After seeing your presentation, I went straight to the local Indian's show room (in Cluj / Transylvania / Romania) and ... I bought it ! The "anti-advertising" has its role in promoting products... ;)
Scott, you could give the bike a chance to run in, you'll probably find that it will iron out some of the snatchiness with a few thousand miles under its belt. Tighter emission and noise laws are making it difficult for engineers to reach targets, forcing them to run bikes very lean which is what you're probably experiencing with throttle/power delivery. An easy solution if you really love everything else about the bike is to get it dyne tuned or re-mapped whilst ridding the cat and opening the air intake. The poor bike is strangled up and gasping for air and fuel. I took one out for a test the other day and didn't want to take it back. Leaving the dealers car park on one wheel. It's an absolute hoot to ride. I absolutely love it because it rides and looks totally different to everything else in the super naked class. I'm now scheming of a way to convince myself I need a 1200cc peak hour commuter ;D
Thank you Thomas, stress is why I left the automotive industry after 25 years. Now I'm stress free and doing what I have a passion for and enjoy doing every day. :)
The aggresive mapping on this bike is deliberate from Indian. This is no soft cruiser [like the scout]. This is a far more powerful and responsive engine.
I’ve owned this bike for 3 weeks (1100 miles) here in the foothills of the Rockies in the Pacific Northwest of the U.S. and live in mountainous canyon cutting country and its ideal for me. The proTaper bars made it an easy transition from my dirt bikes. I would like to first note that you don’t have to wait for the screen to load to start it and get up and running and I also saw concerns on this post in regards to a touch screen on a bike. You never have to touch it if you don’t want and there’s not a real need to do so. If you do you have everything available right at the grips. Ok, have I enjoyed my decision to get this? The answer is yes. I’m 6’1” and it fits me like a glove. It handles amazingly on my windy country roads (as well as the hiway) but if I want I can take it right up a logging road when I get the itch. Is it for everyone? Who knows, but it’s definitely the right bike for me. I love the darn thing (btw, that’s local mileage 😬)
Good point on the touchscreen and thanks for sharing your experience. It was a little bit out of my budget that's why I went with the triumph Speed twin. All the best and enjoy your bike!
H1mb3 the Speedtwin is a GREAT bike, congratulations! The best thing about all these choices is that there’s a bike out there for everyone. It’s silly that I see folks dissing this bike or others, if you find one that fits your budget and most importantly your lifestyle and size then GO FOR IT! This bike was a perfect fit for me, it filled a gap between my dirtBikes, duoSports, my rural location and my 6’1” frame. Have a blast with that SpeedTwin!
NothingToProve , like I told H1mb3; I have a love affair with everything Moto. This bike was a perfect fit for my lifestyle and frame size! Would I recommend it for everyone? Certainly not but when I’m in the saddle flat footed and balanced on these amazing mountainous country roads I know in my heart I made the right choice. Thanks for your video I really enjoy seeing where others live and ride. You’ve got a great vibe about you. I wanna ride there!
When Harley riders say their bike is fast or powerful, what they really mean is relative to other Harleys... because we damn well know HD engines are weak. So when you say this Indian handles well, what are you comparing to; other Indians or top handling bikes in the market?
They got another 25 rwhp out of this compared to the Scout, while still meeting emissions targets, so it's not surprising if the fueling is snatchier down low.
Hey Scott. Always love your reviews and appreciate how you break down your opinions of the motorcycle you’re riding. I bought a Scout (taking your review into consideration). I am wondering if you would consider taking one of the bigger Indians out for a nothing to prove cruise.
Had test rides on the big wheel and the 17" , both are awesome but I'm a big guy and the big wheel was more fun, still need to respect that engine though!!
Hi Jay, thanks. I don't "gush" over any bike. I like bikes, they are my passion. I disagree with your statement about every other reviewer has gushed over the power, some main stream mags said it was good/ok for an Indian/American made bike. Also, I didn't really criticize the power, it was more so the delivery of that power to the wheel that I didn't agree with, the engine mapping. I have been told that Indian deliberately did the mapping that way to make if feel like a flat track racer. Actually, I was going to buy this bike but now after riding it, no. If I could afford 2 or 3 bikes, then I would consider it as a 2nd or 3rd bike and put the beautiful thing in my living room so that I can look at it from my couch and take it out on weekends to ride down to the cafe. Just wait a few years, you can get a used one of these for half price with very low miles on it. For example, 3 years old and 4000 miles on it. It seems ludicrous now but just wait...you can find many Harley's just like that right now.
I have a triumph speed twin, which I love the looks of. But I have to agree, this is a great looking bike. I begrudgingly admit it's better looking than my triumph. Lol
Thanks for not being THAT guy who says “it’s the best thing ever” like the other channels. I traded my Street Triple R and have some regrets. Here’s the nitty gritty; 32 mpg, terrible mapping/chugging unless you let it idle for 5 min, reeeeeally tall seat hight, limited after market items and Indian parts cost more than HD. However, it’s a great ride and you’ll be the only one on the block with one. Maybe for a reason.
This is a beautiful bike. Gorgeous! That touch screen is a bad idea, riders don't need to be fooling with touch screens why they are ridding, it needs to be a joy stick. Just curious, do you have the suspension set up for your weight before you test ride these bikes. Thanks for the review.
Hi Mark, sometimes it can take hours to set up the suspension for a specific person, so no, I do not mess with the suspension before I take a bike out from the dealership. That is why I said in the video that I need to adjust it for me, or gain some weight. :)
@@NothingToProve thanks, I have a Triumph street triple that's has 500 miles on it so far and I've yet to have the suspension setup for me, I've been reading books on the subject but it looks like a two person job. That's what is nice about my tiger 1200 XCA, no suspension to mess with.
Suspension is really a fine art, once it's "dialed-in", you can still tweak it days/months/years to get it to what you personally prefer. I took me over a year for my KTM SDR to get "right" for my taste. A "click" in here a "click" out there, then ride for 100 miles, then another "click"...bla bla bla. Now that I have almost 20k on my SDR, I think I finally have the suspension dialed in to where I like it. :)
Hi Scott I've just revisited this review as I'm now considering the ftr1200 Why ? Well there are some great deals now on in the uk on this bike £9k for a new s version , yes the fueling is easily solved now ,new tyres really help also and you can add touring kit easily .However I also just love the v8tt more expensive initially .I think the ftr wins for being more exciting and the v85tt wins for pillion comfort .There are a few others I'm considering katana 1000 ,z900rs or cafe ,Honda xadv ,BMW 900xr oh and if they was still going to build it the Harley Bronx ,just too much choice .The ftr1200 is a very capable bike ,I've witnessed first hand being used for some pretty extreme off road stuff ,really surprised me .Seat height is going to be my main concern on any bike I purchase .Keep the great reviews coming many thanx
No, cause I already love the 2018 so much that I almost bought that last year, now the 2019 with the new TFT and a better more refined engine with even more torque lower in the rev-range than 2018. I'd have no choice but to buy it but then my bank account would file for divorce against me. Seriously!
yea, after a test ride... no way. As for looks i can look at a pic on my phone and save enough to buy a Z900RS!! and a nice vaction. Besides GOOD LUCK when ( not if) you need a dealer.
Thank you Glen. No, I'm not looking for a change, I just loved the looks of the this bike soooo much that it is the first bike that I've seen in a very long long time to where I just see it and say, "I want that bike!". To the point that I was willing to give up the SDR for it. But the FTR just didn't fulfill/hit my magic button, so to speak. Well, it did on the looks but not every where else. Cheers, Scott
I recently bought a 2020 MT10 BUT I really like the look of the FTR 1200 S. The Yamaha is beast even for me "I roadraced for 25 years". Now I am 50 years old and thinking maybe I should have bought the Indian instead. What do you think about trying to compare the MT10 to the FTR 1200 S for a retired old dude?
Yea, any super naked it a little over kill for the street, I know I rode a 1290SDR for over 4 years and it really over killed me...LOL! Yes, the FTR is a step down in performance and attitude from the MT10. You can ride it relaxed and chilled, in fact that is how I preferred to ride this bike, when I pushed it, it kind of pushed back and said, "what is wrong with you, what you are you doing to me?"..."just relax". 👍😁
@@carstenf279 He had two complaints. Engine mapping and the time the display took to start up. Overall, he gives two thumbs up at 13:00 in the video. He said it again at 13:45. Again at 14:28, he gives two thumbs up. Not sure what video you were watching, but clearly he recommends buying the bike. The only caveat he gives is to test ride first. It seemed like he had some negative impressions, which makes me wonder what it takes to get a thumbs down. Scott, if you have any thoughts, please chime in. Thanks.
I think in today's world you are not going to have a bad bike unless you get something from a really oddball manufacturer. It is all going to come down to preference. For example the time for the display startup, maybe that is not an issue because you start the bike and let it warm up a minute when you put your gear on so it doesn't mean anything to you. Maybe you are heavier than he is so the "harsh" suspension doesn't feel that way or you know you can tune it out to where you want it. Maybe you like more feedback and hate softer sprung bikes. It is now more like ice cream flavors and trying to pick the best, unless you pick something like dead trout that you have never heard of, sticking to the common flavors are all going to be considered the favorite for different people. It is why there are so many flavors of ice cream.
A bike has to deliver the goods as well as looking good. It doesn't really do anything for me. I think the SDR looks better and the Ducati Monster 1200s in red is a much better bike.
Yes, you're right. I really wanted to buy it but after riding it, it just did not meet my expectations. Don't get me wrong, I love it but since I ride over 50 different bikes a year I kind of know what should work together and what shouldn't. This should work but it does not work as well as it should. Sigh. Oh well, maybe I'll wait for the second gen FTR1200.
@@NothingToProve I was really excited when I've heard that Indian is going to make the non-cruiser, naked bike. And I was hoping it will be good (since they've raced Pice Peak , Flat tracks etc) but somehow they've opted for an american-vibe bike (rough around the edges, better on straights then in curves), which is OK, but it's a specific niche. I am not sure how well this thing is going to sell especially having the price in mind. We'll see.
I am considering this Indian bike or the Moto Guzzi V85TT; since you have ridden both, any thoughts you could share between the two bikes would be useful! Thanks...
Oh, well, they are very different bikes, first of all, second of all it really depends on what you are looking for in a bike? More touring/highway riding then the V85, more country roads and shorter distances then the FTR. But if you're going to tour on the FTR, then you need to add the cost of adding the touring package to it, whereas the V85 comes complete, simple because it is an adventure tour bike. Hope this helps, Scott
@@NothingToProve I agree with your position that the V85 would be better suited for long legged journey(s) vs FTR which would be a very nice back road hooligan bike; but please consider the similarities; First 19" front wheels, Second V-twins, Third cruise control, Fourth greater suspension travel vs. conventional bikes, Fifth TFT screen. I like to ride booth, with more towards back road riding. The reason why I am considering the two bikes is because of the greater suspension travel, we also have fire road services. I like in the state of Washington and the roads are not the best for fast speeds to put it politely! So, I suspect that both would be perfect for this environment? Thanks for your consideration...
@@pointdoc1 Ah, thank you for the clarification, with fire roads and other off-road activities I'd lean a little more towards adventure bikes, which is what the V85 is...well barely by the skin of it's teeth. And the FTR is not, at all but it can do it but I'd personally do that on the V85, or even better the Honda Africa Twin. But since you picked these two bikes, looks seems to be a concern, so the Africa Twin would be out! LOL!. 150mm of travel for the FTR, 170mm for the V85, most ADV bikes start at 200mm of travel. So you can see that both bikes you picked can do light trail riding but they are far from bikes that are actually designed for it. Keeping this in mind, the FTR might be a bit harsh, especially day after day of riding these trails/fire roads, the V85 a little bit easier and an actual ADV bike much much easier...especially if you need to stand up on the bike while riding these roads. The FTR is very uncomfortable standing up, almost next to impossible, as I tried it in the video. Take them both for a test ride and see what fits you, that maybe the deciding factor for you, you may just sit on one and say..."oh this is it!" and the other you may say, "oh, it's ok", then you'll know which is right for you. Good luck and ride safe, Scott
You don't know if TFT is a fad or if it's here to stay? Is there really any debate for whether analog needle-gauges will displace TFT in the future?? TFT is here to stay; it is not a passing fad. Why? Feature -rich. Low-cost. Reliable. Needed for electric bikes (i.e. the future). Needed to attract the next generation of riders who have grown up in the digital age. With TFT, design and stylistic implementation are limitless. You can mimic realistic analog gauges for retro bikes, create innovative new graphics and ways of displaying information for futuristic bikes... and every combination in between. Further, you can do all of these on the same bike if desired.
Hi G, thank you for the information on why TFT is here and here to stay. My question was not about TFT, my question was about the one new thing that Indian has done with this TFT, touch and it's a touch screen like Garmin Zumo, with bare finger or with gloves on. Nobody else has this, yet. Thanks for watching, Scott
I'm scratching my head as per the irregular rear/front wheel/tire size............ The rear - 18 inches, is pushing a 19 inch front. This creates two completely different radius. Why they chose to do this leaves me again scratching/shaking my head. Both should be mated at 18 inches and a wider front at that.
Why not just get a Ducati Monster R? Price is about the same, the Monster looks just as good if not better imo and the Monster will probably smoke this bike.
Yea I see your point. After riding both, the Monster beats this in all performance areas but we have to remember that Ducati has been making Monsters for over 25 years and this is year 1 for Indian FTR.
Agreed. I was really let down about this bike. In fact, based on looks alone, I was ready to buy it but after doing this review, it didn't move me on an emotional level, sure it did every thing well but just not to the level of the cost of the bike. The 19" front tire and the actual tires themselves hurt the performance and the weight, over 230kg is just too much for a bike this size and class. The BMW R 1250 R is about the same weight but will far out perform this in a corner and just about every thing else. If this had a 17" tire and better tires and the mapping was more refined and 20kg lighter, I probably would have bought it. In fact I had already cleared it with my wife to get it, but after riding it, simply no. Maybe for the second generation of this I will pull the trigger but this first gen just didn't do it for me. For this amount of money I need more than just looks, the looks need to match the performance. Ride safe, Scott
A move in the right direction... but Indian is still weak in the engineering department for anything but rattle-trap cruisers. Harley engineering is even weaker but they're trying to move in new directions too.
This is why I think I'll wait and buy the second gen FTR1200, this one was just a little too rough about the edges and that is why I said "it's not for everybody, take it for a test ride and see if it's you" in the video. It is a very good bike, just not for every body...yet.
@@NothingToProve Just pulling your leg... I'm much older than you and still ride every day. I enjoy your channel... that Indian ... I'd not want it as a gift and never will I even make an even swap for the Duke... keep the Duke - it is far better than the Indian.
Regarding the looks, well, all I will say is that looks are in the eye of the beholder. I find that rear taillight, flashers and plate monstrosity on the rear wheel absolutely hideous. But that's just me.
I disagree! The bike looks great from one side only. The fact, that the engine is "hidden" is a clear minus, and the ugly "cooler" is just as ugly as on most bikes. Can't engineers come up with a smarter look? Come on, guys!
After seeing your presentation, I went straight to the local Indian's show room (in Cluj / Transylvania / Romania) and ... I bought it ! The "anti-advertising" has its role in promoting products... ;)
Thumbs up just for the enthusiastic description of the bike lines.
Scott, you could give the bike a chance to run in, you'll probably find that it will iron out some of the snatchiness with a few thousand miles under its belt. Tighter emission and noise laws are making it difficult for engineers to reach targets, forcing them to run bikes very lean which is what you're probably experiencing with throttle/power delivery. An easy solution if you really love everything else about the bike is to get it dyne tuned or re-mapped whilst ridding the cat and opening the air intake. The poor bike is strangled up and gasping for air and fuel. I took one out for a test the other day and didn't want to take it back. Leaving the dealers car park on one wheel. It's an absolute hoot to ride. I absolutely love it because it rides and looks totally different to everything else in the super naked class. I'm now scheming of a way to convince myself I need a 1200cc peak hour commuter ;D
Dude I love the way you're presenting the bikes in your videos. You don't seem to know any kind of stress, do you? Keep up the good work 👍🏼
Thank you Thomas, stress is why I left the automotive industry after 25 years. Now I'm stress free and doing what I have a passion for and enjoy doing every day. :)
The aggresive mapping on this bike is deliberate from Indian. This is no soft cruiser [like the scout]. This is a far more powerful and responsive engine.
Agreed they were not going for that feel at all. You can tell the second you twist that throttle
I’ve owned this bike for 3 weeks (1100 miles) here in the foothills of the Rockies in the Pacific Northwest of the U.S. and live in mountainous canyon cutting country and its ideal for me. The proTaper bars made it an easy transition from my dirt bikes. I would like to first note that you don’t have to wait for the screen to load to start it and get up and running and I also saw concerns on this post in regards to a touch screen on a bike. You never have to touch it if you don’t want and there’s not a real need to do so. If you do you have everything available right at the grips.
Ok, have I enjoyed my decision to get this? The answer is yes. I’m 6’1” and it fits me like a glove. It handles amazingly on my windy country roads (as well as the hiway) but if I want I can take it right up a logging road when I get the itch. Is it for everyone? Who knows, but it’s definitely the right bike for me. I love the darn thing (btw, that’s local mileage 😬)
Good point on the touchscreen and thanks for sharing your experience. It was a little bit out of my budget that's why I went with the triumph Speed twin. All the best and enjoy your bike!
Thank you! It's always nice to hear from guys that have actually bought the bike and their experiences with it. Thank you once again. Cheers, Scott
H1mb3 the Speedtwin is a GREAT bike, congratulations! The best thing about all these choices is that there’s a bike out there for everyone. It’s silly that I see folks dissing this bike or others, if you find one that fits your budget and most importantly your lifestyle and size then GO FOR IT! This bike was a perfect fit for me, it filled a gap between my dirtBikes, duoSports, my rural location and my 6’1” frame. Have a blast with that SpeedTwin!
NothingToProve , like I told H1mb3; I have a love affair with everything Moto. This bike was a perfect fit for my lifestyle and frame size! Would I recommend it for everyone? Certainly not but when I’m in the saddle flat footed and balanced on these amazing mountainous country roads I know in my heart I made the right choice. Thanks for your video I really enjoy seeing where others live and ride. You’ve got a great vibe about you. I wanna ride there!
When Harley riders say their bike is fast or powerful, what they really mean is relative to other Harleys... because we damn well know HD engines are weak. So when you say this Indian handles well, what are you comparing to; other Indians or top handling bikes in the market?
They got another 25 rwhp out of this compared to the Scout, while still meeting emissions targets, so it's not surprising if the fueling is snatchier down low.
How to make a motorcycle review that's full of soul! Great stuff, thanks Scott.
Hey Scott. Always love your reviews and appreciate how you break down your opinions of the motorcycle you’re riding. I bought a Scout (taking your review into consideration). I am wondering if you would consider taking one of the bigger Indians out for a nothing to prove cruise.
Thank you Cody,
I'm going to ride the new Indian Challenger Limited (red) sometime this week, so the video is coming soon 👍😁
Ride safe,
Scott
Had test rides on the big wheel and the 17" , both are awesome but I'm a big guy and the big wheel was more fun, still need to respect that engine though!!
I knew this one was coming! Great review as usual, NTP.
Arghhh.. You did it... This is my next crazy in 2 years (too young this bike) ... Bravo ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !
Very interesting review. Every other reviewer has gushed over the power. I wonder if something is up with that particular bike?
Hi Jay, thanks.
I don't "gush" over any bike. I like bikes, they are my passion. I disagree with your statement about every other reviewer has gushed over the power, some main stream mags said it was good/ok for an Indian/American made bike.
Also, I didn't really criticize the power, it was more so the delivery of that power to the wheel that I didn't agree with, the engine mapping. I have been told that Indian deliberately did the mapping that way to make if feel like a flat track racer. Actually, I was going to buy this bike but now after riding it, no. If I could afford 2 or 3 bikes, then I would consider it as a 2nd or 3rd bike and put the beautiful thing in my living room so that I can look at it from my couch and take it out on weekends to ride down to the cafe.
Just wait a few years, you can get a used one of these for half price with very low miles on it. For example, 3 years old and 4000 miles on it. It seems ludicrous now but just wait...you can find many Harley's just like that right now.
2 thumbs up for this review. I believe I’m with you, I really want to like it but I have a hard time doing it. Love the looks
I have a triumph speed twin, which I love the looks of. But I have to agree, this is a great looking bike. I begrudgingly admit it's better looking than my triumph. Lol
Thanks for not being THAT guy who says “it’s the best thing ever” like the other channels. I traded my Street Triple R and have some regrets. Here’s the nitty gritty; 32 mpg, terrible mapping/chugging unless you let it idle for 5 min, reeeeeally tall seat hight, limited after market items and Indian parts cost more than HD. However, it’s a great ride and you’ll be the only one on the block with one. Maybe for a reason.
Yea, this is my favorite bike to look at. I'm not saying anything about riding it. LOL!
Ride safe,
Scott
After market stuff will come, I've got a flash tool for the fuelling probs, it's a bike that requires a little commitment .
What a cool looking bike ! It's gorgeous.
You have great reviews !
You're one of the very few people to pronounce "Akrapovic" correctly! Nice!
Thank you. That's because I have lived the last few years in Germany. 😁
This is a beautiful bike. Gorgeous! That touch screen is a bad idea, riders don't need to be fooling with touch screens why they are ridding, it needs to be a joy stick.
Just curious, do you have the suspension set up for your weight before you test ride these bikes. Thanks for the review.
Hi Mark, sometimes it can take hours to set up the suspension for a specific person, so no, I do not mess with the suspension before I take a bike out from the dealership. That is why I said in the video that I need to adjust it for me, or gain some weight. :)
@@NothingToProve thanks, I have a Triumph street triple that's has 500 miles on it so far and I've yet to have the suspension setup for me, I've been reading books on the subject but it looks like a two person job. That's what is nice about my tiger 1200 XCA, no suspension to mess with.
Suspension is really a fine art, once it's "dialed-in", you can still tweak it days/months/years to get it to what you personally prefer. I took me over a year for my KTM SDR to get "right" for my taste. A "click" in here a "click" out there, then ride for 100 miles, then another "click"...bla bla bla. Now that I have almost 20k on my SDR, I think I finally have the suspension dialed in to where I like it. :)
Hi Scott I've just revisited this review as I'm now considering the ftr1200 Why ? Well there are some great deals now on in the uk on this bike £9k for a new s version , yes the fueling is easily solved now ,new tyres really help also and you can add touring kit easily .However I also just love the v8tt more expensive initially .I think the ftr wins for being more exciting and the v85tt wins for pillion comfort .There are a few others I'm considering katana 1000 ,z900rs or cafe ,Honda xadv ,BMW 900xr oh and if they was still going to build it the Harley Bronx ,just too much choice .The ftr1200 is a very capable bike ,I've witnessed first hand being used for some pretty extreme off road stuff ,really surprised me .Seat height is going to be my main concern on any bike I purchase .Keep the great reviews coming many thanx
How does this drive train differ from the Scout 1200?
Great Vid. Which was more comfortable, the Scout or The FTR? I'm looking at these two and the Honda CB500X. Thanks from Tucson.
Great review.... love the bike and keep up the great content. Wondering how much gas the tank holds?👍
Thank you Andy, 13L / 3.4 gal. So kind of small. It's under the seat.
Cheers, Scott
Can you operate the touch screen with your gloves on?
Yes.
Yes 👍
Nice video. Thanks for honestly including the things you don’t like. I agree...great looking bike...I demo rode the same bike a few weeks ago.
Scott thanks for the informative review. You need to hop on the 2019 Super Duke GT ASAP
No, cause I already love the 2018 so much that I almost bought that last year, now the 2019 with the new TFT and a better more refined engine with even more torque lower in the rev-range than 2018. I'd have no choice but to buy it but then my bank account would file for divorce against me. Seriously!
Except it is ugly as sin.
yea, after a test ride... no way. As for looks i can look at a pic on my phone and save enough to buy a Z900RS!! and a nice vaction. Besides GOOD LUCK when ( not if) you need a dealer.
Excellent video as usual Scott. Why the thoughts to change from the Superduke R? Just want a change or after something a little bit different?
Thank you Glen. No, I'm not looking for a change, I just loved the looks of the this bike soooo much that it is the first bike that I've seen in a very long long time to where I just see it and say, "I want that bike!". To the point that I was willing to give up the SDR for it. But the FTR just didn't fulfill/hit my magic button, so to speak. Well, it did on the looks but not every where else.
Cheers, Scott
i LOVE THIS BIKE BUT I THINK ITS 5K USD OVERPRICED. SO THE RACE REPLICA SHOULD BE ABOUT 10GS AND THE OTHER MODELS ABOUT 8GS.
Cannot argue with anything - but now I do have to go ride one.
Hi Scott, I'll bet the weather is great right now there? So perfect for a test ride of the FTR!
Cheers from Germany, Scott
Touch display with physical bottoms ??? 🤔 no way !
The rest of the bike - wonderful. Funny & informative as usual 👍🏻
I recently bought a 2020 MT10 BUT I really like the look of the FTR 1200 S. The Yamaha is beast even for me "I roadraced for 25 years". Now I am 50 years old and thinking maybe I should have bought the Indian instead. What do you think about trying to compare the MT10 to the FTR 1200 S for a retired old dude?
Yea, any super naked it a little over kill for the street, I know I rode a 1290SDR for over 4 years and it really over killed me...LOL!
Yes, the FTR is a step down in performance and attitude from the MT10. You can ride it relaxed and chilled, in fact that is how I preferred to ride this bike, when I pushed it, it kind of pushed back and said, "what is wrong with you, what you are you doing to me?"..."just relax". 👍😁
Ftr dude 🤙
Incredible video
Thanks for your videos, Scott. I agree with you, this is a gorgeous timeless bike . . . but I love (much more) BMW’s. ;). Ride save!
How does the bike have 2 different seat heights???
Emanuel Ortiz adjustable suspension
Have you reviewed any bikes that got a thumbs down? I'm just curious what your criteria are.
This one did. Did you not watch the entire video?
@@carstenf279 He had two complaints. Engine mapping and the time the display took to start up. Overall, he gives two thumbs up at 13:00 in the video. He said it again at 13:45. Again at 14:28, he gives two thumbs up. Not sure what video you were watching, but clearly he recommends buying the bike. The only caveat he gives is to test ride first. It seemed like he had some negative impressions, which makes me wonder what it takes to get a thumbs down. Scott, if you have any thoughts, please chime in. Thanks.
I think in today's world you are not going to have a bad bike unless you get something from a really oddball manufacturer. It is all going to come down to preference. For example the time for the display startup, maybe that is not an issue because you start the bike and let it warm up a minute when you put your gear on so it doesn't mean anything to you. Maybe you are heavier than he is so the "harsh" suspension doesn't feel that way or you know you can tune it out to where you want it. Maybe you like more feedback and hate softer sprung bikes. It is now more like ice cream flavors and trying to pick the best, unless you pick something like dead trout that you have never heard of, sticking to the common flavors are all going to be considered the favorite for different people. It is why there are so many flavors of ice cream.
A bike has to deliver the goods as well as looking good. It doesn't really do anything for me. I think the SDR looks better and the Ducati Monster 1200s in red is a much better bike.
This bike tied you in a knot. It seems that you want to like this bike more than you actually do.
Yes, you're right. I really wanted to buy it but after riding it, it just did not meet my expectations. Don't get me wrong, I love it but since I ride over 50 different bikes a year I kind of know what should work together and what shouldn't. This should work but it does not work as well as it should. Sigh. Oh well, maybe I'll wait for the second gen FTR1200.
@@NothingToProve I was really excited when I've heard that Indian is going to make the non-cruiser, naked bike. And I was hoping it will be good (since they've raced Pice Peak , Flat tracks etc) but somehow they've opted for an american-vibe bike (rough around the edges, better on straights then in curves), which is OK, but it's a specific niche. I am not sure how well this thing is going to sell especially having the price in mind. We'll see.
I gotta get one!
I am considering this Indian bike or the Moto Guzzi V85TT; since you have ridden both, any thoughts you could share between the two bikes would be useful! Thanks...
Oh, well, they are very different bikes, first of all, second of all it really depends on what you are looking for in a bike? More touring/highway riding then the V85, more country roads and shorter distances then the FTR. But if you're going to tour on the FTR, then you need to add the cost of adding the touring package to it, whereas the V85 comes complete, simple because it is an adventure tour bike.
Hope this helps, Scott
@@NothingToProve I agree with your position that the V85 would be better suited for long legged journey(s) vs FTR which would be a very nice back road hooligan bike; but please consider the similarities; First 19" front wheels, Second V-twins, Third cruise control, Fourth greater suspension travel vs. conventional bikes, Fifth TFT screen. I like to ride booth, with more towards back road riding. The reason why I am considering the two bikes is because of the greater suspension travel, we also have fire road services. I like in the state of Washington and the roads are not the best for fast speeds to put it politely! So, I suspect that both would be perfect for this environment? Thanks for your consideration...
@@pointdoc1 Ah, thank you for the clarification, with fire roads and other off-road activities I'd lean a little more towards adventure bikes, which is what the V85 is...well barely by the skin of it's teeth. And the FTR is not, at all but it can do it but I'd personally do that on the V85, or even better the Honda Africa Twin. But since you picked these two bikes, looks seems to be a concern, so the Africa Twin would be out! LOL!. 150mm of travel for the FTR, 170mm for the V85, most ADV bikes start at 200mm of travel. So you can see that both bikes you picked can do light trail riding but they are far from bikes that are actually designed for it. Keeping this in mind, the FTR might be a bit harsh, especially day after day of riding these trails/fire roads, the V85 a little bit easier and an actual ADV bike much much easier...especially if you need to stand up on the bike while riding these roads. The FTR is very uncomfortable standing up, almost next to impossible, as I tried it in the video. Take them both for a test ride and see what fits you, that maybe the deciding factor for you, you may just sit on one and say..."oh this is it!" and the other you may say, "oh, it's ok", then you'll know which is right for you.
Good luck and ride safe, Scott
You some how make it sound so naughty! Lmao
You don't know if TFT is a fad or if it's here to stay? Is there really any debate for whether analog needle-gauges will displace TFT in the future??
TFT is here to stay; it is not a passing fad. Why? Feature -rich. Low-cost. Reliable. Needed for electric bikes (i.e. the future). Needed to attract the next generation of riders who have grown up in the digital age. With TFT, design and stylistic implementation are limitless. You can mimic realistic analog gauges for retro bikes, create innovative new graphics and ways of displaying information for futuristic bikes... and every combination in between. Further, you can do all of these on the same bike if desired.
Hi G, thank you for the information on why TFT is here and here to stay. My question was not about TFT, my question was about the one new thing that Indian has done with this TFT, touch and it's a touch screen like Garmin Zumo, with bare finger or with gloves on. Nobody else has this, yet.
Thanks for watching, Scott
Thx!
Nice video
I'm scratching my head as per the irregular rear/front wheel/tire size............ The rear - 18 inches, is pushing a 19 inch front. This creates two completely different radius. Why they chose to do this leaves me again scratching/shaking my head. Both should be mated at 18 inches and a wider front at that.
ditto...
murica style
jesus why that display D: why not some analog stily like old day
Need the display to control the advanced features. You can get the base model, without some features, for less dough. 🤔
Why not just get a Ducati Monster R? Price is about the same, the Monster looks just as good if not better imo and the Monster will probably smoke this bike.
Yea I see your point. After riding both, the Monster beats this in all performance areas but we have to remember that Ducati has been making Monsters for over 25 years and this is year 1 for Indian FTR.
I appreciate your reply as well as your emphasis on safety.
Indian looks better.
@@Ww-dl7vr That's your opinion.
@@Tuesdaysgonewtw it is. The ducati services are pretty costly.
Designed by the same guy who designed the BMW R9T... Indians gain is BMW's loss apart from R9T handles way better
Agreed. I was really let down about this bike. In fact, based on looks alone, I was ready to buy it but after doing this review, it didn't move me on an emotional level, sure it did every thing well but just not to the level of the cost of the bike. The 19" front tire and the actual tires themselves hurt the performance and the weight, over 230kg is just too much for a bike this size and class. The BMW R 1250 R is about the same weight but will far out perform this in a corner and just about every thing else. If this had a 17" tire and better tires and the mapping was more refined and 20kg lighter, I probably would have bought it. In fact I had already cleared it with my wife to get it, but after riding it, simply no. Maybe for the second generation of this I will pull the trigger but this first gen just didn't do it for me. For this amount of money I need more than just looks, the looks need to match the performance.
Ride safe, Scott
@@NothingToProve and now new FTR comes with 17 inch wheels , I am seriously consider to buy it now , can't wait you to make 3rd review on FTR :)
Instrument is werry bad !
A move in the right direction... but Indian is still weak in the engineering department for anything but rattle-trap cruisers. Harley engineering is even weaker but they're trying to move in new directions too.
This is why I think I'll wait and buy the second gen FTR1200, this one was just a little too rough about the edges and that is why I said "it's not for everybody, take it for a test ride and see if it's you" in the video. It is a very good bike, just not for every body...yet.
Sure sign that you are now getting old.... :-)
Yes, old and slow. But proud of it! :)
@@NothingToProve Just pulling your leg... I'm much older than you and still ride every day. I enjoy your channel... that Indian ... I'd not want it as a gift and never will I even make an even swap for the Duke... keep the Duke - it is far better than the Indian.
Nice except those hideous pipes and stupid plate bracket they stole from Harley!
The plate holder is a BMW GS thing. Commonalities in design don’t automatically mean theft.
Regarding the looks, well, all I will say is that looks are in the eye of the beholder. I find that rear taillight, flashers and plate monstrosity on the rear wheel absolutely hideous. But that's just me.
Nobody likes that but so easily changed it doesn't much matter. Other than the "monstrosity" it is simply gorgeous.
@@bsteele5287 I'm glad you like it. It's good that we all like different things.
I disagree! The bike looks great from one side only. The fact, that the engine is "hidden" is a clear minus, and the ugly "cooler" is just as ugly as on most bikes. Can't engineers come up with a smarter look? Come on, guys!
Your opinion