I have to tip my hat to production and post-production editing. The use of super wide lens on a stick to show rider on the bike and moving the image around. Very impressive considering there’s no production crew. I appreciate the hard that went into this review. And oh yeah love the review and bike.
Great review ....I loved when I rode the bike . Really enjoy all your reviews. The improvement I liked the most is the two same 17" wheels over the old larger front wheel
I bought my S version last May. The smaller wheels means decent rubber on the road. Road holding is excellent. A delightful machine to ride. I put the rally bars on mine to give a more upright riding position. I also have the Z900RS. I love both and can't really compare them as their delivery is so different.
I've said it before so sorry to say it again... two thumbs to everything just doesn't work! You say it's not as good as the BMW and then give it two thumbs! It's nowhere near as good as the Triumphs 'where fuelling' is concerned either. Ten thumbs would work better in my opinion. Watch all your content and really enjoy... thank you!
Some clarification needed from strong statements I'm getting about the Showa forks NOT being on the base FTR the first two years. The 2020 video I did on the base model had Showa non-adjustable forks. You can see the forks in this video th-cam.com/video/DHBurXr8RvI/w-d-xo.html Some countries got ZF and some got Showa, why I do not know but if you have the base FTR and you got ZF please don't leave a negative comment and just accept that your country got the better fork than Germany. take care, Scott
If I had to pick one of the roadsters on your table Scott I would have to go with the R9T. The FTR is a fantastic looking bike but when I look at anything made by Indian I see Polaris which is not really a motorcycle company they make snowmobiles and ATV's. BMW has heritage, class, style and refinement. What better qualities for a retro roadster.
In a direct comparison, I find the R Nine T rough and lumpy and was disappointed because I wanted to like it. Perhaps because I'm used to the liquid cooled boxers, which are very smooth. So, like for like, I prefer the Indian here. Another plus for the Indian is that the instruments are easier to read - my eyes aren't getting any younger.
I have the 2019 model and love it I bought it because it’s not like anything else it’s in a class all alone, seems like there trying to make it too much like some other bikes still a bad ass bike and fun to ride, I took mine from the east coast to Arizona and Utah last year and no trouble at all just wish the tank was alittle bigger but stopping and walking around did me some good
Yay! Been waiting on this one!!! I will say the improvements on this bike “wheels, suspension, rake etc” are way more noticeable when compared back to back with the last gen model. To me it was a huge difference, still not perfect but good. I still feel like this bike needs a to go on a diet and a little bit shorter wheelbase
Great review as always! Watching your videos causes my wife and me to MISS Germany and Europe immensely! I am eight months into owning the exact model you tested today, and I think you nailed the review. I come from riding Harleys and also own a Buell (04 XB). My limited (in terms of makes) riding experience causes me to think of the FTR as the best bike I have ever owned/ridden. Keep up the great reviews and we will continue to enjoy Germany vicariously through your videos--tschüss
LOL! But yea, could be but this is more of a roadster, not a cruiser. So it really depends on what you want. The Fat Bob is smoother and not rough around the edges...so yea, Bob is better there. take care, Scott
I like your videos a lot. You get all on point and i like the spirit of your videos (cant explain it better). I am from Germany and i also love your english. My english skills aren't the best, but i can understand everything you talk about. So please keep up making videos. Die linke zum gruß mein lieber.
Your reviews are some of my favorite go-to motorcycle content. So well done and loving those stat charts as well. You definitely get 👍👍 from me. Thank you
Ducati created the naked bike group back in 1993 with the first Monster. I don't think anyone would agree with you that it's a roadster, especially Ducati. The Diavel, again, I didn't put it into the roadster group, Ducati did. So it looks like you need to start a discussion with them, although I don't think they'd listen. They are after all, DUCATI.
Lack of community, less road comfort, and value retention, are the 3 things that make it fall-off my radar. R1250R and xDiavel are the King and Emperor of the hill respectively 😀
I have a "Base" 2019 model. Changed to Continental Trail Attack III tires. Huge improvement. I am considering changing the suspension to a German brand shock and front end kit that is minus 30mm (about 1500 bucks) The tire diameter actually works well here in New England with the winter wrecked roads. What do you think? What brand are the riding pants you are wearing?
I made the mistake of riding the 2020 FTR the day after riding the Livewire. I was not impressed at all, and it was the Indian I was actually considering buying.
You are correct. Sorry. My wife was the one always translating but now it's become to much for her to spend 5hrs per video to do the translation to German. Maybe one day I'll make enough to pay someone to translate but right now each video does not even cover the cost of translation, little alone everything else. take care and thanks for watching, I hope you'll continue to watch and one day I hope to continue to provide German translation in the future. take care, Scott
Very cool. I may have to seriously consider an Indian, something I have never done before. Thanks. May I ask what pants are those you have on and where do I get them?
Thank you Scott, for another nice and so informative review! Lovely bike for roadsterfans! Looks good, sounds good, rides well so I understand. One question: couldn't you better compare this bike with the Ducati Monster 1200 instead of the much more expensive, bulky and specific Diavel? Still so glad you are back on a regular base ;-)
Depends. What country do you live in? Cause the 1200 Monster is a thing of the past in 2022, depending on which country. North America yes but it's days there are numbered too, but he rest of the world...well probably not and you'll have to settle for a used one. :)
What's the difference between a roadster and a cruiser? For me the best two bikes in this segment are the Triumph Speedmaster 1200 and Kawasaki Z900RS although they are quite different bikes The Speedmaster is a little under powered but it more than makes up for this in other departments.
Usually you can apply these things to the two different groups BUT one can always find exceptions. Cruiser - feet forward, heavier, seat lower to ground, pegs lower to ground. Roadster - feet under seat, lighter, seat & pegs standard height, more focus on performance. This is why I didn't put the speedmaster in with this group. It leans more towards a cruiser than a roadster. take care Alex, Scott
Thanks for the great review. I'd not like to buy one and be told it's totally non-PC as a name. I don't think 'Caucasian' would fit on the tank. The bike looks good, even in that shade and, for shorter riders, would be excellent given the seat height. I just saw a reiviewer, who's 6ft (49.2 metres) who said he couldn't touch the ground (new 1200 Triumph) - Good luch with the sales Triumph, I say. Especially in Japan. Holland might be fine - with all of its hilly off road adventure.........maybe not.
I have to tip my hat to production and post-production editing. The use of super wide lens on a stick to show rider on the bike and moving the image around. Very impressive considering there’s no production crew. I appreciate the hard that went into this review. And oh yeah love the review and bike.
Great review ....I loved when I rode the bike . Really enjoy all your reviews. The improvement I liked the most is the two same 17" wheels over the old larger front wheel
I have had a BMW, KTM, Yamaha and an Indian. I like the FTR1200 the best!
I bought this bike after this review! Freaking love it, ride nearly everyday for the last month. Thanks for the awesome content
I bought the original 1200s today. Already made 500km and I gotta say I love it. It wakes the animal in me. Savage machine. Love the review of course👏
I bought my S version last May. The smaller wheels means decent rubber on the road. Road holding is excellent. A delightful machine to ride. I put the rally bars on mine to give a more upright riding position.
I also have the Z900RS. I love both and can't really compare them as their delivery is so different.
I rode one last year and loved it. The fuel consumption worries me a bit though
I've said it before so sorry to say it again... two thumbs to everything just doesn't work! You say it's not as good as the BMW and then give it two thumbs! It's nowhere near as good as the Triumphs 'where fuelling' is concerned either. Ten thumbs would work better in my opinion. Watch all your content and really enjoy... thank you!
Some clarification needed from strong statements I'm getting about the Showa forks NOT being on the base FTR the first two years. The 2020 video I did on the base model had Showa non-adjustable forks. You can see the forks in this video th-cam.com/video/DHBurXr8RvI/w-d-xo.html
Some countries got ZF and some got Showa, why I do not know but if you have the base FTR and you got ZF please don't leave a negative comment and just accept that your country got the better fork than Germany.
take care,
Scott
If I had to pick one of the roadsters on your table Scott I would have to go with the R9T. The FTR is a fantastic looking bike but when I look at anything made by Indian I see Polaris which is not really a motorcycle company they make snowmobiles and ATV's. BMW has heritage, class, style and refinement. What better qualities for a retro roadster.
In a direct comparison, I find the R Nine T rough and lumpy and was disappointed because I wanted to like it. Perhaps because I'm used to the liquid cooled boxers, which are very smooth. So, like for like, I prefer the Indian here. Another plus for the Indian is that the instruments are easier to read - my eyes aren't getting any younger.
I have the 2019 model and love it I bought it because it’s not like anything else it’s in a class all alone, seems like there trying to make it too much like some other bikes still a bad ass bike and fun to ride, I took mine from the east coast to Arizona and Utah last year and no trouble at all just wish the tank was alittle bigger but stopping and walking around did me some good
Yay! Been waiting on this one!!! I will say the improvements on this bike “wheels, suspension, rake etc” are way more noticeable when compared back to back with the last gen model. To me it was a huge difference, still not perfect but good.
I still feel like this bike needs a to go on a diet and a little bit shorter wheelbase
Great review as always! Watching your videos causes my wife and me to MISS Germany and Europe immensely! I am eight months into owning the exact model you tested today, and I think you nailed the review. I come from riding Harleys and also own a Buell (04 XB). My limited (in terms of makes) riding experience causes me to think of the FTR as the best bike I have ever owned/ridden. Keep up the great reviews and we will continue to enjoy Germany vicariously through your videos--tschüss
Thx for dreaming ✨ , but hey: don’t mess with my ex honey (R1250R), its
t w o more ponies & the sound is wonderful 😂😂😂👍🏻
Seems the new Harley Fat Bob (similar looks) is a better option??
LOL! But yea, could be but this is more of a roadster, not a cruiser. So it really depends on what you want. The Fat Bob is smoother and not rough around the edges...so yea, Bob is better there.
take care,
Scott
Great review Scott. Small tank is probably the only downside.
Yea, and that's a major down side. Do a 100 mile ride and have to get gas, sad.
I like your videos a lot. You get all on point and i like the spirit of your videos (cant explain it better). I am from Germany and i also love your english. My english skills aren't the best, but i can understand everything you talk about. So please keep up making videos. Die linke zum gruß mein lieber.
Is the FTR a Rotax V-Twin? The only 60 degree V’s I know are Aprilia’s V990 Motor 1st & 2nd Gen
It is a 60 degree V-twin proprietary to Indian under Polaris Industries, both US companies. The FTR engine is based on the Indian Scout v-twin
Really hope you get the chance to review the new Sportster S. Curious you’re take!
Your reviews are some of my favorite go-to motorcycle content. So well done and loving those stat charts as well. You definitely get 👍👍 from me. Thank you
Do you see the cost value in the "S" vs base model? .... Would weight of extra .5 - 1.0 gal tank be that much here? (Small tank & low mpg)
I have this exact bike, love it! She gets a lot of attention, and is so fun to ride. Great up in the canyons!
As always Scott great review.
"They all want to evoke emotion, but somebody needs to clue in the japanese though" lmao
Yeah kawi is really in love with those soulless inline 4s
Nothing evokes my emotions like mechanical issues. 😄
On your bike list you have the Ducati diavel as a roadster, I’d say it’s a cruiser. You should have the Ducati monster it fits this category
Ducati created the naked bike group back in 1993 with the first Monster. I don't think anyone would agree with you that it's a roadster, especially Ducati. The Diavel, again, I didn't put it into the roadster group, Ducati did. So it looks like you need to start a discussion with them, although I don't think they'd listen. They are after all, DUCATI.
Lack of community, less road comfort, and value retention, are the 3 things that make it fall-off my radar. R1250R and xDiavel are the King and Emperor of the hill respectively 😀
I have a "Base" 2019 model. Changed to Continental Trail Attack III tires. Huge improvement. I am considering changing the suspension to a German brand shock and front end kit that is minus 30mm (about 1500 bucks) The tire diameter actually works well here in New England with the winter wrecked roads. What do you think? What brand are the riding pants you are wearing?
I have a 2022 FTR rally. Bad ass bike. I had a 2004 gsxr1000, never thought I'd have an American bike that would beat it 0-100mph
I made the mistake of riding the 2020 FTR the day after riding the Livewire. I was not impressed at all, and it was the Indian I was actually considering buying.
I'm sadly having issues with mine, performance is pretty good but it won't rev past 6k rpm.
Imagin this bike, only about 800cc, 180kgs, 100bhp and 100Nm...
Thank you!
Warum gibt es keine deutschen Untertitel mehr, oder mache ich was falsch
You are correct. Sorry. My wife was the one always translating but now it's become to much for her to spend 5hrs per video to do the translation to German. Maybe one day I'll make enough to pay someone to translate but right now each video does not even cover the cost of translation, little alone everything else.
take care and thanks for watching, I hope you'll continue to watch and one day I hope to continue to provide German translation in the future.
take care,
Scott
Great review as always Scott…
Please keep them coming !!!
Ride like there is nothing to prove!!
you could have added the harley davidson sportster S in there
Very cool. I may have to seriously consider an Indian, something I have never done before. Thanks.
May I ask what pants are those you have on and where do I get them?
Thank you. Those are Trilobyte Agnox jeans. I got mine off of Amazon.de.
Thanks for review keep ‘em coming.
Carbon R owner here. Love it!!!!!
Thank you Scott, for another nice and so informative review! Lovely bike for roadsterfans! Looks good, sounds good, rides well so I understand. One question: couldn't you better compare this bike with the Ducati Monster 1200 instead of the much more expensive, bulky and specific Diavel? Still so glad you are back on a regular base ;-)
Depends. What country do you live in? Cause the 1200 Monster is a thing of the past in 2022, depending on which country. North America yes but it's days there are numbered too, but he rest of the world...well probably not and you'll have to settle for a used one. :)
The Netherlands
What's the difference between a roadster and a cruiser? For me the best two bikes in this segment are the Triumph Speedmaster 1200 and Kawasaki Z900RS although they are quite different bikes The Speedmaster is a little under powered but it more than makes up for this in other departments.
Usually you can apply these things to the two different groups BUT one can always find exceptions.
Cruiser - feet forward, heavier, seat lower to ground, pegs lower to ground.
Roadster - feet under seat, lighter, seat & pegs standard height, more focus on performance.
This is why I didn't put the speedmaster in with this group. It leans more towards a cruiser than a roadster.
take care Alex,
Scott
@@NothingToProve It's clear now. Thanks Scott.
I really like your denims!
Awesome review as always! Any plans on testing the new Harley Sportster S?
Sorry, no Harley dealers near me 😢
@@NothingToProve dang 🙁
Thanks for the great review. I'd not like to buy one and be told it's totally non-PC as a name. I don't think 'Caucasian' would fit on the tank. The bike looks good, even in that shade and, for shorter riders, would be excellent given the seat height. I just saw a reiviewer, who's 6ft (49.2 metres) who said he couldn't touch the ground (new 1200 Triumph) - Good luch with the sales Triumph, I say. Especially in Japan. Holland might be fine - with all of its hilly off road adventure.........maybe not.
It's a fine looking bike but that low seat is a dealbreaker