I was able to ride a few of these bikes at the m/c shop i was working at, Felt really solid and grunty. Of course I love the carbon fiber bits n pieces you can upgrade to
About the range of the fuel tank. I get about 180 - 200km from mine and get or read comments like "Wow, its doesn't go far on a tank" or "Arent you always stopping to refuel?" Point 1: Its a toy people, not an interstate tourer, yes, it could have a bigger tank, but it doesn't, get over it or dont buy one Point 2: I have been riding 'bikes for 40 years, now I dont know if I'm a bit soft but the times where I wanted to ride more that 2 hours without a piss, leg stretch, coffee etc are few and far between. Fill it during those breaks - done Point 3: Did I mention its a TOY, not an interstate tourer? I have had 35 plus bikes in 40 years of many types and marques [Cruisers excepted, which I tend to dislike]. If my FTR is not my favourite then it is certainly top 5. The engine is stonking good fun, its draws attention wherever it goes [Like anyone, ever, takes a second glance at an MT09] and it makes me giggle in my helmet whenever I ride it, it makes me pause for a look every time I walk past it in the garage before I jump in my truck for the daily commute. Very few bikes have every done that for me
It can take 3+ gallons from when the low light comes on. You just have to be really patient. The gas tank is oddly shaped and it takes a while to fill up. Gotta do it slowly once you think you're full, but you can get an extra gallon in.
Commute with my 2019 all the time. 25 miles each way. De-cat Toce low mount exhaust. It is a blast. Also, I agree about the cruise control. I use it all the time. Bike is also fine in traffic. Easy to switch lanes and jumps in front of any car you want.
Would love to see a whole crew point A to point B quest! Like 500 mile trip all pick different bikes find a route and do challenges at certain check points. Review and have fun, multi video series! I think something like that would boost to a mil in no time!
"Commuting is one of those things you do sort of begrudgingly on a motorcycle." This implies it's possible to be on two wheels and not have a great time.
Living with is a solid segment, Spite.👍 That gas range, and a few other things that short reviews don't mention, would seriously hamper my enjoyment of that bike. Living with a 2018 Street Triple RS, I think you are right that it trumps the FTR in most ways. As a 6 footer though, the cramped seat to foot peg ergo's seriously cramp my knees and my enjoyment on longer rides. Also something I didn't get in most reviews or in my short test ride.
I love my 2019 FTR (S). I’ve had it since Bike Week 2021. I did have some problems with the traction control, abs, cruise control in the beginning but the dealer took care of that. I agree with almost everything, but mixed on the range. When I commute I get about 100 to 110 miles. But when I travel home I could possibly get 130 before low fuel. So on the highway it the range isn’t that bad for a non touring motorcycle.
I feel like the new MT09 or XSR900 is a better competitor to this than the street triple. triumph is too buttoned up. Not having ridden the Indian, I still can't ignore how much fun the MT09 was, plus the new tech, frame, and suspension for 5k less. Big ups.
just try to put it nex to the pioneer of hooligan bikes, ktm 990smr, I know that it is slightly nore fun than mt 09 and mt 10sp, difficult to beat v-twin when talking about fun bikes. SMR gives you advantage with wp suspension and longer forks, help you with not slowing down on the road holes and simmilar “bad road quality” stuff .I love the sound and looks of this one.
I call mine General Smiley (not to be confused with the dubstep artist of the same name)... cause it always makes me smile... whether I am riding or just looking at it (the Carbon S is SO beautiful). It is the ideal urban assault vehicle especially if you have added the side bag or better yet the rear rack so you can do some grocery-getting... it handles well enough, has giggle-inducing power, the higher seat allows for a commanding view, and the wonky tires and stance help when the pavement gets a bit shite or gravel comes your way (I almost LIKE gravel on the road nowadays). The only downside is gas... you need hi-octane, the tank is too small (3gals), the gas mileage only so-so (33mpgish), and it takes too much time and attention to fill that ridiculously small tank. Oh and also add to that the amount of time it takes for the dash to come to life and the engine to settle down... making quick starts in the early morning is not its thing... give it a minute to warm up and hope you remembered to fill the tank before parking it... and then you are good to go for about 100 miles or so before you need to visit you neighbor petrol bar yet again... which for me means almost every damn time I ride it... and I live on an island...
I use my 2019 FTR on the track regularly to scare the Litre bikes ,the trick is to ride it in Normal mode as the 6 axis traction control is amazing and you can scrape pegs all day long and the rear will not come out no matter what you do -Try it! Due to the geometry it slows down way faster than a anything else I've ridden and I can outbrake any superbike on the track and due to the torque you do not have gear down as it will happily pull most bikes until you hit ablout 100Mph. The 2 down sides are the 200Kph(125Mph) electronic speed limit and the throttle response in Normal mode As reference I do own a 2016 Ninja ZX6R 636 ,2018 Ninja 400 and 2018 Ninja 400 Race bike
Do you do this on the stock tires? I have a 2019 FTR but I'm brand new to moto track days. Definitely nervous about dumping the Indian as a noob track rider. I recently picked up a Ninja 400 for track days and after a couple of outings I'm already hooked.
@@JoshVanVeld I did the first few track days on stock tires and they are not bad as they are a very soft compound (rear lasted only 2500 miles) .I have replaced the rear with a Continental trail attack and so far so good.The front is still good the and grips is amazing. The trick is the Normal mode due to the fact that the FTR can light up any tire even in 4th gear at any speed (in sport or track mode). In Normal it will never loose traction no matter what your angle(I scrape pegs at 59 -62 degrees) and keep the throttle under control . In sport mode it gives you 2 seconds to try and kill yourself before kicking in ,and in a corner on the track that is all it takes lose control. The 400 is the best bike to learn on as you will do stuff on it you will never attempt on a bigger bike and once you have mastered the techniques they will translate directly to bigger bikes. I am working my way up the ladder with my ZX6R next on the list, to be able to control the FTR in track mode one day in the future.
@@marktheman8049 Hey I appreciate the reply, thanks! I hadn't really considered running the FTR on track until I saw your comment. Gives me something to aspire to :)
Things you mentioned that I’ll add my notes to: Fit - I’m 5’6 and I love the taller seat height, very dirt-bikey. Exhaust - I love the loud, rumbly exhaust, but earbuds are a must for longer highway rides. Throttle - Herky jerky before and even after the PV3, but I’ve heard the ‘22s are better. Price - bought mine new, (2019 model with 1 mile bought fall 2020) for $10k. Just buy the base model. The S and Carbon are definitely highly priced. I wouldn’t have spent nearly $5k more for one. Gas tank - it is small, but I have not had that gaslight issue. I went 20 on ‘E’ and still had some left. The fuel tank takes a minute to fill though with its odd ergonomics under the seat. If you’re only getting 2-2.5 gals you’re not filling it correctly. I constantly fill 3-3.2 gals before the fuel light comes on at anywhere from 100-120 miles. Handling - change the tires. Long rides are really not a big deal either. I’ve done several. To each his own. I’d rather ride my FTR 3k miles that be stuck with a slow cruiser for zippy weekend rides. I will add a note that another FTR owner has mentioned as well. The clutch is clunky. After several hard pulls the clutch gets stuck from 1-2 and 5-6. I’m looking to upgrade to a rekluse clutch soon for that reason because I can’t not hoon her.
@@aa-yt7wo I have a 2019, so no idea. The 2022s have cylinder deactivation, so that should help, at least in the groin/thighs which is always what kills me the most.
I feel this competes far more with something like the Scrambler 1100 Sport Pro, Nine T, or Speed Twin than anything else. Would love to see you guys do a comparison between the four.
So I own a 2017 husqvarna 701 enduro and just bought a 2022 Indian ftr1200s. Man do they ride so similar in terms of handling and this is a 100% accurate review of the bike. I’ve already replaced the muffler. But do not remove the cat unless you plan to wear ear plugs when you ride
Spite, you have to take your tiiiiime filling the tank, lift up the gas nozzle and feather the flow watching for it to fill, then drain... and repeat until it doesn't go down anymore. It's annoying as heck but I can get 135miles on the dash after a full top off. This is supermoto style so the gas tank is under the seat.
When my gas light comes on I can usually get 3 to 3.2 gallons in it. The tank is a weird shape and the last gallon needs to be coaxed in. A slight rocking side to side works well.
That’s what I was thinking. Plus he didn’t pull that long nozzle out and top it off 🤦♂️ I always make sure to cram as much gas into a tank no matter that bike I’m riding. It’s really annoying when I see people leave the nozzle in and say it’s full
This was the first review I have watched Sprite do and since I own a 2019 the 2.7 gallon fuel tank comment caught my attention. Actually the riding in the oil trail in the middle of the road caught my attention first.
Stock exhaust is fine. Needs a windscreen for commuting. Biggest negative is the price. Last year's models are still on the showroom floor in Daytona. Base model is about $17k OTD. The Ohlins model is about $19k OTD. Doesn't have a large fuel tank. And you said it - It's heavy. If it's so great, do you own one? I noticed fit and finish issues as well. To me that bike is worth $11k MSRP. I'd blame the Power Commander. IDK why people stray away from an ECU tune. It's more accurate and about half the price. Yeah, I'd give that bike away too...lmao.
New subscriber but by the looks of the asphalt you guys are in my neck of the woods. Yep definitely. 183 and Burnet I be damn. Bet you been here for months even.
I always had sportsters two hours then you needed to stop for gas good time to use the bathroom and get something to drink . The fuel tank isn’t a problem but the price is . But I need one of these .
Been looking at reviews on RU-vid about the FTR. Couple weeks ago I rode to the Indian dealership in Arkansas. The dealership was having a demo ride day. I filled out required paperwork then got on the FTR Carbon edition. After a short ride I was glad I I had my Hypermotard 950 to ride back to the house. The FTR is styled nice but the engine was disappointing. Was expecting a lot more power from the engine but the 1200 was extremely tame compared to the Ducati 950 Hyper.
Smart dude, its far too heavy and too much torque for a beginner bike. Do whatever you want but a friend of mine just snagged a ninja 400 for a beginner and it is really solid choice, probably even a bit faster than a beginner really should be - check it out.
I graduated straight from a 125CC (125's are compulsory in the UK for beginners) to an FTR1200S. Probably a bit stupid of me, but it just seemed the thing to do. I've done 3000 miles on it this year and it's been amazing fun with no mishaps. So far....
He mentioned it briefly but if you're curious and haven't sat on one before, the latest model is noticeably lower and felt great for me as a shorter rider (5'7, 31ish inseam). Not flat footed or anything but much more comfortable to touch the balls of both feet or easily put one down (which I normally do anyways). 1st gen felt too tall and the seating position felt weird to me as well.
The only things I wish Indian would change about this bike. Bigger fuel tank, get the bike under 500lbs “ide style for 490ish even” and up the horsepower another 10-20
And Yam described the 2022 FTR1200 as one of the best handling bikes on the right 17 tyres. And you’ve said before Spite, it might be ‘only’ 120ish BHP but the way it makes torque low down can match say a Monster or middle weight naked, as shown by those drag times vs the 1098.
I get just over 100 miles out of my FTR from a full tank which, granted, isn't great and I'd ideally like more but in reality, when you're out and about you aren't going to ride for over 100 miles without stopping for a break that often - well I don't anyway! Maybe it's my middle aged-ness, but I like to stop every so often for a pee and a coffee.
I love those pipes!! Why is it so impossible for anyone to make equal-length primary pipes for a V-twin? Even the 2025 Scout didn't quite achieve equal length. But these pipes are gorgeous!!!
Very nice and fair report, which coincides with my own experiences. I also wanted to buy the FTR1200, but after an extensive test drive I was a bit disappointed about the performance and the driving characteristics you get for this price. The FTR can't really do much if you want more than just turning on the throttle straight ahead. For my part, I got the KTM 1290 Superduke instead and I'm completely satisfied with it.
Just a KTM fanboy the FTR is a great bike. Trying to figure out how you came to that conclusion unless you’re an inexperienced rider on a very short test ride.
I always wanted an Indian of some sort like Dark Horse would be one of those bikes that you purchase and keep forever, but this bike looks great as well 😊👍 great video, thanks mate.
Recently I was at an Indian dealership and got a chance to cold start one of the new FTRs, with the Akrapovic and rev it a bit. It sounded like an angry snarling dog right next to me. That said the sound from the video here doesn't do it justice of how loud the thing is with that exhaust.
“Never trust a guy in a tunic” is synonymous with “never trust a guy with a ponytail/man bun.” That said, I’m debating between this and an MV Dragster, wish you would do “living with” on it. This was informative :)
Man, my 2023 FTR 1200 Sport might be better than sex!!! LOL!! What a sick, fun bike! Honestly, I worried a bit about the stock Akro exhaust but after 1000 miles of high rpm riding, these pipes have burned out and sound really good!!! Baffles and cat still intact but the sound has changed substantially since it was new!!
Think I’ll stick with the daily rider from revzilla for commuter advice. No bags, little wind protection, 1200cc/120hp. Probably get better mileage out of a civic hatchback. This bike is for the cool factor, not going back and forth comfortably every day.
12 out of 15, so I guess that's 4 out of 5? I had the 19 but the cold start issue made me trade it for a z900rs which I love. When you by a new bike it makes you nervous when you start it cold and the check engine light comes on. It is a fun bike and a beautiful bike I hope Indian worked that out on the 22s. Great review very thorough. Who knows maybe someday for or five years
Drinking game for spite videos: joie de vivre, quintessential, je ne sais quoi….feel free to add but it’ll get you at least a bit buzzed on those three alone
Has anyone ever gotten flak for filtering to the front at a stop light? I've done it a few times, but I'm mostly apprehensive about it because I don't want some Bubba in a truck sitting a brick about it
Yeah, the gas gauge and mileage are the worst part of owning one of these. I've watched the range increase on mine for about five miles, then start to drop rapidly. After filling up, which takes forever, the gauge has shown max range of 140 miles, then drop to 110 or so in the first mile. Hard to accept quirks like that on a 13k bike. One other thing to mention is the surging between 3-4 k rpm. My 2019 RR starting doing it right at 1000 miles on the odometer, and that's with a Fuelmoto tune. It's winter here now in Iowa, so it will be addressed next spring. Still a super fun bike, though, just needs fine tuning.
Maybe the only American motorcycle I'd consider. I don't really need a commuter but if I did.... Only thing against it is the price if it's just a daily work horse. Lots of cheaper alternatives that will do the job at least as well. If you want to buy it for fun then that's a different story.
I removed the baffle on the similarly engined Octane’s stage 1 pipes and it was crazy like a drag bike even at idle, as it had Scout like cans that just acted like massive resonators ..way tooooooo loud 😂
I can't wait for the comparison of 2022. I'm finally in the market for a new bike . This and the 701supermoto maybe a Monster. The high class problems in life!!!
These are deceptively fast. I have an FTR Rally and up to 100mph, I really feel it is one of the fastest rides I have owned. That is in comparison to a B-King, Hayabusa, and ZX14R I used to own. The is no wasted gearing on this ride. The fuel tank is not much of a concern..you just can't start the ride on a low tank. Filling her up does give me more time to talk to random strangers who always come up to ask about my Rally. The range is okay if you go for a more genteel ride (Ha!) and it CAN get mid-to-upper 40s. I live in Northwest Arkansas in the Ozarks and it is a Hoot to ride around here.
Just wanted to add that the Pirelli STRs on the Rally stick shockingly well. The 19/18 combo has this enertia that gives so much confidence in downhill off-camber turns. It is a different riding style from a typical sportbike and you do have to remind yourself you have 'only' a 150 section rear under you.
I think you guys should compare the FTR with what I think Indian was trying to compete with: the Triumph Speed Triple and Ducati Monster 1200 of the same 2018-2019 era. I think that's why it's priced where it is rather than street triple money.
Its not a fair fight from a performance aspect with the speed triple... that's another level entirely. I think monster 1200 is decent comparison but they really aren't trying to be the same bike. The FTR really is pretty unique.
Guys, i had my 2022 Carbon tuned today by Ryan at Lloyd'z garage in charlotte ... OMGWTFBBQ !!! a WORLD of different in power delivery and stuff !! MUST have ECU Flash for every FTR ever !!
waiting on delivery of my '22 carbon currently - did you change exhaust or just get the flash? Also was this the bench flash that you had to send in the ECU? My current plan is to immediately remove the baffles and then get the v6 secret sauce... any thoughts?
Just winterized mine, but I commute when weather is nice. I do have some soft saddlebags that will hold everything I need for work. So I get the ride in and home plus a ride on lunch. Just more seat time instead of waiting for the weekend
So as someone who is looking to go up from a trident 660 I’m torn between the FTR and the Speed Twin. I don’t really do any track riding but I do a lot of long trips and commute pretty much every day on it rain or shine. I want something that has more power down low because I feel I’m not even getting into the power band of the trident very often.
They need to figure out why they cant squeeze another 50hp out of the motor. It isnt a middle weight with a 1200cc motor. The price would be fine if they could increase power output. If they cant compete with their own motor then they should out-source to rotax. Their old 1000cc v2's that Aprilia used yrs back made 150hp.
He didn’t pull that long nozzle out and top it off 🤦♂️ I always make sure to cram as much gas into a tank no matter that bike I’m riding. It’s really annoying when I see people leave the nozzle in and say it’s full. Other than that this is a really good review overall
In Australia they (Indian that is) claim 200klm range which is pretty piss-weak. Definitely not a cruiser....esp out back where fuel stations are often further apart than that.
you mentioned the engine is from a "big cruiser"...but its a massaged version of the engine in the Scout which is not very big. mid sized maybe. My wife just bought a Scout Bobber, and when at the dealership they let me drive a 22 FTR, the base version...and the question that comes up is that the S and carbon and so forth have drive modes...but the base doesn't...and the Scout feels livelier, more rev happy than the bike i drove, not that the base was a slouch...but... what is the preset drive mode on the base model? where is that extra 20 HP? And does the step up to the S model and the drive modes wake the bike up enough over the base to really get the giggle factor where it should be for that price and HP level? cause the FTR should be measurably faster than the Scout IMO.
Hi yammie, i really like ftr 1200 since I saw it for the first time 2 year ago, I am yet using my first bike Husqvarna svartpilen 401 and it's almost 7500 km yet. ftr might be my next bike, i wont sell svartpilen and I would take ftr additionally
Damn, Manscaped find a dealer in Uganda now am desperate, am tired of razor bumps on my elements of pleasure, I bet no one thought of that. But seriously I must use a Manscaped before I die.
Mate what's wrong with 120 CV, it's a unique motorbike, design is better than Ducati scrambler that u can come across oftenly, i m sold to design and rareness in europe
