Indian Motorcycle recently announced the launch of the FTR 1200 Carbon. A mostly carbon- fitted, special edition of its ever-popular FTR 1200 tracker. In essence a refined street hooligan.
Indian FTR 1200 Carbon Edition
The FTR Carbon’s journey begins with flat track racing. Indian’s FTR range was originally inspired by the FTR 750. That’s the hooligan bike used by its Flat Track team, Wrecking Crew. Its riders have dominated American Flat Track racing for the last few years – winning three successive Grand National championship titles.
Naturally, fans politely demanded to see a street tracker version. In response, Indian built the Scout FTR 1200 Tracker Custom in 2017. That bike served as the prototype for its FTR 1200 line-up.
A year later at Wheels & Waves, a production version of the Scout FTR 1200 was shown – eventually appearing on showroom floors in 2019. All to immense approval.
FTR Carbon Enhancements
In terms of finish, this carbon derivative is closer to the original FTR 1200 Custom tracker that initially spurred the model range (now numbering four bikes). That includes the standard, the S and Rally versions of the FTR.
As one might expect, the Carbon introduces fine carbon bodywork – alongside the substitution of other parts for superior alternatives. Components that have received the carbon makeover include; the front mudguard/fender, headlight nacelle, tank/airbox cover and seat cowl.
Additionally, the model comes fitted with an upgraded black titanium, Akrapovič twin exhaust. It’s low-mounted on the bike and looks mean.
Finally, the centre of the tank is enhanced with an FTR Carbon-branded console plate. Red and grey lettering on gloss black. Prominent enough to be special, yet understated enough to not detract from the overall refined finish. Altogether, the Carbon has an air of a cultured troublemaker.
Fully Loaded Spec-sheet
Aside from the carbon parts, the FTR Carbon already has an excellent fully-loaded specification sheet. Loosely based on the Scout, its 1203cc, liquid-cooled, V-twin engine produces 130hp [97kw] and 120 NM of peak torque.
Indian promises that the motorcycle has “…an impressively flat torque curve and strong acceleration throughout the RPM range”.
Preload, compression and rebound adjustable shocks are found both front and rear. 43mm inverted forks offer 150 mm of travel at the front. As such there’s plenty of scope to achieve the perfect setup.
Bringing all of that power to a stop, are the sharp, radially-mounted, dual-disc Brembo [ABS] brakes (single at the back), combined with traction control.
The riding position is upright, undoubtedly making it suitable for urban commuting, but equally out-of-town runs. As a convenient touch for those extra-urban miles, cruise control is included as standard.
While the bike may be retro in guise it’s fitted with modern accoutrements. Meaning, full LED lights are found front and back for greater visibility. Equally, the instrument panel setup is proudly from this century – a 4.3″ LED touchscreen. Add to that a USB fast-charge port and Bluetooth compatibility, for convenient charging and device control respectively.
Those who’ve ridden the FTR, suggest it’s positively unruly. So at least two of its three Ride Modes (Sport, Standard, Rain) combined with stability/wheelie management control may be of some comfort. That’s if it proves a little too hot to handle.
The FTR Carbon is available now at Indian Motorcycle dealers, priced at £14,699.
Indian FTR 1200 Carbon specifications at a glance:
- Engine Type – Liquid-Cooled V-Twin
- Displacement – 1203 cc
- Bore x Stroke – 102 mm x 73.6 mm
- Compression Ratio – 12.5:1
- Electronic Fuel Injection System – Closed loop fuel injection / 60 mm bore
- Peak Torque RPM – 5900 rpm
- Peak Torque – 120Nm
