoping to hear some awesomeness, now I think they need to get back to the drawing board.

[viperq]

Probably the best American motorcycle that is in production right now.

[jeffgreen]

I would be interested to know how many of the comments [negative particularly] on this video and bike have been written by people who actually spent time on or own this bike?
I think that as I own an Indian red FTR 1200s who has clocked up 4500km on it, that along with 41 years riding and owning 30 plus bikes of all types [with the exception of cruisers] gives me some insight to provide a balanced opinion and answer some criticism
Looks are subjective, fine, I get it you dont like the look, Lots do. Lets leave that there. Personally I think the new MV Brutal is hideous but someone will love it.
Some people are saying the tyres are crap - Bullshit. Sure they aren't super sticky sports but they work fine for what the bikes DESIGN INTENT is. It is NOT designed as a knee dragging, super sports missile. If you want to change the tyres, do so. They will only last 5000km by the looks of mine anyway. For the record I live in an area of the world with one of the best motorcycling roads anywhere, The Gillies Range Road in Queensland, Australia, 220 corners in 20 km of awesome asphalt [Google it] I do runs up and down for fun and have no complaints re the rubber, if you are pushing the stock tyres then you are either ham fisted on the throttle, front brake or both or channeling Valentino in which case you BOUGHT THE WRONG BIKE you should have bought a Panigale
Yes wheel and tyre size is a styling consideration and that leads to some significant compromises on tyre choice but if all bikes looked the same life would be so boring. If you wanted a super sport naked you could buy a S1000R
Fuel range does suck a bit, I get 180km before the fuel light comes on but I have learned to live with it and plan my fuel stops accordingly and yes, filling it is a PITA
Fuel economy is poor. WTF! Its a TOY who cares?
Fueling is dodgy, yes it surges at 3250 rpm, yes it stalls when left to warm up [sometimes]. Can or should Indian sort it?? I dunno if they can and still get it past enviro requirements. It really doesn't bother me, I don't tend to ride in traffic but kinda like how it pops on bangs on decel etc. I happen to live in the tropics where real cold starts never happen but a couple of minutes of riding and its up to temp [79 degrees]
I may put a PV3 on it but I dont thinks it urgent and certainly not required.
Someone on here compared it to a MT10 - seriously? its not even in the same category. The FTR was never designed as a naked Superbike, go buy an MT10 if you want 170 plus hp with no character.
My bottom line is that its one of, if not the most fun bikes I have ever owned. Yes it has faults [name a bike that doesnt?] but MAN it is a blast to ride and if you want to start a conversation in a bike parking lot it attracts other riders like seagulls on hot chips
Its a toy, it has no practical use as a mode of everyday transport and for that and many other reasons I love it

[S-kz]

Best looking bike I've seen for years, so much character

[spuckz]

I think you made a spot on review - well done. It's so funny. I watch all the FTR videos on yt even though I have the Race replica in my garage haha. It's insane how many people don't know this bike. It is expensive (especially for people in europe)but it is a unique experience and well built with very small flaws.

[tercelfish]

Love the looks of this bike so much! But for my limited budget, I can't get away from honda reliability and fit and finish. My 13' cbr just plain runs with zero issues...ever.

[amansoni]

Hope royal enfield makes something like this for $7000, would surely pick that.

[davidbrown]

I fell deeply in love with their absolutely gorgeous prototype show bike (with S & S exhaust) based on their dirt tracker. This factory model doesn't compare to that one. Dirt flat trackers have to show, not cover, their motors, period. Also it shouldn't weigh much more than 480lbs. wet.
For all the motorcyclists out there, go see a national flat track mile race. There's nothing, nothing better in racing.

[nikitis]

Had one. Loved it, great fun bike but couldn't live with it on a daily basis. I still think it would be a better bike if they shrunk it by 35%. Had it been a mid sized bike similar to a Yamaha MT07, chopped a heap of weight off it in the process and brought the price down by a few thousand $, they would have hit a home run. Come on Indian give us a mid sized FTR!!!

[MsKatjie]

Glad you liked it. Bought one. It hammers!

[nodishack]

Was that a simple power wheelie in 2nd gear? If so, that thing is a monster!

[druegeme]

Thanks that was a good review. Thanks for mentioning what you don't like and why not daily rider forever. Thats very credible and makes a lot of sense. Great job.

[braincla-_-]

Make it a 750. Shed some weight, thing'll be a beast.