2019 Indian FTR 1200 Is AliveWorld’s first Flat Track inspired motorcycle has been launched in America. The bike is one of a kind and looks like a cross between a Harley Sportster and a Scrambler. The bike will become available in the spring of 2019 and it will come in two different variants, “S” and “Base”. With the exception of very unoriginal variant names, the FTR 1200 is a purely modern machine.
Is the engine new?
“Well Kinda”, it is similar to the motor used in Indian Scout. It is a 1203 cc V-twin motor which produces a whopping 120 HP and 115 Nm of torque. The power curve is linear and the torque curve is flat, allowing the rider to pick up the pace anytime he wants. The components in the engine are 80% new and materials like the new exhaust, new crankcases are made out of magnesium to save weight. The engine parts have low inertia thus allowing it to rev quicker and higher; with peak power coming in at 8250 RPM, the above modifications are definitely needed.
The motor has dual cams, dual throttle bodies and 4-Valves on both of the cylinders. The configuration is V-Twin and it is liquid cooled. There is also a slipper clutch present, for easy downshifts and lastly, the whole thing maintains a compression ratio of 12.5:1.
How good is the frame?
Very good apparently. The swing arm pivots through the rear and the engine is used by the front subframe for increased structural strength. This process further reduces weight as there are fewer pipes and rods to cover the components and make them safe. The exhaust is a 2 into 1 into 2 unit, with upswept exhaust.
What about Chassis and brakes?
The suspension on the S-model comes with pre-load and rebound adjustability, on the Base model, however, no such upgrade is present. The front suspension is 43 mm Sachs upside-down forks and a monoshock rear suspension, with piggyback reservoir. Dual 320 mm discs from Brembo, with 4 piston calipers, take charge at the front, while a single disc is present at the back. Wheels are F19 and R18, at the front and rear respectively. The tyres used on these are made in collaboration with Dunlop, to deliver an excellent flat tracker experience.
How safe it is?
There is ABS, lean angle stability control, traction control, adjustable suspension and wheelie mitigation control, along with 3 Ride modes, only on the S-Model. The base version, however, comes with none of these features and with an analogue gauge as opposed to the 4.3 inch LCD screen which is found on the “S” model.
Dimensions!
Measurements are important because they are what makes most of the bike special. The weight is 221 kg for the base model and 222 kg for the “S” model, which is good enough for an American 1200 cc bike. Seat height is 33.1 inches 840 mm and the ground clearance is 182 mm. Both of them translates to a massive 43 degree of lean angle. The fuel tank is 13 liters, which is very less but it is due to the compact shape of the iconic flat tracker’s tank which the racing bike has.
The “S” models come with a Race replica paint scheme ($15,999) and a Titanium over thunder black or Red over steel grey ($14,999). The base model retails at a price ($ 12,999) lower than the "S" ones.
FTR 1200 is one of the bikes of the modern generation, which is made new from the ground up. It exists in a totally different genre of the motorcycle, the likes of which has never been explored before. The bike will come to the showroom in the spring of 2019 and will populate itself among the population near the end of summer.
By: Yetnesh Dubey
