Indian FTR 1200 S Motorcycle Review
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- čas přidán 5. 05. 2019
- 2019 Indian FTR 1200 S Motorcycle Review: rvz.la/2VI6ecG
The Contest Is Now Closed, But You Can See The Winners Here: rvz.la/2PLZNjn
It’s one of the most widely anticipated American motorcycles in decades, and we FINALLY get to review it! The FTR 1200 S has been grabbing attention and igniting imaginations ever since it was first announced in the Summer of 2018. Taking from its flat track beginnings, the 1200 S is a performance machine that embraces an old-school rambunctiousness while incorporating a plethora of modern-day technological upgrades. For this review, Spurg stepped in for an injured Lemmy and took the FTR 1200 S through the winding tarmac of the California mountains to see how it performed as a sport and touring machine. He also trekked over dirt roads to get a sense of how the motorcycle handled some of the rougher terrain.
Unlike most of our reviews, however, it doesn’t end there! You see, Indian let us keep this bike and mod it out to our liking. So Lemmy took his crack at the 1200 S, working from our ZLA Garage to take this rockstar American motorcycle to the next level. Watch Lemmy's mods video here: rvz.la/2XZzmO1
And the best part of it all is that we gave it away for free! Yes. Free, along with some pretty outstanding gear from Alpinestars and Bell. Check out the winners of the Open It Up Sweepstakes: rvz.la/2PLZNjn - Auta a dopravní prostředky
"We are giving this bike away to a lucky person!" (as long as he is a legal resident of the Continental United States)
*cries in European*
Diogo Ressurreição one can hope the EU slips in a really high tariff. Because the EU is only looking out for the EU. :)
Cries in indian
Wait that's not right
don't worry it will go to someone that can usualy buy like 8 of them
Cries in Asian
Cries in Russian
PAY ATTENTION HARLEY. This is how you expand your market.
It would take a lot of work from Harley to release a competitor. Brand new water cooled engine, chassis, basically a complete brand new bike. Right now it’s just the ktm duke.
@@cdub.91 you haven't heard of the new Harley Davidson Streetfighter, have you?
Seth Fjeldheim oh the concept and not a model? Don’t get so hyped on a concept. Especially when it’s already well below the ftr 1200 specs and built by Harley.
vrod motor in a Buell frame would be a good start.
@@MickE98 funny it was originally supposed to be in a buell frame as a sportbike. Harley hijacked it n added 60lbs of mass to the engine when Porsche refined it and it was too heavy for the frames buell had initially designed. Buell has the engine concept in the mid 90s already. Theres video of it in his original workshop in a sort chassis.
One of the most exciting bikes in decades meets our most excellent motorcycle giveaway of all-time! Check out more on the Indian FTR 1200 S with Spurgeon's review on Common Tread.
Indian FTR 1200 S Review Article: rvz.la/2DKkLdW
Contest Winners: rvz.la/2WosCoK
Is the giveaway limited to one entry per person?
Probably only open to the the states and not the world? Seriously need to consider moving.
@@scottbott8525 you're pulling that quote out of context. What you're leaving out are the terms "Domestic" and "American". What major American manufacturer has released something this unique since Harley shuttered Buell? You could perhaps argue for Motus, but I wouldn't call them a major manufacturer (they're also now out of business). And their bikes started out at nearly double the cost of the most premium FTR package.
As far as the giveaway goes, we had the option to choose whatever bike we wanted to give away (from ANT manufacturer). We CHOSE this bike because of how uniquely exciting it is and the fact that Indian is genuinely trying to break out of their mold and make a change.
Yeah, there are a lot of great bikes out there, and some are better and worse in varying levels of performance. And we ride and review as many of them as we can get our hands on. Overall, I feel like we gave this a pretty good shakedown. Both the video as well as the written review on Common Tread are the most thorough pieces I've seen to date (although it looks like the guys at Motorcyclist have some pretty intense testing in the works). Among other things, the biggest miss is Indian's marketing team letting people think this bike will be good off-road based on their marketing materials, it's not. But it does have a very good engine, chassis, suspension, and brakes. It's a sporty, competent standard.
What makes it exciting is that we're seeing this from an American manufacturer and not a Japanese or European one. When's the last time Harley, Indian, or Victory (RIP) released something this unique? While some might argue for Harley's 2008 introduction of the short lived XR1200, I would opt for the 1977 Harley Davidson XLCR 1000.
All due respect, I'm no fanboy of Indian. I've never bought an Indian (I currently own five motorcycles from a variety of OEMS) and I haven't really enjoyed any of the previous one's I've ridden. This bike is something that I genuinely enjoyed riding and I do think it's the most exciting bike we've seen from an American Marquee in a long time. But that's my opinion.
You want to voice your opinion, I'm happy to hear you out and respect what you have to say. You want to shit on us after pulling our words out of the context of the story? I have no respect for that.
@@SpurgeonDunbar
Explain how the mirrors "feel" cheap? The gas cap is fine. If you want a flushed gas cap then, hit the aftermarket community. Same goes for the brake levers and clutch. Any fossil fueled engine, albeit diesel or gas, is going to run hot after you have been flogging it while canyon carving. I mean, I know that you guys are Harley fanboys but I appreciate the respectful review of the FTR1200. Thanks!
@@Sig721Tau First of all, I've never owned a Harley Davidson. There is not a Harley Davidson I would currently buy, they're just not my cup of tea for the riding I do. I've ridden them and reviewed them in the context of how they're intended to be used, but show me a piece of content where I've ever come across as a Harley fanboy. If anything, accuse me of being a KTM fanboy or a Triumph fanboy. Those are at least brands of motorcycles I've bought in the past three years (two KTMs and one Triumph). But even then, I bought them because they were the best at doing what I wanted them to do in the style of riding I was looking to tackle. So, I "voted" with my dollars.
The mirrors are done in a matte black finish that doesn't match the style of the rest of the bike. They literally feel cheap for a bike that's coming in at $17K. I would have preferred a gloss black paint and more of a low-slung or bar-end design. Not the goofy Mickey Mouse ears. The fuel cap, and the filler neck, are not thought out at all and putting gas in this thing is a pain in the ass. The brake lever is an adjustable Brembo lever with great feel and fine tune adjustment, I have no complaints their, it's fantastic. However, the clutch lever looks like it should have come from a 2005 Honda Shadow (no disrespect to Honda Shadow owners, but come on, you didn't spend $13K-$17K for your Shadow).
The engine heat is not from "flogging it from canyon carving". It's from the fact that the fueling on EURO 5 bikes is leaned out to pass emissions requirements. The engine then runs much hotter as a result. This is not Indian's fault, as they're doing what they have to do to play within the requirements the government has required, but it is noticeable and bears a mention (some bikes are worse than others). I've seen this as an increasing problem from a lot of the bikes I've ridden over the past two years, my KTM 1090 being one of the worst (but I bought it anyway because it was so good at everything else).
I'm not nitpicking things, but rather pointing out considerations a buyer should be aware of if they going to spend their hard earned money on a motorcycle. The fact that Indian shows videos of this bike being ridden off-road? That's why we tested it this way. If a buyer that doesn't know any better watches their videos and then buys this bike thinking it's good in the dirt, they're going to be disappointed. It's our job to use these reviews to level set expectations as much as possible while providing a bit of entertainment.
While mirrors or a clutch lever might seem like a minor thing, to someone shelling out $17K, it might be a big deal. Not necessarily a big enough deal to make or break a purchase, but something to be aware of. If this were the CSC SG250, none of those things would have even been mentioned.
If you'd like even deeper context into the bike and how we tested it and how it faired, please check out the accompanying Common Tread article where I going in depth even further. Thanks for the comment!
Aww yeah!! Been waiting for this review!! You guys are awesome!! This motorcycle is awesome!!
That was a nice little teaser Spurge, definitely going to check out your common thread article. Cool looking bike! It will be fun to see what changes Lemmy does to the bike! 👍🏻
Sense finding your channel two months ago, I now have a growing need to return to the road on two wheels. I gave up riding in 2008 after noticing really bad habits forming. I had become too comfortable with speed and doing stupid things while riding, I now long for the open road to relax and take in the open country side. Thanks for the videos y'all do and I hope to join you out on the road soon!
If they want this to be a hit, there's gotta be a 650cc version for those who don't wanna spend 13k
I think there will eventually be a 750 version. Since the FTR750 is there championship FT bike. It may just take some engineering to make the 750 motor streetable. The 1200 was an easier 1st effort since they were starting from the 69ci scout motor which is already engineered for the street.
If you want something like that, check out the Royal Enfield Himalayan 650 ($4500 US)
The "Race Replica" MSRP is $16,999.
13K? 14 690€ for the FTR1200 and 15 990€ for the FTR1200S in Spain. Almost $18k. U_U
Kelembor Bhaal not worth it way to much money
It was two years ago when I watched a revzilla review by Lemmy on the Indian Scout, the next day I found myself in an Indian dealership signing out an Indian Scout 😅😎. You ain't getting me this time... not yet anyway🤞🏾😅. Great review tho, great bike by Indian again...👊🏿
Oh man, freakin sweet! I have been waiting for you guys to review this one for over a year!!
Great job Spurg!!
Thanks for taking us along.
You had me until you said “looking for gas at 100 miles”
Just another chance to stop and watch people ooh and ah at the gas station. Obviously not a long distance cruiser
I’m ready to stretch my legs after that anyway, that’s the problem everyone is in a hurry and doesn’t want to stop , it’s fine for me,
I ride coast to coast twice a year on my long distance bike,I have bikes for different rides
Have alot of bikes but I still like to stop often, just came back from Monterey ca from Annapolis md and my buddy doesn’t like to stop and has an auxiliary gas tank and we missed so much by riding by and not stopping , I wish I could take the FTR 1200 on a longer ride though
12.9 liters is way, way too small for 1200 cc
my uncle clarence rode a 1921 indian scout cross country from san francisco to watkins glen ny when he was discharged from the navy after WW1... if he was still alive i'm sure his jaw would drop looking at this thing!
Hardcore! Two thumbs up to that guy!
Do you mean WWII? 1921 was 3 years after WWI
@@pacotaco840 he was in the military from 1917-1921
I wish I had done that when I was awarded my DD214. Probably my biggest regret to date. Bravo Zulu to your uncle.
First off, get well soon Lemmy! Secondly, really nice review - and those shades were absolutely stealing the show! Looks like a super fun machine, can't wait to see everything you all do to it.
Awesome bike! Hope you heal quick Lemmy!
This bike is amazing. Hoping to swoop this one up and place it in the garage with the help of you guys - great review!
It's about dam time RevZilla but i appreciate your honesty as you guys investigate Indian FTR's abilities in every area.
I'm lookin' forward to your full review spurge, get well soon Lemmy.
✌️😎💬"Deuces".
Thanks guys. I appreciate the detailed review. You've gone into things that other reviews might've touched on but pulled it out in language that's to the point.
I'm visualizing my win rev, don't let me down!
Love the review, love the bike, would not hesitate to buy one if they offered it in the 750 engine (FTR750).
Keep up the great vlogs!
It’s just a great looking bike! First saw it at the Surf City Blitz in HB back on October. Tons of customized versions too. That was a great preview and tie-in!! Indian is a great American alternative, and this standard / hooligans bike is just sweet. Could be mistaken for a couple other brands but then you get closer and realize what’s up. My ‘02 R1150R commuter-carver still rides great, but definitely showing her age by now. Hopefully I got a lucky entry so ... hook me up my brothers & sisters!
I wish I had your job. Hope you feel better Lemmy
..yeah, another tough day at the office, fer cry eye!
Awesome review!!! Video production and content keeps getting better and better
We have a hell of a team behind these productions. Amazingly talented folks spent a lot of time putting this one together. Thanks for noticing!
RevZilla you did it again! The BEST reviews EVER!!
The 1st thing I'll change is the tires. Purely street riding for me. Those semi knobbies is a no go !!!!
*fingers crossed* Would love to take this bike home. Looks amazing.
Polaris has owned the Indian brand for what, 5 or 6 years, and they are not only taking aim at HD, but also Ducati and the like with this bike. One has to admire their hutzpah!
While this bike isn't normally my cup of tea, there is no doubting it's impressive specs and pretty sweet styling.
They bought the brand in 2011. Released the TS111 engine in 2012 some time and then released their first bike in '13. And in '13 they sold more Indian bikes that first year of release than they sold Victory the entire 8 years they were out.
Even more impressive is that they're neck and neck with Ducati and Harley's piss poor 40% reliability ratings per Consumer Reports.
Great review- Reminds me of my 2008 BMW HP2 MegaMoto....with about 100 lbs.
A really nice video and review, great job Spurge
wescobts thank you! Had a good time with this one.
0:50 aw man, I broke my right foot riding a couple months ago myself, absolutely dying to ride. Heal well and heal fast brotha.
I really enjoyed this review layout.
This is badass awesome! wish me luck.
Nice! Beautiful looking bike and an awesome review. I need this motorcycle!
Very cool to see you guys in my neck of the woods for a review. Looks like Silverwood Lake in the background! That new Indian is a good looking bike I just wish the tank was a little bigger 100 miles on a tank isn't much; other than that, great review!
I agree...I'd be cross shopping this with the Triumph Scrambler 1200.
Switched to Indian last year. Best decision ever!
Switched from which bike?
@@Super-hz5ih 2014 FLSTC At 200 miles exhaust starting rusting and engine case was weeping. Shifter rod was corroded, check engine light stayed on constantly.
@@grumpyoldpig oh damn, that's a good reason to switch 😅
Probably the best m/c review I’ve ever seen!!! All three phases was excellent!!
Thanks man. We strive to always be improving while showcasing the bikes in new and interesting ways. I'm glad you enjoyed it.
oh hey! it's the roads up by silverwood lake! I am out in victorville just up the street. rode these roads last weekend!
I just bought the Race Replica exactly as shown here. She's a looker and a booker.
The Styling is one the money! Speaking of money... if I had the money to buy a motorcycle, this would be it!
I didn't think it was Dunbar riding at first - this is the first non-ADV bike he didn't look huge riding; since I'm about the same size, that's encouraging...
Great comprehensive review. Well done.
I didn't like the looks at first but it's grown on me. The Sena 10c looks as goofy as I thought it does. (I have one)
Cool review with nice impressions!
I like the design 🤙
Great review. I can not wait to get mine. Been waiting since I put my deposit down last December. Indian announced a couple weeks ago on their Facebook page they're shooting for a mid-May delivery. Hope it doesn't change, again lol.
Hope you enjoy it! Everytime I swing by my dealer to grab stuff for my Scout I always pester them about the FTR so I can see one in person :)
thabrownieviking Thanks. Yea not sure when a dealer will have one to keep on display for people to look at. Dealer where I’m buying mine has sold all their initial preorders plus has a few on the side who want to see one in person before deciding and a dealer in northern Indiana has taken deposits on 16 FTR’s lol. Makes me laugh a little when I see all these haters say Indian will never sell these bikes lol.
Anyways I hope when you do get to see one in person your first impression is a good one. Enjoy your Scout. I have one as well and they’re a pretty awesome bike also.
What a ride! Looks like what an FXDR wishes it looked like!
I miss going to Silverwood Lake and heading up the twisties to Arrowhead right about now, I knew exactly where it was being filmed from that scenery and knew exactly when silverwood lake would show up at 4:47
As a local, highway 138 was the first thing I recognized in this video.
Haven’t ridden there in a while! Did you move away? San Gabriel Canyon 39 out of Glendora is pretty technical, or a few quick runs on upper Mt Baldy Road then lunch at the lodge.
Great review. Patiently waiting to get my hands on one 🤓
Niceeee. Excited to see more of these bikes in videos and such
Thank you so much for this terrific review, Sperg old chap.😉 That is one sweet looking bike and judging from the reviews and the specs, Triumph is going to have some competition to its Speed Twin. Over here in Eurostan the base model is the same price as the speed twin for much, much more oomph.
That's one bad ass bike. I love it Thanks for your video. God bless you.
Love you Lemmy, Get well soon!!!
Can I ask what camera/lens setup was used for the filming ? Thanks !
I am pitching a tent right now! Damn I want this bike!
Can you fit any panniers on the bike with the high exhaust?
Thanks Splooge. Good review. 👍
Sharp presentation with a unique perspective!!!
sounds like a griso 8v . 120hp, tons of torque, long wheel base. fun all around.
beautiful bike, in my country i never had a chance to see an indian bike before, they are truly a piece of american craftmanship, even though i won't win the bike i hope to get those cool jackets or helmets, great review guys keep it up!
Sweet all around bike. Great that motorcycles like this exist
Great review. Thanks.
Wishing Lemmy a speedy recovery!
Great review, beautiful motorcycle
Review good. Bike good. Could wait 12-18 months for the improved v2 but life's too short. Looks worth the (minor) shortcomings.
Fantastic review. Absolutely loved the three different riding styles and how you intertwined them so well. This is one of my favorite new bikes. This bike is what separates Indian from Harley. Both companies have big and small cruisers, but only Indian has this cool sport bike. In all fairness, Harley does have the Livewire 😀
They have the street rod 750 now too which looks pretty decent. These 2 companies need to get a handle on their pricing though. They wonder why millenials arent buying their bikes its probably because they dont have 10-20k to drop on it. I see plenty of young people on bikes, its just old bikes or the new 300 class ones that they can afford. Id like to see an Indian 500 thats affordable one of these days.
Get well soon big guy!!
I sat on one of these at a Motorcycle show near me. My brother and I both thought the seat was horribly uncomfortable. Did you notice the same thing? I love the styling of the bike though, I would love to have one. I currently ride a Harley XR1200 so similar in design/purpose.
Thanks for the review. Can you comment on where the battery is? I know the gas tank is under the seat.
Sorry, it's in the written review ( www.revzilla.com/common-tread/2019-indian-ftr-1200-s-motorcycle-review ). The battery is located at the front of the engine.
Cool bike. Where was the off road that you were riding?
Pretty cool, unique design, its growing on me, 47 and I have 3 bikes, 2 of them 2005 HD Road king, and 2005 GSXR 600, this Indian interesting mix.
I think one of the closest competitors to this bike from a specification standpoint is the r1200r. They are both naked bikes in the same price range making very similar power, the ftr wins style, but the bmw kills it in range.
such a gorgeous bike and great video
Man I want this bike!!! It looks amazing!
But how does it sound with those Akrapovic pipes (couldn't hear anything in the video)? Obviously since they are put on at the factory, they aren't going to exceed EPA or CA limits. Am I right?
What GoPro mount is that? I can see that the mount is off center but the 1st person POV is dead center. I need something like that, whatever it is.
It's just a standard side mount that's being used on the front. Just line up the GoPro lens with the center of the helmet then offset the mount. -DrewZilla
This is super cool. I hope they sell enough of them to make them for years to come so I can buy a used one in 3 years.
Used to someone else is brand spanking new to me ! I only bought 1 new auto in 43 years . I was 18 and worked every farm hand , general labor , and construction for 3 years and paid 14,560 $ for a 98 s 10 . V6 auto air , power brakes and steering. Rubber floor mat with a bench seat .. I lost 4,000 that day buying that pickup. I was worth about 10k used with low miles, it went down in price ever sense.. I won't do that dumb ass thing again !
Used to someone else is brand spanking new to me ! I only bought 1 new auto in 43 years . I was 18 and worked every farm hand , general labor , and construction for 3 years and paid 14,560 $ for a 98 s 10 . V6 auto air , power brakes and steering. Rubber floor mat with a bench seat .. I lost 4,000 that day buying that pickup. I was worth about 10k used with low miles, it went down in price ever sense.. I won't do that dumb ass thing again !
What do you think of Yamaha xsr900 compare to this one?
I gotta say..I'm kinda digging this bike! I'd buy this over any other V twin on the market! The possibilities are endless in how one could "kit" his bike out!
Nice looking bike !! Good to see American manufacturers produce something other than a cruiser
Hey Spurge you said the suspension was good for you, would it be too stiff for lighter riders someone around say 120lbs?
gottas33 my buddy Joe Zito from the High Side/ Low Side videos was out there riding with me and he’s 170. He didn’t have any issues. But 120 might be a bit light. If you feel it’s too stiff you can try backing off the preload all the way as well as a little comp and rebound. See how it feels. You should be OK, but worse comes to worse, you might have to get it resprung.
I usually have the opposite problem with my bikes. I end up having to get most of them resprung with heavier springs.
Does anyone know what the brown leather jacket is in the opening riding shots? Before Spurgeon hops on.
It's the Alpinestars Oscar Brass Leather Jacket. -DrewZilla
*www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/alpinestars-oscar-brass-leather-jacket
Cool looking new Buell. Jk. I love my Buell Lightening. This may be the only bike that has ever got me as excited. Thanks for the good review. I’m definitely signing up. Thanks Revzilla and Spurge.
No prob, thanks for watching. I haven't ridden a Buell in years. My buddy had a Firebolt growing up, I just remember it being a very "raw" motorcycle. You knew you were riding a bike. Even riding the 1125s when I was living in TN, they were their own thing. All of these years later, that memory of Buell remains.
Spurgeon Dunbar is it weird that i feel honored that you replied to me. Thank you!
@@messyjolay6932 not at all. I'm stoked you took the time out of your day to watch me talk about motorcycles. So we're even!
Which a-stars jacket is this???? Looks great
I bought a 2018 T120, its been a fantastic Swiss army knife bike.
Such an amazing machine. Looking forward to the call letting me know I won the bike ;)
Moto Mango did you win you overconfident douchebag?
Wow, great review, Spurg! Covered all the bases honestly there - as we've come to expect from you guys. Sorry that Lemmy is on the injured-reserve list, hope he heals and gets better soon :)
That Bob Guy thanks man, I appreciate the kind words. I know Lem was bummed to have missed this one, but I had no problem stepping in to ride this bike.
Great Review
Hey guys. What cameras are you using on helmet and bike?
Spurgeon is using a regular GoPro on the chin and bike as well as a Sena 10C Pro on the side of the helmet. -DrewZilla
*www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/sena-10c-pro-bluetooth-headset-camera
I love the looks of this bike. I bet it's a blast.
That bike just looks damn pretty. I really want to try one out.
Front fender is an option?
Nice to see something new coming from America
When you talked about the cruse control, that was the the exact location a chp wrote me a $400 ticket for 8 over on my 08 Husky 610 sm
I'd love to see Indian make the V-Strom to this SV1000, per a Suzuki analogy. A bit beefier and uglier, but also much longer suspension, front fairing, and larger tank. Aim it squarely at the MoCo's forthcoming Pan America
Like a Buell Ulyeses?
Well played !! Nicely done.
Just got a Z900RS and I kind of wish I would have waited for this thing...
I’m in huge dilemma between choosing the Indian FTR1200 and the Ducati Hypermotard SP... Any advise, suggestion, or has anyone been in a similar situation? They both ride great, but still evaluating options...
Can't wait to get mine.
Sorry Lem, I knew that wasn’t you riding the FTR immediately! :) Good review, really nice bike! Exciting to see a naked bike coming from the good ole U-S of A! I have to respectfully disagree Spurge, with your comparison bikes. IMO this bike goes head-to-head with the Ducati Monster. The FTR is actually a really nice start too! Obviously, it’s not quite the bike a Duck is, but for their first shot....pretty impressive. A little more power, and quick shifter and she’ll be all set. Great to see Indian taking-on Europe!
This bike looks amazing!
Nice to see Indian coming back. Hope it makes them a lot of money.