2019 bikesales Bike of the Year: Indian FTR 1200 S Race Replica

Name: 2019 bikesales Bike of the Year: Indian FTR 1200 S Race Replica
Brand: Indian

Indian returns to its sporting roots with its flat-track-inspired and top-spec FTR 1200 S Race Replica…

There's change in the air at Indian Motorcycle, with the new three-model FTR 1200 family signaling a push by the Polaris-owned brand to seek new markets beyond the cruisers and tourers that, since the company's renaissance, have been at its core. And for its first volume-production model to push significantly beyond the existing paradigm, the FTR 1200 is a great effort.

The winner of our Naked category for the 2019 bikesales Bike of the Year Awards, the FTR 1200 S Race Replica is the flagship of a new trio. While the FTR 1200 S adds electronic rider aids, TFT instrumentation and fully adjustable suspension to the base model, the FTR 1200 S Race Replica builds on the 'S' with Akrapovic silencers, a red trellis frame, and an FTR 750-inspired livery.

The Indian FTR 1200 S Race Replica isn't easily defined. Yes, it's a naked bike, but it could just as easily be classed as a retro. It really depends on what you, the rider, wants out of it. It morphs to suit your mood.

While its definition remains hazy, we can say with absolute certainty that this is one incredibly fun ride, with a unique look that really stands out.

At rest it appears unassuming enough. A dry weight of 222kg and reasonably rangy steering geometry give little hint of the bend-swinging thrills to come, but hop on board and you immediately adopt an assertive ride position that is both comfortable yet commanding.

The seat feels taller than its spec (803mm) suggests, perhaps because you sit 'on' it rather than 'in' it, while the high-and-wide handlebars deliver a sense of security and control. There's reasonable leg room too, although the footpegs themselves are a bit agricultural and could offer more grip, especially when you find yourself exploring the Indian FTR 1200 S Race Replica's sporting potential.

And when that time comes, the Indian FTR 1200 S Race Replica delivers in spades, that big 1203cc V-twin pumping out impressive urge throughout the rev range.

With a claimed 123hp and 120Nm on tap, the Indian FTR 1200 S Race Replica pulls away hard from corner apexes as the bike hunts the next bend, the engine revving freely and pushing through a strong midrange into a surprisingly spirited top-end.

Vibration has been tamed to a nicely muted but characterful V-twin pulse. The Akrapovic silencers are quite civil – far less raucous then you might expect of this brand – while the quality suspension delivers a nicely compliant ride.

It's no sports scalpel, but that's half the fun – you have to muscle the Indian FTR 1200 S Race Replica through the bends while clambering all over the bike like it's a schoolyard climbing frame, but this only adds to the engaging ride.

That's largely a product of the 19-inch front wheel, 26-degree steering head angle and flat-profile rear tyre, yet once you do get active the Indian rewards with swift progress, sweet handling, and powerful, effective stopping power.

We like the smart TFT display, which is in fact a touchscreen that works just fine when wearing gloves. Forget the heritage styling; the technology here is bang up to date. There are three ride modes, plus antilock brakes and traction control (with a lower-intervention 'track' mode), Bluetooth connectivity, LED lighting and a slipper clutch.

But the Indian FTR 1200 S Race Replica is also not without its flaws. The ignition is recessed under the TFT module and a bit trickier to access than it should be, while you have to reach right back with your foot to hook down the end of the side stand (there's no mid-mounted tang).

Then there's the fact the engine has to warm to an operating temperature of at least 60 degrees C before riding, lest it cough, splutter and potentially stall. We can't remember the last time we had to let a modern motorcycle thoroughly warm up, and we'd be very surprised if this aspect isn't addressed by Indian soon.

And with its small 13-litre fuel tank, the Indian FTR 1200 S Race Replica's effective fuel range is somewhat limited. We achieved an average fuel economy of 7.2lt/100km aboard the Indian. That made it the second thirstiest bike here, following the BMW K 1600 Grand America, and gives a safe working range of around 150km. That will be a sticking point for many, while it takes forever to squeeze in the last litre when filling up, without spraying fuel back up the filler.

Those issues will limit the Indian FTR 1200 S Race Replica's otherwise broad appeal, but regardless this is a capable machine that's as fun and involving to ride as it is enjoyable to look at. This is a genuine rider's bike that's guaranteed to stand out from the pack.

Specs: Indian FTR 1200 S Race Replica

ENGINE
Type: Liquid-cooled, eight-valve, four-stoke V-twin
Capacity: 1203cc
Bore x stroke: 102mm x 73.6mm
Compression ratio: 12.5:1
Engine management: Electronic fuel injection

PERFORMANCE
Claimed maximum power: 123hp at 8250rpm
Claimed maximum torque: 120Nm at 5900rpm

TRANSMISSION
Type: Six speed
Final drive: Chain
Clutch: Wet, multi-plate, slipper assist

CHASSIS AND RUNNING GEAR
Frame: Steel trellis
Front suspension: 43mm upside-down fork, fully adjustable, 150mm travel
Rear suspension: Piggyback monoshock, fully adjustable, 150mmm travel
Front brake: Dual 320mm discs with Brembo radial-mount four-piston calipers
Rear brake: 265mm disc with Brembo twin-piston caliper
Wheels: Cast aluminium, 3 x 19 front, 4.25 x 18 rear
Tyres: Dunlop DT3-R – 120/70-18 front, 150/70-18 rear

DIMENSIONS AND CAPACITIES
Trail: 130mm
Rake: 26.3 degrees
Claimed dry weight: 222kg
Seat height: 805mm
Ground clearance: 183mm
Wheelbase: 1524mm
Fuel capacity: 13 litres
Measured fuel consumption: 7.7lt/100km

OTHER STUFF
Price: $24,995 ride away
Colours: Indian FTR 750 livery
Test bike supplied by: Indian Motorcycle
Local distributor: Indian Motorcycle Australia
Warranty: 24 months, unlimited kilometres

2019 bikesales Bike of the Year: Indian FTR 1200 S Race Replica

Specs: Indian FTR 1200 S Race Replica

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