American Muscle: Indian FTR 1200 R Carbon In-Depth Review and Ride
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 2 ก.ค. 2024
- What the heck is an Indian FTR, who is it for, and is it worth the $$$? That’s what we’ll find out in this video.
A powerhouse of a bike, the Indian FTR 1200 is a naked bike with a spirit of its own. Built with a flat track heritage combined with a cruiser focused legacy, the FTR 1200 is a bike like few others. The 2023 R Carbon is the top of the line FTR that Indian offers bringing a beautiful carbon fiber body, and upgraded suspension with the cutting edge Ride Command Display to a retro styled rocket.
In this Start It Up review, we'll look into what makes the FTR all around great motorcycle and a fair competitor to the bikes of Ducati, BMW, KTM and more.
If you've got any questions or corrections, I'll be happy to answer!
The Jacket:
- Alpinestars Solano: amzn.to/3w9VCHJ
The Shots:
- unsplash.com/@philip_blank
The Set-Up: (From Amazon)
- Canon EOS R: amzn.to/3AtwKtP
- Canon RF 24-105 f4 Lens: amzn.to/3K4MhU5
- GoPro Hero 10: amzn.to/3ceUmcn
- DJI RS 3 Gimbal: amzn.to/3weC5ml
- DJI Wireless Microphones: amzn.to/3C8Wjlo
- Rode VideoMicro Mic: amzn.to/3A26ndf
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0:00 - Intro
1:20 - FTR?
2:09 - Engine
4:00 - Walk-around
7:59 - Ergo
8:42 - Ride Command
10:08 - Start It Up!
12:08 - Target Audience
13:50 - Riding and Stuff
16:10 - Cylinder Shut-Off
16:48 - Cons
17:12 - Just Bike
Peace mates!
#Indian #ftr #indianftr #carbonfiber #2023 indian FTR 2024 ftr 1200FTR R Carbon review Ftr brembo brakes - วิทยาศาสตร์และเทคโนโลยี
Would you pick the FTR as your next bike? If not, what would you go with instead and why?
I really like it, but I'd go with a Honda CB1000R
Ah nice choice! There are so many great bikes out these days there are few wrong answers! @@genericallyaccepted
One of the better reviews I've seen on this bike! I'm so torn between this, a Speed Triple 1200, and a Ducati Streetfighter V2. This exact model is currently discounted a few grand at my local dealer, that might just sway me in this direction.
@@WayFastWhitey02 thanks! I would definitely go try to get some seat time on each one before going any direction, the feel of the ride is everything and this one is probably the most relaxed stance and casual between those 3 but by no means a slouch. Just depends what your style of riding is!
I´ve bought it. Last bike was the Indian Chieftain Ltd. Next to my FTR 100% sits the 2004 Duc 998sFE in the garage. I like the looks - and I use it - better will use it, due to current season, for shorter trips in Austria. Well, "shorter trips": Austria isn't this big anyway ;-)
Ummmm.... YES!!! The 2023+ models are night and day from the previous years. Getting a cat-delete, exhaust and tune and this thing will easily jump to 140+ hp and just absolutely rips! Handling with the new 17" wheels all around is amazing as well... I thump litre sport bikes all day in a race to 150mph and once you're used to it, it will do the same in the canyons. Just a sick bike!!! If you're into wheelies, the couple changes above and you no longer need to touch the clutch to get it to stand up in the first 2-3 gears!!! My favorite bike ever!!!
It’s served me well so far! I’ll look at getting a new pipe once the warm comes back. I’m curious how you tuned the front forks for the dampening on a comedown from a wheelie? I’ve been tweaking it a bit but if I have it soft for when the front wheel hits it feels to spongy on the curves so I stiffened it up a bit. I’m not one to partake in much 1 wheel play, gone over the back a few too many times and the wife and kids wouldn’t approve haha always a thrill though especially going over a quick hill and your nose stays up coming back down.
Engine package is the same throughout all the model years is it not? And went to 17" in 2022?
Don't delete the cat.
@@zackeriahthurman3666yes it’s the same and you can tune the earlier ones just the same. Not sure where this night and day comes from because I prefer the earlier model the new ones I’ve tried just turn in a bit better but have lost a lot of the character to me.
@@themarkcarr think that’s based on the wheels if the powertrain is the same? They seem to be a bit more refined in the later years but not sure the source of the change.
I appreciate how you mentioned who you think the market for this bike is for. I think the market for this bike is very niche. I think most people who want an American bike want a more cruiser style, while the people who want a naked sport bike style are going to be more interesting in a European or Japanese bike because of price point or performance or that companys heritage with that type of bike. So will be interesting to see what Indian does to continue to market this bike. Great video as always!
That’s a great take! I’m not sure on what kind of volume is produced on the FTR but they do seem to be growing and accessories are becoming easier to find.
excellent video review!
Thank you thank you! Still learning how to best make them so feedback is appreciated!
I really like the ftr, but I prefer the previous generation's red frame. Wished they'd kept that. And that fuelling issue is a concern for me.
My dream bike. And fantastic review! When u started riding, I was surprised at the fantastic production with all those camera angles. Subbed!
I appreciate the feedback and sub! Making videos is just my fun hobby on the side so I like to experiment with shots when I can! Bikes great, ride mine whenever possible!
Thanks for the well balanced review…I am allergic to BS, and thankfully you spared us that & instead offered up just that facts, specs & insights-WELL DONE❗️
Thanks mate! I’m still working to figure out how to make the content so positive feedback is helpful! Trying my best to not make more useless footage to fill the internet haha so I’ll do my best to keep the BS out.
@@PhilipBlank You are already there m’man👍
@@benbianchi3074 🤙
Gday Mate. Nice review, definitely one of the better o es out there. I own a 2022 FTR carbon and have put about 10000km on it. Love the bike and agree with your comments however you dont need to wait till ride command loads up before starting the bike. Literally turn the key, hit the starter and ride off. Also, the fuel filler is a pain but if your patient you can squeeze heaps more in. On a fill i can get 250km out of a tank. Sorry its in km not miles but you can figure ot out. Enjoy the bike bro
Thanks man, I appreciate the feedback, both good and bad! That’s a good amount of distance for it being a 22! (6,200 miles) on the RC screen I typically don’t wait and am driving before it clicks on, would love to see it sped up though from the Indian team to make it a little bit closer to feeling analog. That’s 150 miles so a decent extra gallon! How much of that is riding on E with the light on? Had any other experiences others might want to know about? Service, durability, upgrades or improvements? Always down to learn and you’ve got the seat time!
@PhilipBlank awesome mate. The E light turns on for the last 25km/15miles. Based on my riding I would say that is pretty bang on to totally empty. It does depend on your riding style however. If you ride it like you stole it you are not going to get good mileage but like you said, I like to ride and not die! The suspension can take a bit to set up with it being infinitely adjustable, I had a mate help out and I think I am at a point I'm happy with. The Metzler tyres fitted from factory are great and super sticky but were worn out at 4500 miles. The rear had a huge flat spot in the middle. I replaced them with Michelin Road 6 tyres and they are wearing much better but are a bit pricey. My biggest one day ride was 400 miles. The bike easily does it but the last 60 mile was a bit painful on my butt, as you say a bit more foam would be appreciated. Any questions fire away man
Thanks for the notes! I’m tempted to keep a L of fuel in a canister for just in case, may try that someday to see what range can get from full to empty. I think I’m about set on the suspension, may change the dampening a bit more on the front as if that front wheel lifts it hits pretty hard how I have it now. Hopefully I’ve got a bit of time before new tires but I’ll keep that noted. Had any issues with battery drain? I think some of these bikes may transmit so there may be a power draw on the ECU, I went about a month not riding with the cold and rain setting in and had to jump it. I’ll probably put a trickle lead on there to keep the battery healthy in these winter months.
I have had no issues with the battery drain mate, having said that I am a pretty regular rider and it usually gets a decent ride every week. Another point to note is my winter would be nothing like yours. My part of Australia has no snow and the only the occasional frost so no really cold weather to put serious drain on the battery. There should be a trickle charger plug already fitted to your bike, tucked in behind the trellis frame on the left hand side below the tank panel. My other mods are radiator guard from RadGuard and an oil cooler guard from them also. I fitted genuine Indian rear rack and side bag for a bit of luggage carrying on longer trips. Let me know if you can't find the trickle charger plug.
@@PhilipBlank The long boot time for Ride Command has been a complaint since the rollout. They're skimping on their hardware somewhere would be my guess. Maybe lack of memory, or a low power processor, or maybe their data rate is super slow.
Did the FTR finally get a fuel tank that actually holds fuel? It's the one thing that has held me back from buying the bike. 3 gallons just isn't enough.
Barely! But no, it’s 3.4 and range is not its strong point for sure.
I love the FTR!
Love My '22 Carbon R. 5500 miles in 6 months. Now with a catless exhaust and a tune. This is my favorite carving bike ever. The torque is amazing and the weight and the Ohlins make for an incredible ride. It's a Big Smile, Shit your pants Performer. They're quiet and sedate when they're stock, but opened up, it's in a class of its own.
Awesome to hear you enjoy it, that’s a lot of seat time up front! I’ve got the rear tuned in pretty well and was making slight adjustments on the forks before I had to put it away for the snow. Did you find someone local to do the tune or pre-flashed ECU?
A PV3 tuner . They will make adjustments to your ecu on your computer after you download a datalog
I agree. I too own a 2022 FTR R Carbon, 2 years later still fascinated with it and just Love everything about it….my only 2 complaints are small gas ⛽️ tank and range and the seat could be more comfortable, besides just Love my FTR and the looks I get on the road!
I agree with you saying that it’s not a beginner’s bike if…..: some one has knowledge of bikes! I went from a KX 80 2 stroke to a Honda CRF 450 yes, it is a dirtbike, but it’s night and day difference on power, sometimes if you’re gonna ride, you gotta go all out and learn it!
Haha I’ve ridden a whole range of dirt bikes from 50, 90, 125, 250, 350, 450 mostly KTM and Kawi so I feel you on the jump of power from the 80 to 450! Every bike is unique and fun to learn! But if someone has never been on a motorcycle on-road or off, this bike would be biting off a lot more then I’d recommend as the stakes are much higher on the road due to drivers and hard things everywhere which are far less forgiving with a mistake. I always recommend people learning on dirt bikes if they can, once you learn to handle yourself on slick mud and in the trees, road riding comes far more naturally then you can step up the power. It’s great you get to get out and ride your CRF though! I miss the trails.
Put a Sawicki Speed slip on exhaust and you've got a serious sounding monster!!!
I’ll check that one out!
the tank 😍
Definitely love the pattern! The 2024 FTR 100% has blue and black carbon, looks interesting but I’ve not seen it in person to decide on it yet
I find it interesting that you complain about how long it takes for the touch screen to turn on, the owner's manual clearly states you should allow the motorcycle to warm up for 30 seconds so that would mean that the screen has been ready to go long before the motorcycle has warmed up
That’s fair! But the only time I do that is starting out the ride for the day. I’ll pull it out of the garage and let it idle a bit but for stop and go after that, I definitely do not wait 30 seconds haha. Having helped write owners manuals, I realize a majority of people do not read those front to back, they can be incredibly dry but we just make sure every basis and specification value is covered mainly for legal reasons.
I usually dob’t watch these videos for they are made by riders are let’s say not pure enthusiasts. I ride a 96 Buell S1 and do track days unfortunately it’s destroying the Buell and I am looking for a modern American bike for track days and riding with my Sons. I found your video informative and well done.
Thank’s for stopping by! I try my best to be helpful and share what I would want to know before buying. I’ve not been on a Buell S1, but this guy is coming in about 40-50 pounds heavier would probably feel significantly different on the track if you’ve been on the Buell for years so it definitely warrants a test drive day on the track before spending anything!
I wished it had quick shift, specially when downshifting.
I wouldn’t say no to that! Looks like there are some on forms people install that work but would love to see it from factory.
Great review, I have a 2023 Carbon R as well. Overall love the bike, but the stock fueling is absolute garbage. Any day under 60 degrees and the bike is a pain in the butt to get started. Generally takes 5-7 tries. I know a lloydz tune easily fixes this, but its ridiculous Indian refuses to fix the actual issue.
That’s fair! I’ve read that on a form how people re-tune for that, I’ve kept it in a garage and ride warm weather so have not had an issue enough to pay for the tune but it does require keeping the battery topped off to get that full crank, had to jump it twice. We’ll see if they push an update though not likely if it messed with emission calibrations.
The reviews from the US are always detailed, which is good, but the entire rest of the world do not use the ancient measurement system the US insists on sticking with.
It's really only a few seconds of extra work during the edit to put a flash on the screen what the equivalent metric measurement (centimetres and kilograms) is as you talk in pounds and inches.
That’s a fair point! I tried doing both or an overlay in some of my earlier videos but never got any feedback that it was value added so I stopped, but I can easily go back to adding it! On a side note, I’m an engineer using metric for work and really dislike the imperial system as well, most people wish it would change but we put up with it because we can’t get much done in our joke of a political mess to fix it. Metric all the way!
What jacket are you wearing in this? Its sick
It’s a Alpinestars Solano jacket, searched long and hard to find one with the style and protection level I was looking for, big fan of it but it is pretty stiff. I’ll put a link in the description for you to check it out!
Nice bike but it looked better with the red frame.
I did like the red frame! Have you seen the new FTR 100%? It’s got the blue carbon fiber and white frame, not sure how I feel about it yet.
👍👍👍
Thanks!
Curious about the rear cylinder shut off
I am assuming the fuel is shut off. Does it do anything else or just pump air
Great question! I currently don’t know the exact details of everything that happens, but the ECU would monitor the conditions then would stop the fuel injectors and probably spark plug. To remove compression the values probably allow air through like you said, but I doubt anything on the cooling or mechanical side would change, everything inside is still linked. Sorry don’t have the exact detailed answer but could find out if you were looking for something very specific!
@@PhilipBlank
Thanks. After reading your reply it would seem to help if exhaust valve was held open also.
I have always been obsessed with the sequence of operations of equipment
@@hphillips7425I shall ask around and see if I can get the details! Might take a bit
Got the info! So as I said, the ECU shuts off the fuel and ignition on the rear cylinder, but the valves are cam driven off the crank shaft through a belt so there is no way to mechanically stop those until people start putting solenoid controlled values like Koenigsegg’s Freevalve cam-less engines. So fresh air is sucked in with each downstroke, compressed, then exhausted based on the timing of the valves without any combustion making less heat and using no fuel. The coolant system is still running. The exhaust pipes connection from the front and rear cylinders are far enough away that there would be minimal negative back flow, and that doesn’t matter for performance at idle anyways.
@@PhilipBlank
Thanks.
When he said: This bike isn't a beginners' bike. I felt so sad... :(
Ah sorry! This bike is a heavy and powerful one, not that it can’t be done but if it’s your very first motorcycle it’s taking a big bite. I’d recommend something much more nimble like a dual sport or something under 500CC. If you really do want this one though, do a test drive on it and maybe a free lighter bikes and see what you think! Still very happy with mine!
@@PhilipBlank that makes total sense to me. Thank you!
@@PhilipBlank as for reference, I'm 5'8 and weight 158 lbs. 😅
@@AdrianRConant I’m a bit taller but weigh less so you may be able to muscle is around! Were you able to test one out?
@@PhilipBlank no, I didn't. I got the 2024 Yamaha XSR700. I love riding it. 🏍️💨💨🍃
test drove one, i really liked it, but i stopped short of buying because the paint wasn't good. the Sports don't look flat track like and got all these generic plastic bits on them with not great graphics...so don't want that, and the Carbon looks jsut drab with all the pale grey/silver....and yellow shock? Wish all the grey and yellow was red. make the thing pop! why would anyone buying this bike not want the flat track look or at least want bright pops of color to bring out the BA aspects of the bike.
Depends on the taste! I like that it’s subtle in its looks, but the previous and following year have the red pops though I can’t say I love it with the yellow forks. What are your thoughts on the 100% edition for 2024? With the blue carbon fiber, I’m not sure what to think of it yet.
@@PhilipBlank i think its the best looking one for 2024, but you may easily guess i really love the flat track graphics/vibe so even though it is the best of what is, its not as good as say the championship editions for me.
i am maybe the odd man out though cause
indian has not only moved the FTR in a more mainstream generic direction but now the new scouts as well look way more generic...now its really interesting cause Victory was not really that popular until they fully embraced their own thing in styling...now
indian is doing the opposite...so i wonder what the thinking is.
Test drove one for the first time last week. I was really disappointed in it. Yes it’s fast, but not comfortable. I currently ride a bagger for my daily but used to ride sport bikes. I test drove this to maybe get one to kind of get the best of both styles. Yep, won’t be buying one. Oh, another thing I found that the display fails at is the tach. The tach is sluggish and isn’t real time. When I revved it to a second for the digital tach to react. Anyways just my thoughts. Great video though.
Thanks for the comment! It’s great you got to ride one first before ruling it out! Hopefully people are not buying things without getting some seat-time first. Like you said it’s not a comfy bike, though I don’t have bagger experience so it’s sufficient to me, especially having more seat time on off-road rides. Longer distances would be better with an upgraded seat, but it can be done if you’re used to the style. Cons of a digital tach for sure, I’ve found the little bit of lag comparable to dashes in full digital cars I don’t think it’s noticeable enough to worry, but the rest of the perks of the screen make that a non-issue to me. Good thoughts and glad you’re sharing them first hand! Goal is to help people determine if they’d be interested in one so all the cons are good to note.
The Carbon R is an upgraded seat, the tach on mine is flawless, and I have many 100+ mile days. Even a half dozen 200 mile days. It's never uncomfortable and I'm 64 yrs old. I'm not sure what you rode, but it probably wasn't an Ohlins equipt Carbon R. Maybe someone messed with the adjustable suspension. With a tune and open exhaust, this bike is the $hit.
Lies 😂.
That headlight does not “glow blue” 😂
You right, haha it’s a very cool white but not blue.
Cycle= Motorized;& Bike = Manual.
Haha bike comes from bicycle meaning two wheels (bi is 2, cyclus meaning wheel) it would really be a motor bicycle, like dirt bike would be a dirt bicycle, but yeah now adays we just generalize the words.
Dude had 3/4 tank and only 65 miles of range left? Can you really not get 100 miles out of a tank of gas on this bike?
Range is between 130 between 145 so nothing great that’s for sure, but was worse in this video based on how I was riding stop and go for filming haha. It just is a pain to keep trickling the fuel in once you’re close to the top.
@@PhilipBlank thanks for the reply. Good info to know. I can’t seem to find any hard figures or “real world usage” numbers from any motovloggers I’ve seen
FTR and cruiser should not be in the same sentence.
Fair! Indian’s well known for their cruisers though, like the Bobber, I think you can tell the design team for the FTR is coming from that legacy but trying to branch out, even some of the components on the bike are shared.
@@PhilipBlankI’m also fairly certain on insurance this is under cruiser is it not?
and for $25k you get an air cooled pig from harley.
To each their own haha