Indian FTR 1200 S - brutally honest review!!

Well folks, here it is. I've reached 1,000 miles on my 2019 Indian FTR 1200 S Race Replica and that's when I've been saying I would post a review.

What do I hate? What do I love? Was the bike worth the one-year wait from the time I ordered it? Is it worth the money? Has it changed my life? Will we ever find out who really shot JFK? You will find the answers to all these things and more in this video.

(PS there's a tiny bit of foul language in this video.)

00:30 - Mirrors part 1
01:00 - Cold start/stall complaints part 1
02:45 - Mirrors part 2
03:15 - Cold start/stall complaints part 2
06:20 - Seat part 1
08:40 - Ergonomics
09:42 - Seat part 2
10:20 - There's no center stand
11:32 - Brief recap
12:45 - Heat complaints
16:26 - Apology for being rude
16:40 - Mini-rant about complainers
17:36 - License plate holder-upper thingie
19:35 - Brakes/ABS
23:22 - Suspension
25:20 - Handling
27:09 - Clutch
28:33 - Throttle/ride modes
31:50 - Recap
34:45 - Rating the FTR 1200 S RR

Thank you for watching. Please like, comment, subscribe, ding!

[sli]

It sounds like Kylo Ren is doing the review

[TheTonySRich]

"How I solve the cold idle problem"
Let the bike warm up

[matthuber]

Great review! I'm an owner as well. Got mine in June.
My favorite bike ever.
However, I can't excuse the cold start stuff, not in this day and age.
I have many, and have had many bikes that do not do this. I sold all my carburetor bikes specifically because I was sick of waiting for a machine to do its job.
The FTR has been the only bike since, that brings me back to carburetor days.. it even stalled while waiting, and sometimes while riding.. unacceptable.
Heat? It's hot. the reasoning of it being a Vtwin while has some merit, IMHO, is a bit of a leap. I currently have 2 other v twins and have had more in the past that both run right at start up, AND don't roast my plums.
Good news? Tune took care of the cold start, and the heat with added perk giving a Bit more power, and massive improvement in ride ability, and throttle response.
On the license plate holder, Ya ugly. So I removed it. But, improved looks wasn't the only perk. That assembly weighed just under ten pounds, and hung a foot over it's mounting point. That is a buttload of unsprung weight on suspension. Removing it had the accidental effects of a smoother ride and better rear tire control..
Seat, at 200lbs I'm fine with it. Wouldn't even say it's bad. Pretty standard really..
All said and done, all bikes have warts, the FTR is no exception, but the FTR is one of the most exceptional bikes I've ever straddled...
Thanks for great and accurate review!
Cheers!

[tinmisuun]

I like the license plate holder. I think FTRs look a little funny when that over engineered plate holder is removed. I also have a 2019 FTR1200 S Race Replica. I love that thing. It's been my favorite motorcycle.

[dalesharpy]

Thanks, honesty is good!!

A gentleman next to a client I was working for yesterday took his FTR1200 for a quick ride. On his return I complimented him on his choice of machines. Damn if he did not ask me to take her for a ride, I could not resist! Nice machine overall. I was not on it long enough to form any conclusive opinions except the fact that the front wheel wants to lift off under heavy acceleration. :) Liked the Display, the rider position, LED lighting, fit and finish, and the looks.

Bio experiences....I am 60 years old and 6 ft tall, at 175lbs. I have been riding since 1976 and have had the 1976 Kawasaki KH400 2-stoke Triple, 1980 Yamaha 650 Maxxim, 1988 Yamaha 700 Fazer, 1989 Kawasaki ZL1000 Eliminator, and currently own a 2015 Honda VFR800 DLX and a 2018 Ninja 400 my girlfriend rides.

The Indian was the first V Twin I have rode! The Ninja is a parallel twin with a totally different feel and sound.

Thank you to the guy who trusted me on his brand new Indian FTR1200 S with just 700 miles on it and so much APPRECIATED for the r

[AmenMoto]

Nice review, I learned a lot.
Really glad you are in love with it.
Super cool bike.

[deanbritton]

Moto Chiba I don't have an Indian but have similar issues with rough idle when cold. I start mine let it warm up as you do, however I put my gear on while it's idling. Saves me sitting just there. I also let everything warm up properly prior to riding like a maniac.

[larrynorsworthy]

I put 160 plus miles on mine last Saturday and thought how comfortable the seat was. I also have the triumph street twin with both seats.

[KarmaTrain]

Spot on! I just got a 2019 base model. It's the purest most fun motorcycle I've ever ridden. With the worst seat ever. I've ridden sportbikes all day with no issues. I tend to ride long distances. With this stock seat after a few hours I want to jump off on the highway. Ordered a Saddlemen and can't wait to throw it on. The engine is extremely smooth, build quality looks solid, seems user friendly to work on. It's a well designed machine. Hat off to Indian they nailed it! I'm in Canada BTW and only have about 800 km on it, but with a new battery I haven't seen any cold start issues. I let it warm up. Will be using a battery tender too. I assume it has the latest OEM fuel map which seems to have helped with some of the issues. I'm getting to know this bike but having ridden most makes and all sorts of machines.. This is just a blast. An honest and accurate review. Happy riding!

[abriyami]

Excellent review, thanks!

I used to ride a Scout, it’s 1130 V-Twin, never had a problem with the seat getting hot... I just got an FTR and I have to stand upright while riding just to cool down! The seat gets really hot!

I think it’s due to the difference in ergonomics between them. Quite disappointing....

Everything else is good with the FTR

[karlfonner]

Just subscribed. Will soon be acquiring this motorcycle. Based on the fact of how many other motorcycles you have owned, I hope that you will have other videos on maintenance, what to look out for -Loose bolts-etc.And what other videos and Youtubers out there who can help me learn much more about this motorcycle. Thank you very much have a wonderful day and a happy new year!

[amoore]

Thanks for the brutally honest review. Might seem odd but I’m debating between this and a GSXS-1000. The Indian is cool and unique and the dirt roots speaks to my dirt/motocross roots and an Indian 50 dirt bike was my first bike at 4 years old. The GSXS is, I think, cool looking too, probably higher performance and significantly less expensive. I used to have a GSX-R 750 and love the Suzuki engine sound/feel, and smoothness. Tough choice for me. Appreciate the in depth review.

[warrenstemphly]

You sound like Jeff Berlin, the bass player.

[dbestaVlogs]

Great review. Thanks for sharing. Beautiful bike.

[larrynorsworthy]

Mirrors are fine too but I'm 5 9 and 120lbs.

[samueltaylor]

really good review, I just got one and had some cold performance issues, didn't last long but nice to know you have them too and easy fix...

[troychilds]

Yours doesn't stall 3 to 8 times when its below 70F ambient or above 70F ambient? I'm not joking, mine does. Around 2, 000 miles it started stalling like a mother f'r if its not EXACTLY 70F out. Even though it happens occasionally even at 70F ambient. Also, it stalls like a mofo if you try to ride it at 146F. I let it heat up to 174F before I take off and even then you'll get a super occasional stall. It has had a good tune on it since it hit 500 miles, loaded off a PV3.

I'm going on a lloyd's garage tune soon for the TOCE exhaust I just received. FYI all seats for the FTR are purely butt bruising unless you're quite padded naturally. The Aviator seat was the most comfortable for me so far, no bruising. My roughly $400 saddlemen seat absolutely hurts too. Go to a local saddle builder and your seat height is going to go up 1" minimum if you want it to be comfortable cuz there's NO ROOM FOR PADDING at the stock very tall height. I have 10, 000 miles on my FTR, 6 tires, 2 chains, 2 sprockets... and own 3-4 motorcycles at a time including a Ural Gear Up at the moment (noticed your gloves).

TBH I don't understand why people rate the FTR as well as they do. It is a great machine with plenty of tech and the looks that turn heads. However, its got a lotta HARD down sides that rly should impact the over all ranking by reviewers harder imo. Nobody ever mentions the hand numbing, camera gimble, electronics murdering extremely high frequency vibration that no damper or decoupling can mitigate, for example. I mean its RLY ROUGH on the rider, like holding on to a damn hand sander lol. (i'm not even remotely upset about it stalling, lurching, and being a cold natured bitch, as that's just what tuned up hotrod motors do)

[thesymphoniclife]

Hey buddy. Just purchase a used FTR. Awaiting delivery.
What did you do to your front rim?
Mine has the same markings on the back wheel and not sure what it’s from.

[davidknows]

Love the clutch comment. I have a 2019 Roadmaster. I was shocked at how linear and easy the cable clutch is. Indian has this nailed. Very good review as I am also 6'3 and of generous proportions. Lol. I'm anxious to try one out.

[robbyclark]

Very cool bike! Very cool. I love that flat tracker look! Beautiful bike! Sounds like it’s not just built to look good but also performs like it looks!