The FTR is indeed a gorgeous looking bike, not just that, it also performs beautifully. It is in my top 3 most beautiful motorbikes ever built. With the Ducati multistrada 1200s Pikes peak (I once had one ) and the BMW f800 gs (yellow+black or orange+black). The Ducati is the equivalent of 1970's Ornella Muti (google her if you don't know her), the Indian is like 1970's Raquel Welch and the BMW is 1970's Jane Birkin. (Yeah, I'm a 62 yo geezer, my babes are from a different time. Although in the present, my gf, at 50, still looks like a million bucks, which is very good, those old beauty icons are no competiton for her, not anymore, or she could get a bit jealous.
I’ve never really thought of it as a beauty competition, but now you come to mention it! The FTR is definitely up there with the best, that’s for sure. Some folk think they’re even more gorgeous with a tail tidy, but personally I’m a purist.
I test rode a "sport" one a few months ago and immediately fell in love with it! Not only was it one of the most beautiful bikes, wether you looked at it stopped or riding on the bike (a point of aesthetics even more important for me, that many neglect)... but it was also one of the most confident to ride bikes that I 've ever ridden. Too bad it was one of the most expensive ones too, to own and maintain (at least here in Greece, or in EU in the general).
I had a FTR 1200S for six months and absolutely loved it.I ended up PX it for something totally different and when the checked my Indian out, they found the the Head race bearings needed replacing, it had only done less than 4000 miles and did not have any warranty, also the front discs needed replacing? I was told that the items are serviceable items and so £350 out of pocket , I was not impressed after spending over £10000? on the bike.It was a 21 plate. The nuts and washers are a poor standard they rust! I think I will not go back to having another Indian.
That’s not good, to say the least. As you saw from the video, my first FTR, an ex-demo with about 2,500 miles on the clock, didn’t last me my first 30 miles! The brand new replacement has been solid, though, for several thousand miles now. I can only think that QC must have let a few ‘Friday afternoon’ bikes through. I agree that some of the finish is lacking, and I’ve had that problem with the nuts and washers too. Nowhere near as bad as a Chinese or Indian bike, but for two or three times the cost you expect everything to be top notch!
@@3Phils My FTR only had 1700 miles on the clock, it was an ex demo bike to. I never used it in the rain and one of the staff from where I bought it, said that they pressure washer an FTR and left it for some time and they had to replace the Headstock bearings? Looks to me like there was no grease on the bearings or a cover had not been put in place. And the staff member asked if I done lots of motorway riding, because if I did not go on twisty roads that could cause a problem? I have actually gone to the darkside now and bought a Harley Fat Bob, a lot heavier and slower, but I really like it.
Well there aren’t many Indian dealerships around, and when I made the 100 mile round trip to have my first service I can’t say I was impressed either. I mean, should bikes be pressured washed? I’ve always thought that was a no-no. Even so, riding in a downpour on the motorway ain’t much different, so your theory about some cover being left off, which allowed water ingress into the races, seems logical. I just had to get the head races done on my Trident, but that’s 50 years old ffs!
I’ve got one on my Trident and have no issue with it! I’ve got a hydraulic clutch on my CB1300, and that’s fine too. There’s just something about the snappy Indian clutch combined with a cable that’s annoying and smacks of cost-cutting tbh. No amount of adjustment seems to mollify its on-offness, especially when cold.
Thanks for the comment. To be fair, the bike will start while it’s going through that tft screen mullarkey. I guess if you’re impatient to set off, you can do so without the speedo for the first few hundred yards! 🤣 Also, fyi, the starter is one press only, you don’t have to keep your finger on it until it fires, which was quite a novelty for an old fogey like me. Hope I haven’t put you off, the FTR is actually a great naked machine!
If it’s still holding you back, just picked one up two weeks ago and already have over 900 miles on it! Great bike and loads of power and fun. If you’re someone who lets your bike warmup before you ride, don’t sweat the display!
It’s a fantastic bike, I agree. I hope my lame attempts at ‘humour’ haven’t put anyone off. I should have been much clearer about the way the FTR puts a big smile on my face every time I ride it! 😊
Sorry bro, bit wrong on some stuff, tank covers come off without removing seat, new clutch is fine, very light now, you can start bike immediately without waiting for dash to load, brakes have never squealed on either of mine, build quality is pretty good. Ive had early model and the new 17" wheels are a game changer....wouldn't hesitate to have another ftr....
Yes, Phil, a cable clutch certainly has its issues. The cable on my Hyosung 650 broke when I was toddling along in 6th gear at 100 Kph amidst rush hour traffic. I stopped upright (eventually), but I’m glad my current bike has a hydraulic clutch.
A snapped clutch cable is a nightmare. Glad you were OK. Back in the day, I recall a stuck throttle cable causing a hairy moment for me. Thanks for the comment.
Howdy from Texas! Just finished watching this video and still learning more and more about my new FTR RSD. Glad to be part of the club! I already received the bike from its break-in maintenance and other than a few times where the bike dies after a few seconds at cold starts, no issues with it so far. This only came about the first two hundred miles though. I am absolutely in LOVE with it!
Hello from the UK! I love the FTR too! I’m very impressed, especially as it’s the first time in almost 50 years of motorcycling that I’ve owned a bike from the good ol’ US of A. My first V twin too. As I say in the video, it’s not quite perfect with its fuel mapping but that does seem to improve the more miles you put on it, as the engine loosens up. It handles great, it’s quick, it’s built properly and it’s nimble round the twisties! Thanks for the comment. 😊
@@chriscleland7008I left it sit for a little over four weeks and the battery was pretty dead. Battery was replaced and hadn’t had any other issues other than was described on my original comment. Fans kick on pretty quick and runs a little hot if I’m riding in stop and go traffic in a downtown setting. Pretty solid bike so far!
Yep, my battery ran down after leaving the FTR for a few weeks. I just plugged it in to my Optimate charger for a few days and it was good to go again. It’s a very simple connector, no need to remove the battery (which is a pain to get out). It does feel like there’s a bit of heat coming from the engine on warm days, but then it barely ever gets above 30C/86F here in the UK.
Ive got the much older HD XR1200 flat track lookilkey from many moons ago.They put buell crank in sportster engine oil cooled tge heads and claimed 90hp(very simplified)had it 13yrs.My ktm 690duke went walkabout out my garage a week or two ago🥶 My mate has an ftr great bike
Thanks for the comment, and sorry to hear about your KTM. I’ve always been a bit KTM-curious tbh. I know I griped a bit in the video, but the FTR really is a sweet machine!
Nobody ever mentions the heat off this beast. In FL I always wear shorts for my hour commute. But not on this supernova. I'm honestly concerned it might melt my ski pants in the winter. It really is a sleeper though. Coming in from an MT07, which was taller and more aggressive looking, and with the Akrpvch on that it was SO loud. The FTR is more like the girl next door, that's a complete freak in the bed.
Yes, I should have mentioned the heat from the engine. I went out for a blast on the FTR at the weekend, in what we would call ‘summer’ here in the UK (one day of 23C/73F), and my legs were roasted! It does attract a lot of attention when you park up, though, and it’s a different demographic from when I’m out on my T160. A lot younger, mostly 20 and 30-somethings as opposed to 70 and 80-somethings. Quite what they make of an old gipper like me on such a modern machine doesn’t bear thinking about.
Man... you couldn't have said it better than what you said on your last sentence! As for the heat.... actually the ONLY reason for me not owning one (yet...) is its price, and the second one is its engine heat. If you complain in England and Florida... imagine me being in Athens, Greece!
Ha! I couldn’t honestly recommend it from an engine heat pov if you’re in Greece. That said, you might be the kind of person who laughs in the face of road rash and rides around in shorts and a vest, in which case, maybe.
Very good summary of the 2022 FTR. Love your CB1300S pinky its beautiful as well. The FTR is not perfect for sure, difficult to fill up, small tank, lurchy cruise control below 60mph and that clutch operation when cold leaves much to be desired. Once you set up the suspension for your weight and riding style, remove the baffles from the exhaust (requires you to drill a hole in the end caps to remove a retaining bolt) put in sports mode and give it the beans all is forgiven. That immediate torque and roar of the V Twin is addictive. I have the 2022 FTR Carbon R and it is a beautiful bike, who doesn't like a red frame, Ohlin's yellow spring and forks, with splashes of carbon fiber all over the bike. It is certainly not the most beautiful bike in the world, next to my friends CB1300S it almost looks a little drab and next to my Black BMW R18 Classic the fit and finish doesn't look 1st class. I have many bikes but the FTR just brings out the hooligan and I love to snap the throttle and feel that punch. Its pretty much the same acceleration as the CB1300S at full throttle but the way its delivers it power is so much more engaging and that V twin roar adds the perfect soundtrack to the experience.
Thanks for the comment! I agree with everything you say there, and I was literally just thinking that the red frame on the Carbon R makes the bike look sooooo much better. I should have forked out the extra 2k! The CB1300 is similar, I think, in terms of weight, power and top speed, and mine makes a nice noise with its Beowulf can. But ultimately it’s a UJM so by default less engaging. It’s been relegated to third place in my shed, for days when the Indian won’t start (hardly ever happens), with the Indian being for days when the Trident won’t start (happens almost every time). I must go for a test ride on an R18, they look awesome! Happy riding!
I liked the bike, but i sold it quick. The biggest thing for me was the tiny fuel tank (cough seat cough). I was sick of getting about 70 miles then having the idiot light come up you need fuel. And fueling was annoying because of the tank seat and trying to shift the bike to get as much air out of the seat to maximize the fuel load.
Great looking bike. But rbw and mds just don't want. But really like the look. He 08 hypermotard 1100s is my style. Nothing you have to be the total rider.
That’s what I used to think too. Fortunately I was able to overcome my prejudices and own what is a pretty good machine, more than competitive against some modern retros I could name. 😊
Apologies for any offence, I was being sarcastic but that doesn’t really come across in the written word. I’m not a particular fan of Harleys, but I think the Indian FTR is fantastic apart from the few quirks I mention in the video, and every bike has quirks. Typically I like to keep an open mind about most things and not make prejudiced blanket statements, like the first commenter.
The FTR is indeed a gorgeous looking bike, not just that, it also performs beautifully. It is in my top 3 most beautiful motorbikes ever built. With the Ducati multistrada 1200s Pikes peak (I once had one ) and the BMW f800 gs (yellow+black or orange+black).
The Ducati is the equivalent of 1970's Ornella Muti (google her if you don't know her), the Indian is like 1970's Raquel Welch and the BMW is 1970's Jane Birkin. (Yeah, I'm a 62 yo geezer, my babes are from a different time. Although in the present, my gf, at 50, still looks like a million bucks, which is very good, those old beauty icons are no competiton for her, not anymore, or she could get a bit jealous.
I’ve never really thought of it as a beauty competition, but now you come to mention it! The FTR is definitely up there with the best, that’s for sure. Some folk think they’re even more gorgeous with a tail tidy, but personally I’m a purist.
I test rode a "sport" one a few months ago and immediately fell in love with it! Not only was it one of the most beautiful bikes, wether you looked at it stopped or riding on the bike (a point of aesthetics even more important for me, that many neglect)... but it was also one of the most confident to ride bikes that I 've ever ridden.
Too bad it was one of the most expensive ones too, to own and maintain (at least here in Greece, or in EU in the general).
Yeah, the cost is a killer. It’s a great bike though. I love it, despite me moaning about a few minor foibles.
I had a FTR 1200S for six months and absolutely loved it.I ended up PX it for something totally different and when the checked my Indian out, they found the the Head race bearings needed replacing, it had only done less than 4000 miles and did not have any warranty, also the front discs needed replacing? I was told that the items are serviceable items and so £350 out of pocket , I was not impressed after spending over £10000? on the bike.It was a 21 plate. The nuts and washers are a poor standard they rust! I think I will not go back to having another Indian.
That’s not good, to say the least. As you saw from the video, my first FTR, an ex-demo with about 2,500 miles on the clock, didn’t last me my first 30 miles! The brand new replacement has been solid, though, for several thousand miles now. I can only think that QC must have let a few ‘Friday afternoon’ bikes through. I agree that some of the finish is lacking, and I’ve had that problem with the nuts and washers too. Nowhere near as bad as a Chinese or Indian bike, but for two or three times the cost you expect everything to be top notch!
@@3Phils My FTR only had 1700 miles on the clock, it was an ex demo bike to. I never used it in the rain and one of the staff from where I bought it, said that they pressure washer an FTR and left it for some time and they had to replace the Headstock bearings? Looks to me like there was no grease on the bearings or a cover had not been put in place. And the staff member asked if I done lots of motorway riding, because if I did not go on twisty roads that could cause a problem? I have actually gone to the darkside now and bought a Harley Fat Bob, a lot heavier and slower, but I really like it.
Well there aren’t many Indian dealerships around, and when I made the 100 mile round trip to have my first service I can’t say I was impressed either. I mean, should bikes be pressured washed? I’ve always thought that was a no-no. Even so, riding in a downpour on the motorway ain’t much different, so your theory about some cover being left off, which allowed water ingress into the races, seems logical. I just had to get the head races done on my Trident, but that’s 50 years old ffs!
I always prefer a cable operated clutch!
I’ve got one on my Trident and have no issue with it! I’ve got a hydraulic clutch on my CB1300, and that’s fine too. There’s just something about the snappy Indian clutch combined with a cable that’s annoying and smacks of cost-cutting tbh. No amount of adjustment seems to mollify its on-offness, especially when cold.
Enjoyed the video. I feel a bit shallow saying it, but that lengthy start-up would be a deal-breaker for me.
Thanks for the comment. To be fair, the bike will start while it’s going through that tft screen mullarkey. I guess if you’re impatient to set off, you can do so without the speedo for the first few hundred yards! 🤣 Also, fyi, the starter is one press only, you don’t have to keep your finger on it until it fires, which was quite a novelty for an old fogey like me. Hope I haven’t put you off, the FTR is actually a great naked machine!
@@3Phils Good to know!
If it’s still holding you back, just picked one up two weeks ago and already have over 900 miles on it! Great bike and loads of power and fun. If you’re someone who lets your bike warmup before you ride, don’t sweat the display!
It’s a fantastic bike, I agree. I hope my lame attempts at ‘humour’ haven’t put anyone off. I should have been much clearer about the way the FTR puts a big smile on my face every time I ride it! 😊
@@micahchristie7104 how comfortable is it on long distances?
Sorry bro, bit wrong on some stuff, tank covers come off without removing seat, new clutch is fine, very light now, you can start bike immediately without waiting for dash to load, brakes have never squealed on either of mine, build quality is pretty good. Ive had early model and the new 17" wheels are a game changer....wouldn't hesitate to have another ftr....
Yes, Phil, a cable clutch certainly has its issues. The cable on my Hyosung 650 broke when I was toddling along in 6th gear at 100 Kph amidst rush hour traffic. I stopped upright (eventually), but I’m glad my current bike has a hydraulic clutch.
A snapped clutch cable is a nightmare. Glad you were OK. Back in the day, I recall a stuck throttle cable causing a hairy moment for me. Thanks for the comment.
Howdy from Texas! Just finished watching this video and still learning more and more about my new FTR RSD. Glad to be part of the club! I already received the bike from its break-in maintenance and other than a few times where the bike dies after a few seconds at cold starts, no issues with it so far. This only came about the first two hundred miles though. I am absolutely in LOVE with it!
Hello from the UK! I love the FTR too! I’m very impressed, especially as it’s the first time in almost 50 years of motorcycling that I’ve owned a bike from the good ol’ US of A. My first V twin too. As I say in the video, it’s not quite perfect with its fuel mapping but that does seem to improve the more miles you put on it, as the engine loosens up. It handles great, it’s quick, it’s built properly and it’s nimble round the twisties! Thanks for the comment. 😊
@@christophercruz8954 Any heat issues with the bike in Texas? Been shopping for one here in Alabama…
@@chriscleland7008I left it sit for a little over four weeks and the battery was pretty dead. Battery was replaced and hadn’t had any other issues other than was described on my original comment. Fans kick on pretty quick and runs a little hot if I’m riding in stop and go traffic in a downtown setting. Pretty solid bike so far!
@@chriscleland7008I’m in south Texas where it’s usually over 110 with 80% humidity
Yep, my battery ran down after leaving the FTR for a few weeks. I just plugged it in to my Optimate charger for a few days and it was good to go again. It’s a very simple connector, no need to remove the battery (which is a pain to get out). It does feel like there’s a bit of heat coming from the engine on warm days, but then it barely ever gets above 30C/86F here in the UK.
Ive got the much older HD XR1200 flat track lookilkey from many moons ago.They put buell crank in sportster engine oil cooled tge heads and claimed 90hp(very simplified)had it 13yrs.My ktm 690duke went walkabout out my garage a week or two ago🥶
My mate has an ftr great bike
Thanks for the comment, and sorry to hear about your KTM. I’ve always been a bit KTM-curious tbh. I know I griped a bit in the video, but the FTR really is a sweet machine!
Great humorous delivery as always 🤗
You’re too kind! 😊 I try and inject a certain tongue-in-cheekiness, I’m glad that comes across! Thanks for the comment. 🙏
Great stuff, Phil 🙂
(old T-160 guy in OKC, America)
Thank you! 😊 Nice to hear from you again, sir!
Nobody ever mentions the heat off this beast. In FL I always wear shorts for my hour commute. But not on this supernova. I'm honestly concerned it might melt my ski pants in the winter. It really is a sleeper though. Coming in from an MT07, which was taller and more aggressive looking, and with the Akrpvch on that it was SO loud. The FTR is more like the girl next door, that's a complete freak in the bed.
Yes, I should have mentioned the heat from the engine. I went out for a blast on the FTR at the weekend, in what we would call ‘summer’ here in the UK (one day of 23C/73F), and my legs were roasted! It does attract a lot of attention when you park up, though, and it’s a different demographic from when I’m out on my T160. A lot younger, mostly 20 and 30-somethings as opposed to 70 and 80-somethings. Quite what they make of an old gipper like me on such a modern machine doesn’t bear thinking about.
Man... you couldn't have said it better than what you said on your last sentence! As for the heat.... actually the ONLY reason for me not owning one (yet...) is its price, and the second one is its engine heat. If you complain in England and Florida... imagine me being in Athens, Greece!
Ha! I couldn’t honestly recommend it from an engine heat pov if you’re in Greece. That said, you might be the kind of person who laughs in the face of road rash and rides around in shorts and a vest, in which case, maybe.
*_"In FL I always wear shorts for my hour commute."_*
Then you are even more of an idiot than your post betrays.
Very good summary of the 2022 FTR. Love your CB1300S pinky its beautiful as well. The FTR is not perfect for sure, difficult to fill up, small tank, lurchy cruise control below 60mph and that clutch operation when cold leaves much to be desired. Once you set up the suspension for your weight and riding style, remove the baffles from the exhaust (requires you to drill a hole in the end caps to remove a retaining bolt) put in sports mode and give it the beans all is forgiven. That immediate torque and roar of the V Twin is addictive. I have the 2022 FTR Carbon R and it is a beautiful bike, who doesn't like a red frame, Ohlin's yellow spring and forks, with splashes of carbon fiber all over the bike. It is certainly not the most beautiful bike in the world, next to my friends CB1300S it almost looks a little drab and next to my Black BMW R18 Classic the fit and finish doesn't look 1st class. I have many bikes but the FTR just brings out the hooligan and I love to snap the throttle and feel that punch. Its pretty much the same acceleration as the CB1300S at full throttle but the way its delivers it power is so much more engaging and that V twin roar adds the perfect soundtrack to the experience.
Thanks for the comment! I agree with everything you say there, and I was literally just thinking that the red frame on the Carbon R makes the bike look sooooo much better. I should have forked out the extra 2k! The CB1300 is similar, I think, in terms of weight, power and top speed, and mine makes a nice noise with its Beowulf can. But ultimately it’s a UJM so by default less engaging. It’s been relegated to third place in my shed, for days when the Indian won’t start (hardly ever happens), with the Indian being for days when the Trident won’t start (happens almost every time). I must go for a test ride on an R18, they look awesome! Happy riding!
I agree, it is a beautiful machine for a modern bike.
I liked the bike, but i sold it quick. The biggest thing for me was the tiny fuel tank (cough seat cough). I was sick of getting about 70 miles then having the idiot light come up you need fuel. And fueling was annoying because of the tank seat and trying to shift the bike to get as much air out of the seat to maximize the fuel load.
Yes, those things annoy me too. But I’ve kept it because it still puts a grin on my face!
"hold on my bike is loading"
🤣
Great looking bike. But rbw and mds just don't want. But really like the look. He 08 hypermotard 1100s is my style. Nothing you have to be the total rider.
Gorgeous bike
Been out on it today, and funnily enough I thought that too!
15k for a b8ke witb no quickshifter. It's more naked than cruiser. For that, I'd expect one. Gorgeous bike though.
Yeah, I forgot to mention that. I agree, for this money a quickshifter would be good too. Thanks for the comment. 😊
@3Phils I know certain companies offer both and up n down, but it's close to £1k for it, which is ridiculous.
👍😉✌
Stop stealing Yammie Noob titles mate! Be original. And show some respect to the OG.
Yammie who what?
Horrible … like anything from the us
That’s what I used to think too. Fortunately I was able to overcome my prejudices and own what is a pretty good machine, more than competitive against some modern retros I could name. 😊
You weren't calling our planes/tanks/ships/bombs horrible when they were saving your asses in WW2
Apologies for any offence, I was being sarcastic but that doesn’t really come across in the written word. I’m not a particular fan of Harleys, but I think the Indian FTR is fantastic apart from the few quirks I mention in the video, and every bike has quirks. Typically I like to keep an open mind about most things and not make prejudiced blanket statements, like the first commenter.
@@3Phils No offense taken, just some banter :) I don't like Harleys either to be honest. I like the FTR because it's the sporty bike I usually ride.