10 Best New Features On The 2021 Indian FTR 1200 (S, R Carbon, & Rally)
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 4 ต.ค. 2024
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Indian is a smart company, the 17 inch wheels create more tire options and will translate to better handling and acceleration on the road. The FTR is the Ducati monster so many have been complaining the newly redesigned monster is no longer with its trellis frame, more esthetically pleasing exhaust routing etc. The cylinder deactivation is a great addition too.
I was deciding between the monster 1200s and the FTR back in 2019. Went with the monster since ducati has a lot more experience with the monster and rather not be the test subject for the FTR. Though every year the FTR is looking better and better. Also afaik the monster redesign is only for the lower displacement model, the 1200 is still a trellis.
I think the Rally version just became more attractive... but, having a more "road" focused option is good too.
All positive changes 95% of people probably rarely took the FTR off road. Now we have an American made naked street fighter bike. I wish it were slightly cheaper but I hope they sell a ton of them so HD can see how they messed up by axing the Bronx. Also you can add on the Ohlins suspension from the carbon to the other models as an upgrade which is cool.
Totally agree. I want the base model with a bunch of accessories. I like the Akropovic exhaust but $1600 for a muffler is absolutely ridiculous. I've seen full exhaust systems on cars for cheaper than that. I like the Ohlins but can't stand the way gold forks look so the fully adjustable that it comes with should be fine for me.
Agree 100%, and hopefully a bunch of rich kids buy these because of how beautiful they are and then they sell them in a year so there's a big used market next year.
Kinda agree.. price is fair if your comparing other bikes..Got mine for $10,999. It's a 2019 demo bike. Only 300miles on it.. agree on exhaust prices though. I got the Bassani Stainless 2-Into-1 Megaphone. $450 best for the price. It's a slip on and converter delete all in one.
New rage cycle fender delete and front blinkers from them because stock is ugly. Looks like a snail
@@MinnesotaScramber Thanks for posting that about the exhaust. I may look into that if I'm able to get one of these bad boys. $450 is much more reasonable. Do to have a video of the sound? How do you like it? Is it too loud or obnoxious?
I always like how motorcycle guys describe short riders.
"vertically challenged"
"those of us with reduced reach on the leg department"
No harm in being polite! Haha
These look like positive changes . Indian seems to avoid Harley’s style-over-substance approach; that can only be a good thing. All the best for 2021.
I like the 19"/18" combination for two reasons: Better stability at high speeds on the freeway and the huge feeling of the bike.......sitting tall in the saddle.
Guess I am dropping $15k on a Carbon this April. Wife will be pissed.
Will be worth it 100% I'm trading my 2018 kawasaki in on it
Great review. The FTR is the best looking bike out there. But its mostly for the streets. Imagine they can keep that look and build a more touring like bike with a larger fuel tank and a windsreen that you can put on and take off when you like. What a swiss army knife that would be. Then im gonna buy that bike.
That 19 - 18 is what gave this bike a character. Much different to most other bikes on the road. That ability for its tail to slip out on command, would put a huge smile on many people's faces when they ride one.
I like it. It’s the closest thing we’re ever gonna get to a mass produced home-grown sport bike here in the states, now that EBR has been defunked again, and Harley was too scared to make the Bronx.
I have a Black Smoke version and so far, I love it. It's net yet broken in but I can feel the power wanting to be unleashed, the bike is smooth and rides like a dream. I'm 6'-2" and I fit just fine on this compact piece of glory. I can't wait to be able to open it up and see what she can really do but it's so important to properly break it in per the manufactures spec's and timing. also, I just ordered the Flash kit for and looking forward to tuning it to get everything out of it that's possible. Indian killed on this design overall and the drivetrain and has a stupid amount of torque. A+++
Thank you for discussing the engine's issues when cold on the previous generation, and Indian's lip service to addressing the issue on this new iteration. Of course, we will have to wait and see if they were successful.
If you get your hands on the new model and do a review, please endeavor to give your opinion on the extent to which Indian was successful. I test rode the previous gen and really really enjoyed riding it in a canyon, but the engine's issues when warming up really turned me off of buying one.
Since you asked, I'm all in on the 17 inch wheels and shorter suspension. I'd take an S model, personally.
I'll definitely try to get hold of one as soon as the weather improves and we're allowed out and about!
I have the maroon FTR S on loan from Indian. I LOVE this bike!!!!
Always fun to zip around the Long Beach track! These changes are all good of course. Kudos to Indian. 🏁
Only thing I didn't like about the current model is the 19&18in wheels, but after seeing the new models with 17in wheels, I think I prefer the old model. The smaller wheels are just not right.
Exactly. Everybody complained about them, but really the tire options were not that hard to find for 18 & 19's. I mean there's this thing called the internet and you can buy stuff online with many choices.
I've Always been a Harley guy but that FTR is a No Brainer for Anyone who wants Class and Superior performance to a Sportster..And Its Made in the USA.
Looks very cool! That headlight looks super sharp, i'm very tempted to book a test ride when the weather improves
Love the Maroon colour looks awesome
Can’t wait to see the ADV model Indian is supposed to come out with.
17” wheels! Finally!!! Gonna need one of these.
Definite head turner! For the price, it’s missing a quick shifter...IMO. Though not a deal breaker, it would have been a nice touch and would rank the FTR higher amongst other premium nakeds. 🤙🏼
I don't like some of these changes, particularly doing away with the flat track size wheels and the wide bars and reducing the suspension travel. If I was thinking of buying this, these three changes alone would stop me. What is the big issue with having to warm the bike up properly before it runs smoothly? Some of the other changes - RCD for one - are welcome.
The FTR has lost its unique character.
"Full boinginess"
A lovely technical term there. Must remember that one. :)
'lowered seat height for shortarses'
Great review and you are on point with things that have been holding me back. 😁
The latest ecu flash from Indian FINALLY fixes the cold start rough idle/stalls on previous model FTR's. I can attest because I got the flash a couple weeks ago.
My opinion my be biased, but I feel lucky to have landed a race replica with the larger wheels and wider bars. It's just a cooler looking bike with those tall wheels and thin tires. The 17's make sense, but man, it just takes away some of that uniqueness the bike had. Now it will definitely be compared to other naked sports because it's become one of them, whereas before it was it's own class of bike.
The wheel and tyre change sounds like a plus to me. I have not ridden the old model, but the rear wheel skiddiness and maximum lean angle put me off. I guess I'm older and more safety oriented now, so I plummed for a Triumph Tiger 900 GT pro and absolutely love it. The FTR is certainly a beautiful bike and if I lived in the countryside rather than a metropolis, I may have considered it.
For me the only thing that set FTR apart from the crowd was it’s tracker aspects, including the wheels.
Now it’s like any other naked bike out there and its unlikely that it can beat European brands at their game.
Couldn't agree more.
Get the rally
Good on Indian for paying attention to the market and adapting to it.
Went this past week to my local Indian shop to try out the demo 2021 FTR and was pleased to see they had an extremely low miles 2019 Race Replica on the lot as well. Rode them back to back. The 2019 felt a bit more raw (the after market S&S exhaust helped with that), and does ride a bit high, which at 5'10, did have me leaning to one side at lights as the reviewer mentioned. The 2021 was easier to ride, easier to get both feet down, and the throttle mapping was far more predictable as advertised.
So what's sitting in my parking spot as I type this? The 2019 Race Replica, of course (admittedly, if I had chosen the 21, it would have had to be ordered, but you get the point). While I'd be happy with either, the 2019 felt more unique, where as the 2021 reminded me a lot of my previous bike, a 2012 Speed Triple R. Not a bad thing by any means, but if I wanted that, I'd have bought another Triumph.
17” wheels is the #1 change I was hoping for with the FTR. As an aging, GenX’er I tried the Harley / Cruiser thing, owned a FXDB & RKC in the past. But naked bikes have returned me to my sport riding roots. I have been considering upgrading my Gen2 MT09 to the Gen3 MT09 SP, however now I want to take this new ‘21 FTR for a test ride before I decide.
This bike is inching towards my "dream bike" category.
Objectively, the 17” wheels are clearly better. Subjectively, I would’ve liked to see them keep a road model with the larger wheels in addition to the rally model. I think the larger wheels really helped to capture what was unique about its style.
I completely agree. The bars are better too on the older one.
That’s what the rally is for
@@MylesKillis you better tell Indian that cuz they just announced a special addition and are bringing back the bigger wheels.
@@keenanfitzpatrick9104 or it’s just another version that has the already bigger wheels just like the rally. That’s how marketing works.
@@MylesKillis good job. I told you there’s another version coming out and your response is that maybe it’s another version. 👍🏻
17 inch wheels is the best way forward, especially as more grip is always better, always thought that it was a very strange move with the old wheel sizes and those tyres jjeezz accident waiting to happen....
From an aesthetic perspective, the new FTR looks squat and the beautiful symmetry of the original model has been lost. I’m certain that it will perform better but definitely looks worse.
All you have to do is get the rally version and if you don't like the color buy a set of the air cleaner covers and paint them however you want.
@@pyrolysis2129 it’s not the color but the stance of the bike. Now it looks like every other naked bike
@@rickbradshaw2148 Yes, the newer changed models do but the rally is the same. Still has the long travel suspension and 18 and 19 inch wheels.
3:03 gave me a good laugh.
I own a 2022 FTR R Carbon and just Love it. My only 2 complaints, gas ⛽️ tank and seat on the small side for a 235 lbs, 6’2” guy….
Absolutely the right move. It'll take the FTR from a pretty curiosity to a sexy road ripper.
It looks so wrong with the 17 inchers. I always looked for a bike with exactly the 18 inch 19 inch combo as a perfect blend of performance and pothole survivability hahaha
Get the rally
I prefer a 19inch front knobby but totally get why they moved to 17 and makes sense...Latigo Cyn shinning in the promo footage!! ⚡
So torn.... I bought a Race Replica in August but I am loving these smaller front wheels . Wonder if the RCD can be added to the old bike's ECU :/
Could do with a bigger tank! I get 90 'gentle' miles on my Rally or 70 'enthusiastic ' miles.....
I was at one time excited about this bike. Then I found out about the fuel range. I'm a long distance tour guy when i can.
Me too. I need about 100km/60m more range out of it.
Lowered it tuned it and gave us more tire options they fixed everything
The Rally Version suits my wants better.. but for those who just ride on the pavment the new version will be a better choice for them
Awesome. A Street version and an adventure bike. Very good
Absolutely great changes! Indian is doing really good 👍
I like the fact that they're fine-tuning this bike a little bit more. These are some good changes and it's looking even better. I think just a couple more body tweaks and they'll even be more spot on. I still don't care for the headlight though and the exhaust angle. I like the shorter rake but it depends on how high the bars are.
The rally finish is just so good looking. I wish Indian were available in my country short of paying a 100% luxury import tax
As a very happy owner of the current model, it's understandable that Indian has conceded that 17s are the way forward, not that there was anything wrong with the 18/19" combo. It will attract the more mainstream rider and get bikes out the door, which will pave the way forward for even better models in the future.
Your concerns about the wheel size are valid, but they've already addressed it by giving both options! If they discontinued the flat track wheel setup, you'd have a point. Just pick the trim that best fits your needs! Simple!
Such a fast reaction on what real customers wants. Bravo Polaris, you was attentive to our wishes. 18/19 wheel choice was awful, 17/17 is the way to go. Did not notice sharp throttle response for 2020 model, but Ohlins/carbon/Akro/17/17 will definitely make Ducati guys nervous.
Old bike way too tall for me so I look forward to testing the new one when we get out. Great vlog as always👍
New wheel sizes make sense, would be purely for on road use for me. Adventure bike can do the rest. I still think this is one of the nicest looking bikes around - especially with the red frame.
17 inch wheels about time perfect! Take note ducati multistrada v4 and 950 17 inch is what they should have in .this ftr with 17 inch wheels is the first American bike I would buy
With the rear cylinder shut off I wonder what it will sound like at idle...maybe a big thumper? All good changes in my eyes. Always been on my radar this.
You can never have enough rubber! I approve and the rally is there for the purists, having ridden the'19 bike I think an improvement to low speed fuelling was needed,it was a chore to ride in slow traffic and didn't improve after an hour and a half of spirited riding. I would like to test ride the new model to make sure it hasn't lost any of that massive grin factor of the'19 😁✊
Rally all the way
The bigger wheel make this bike. I love my 2019 1200 S. It’s just a different bike..that’s what made me buy it. Yes the new tires might make it a bit better for road driving but I know I can jump on a dirt road no problem and rip up the freeway in the same day.
@motobob when do you think you will be able to get your hands on the all new ftr 1200 s...?? I'm eager to watch a review..
Probably going to work out well for Indian with these changes. The changes all make sense and add to the bike vs taking away from. The wheel size change and seat height may very well help them sell even more FTRs and keeping at least one option the same as previous is a really good decision IMO. Especially it being the rally and being more off road focused it needs the bigger wheels and suspension. Indian just keeps doing things that make sense while Harley......is.....well, they’re trying.
Update! Had a test ride on the new model, have now bought old model! The throttle is just technique I've found and the cold running issue can be managed. The clincher was that you can't access the ecu with a dynojet module on the new model so tuning potential has been taken away from the owner.
So I've had my eye on the new MT09SP as my next bike. It is most likely faster in a straight line, has better gas mileage, a larger fuel tank(3.7 vs 3.4), weighs 100lbs less and costs $2k less than the Indian. I think I still want the Indian. Being 6'3" the ergonomics should be better and having only ridden motorcycles for 2 years the MT09 may be too much bike for me. Love the direction they took most of these models to handling better on the street.
Great decision going to 17inch wheels and making the base model suspension fully adjustable, I'd buy the base model without the fancy screen or electronics..
These new features make the ftr more appealing and practical to more riders - so in the end, Indian gets to sell more bikes..Which makes perfect business sense.
Traded in their soul for sales. Should have fixed the fuel capacity/mileage as a priority. Now just a 'me-too' bike without the power of the competition.
Great video as usual.
I think I prefer the look of the basic version best. Well, that and the carbon one.
now thats a Gorgeous bike
Good job on the video... I understand why the mpg is not good (33), as its sporty and powerful, but why don't they use a bigger tank? Probably need gas at about (75) miles. Would a 3.9-4.2 gal tank be that heavy?
P.S., it does look really good
MUCH prefer the 17s - I hate non roads wheels on road bikes! I bet they'll outsell the rally massively.
Apart from the obvious better tyre choices, I actually prefer the look as well. Makes it look tougher. Good move Indian.
I love the design & price but Iv had such problems with Polaris warranty & service.
I do like the look of the FTR. If Indian have made it better for the road, well that sounds sensible to me. They will probably sell more of them.
I don't see many people wanting to spend £12 to £15k on a bike and take it off road much, most of them are going to spend their time on the road.
Weren’t they talking of an Adventure version? Perhaps that’s where the old wheels and frame will be used???
These changes sound great to me. I was always dubious of the off-road tires for a road bike. This looks more attractive to me now than it did before, especially since Harley-Davidson killed the bronx.
Can them make a 17” wheel FTR with the extra features in a mans color. Not down with these MCD colors.
I like the black and red of the base model. Hmmm, big wheels and knobly tyres look great, but unless you are a good rider that likes to spin up and get a bit lairy, then good road tyres make far more sense 90% of the time.
Good changes.
I just wish for that money we would get an auto blipped since it already has RBW throttle
Nice update is my view. Seem to remember negative reviews of earlier model all surrounded tyres and limited tyre choice, and dodgy fuelling issues both of which seem to have been addressed. Still a left field choice but it looks great, particularly the carbon model. Would I trade in my MT10 for one? Well I would love a test ride but as always with Indian(and other certain makes) sparsity of dealers is a pain. Nice report though, thanks
I want to see an FTR750.
I think they did it up right. Turning more and more into a proper standard. Sucks HD decided to pull its standard because the more options the better.
I think there are already plenty of street bike options out there. The FTR, as a street only bike, doesn't offer anything to make it stand out. I am planning on buying the Rally version because I want a cool looking semi-dual sport bike that I could take travelling on the back of the RV and occasionally take light off-road following the towed jeep rubicon. Dual-sport is the fastest growing market in recent years. Harley just announced their entry into that market with the very off-road capable Pan America. So Indian decides go the other direction and take their dual sport farther way from the dirt? Makes no sense to me. Not everyone wants to have to get 2 bikes, one for street and one for dirt. FTR used to fill that niche.
17 18 19 inch wheels who cares I like it anyway they put it , kinda of like the why it was (different) I had a remap from Ryan LLoyd from Charlotte Indian and I can’t believe the difference just perfect now no stalls start it up at 45 degrees and take off with no problems
If they made this in a 750, it would be perfect for me. I don't need more than that.
i agree. revving out 1200 cc is crazy.....and the 750 motor would be lighter. If i want a big heavy hog i will go with a roadmaster.
It can compete with a ducati monster with these new updates.
Quick road tweak to sell a few prior to dropping it?
My only sorrow about this bike is I can't justify a brand new FTR, Chief, and Challenger all in the same year . . .
Amazing bikes
I didn't like the the current version, due to the, IMO weird wheels. This looks heaps better..
I like them. All of them.
I'm disappointed they didn't increase the capacity of the gas tank. But I'm glad to see they got rid of that ugly government sticker that was on it. I don't know enough about tire size to have a good opinion, but I'd sure feel safer on the new tread.
They should have added a version with the 17 inch wheels and kept the S model the same as the 2019 model. The new models are less capable. The would have got the Rally but there is no TFT. I ended up buying a 2019 FTR S Race Replica because of the semi-off-road capabilities. Maybe Indian can fix this with in a future model or build an adventure bike.
make a video on 2021 ktm superadventure s
Interesting bike, the 22 year model naming, is an American thing, they use it all the time on cars too, makes it a bit confusing finding the right model year! But hey, we all know they have to be the best/newest on the block !!! 😝😝😝
Super bike🙂💞🤩
Indian pleeeeease make a sport bike out of this platform!!! Little shorter wheelbase, lower bars, lighter, little more HP, and some retro fairings and it’s done! We need an American sport bike!!!
Considering the price of the more normal models (the carbon...18k? That or a streetfighter?!), the move to 17inch wheels certainly means it's in good position regarding the competition. Whilst it won't be 'faster' than a Street Triple RS, or MT09. And priced more like an MT10. It still has charactor in bucket loads. And, maybe my age. But, it's kinda what I'd want. I have a Street Triple RS. It's mega! But. Maybe a bit....boring. The FTR, couple of K more. Looks like something I would want to ride. Ever the underdog
First thing came to my mind when i see this bike is shimla if you have this bike going to shimla is compulsory
Anyone know if the original dirt track style tires are available in the new wheel sizes ?
Need a luggage 🧳 option ?