Indian FTR 1200 S Review (2019)

What Is It Like?

About me

I'm a 46 year old female, 5'10" and this is my first road bike but I grew up on dirt bikes.

I didn't ride for 35+ years, bought a Honda CRF230F dirt bike at 45 years old and a few months later got my motorcycle licence, bought the FTR and then took my test.

Why did you choose it?

Uniqueness and looks.

What is good about it?

• Eye catching
• Powerful
• Fun, especially in turns

What could be improved?

• Fuel tank capacity
• Ride command screen flickers on and off
• Stalls after starting
• Doesn't run well until fully warmed up to 80 degrees C / 175 degrees F
• Lack of ability to attach storage attachments easily
• Stock foot pegs dangerously slippery

Any mods or upgrades?

• Foot pegs
• Frame sliders
• Windshield
• Relocated license plate and rear turn signals
• Tyre upgrade

Plus I'm waiting to get a tune over winter and upgrade the exhaust.

How is the engine?

It runs hot and without Kevlar lined trousers it burns your legs. It looks nice and has great power though.

How does it handle?

Very smooth in turns and is fun to lean over.

What are the brakes like?

Very smooth and dependable but they do squeal occasionally.

Is it comfortable?

The seat needed breaking in and after about 300 miles it was comfortable. Riding position would be better if you were a little more upright.

Navigation on the ride command would make me more comfortable too. The Bluetooth disconnects frequently from my headset and it's annoying.

How reliable have you found it?

Besides stalling and running poor until warmed up it's hasn't given me any problems.

What are the servicing frequency and cost?

I've only had the 500 mile oil change and the price was reasonable. The amount of time it takes for parts to come in is unacceptable, I've had a dust cover on order for over 6 weeks and it never came in.

The dealer has had an ignition switch ordered since mid August. It hasn't come in yet and it's mid October. Next service is 10,000 miles.

How would you sum up the model?

I love it, but do wish I had a 2020 with Apple car play on it and I wish navigation was available on our big ride command screen.

- Mollie D, 2020

Related Bikes

Indian FTR 1200 - Base model without the cornering ABS / traction control, TFT dash, USB port, riding modes and adjustable suspension.

Indian FTR 1200 Carbon - Builds on the S with an Akrapovic exhaust and loads of Carbon bits.

The Second Opinion

2019 Indian FTR 1200S

Tell us a bit about you

I'm a 6'2" male, 102 kg / 225pounds, with 4 years riding street bikes. I rode dirt bikes and four wheelers as a kid and teenager.

Why did you choose it?

The looks. No other American bike manufacturer makes anything like it.

It had good reviews from several online motorcycle vloggers and because Indian FTRs have been sweeping the Flat Track race circuit.

What is good about it?

I like the height of the bike because at 6'2" and 102 kg I look like a big fat guy on the Italian and Japanese bikes.

The FTR is a great hooligan bike. Yes there are sport bikes that are faster but the FTR is definitely no slouch. I live in Tennessee and the rural roads are a blast to burn up on the FTR.

What could be improved?

The bike runs rough when started cold and may stall. I've not had a problem with it stalling but others have.

I had my ECU flashed with Ryan Randall's Tune from Lloydz Garage. The bike now runs incredibly smooth and does not run rough or stall.

The factory rear tire wears very quickly. My rear tire lasted only 1,600-2,000 miles!

Increased fuel capacity.

Any mods or upgrades?

• Lloydz Garage ECU Flash and Tune
• Replaced the factory tyres with Michelin Anakees
• Installed a TOCE Low Mount exhaust with cat delete - loud and amazing sound
• Removed the factory license plate swing arm and mounted the plate up under the seat
• Installed a removable luggage mount on the rear for an overnight trip

What is the economy like?

Roughly 100 to 120 miles per fill up .. ride depending.

How is the engine?

The engine pulls real hard in gears 1-5 however I think the bike has average acceleration in 6th.

Top speed (drag limited) is achieved in 6th however 5th accelerates faster and has a top speed (rpm limited) just a few MPH short of 6th gear.

How does it handle?

Excellent. The suspension is fully adjustable.

It's very manoeuvrable at slow speeds, for example around vehicles in a parking lot, yet nimble to avoid obstacles at speed and able to lean up to 45 degrees in fast corners.

What are the brakes like?

The dual Brembos are excellent.

Is it comfortable?

For my height and body size, yes. A very comfortable seating position.

How reliable have you found it?

No issues for me. The occasional stall when cold was not burdensome at all. Once warm the motor ran flawlessly.

I've ridden this bike very hard in high summer temperatures (40°C / 100°F) and I've had no issues with the motor.

What's the servicing frequency and cost like?

The Indian FTR is on the pricier side for motorcycles in its class. Anything done at the dealership is going to cost you.

However, I've been able to save some money by doing some maintenance and repairs myself. I purchased the service manual for this reason.

How would you sum up the model?

An American hooligan bike that's a blast to ride.

- John S, 2020

A Few More Thoughts

Indian FTR 1200s Race Replica 2019

Tell us a bit about you

I'm a 35 year old male, 6'8" and 84 kg / 185 lbs. I have 20 years of motorcycle riding and 5 years of road racing.

Why did you choose it?

Because it’s a beautiful bike. Inspired from a race bike vs the other way around.

What is good about it?

The 1,200 cc liquid cooled motor is phenomenal, with a very modular power curve. The suspension once dialled in is not bad, and is fully capable of doing anything for any mortal man.

What could be improved?

The tuning could be improved in regards to its cold start and inability to sync the two individual throttle bodies and their ride-by-wire functionality.

Any mods or upgrades?

• New Rage Cycles turn signal and license plate relocation
• Foot pegs
• Carbon Fibre real cowl and front fender
• Rear passenger pegs removed
• Rental grips
• Bar-end mirrors

What is the economy like?

I'm seeing about 40 mpg.

How is the engine?

It's very usable and very modular. The throttle response isn't as jarring as you would think, despite its huge torque output but it’s there when you need it.

It makes ripping around the canyons a blast, or putting around town fun and functional.

How does it handle?

It handles well despite the size and weight of this motorcycle. You can feel how heavy it’s when it comes to chicane transitions, but still no complaints. I’m able to keep up with sport bikes with no problem (actually the same).

What are the brakes like?

So far no issues. The initial bite isn’t bad, and the modularity is adequate. Nothing impressive, but definitely not the worst. Enough for any rider.

Is it comfortable?

Yes very much so. Especially with cruise control.

How reliable have you found it?

I don’t know yet. I haven’t had it long enough.

How would you sum up the model?

An amazing machine. One of the best motorcycles I’ve ever ridden / owned. Completely different in its own way. I can honestly say this bike doesn’t disappoint.

- Neil N, 2020

Tell us a bit about you

I'm a 35 year old male.

Why did you choose it?

I loved it on the test ride.

What is good about it?

Everything.

What could be improved?

The exhaust system.

How is the engine?

It's a good solid puller.

How does it handle?

Like a rocket sled on rails.

What are the brakes like?

The FTR has twin Brembos up front and a single rear with ABS, so fantastic braking.

Is it comfortable?

Yes, with a good upright riding position.

How reliable have you found it?

Brilliant.

What's the servicing frequency and cost like?

Good, just over £100 for oil and filter.

How would you sum up the model?

Excellent

- John W, 2020