I just bought a brand new base model in May. So far loved every second of riding it. Put a slip-on on it and it sounds fantastic. Looks fantastic, imo, and yes it pulls along like a jet
A fun review! I've always liked the look of these Indians. As a Monster owner, I've got a soft spot for anything with a trellis frame! The carbon version with the old-style tank logo is particularly neat.
I've become a bit of fanboy of Indian Motocycles over Harley-Davidson over the past couple of years. Indian have started to create more modern styled cruisers as well as their own original retro style cruisers that compete with Harley. Personally, I think they are doing a good job. The FTR has taken old styling and mixed it up with new, pretty much like Ducati's Monster or Diavel series and that's a very good thing in my opinion
I was a big fan of the MK1 model in its base form. A round analogue, non-TFT dash and flat-track size wheels. I don't like what they've done to it now. It's a bit heavy, but it's carried low with the fuel under the seat. Heavier than my Buell XB12X which is languishing unused in my garage in Portugal, and hardly any faster. I need to put the Buell on the road. Nick
I live about an hour away from Willows Springs track, and we had outing with FTRs by Indian corp there. Lets just say, this bike is an absolute insanity on 2 wheels. It will happily go out and have Ducati and KTM for a lunch...and BMWs and Hondas for desserts. However, the reality hits hard when you bring it back to civilization - you ride on highway, and local roads - it isn't very comfortable, engine runs hot (but not as much as Ducati), your wrist is a toast because you kinda lean forward (depending on your height though...), and simply put it, I'd rather be back on my RNineT...then again, if you need some kick in your adrenaline in your brain, I cannot recommend this bike highly enough...but do test ride before buying it.
Nice see see somebody honest enough to say it how they see it and admit they don't need the bonkers performance it offers. Great that they made it though and they made it well.
Hi Shaun i had a FT1200 as a loan bike when i took my bike for a service i agree its is a rip you arms of beast i seriously considered this bike as a replacement for my Triumph Tiger i used to live in the Black Country and now live in Australia my only issue with the FT 1200 was the heat of the engine on a 30 plus degree day was not a pleasant experience if i still lived in the UK would definitely have this bike in the stable 😊
I've been riding bikes for over 40 years and my last bike was a Honda Hornet 600. I would love something like this, but the sensible side of me says to get something little bit less powerful like CFMoto CLC450, they look really kool little bikes. But then the other side of me wants an MV Agusta Brutale 800, lol. Could you test the Brutale please??
Thanks for another great video Sean and Suzie. In summary, my opinion is the Indian FTR1200 is too expensive, too big and no necessary. I much prefer the entry level smaller capacity motorcycles you normally review.
Thanks William, appreciate that. FTR is too much bike for me too, I came back from the ride 'exhilarated' and maybe I'm boring but I like to come back with a relaxed feeling 😌. Looking at a Guerilla 450 next if I can find one...
Well that looked fun Sean not sure I like the offset rear shock but I do like it would I need that much umff probably not well definitely not it's a lot of bike for the money right enough . I like it 👌👍
I have owned both the S and the base model. Coming from off road riding and also 80s street bikes, mate, it really isn't an issue. Your post is a bit like saying why buy a retro bike when you can go hypersports.
Sean that’s not exactly what I meant when I suggested trying an Indian for pillion comfort. 😅 If this bike was available when I bought my VROD in 2006 I would have bought it instead. FTR stands for flat track racer which is its heritage. I’m happy with the BSA these days but long live the diversity in available bikes for as long as possible.
Hi Sean reckon they just knicked that sport bike, no plate on the trail bike and dressed in trackies not for a bike, very nice bike real power mate, I was thinking Sean please don’t crack that throttle open cos it’s going to blow your socks off, god if only had £11k 🤣🤣🤣🤣 …. Pete🇫🇷
Real power indeed, seems like a good price for what you get to my mind but then im not often looking at bikes at this price point! By the way we are on the south coast camping of all things and getting wet! I looked at the weather radar looked and north of France and thought Petes not going to be riding his bike today! 😃
@@MindfulMotorcyclist south west coast is getting it bad, according to my mate, we have had some heavy rain in short bursts not constant, poss dry up with a bit of sun this afternoon 🤞fingers crossed yeah Sean your right I’m not riding today lol, we’re praying for sun in sept as we’re away for 3 weeks in our camper van with the Vespa px in tow starting at Quiberon on the west coast and chill - explore - then carry on down isle de Rae & d’Oleron great islands for put putting around on a scooter, love the FTR good review Sean 👍
I've seen a few in showrooms, it's one handsome son of a b1tch!!! Though the headlight looks a bit £30 from Amazon 😅 There's no chance I'd ride one... yet. That fear when it feels like it's running away from your control I've yet to master. I watch the channel because you're relatable, honest and if it's a bike that I have no interest in seeing (ie the recent Harley ride experience) I don't watch. Nothing personal, just not my thing. Still looking forward to your review of your Dad's Triumph Thunderbird 😎 How about you setup a group ride too, before it starts raining through until next May😂 Great review, base model would be fine for most, just don't need all this tech. I wonder if people relied less on Sat Nav they'd see more around them? Everyone seems in such a rush, impatience abound, there's little time to slow down to properly read road signs (directions) but I wonder too if the Highways agency could improve signage frequency and keep on top of worn out painted lines and other markings. (Completely off topic there😮)
Nope stick to the entry level stuff as I want an FTR now, I’m on it now in the Pyrenees riding the torque through the bends up past the col de aspin catch my breath on a log seat and carry on down the other side, 🤣🤣🤣🤣 viva the VTwin
IT DOESN'T MATTER WHAT BIKE YOU RIDE ,,, even if i don't like the bike and my comments are gruff , it's still entertainment and needs to be done , -- so carry on regardless ;; ha ha ,, also wouldn't that church make a fantastic home with a view ;;;
the ftr is a class on it's own ,,- good or bad ;; the screen is rubbish compered to the voge ;; also having to AGREE to terms to ride my own bike is a total deal breaker ;; what a ponsy pile of tripe , the bike is ugly as well so not for me , but seems to have enough real world GO to be a viable alternative to the 4 cylinder brigade , and on those roads seems to handle great , bit different GO to your bsa eh ??
Cycle trader or marketplace. I am about to make an offer on a dealer one, (found on cycle trader) (race replica 1200S) w/ only 4k miles. Under 8 still saving thousands… I would like a bit more than Base model Plus previous owner was grateful enough to add accessories, lol
I just bought a brand new base model in May. So far loved every second of riding it. Put a slip-on on it and it sounds fantastic. Looks fantastic, imo, and yes it pulls along like a jet
I would 100% get the base model, such a good buy. Imo it does need the slip on to get the sound correct...
A fun review! I've always liked the look of these Indians. As a Monster owner, I've got a soft spot for anything with a trellis frame! The carbon version with the old-style tank logo is particularly neat.
I've become a bit of fanboy of Indian Motocycles over Harley-Davidson over the past couple of years. Indian have started to create more modern styled cruisers as well as their own original retro style cruisers that compete with Harley. Personally, I think they are doing a good job. The FTR has taken old styling and mixed it up with new, pretty much like Ducati's Monster or Diavel series and that's a very good thing in my opinion
I was a big fan of the MK1 model in its base form. A round analogue, non-TFT dash and flat-track size wheels. I don't like what they've done to it now. It's a bit heavy, but it's carried low with the fuel under the seat. Heavier than my Buell XB12X which is languishing unused in my garage in Portugal, and hardly any faster. I need to put the Buell on the road. Nick
I live about an hour away from Willows Springs track, and we had outing with FTRs by Indian corp there. Lets just say, this bike is an absolute insanity on 2 wheels. It will happily go out and have Ducati and KTM for a lunch...and BMWs and Hondas for desserts. However, the reality hits hard when you bring it back to civilization - you ride on highway, and local roads - it isn't very comfortable, engine runs hot (but not as much as Ducati), your wrist is a toast because you kinda lean forward (depending on your height though...), and simply put it, I'd rather be back on my RNineT...then again, if you need some kick in your adrenaline in your brain, I cannot recommend this bike highly enough...but do test ride before buying it.
Nice comment Loox, thanks for sharing 👍
"have Ducati and KTM for a lunch" Yeah, no. As an former 1290SD-R and current FTR owner I'll dispel this misinformation right now.
Nice see see somebody honest enough to say it how they see it and admit they don't need the bonkers performance it offers. Great that they made it though and they made it well.
I loved that the slight downplaying and doubt about the bike turned into a giggle the first time you opened it up. 😂 Great video.
Thank you Mark, much appreciated.
Hi Shaun i had a FT1200 as a loan bike when i took my bike for a service i agree its is a rip you arms of beast i seriously considered this bike as a replacement for my Triumph Tiger i used to live in the Black Country and now live in Australia my only issue with the FT 1200 was the heat of the engine on a 30 plus degree day was not a pleasant experience if i still lived in the UK would definitely have this bike in the stable 😊
In a colder climate the heat would be welcome!
No number plate, the choice of champions...or thieves😊 Bike wise on the channel variety is the spice of life.
Really enjoying the mix of content you’re doing, great job.
That's really really kind to say, thank you AWS... 😊
Beautiful bike!! 😍 THE TORQUE IS ALMOST AS ADDICTIVE AS YR VIDEOS!
15:00 I think Indian use Sachs suspension.
Nice to see you riding something a little different so that you can see your strong reaction to those bags of torque. Looked fun!
I've been riding bikes for over 40 years and my last bike was a Honda Hornet 600. I would love something like this, but the sensible side of me says to get something little bit less powerful like CFMoto CLC450, they look really kool little bikes. But then the other side of me wants an MV Agusta Brutale 800, lol. Could you test the Brutale please??
Thanks for another great video Sean and Suzie. In summary, my opinion is the Indian FTR1200 is too expensive, too big and no necessary. I much prefer the entry level smaller capacity motorcycles you normally review.
Thanks William, appreciate that. FTR is too much bike for me too, I came back from the ride 'exhilarated' and maybe I'm boring but I like to come back with a relaxed feeling 😌. Looking at a Guerilla 450 next if I can find one...
Awesome 😊
What church do you stop at ?
Do they still have the Rally version?
Well that looked fun Sean not sure I like the offset rear shock but I do like it would I need that much umff probably not well definitely not it's a lot of bike for the money right enough . I like it 👌👍
Half the power and it would still be a great bike. Is this like a Lambo that only ever roars between traffic lights - a little bit unnecessary?
Lovely bike, you can't beat a bit of torque just leave her in 3rd and blast through the twisties 👍
Suspension is apart from tyres the most important part of a bike , why ud go lower spec does my head in , doesnt sound very confident does he?
Much cheaper £11k vs £15k and not everyone needs Ohlins...
I have owned both the S and the base model. Coming from off road riding and also 80s street bikes, mate, it really isn't an issue. Your post is a bit like saying why buy a retro bike when you can go hypersports.
Sean that’s not exactly what I meant when I suggested trying an Indian for pillion comfort. 😅 If this bike was available when I bought my VROD in 2006 I would have bought it instead. FTR stands for flat track racer which is its heritage. I’m happy with the BSA these days but long live the diversity in available bikes for as long as possible.
Hi Sean reckon they just knicked that sport bike, no plate on the trail bike and dressed in trackies not for a bike, very nice bike real power mate, I was thinking Sean please don’t crack that throttle open cos it’s going to blow your socks off, god if only had £11k 🤣🤣🤣🤣 …. Pete🇫🇷
Real power indeed, seems like a good price for what you get to my mind but then im not often looking at bikes at this price point! By the way we are on the south coast camping of all things and getting wet! I looked at the weather radar looked and north of France and thought Petes not going to be riding his bike today! 😃
@@MindfulMotorcyclist south west coast is getting it bad, according to my mate, we have had some heavy rain in short bursts not constant, poss dry up with a bit of sun this afternoon 🤞fingers crossed yeah Sean your right I’m not riding today lol, we’re praying for sun in sept as we’re away for 3 weeks in our camper van with the Vespa px in tow starting at Quiberon on the west coast and chill - explore - then carry on down isle de Rae & d’Oleron great islands for put putting around on a scooter, love the FTR good review Sean 👍
That is my friend -a very likeable beast
Agreed, does have a sort of charm doesn't it 😊
Wouldn’t mind a go on one of them myself
I wouldn't want one , but I'd like to have a play on one.
I've seen a few in showrooms, it's one handsome son of a b1tch!!! Though the headlight looks a bit £30 from Amazon 😅 There's no chance I'd ride one... yet. That fear when it feels like it's running away from your control I've yet to master.
I watch the channel because you're relatable, honest and if it's a bike that I have no interest in seeing (ie the recent Harley ride experience) I don't watch. Nothing personal, just not my thing. Still looking forward to your review of your Dad's Triumph Thunderbird 😎
How about you setup a group ride too, before it starts raining through until next May😂 Great review, base model would be fine for most, just don't need all this tech. I wonder if people relied less on Sat Nav they'd see more around them? Everyone seems in such a rush, impatience abound, there's little time to slow down to properly read road signs (directions) but I wonder too if the Highways agency could improve signage frequency and keep on top of worn out painted lines and other markings. (Completely off topic there😮)
Nice looking machine, but my 2008 R1200GS has 85 ft lbs torque and handles remarkably well so I'm not getting too excited about this.
Like you Shaun this is way to fast for me and my limited ability, I'd kill myself on that thing.
Nope stick to the entry level stuff as I want an FTR now, I’m on it now in the Pyrenees riding the torque through the bends up past the col de aspin catch my breath on a log seat and carry on down the other side, 🤣🤣🤣🤣 viva the VTwin
Not my kind of ride but enjoyed the review a lot -- thanks. The "boys" probably haven't got a license, tax or insurance either -- just saying.
It only needs 3 gears.
IT DOESN'T MATTER WHAT BIKE YOU RIDE ,,, even if i don't like the bike and my comments are gruff , it's still entertainment and needs to be done , -- so carry on regardless ;; ha ha ,, also wouldn't that church make a fantastic home with a view ;;;
Fuel tank capacity is too small,rest of the bike is brilliant.
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Hideous looking and that radiator just waiting for you to drop it =££££
the ftr is a class on it's own ,,- good or bad ;; the screen is rubbish compered to the voge ;; also having to AGREE to terms to ride my own bike is a total deal breaker ;; what a ponsy pile of tripe , the bike is ugly as well so not for me , but seems to have enough real world GO to be a viable alternative to the 4 cylinder brigade , and on those roads seems to handle great , bit different GO to your bsa eh ??
👍🤪🏳️🌈
No idea what that means but you must be happy 😊👍
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Buy used. Save a ton of money.
Not true when you can buy the base model for £8999, it's cheaper than used. I've looked in Autotrader and Ebay 🤔
Cycle trader or marketplace.
I am about to make an offer on a dealer one, (found on cycle trader) (race replica 1200S) w/ only 4k miles. Under 8 still saving thousands…
I would like a bit more than Base model
Plus previous owner was grateful enough to add accessories, lol
Fair enough, marketplace is the cheapest
Great meaningful simple review. I got a better “feel” for this bike than with the usual reviews
Thanks Mark, that's kind