INTERMOT: INDIAN finally unveils ROAD-GOING FTR1200 and FTR1200S. Click for FULL DETAILS.

We’ve been telling you that Indian has been quietly working on a road going version of its hugely successful flat track machine for a couple of years now – and we’ve finally been proved right, as the iconic American bike builder has just revealed its all-new FTR1200 and FTR1200S at INTERMOT in Cologne.

Inspired by Indian’s storied history and recent domination of flat track racing, the all-new FTR1200 and FTR1200S blend super cool flat tracker styling with a powerful new liquid-cooled V-Twin engine. The new bikes take styling cues from Indian’s championship-winning FTR750 race bike that has dominated American Flat Track since it was introduced in 2016 – in addition to its FTR1200 Custom, which was unveiled a year ago as an exploration of what a flat track-inspired street bike might look like.

In essence, the FTR 1200 and FTR1200S combine race-inspired design and nimble handling with Indian’s new 1203cc V-Twin engine.  Kicking out around 120bhp (90kW) and 85 ft-lbs (115 Nm) of torque, Indian claims the engine delivers power across flat torque curve, which helps to offer strong acceleration in any gear.  More specifically, the engine features a 12.5:1 compression ratio, high flow cylinder heads, and dual throttle bodies for optimal throttle response and power delivery. Additionally, the engine makes wide use of magnesium to lower weight and utilises a low-inertia crankshaft that allows the engine to rev to its redline quickly for thrilling acceleration.

Digging deeper, the new FTR’s are built around a trellis frame which helps to deliver a sporty riding position. In fact, both models feature a similar rear suspension and swingarm design as used on the FTR750 – providing a race bike look, while ensuring maximum grip with a compliant ride.

The bikes also feature inverted front suspension with radially mounted dual Brembo brakes, newly-developed Dunlop street tyres with flat track-inspired tread, a chain final drive, and ProTaper flat tracker aluminium handlebars. The fuel tank is located under the seat for a lower center of gravity and more centralised weight distribution – while the airbox is positioned directly above the engine to optimise airflow and maximise power, similar to the FTR750 race bike.

As you’d expect, the new FTR1200 and FTR1200S are also kitted out with a range of modern technology, including full LED lighting, a fast-charge USB port and cruise control.

Of course, the higher specification FTR1200S features all of the above and more. Specifically, it comes with fully adjustable front and rear piggy-back suspension with preload, compression, and rebound adjustments, a 4.3-inch customisable Ride Command LCD touch screen with Bluetooth compatibility, lean-angle sensitive stability control, ABS traction control, and wheelie mitigation control and three Ride Modes (Sport, Standard, Rain) with unique throttle response and traction control intervention levels.

Steve Menneto, President, Indian Motorcycle said: “Our vision from the beginning was to be more than a traditional American V-twin brand. We continually seek to broaden Indian Motorcycle’s reach to a wider range of riders, and FTR 1200 represents a significant step forward in that strategy. Indian Motorcycle was founded on performance and innovation, and we remain grounded by our founder’s mindset of constantly pushing forward. In light of that history, the FTR 1200 is a natural extension for the brand that we couldn’t be more excited about.”

Rich Christoph, the Indian Motorcycle Senior Designer who was also instrumental in the design of the FTR750 and FTR1200 Custom said: “This is an extremely exciting platform for us, and after investing such a significant amount of time, expertise and energy in the design process, it’s an incredible feeling to finally show the world these motorcycles. Our primary focus was to ensure these motorcycles carried the same lines and form language as the FTR750 and 1200 Custom.  We knew that’s what riders around the world fell in love with. I couldn’t be more proud to turn the FTR750 into a flat tracker for the street and help launch Indian into a new era.”

Ben Lindaman, Indian Motorcycle Senior International Product Manager added: “These bikes have gone through a rigorous, multi-year design and testing process to ensure that they perform as good as they look. The process was incredibly robust, including over one million miles logged through simulated rides. We also accumulated tens of thousands of test miles on the street with input from racers, including our championship winning Wrecking Crew flat track team and former Grand Prix racers.”

There’s been no official news on pricing just yet – but we do know that the bikes will be shipped to dealers in the first half of 2019. We can’t wait. For more information, visit www.indianmotorcycle.eu.

AND HERE ARE THE NEW BIKES TECH SPECS –

SPECIFICATIONS – 2019 INDIAN FTR1200

ENGINE: 1203cc liquid-cooled V-Twin DOHC, 4-valves per cylinder

POWER: 120bhp (90kW) @ 8250rpm

TORQUE: 85ft-lb (115 Nm) @ 6000rpm

SUSPENSION: (F) Inverted telescopic cartridge fork, 43mm diameter, 150mm travel (R)  Monotube IFP, 150mm travel

BRAKES: (F) Dual 320mm x t5 rotor with 4-piston calipers (R) Single 265mm x t5 rotor with 2-piston calipers

WEIGHT: 225kg (dry)

SEAT HEIGHT: 805mm(laden)/ 840mm(unladen)

FUEL TANK: 13litres

TYRES/WHEELS: (F) Dunlop DT3-R Radial, 120/70R19 60V Front/Cast 19”x3” (R) Dunlop DT3-R Radial, 150/80R18 70V Rear Wheel /Cast 18″x4.25″

COLOUR: Thunder Black

SPECIFICATIONS – 2019 INDIAN FTR1200S

ENGINE: 1203cc liquid-cooled V-Twin DOHC, 4-valves per cylinder

POWER: 120bhp (90kW) @ 8250rpm

TORQUE: 85ft-lb (115 Nm) @ 6000rpm

SUSPENSION: (F) Fully adjustable inverted telescopic cartridge fork, 43mm diameter, 150mm travel (R) Fully adjustable Piggyback IFP, 150mm travel

BRAKES: (F) Dual 320mm x t5 rotor with 4-piston calipers (R) Single 265mm x t5 rotor with 2-piston calipers

WEIGHT: 225kg (dry)

SEAT HEIGHT: 805mm(laden)/ 840mm(unladen)

FUEL TANK: 13litres

TYRES/WHEELS: (F) Dunlop DT3-R Radial, 120/70R19 60V Front/Cast 19”x3” (R) Dunlop DT3-R Radial, 150/80R18 70V Rear Wheel /Cast 18″x4.25″

COLOUR: Indian Motorcycle Red over Steel Grey/Titanium Metallic over Thunder Black Pearl/Race Replica