Intermot show: Indian unveils FTR 1200/S

Indian Motorcycle has unveiled its much-anticipated FTR 1200 and FTR 1200 S production bikes at the Intermot motorcycle expo in Cologne, Germany.

The models, which draw their inspiration from the company's FTR750 flat-tracker race bike and the FTR 1200 Custom concept bike unveiled at last year's EICMA show, will be available in two forms: the standard FTR 1200 and the higher-spec FTR 1200 S.

Both are powered by an all-new 1203cc V-twin engine, with the liquid-cooled unit good for a claimed 120hp and 115Nm. Indian says the engine has four valves per cylinder and features a 12.5:1 compression ratio, while it makes extensive use of magnesium to minimise weight and has a low-inertia crankshaft for free revving and rapid acceleration.

Both models come with full LED lighting, electronic cruise control, antilock brakes and a fast-charge USB port, while the flagship FTR 1200 S adds fully adjustable suspension front and rear, a 4.3-inch LCD colour touchscreen, traction control, cornering stability control, wheelie control and a choice of three ride modes: Standard, Sport, and Rain.

The 60-degree V-twin is housed in a tubular-steel trellis frame with aluminium subframe, while the pair ride on an inverted 43mm fork and rear monoshock. Claimed dry weight is 221kg for the FTR 1200 and 222kg for the FTR 1200 S, while both sport a 13lt tank.

Stability should be a strong point for the pair, which boast a 26.3-degree rake and a rangy 1524mm wheelbase, while the seat height will prove accessible for most, at 805mm.

Indian Motorcycle's President, Steve Menneto, said the arrival of the new flat-track-inspired models represented a logical continuation of the Indian range.

"Our vision from the beginning was to be more than a traditional American V-twin brand," he said.

"We continually seek to broaden Indian Motorcycle's Reach to a wider range of riders, and FTR 1200 represents a significant step forward in that strategy.

"Indian Motorcycle was founded on performance and innovation, and we remain grounded by our founder's mindset of constantly pushing forward. In light of that history, the FTR 1200 is a natural extension for the brand that we couldn't be more excited about."

Indian Motorcycle Australia has announced that shipping of both models will begin to local dealerships in the first half of 2019. The FTR 1200 will be available in Thunder Black from $19,995 ride away, while the FTR 1200 S will be available in Indian Motorcycle Red/Steel Gray or Titanium Metallic/Thunder Black from $22,995 ride away.

The FTR 1200 S will also be available in a race replica paint scheme to match the FTR750 race bike, from $23,995 ride away.

The models will face off in Australia against some stiff competition in the form of Triumph's soon-to-be-released Scrambler 1200, BMW's R nineT Scrambler (from $18,950 plus on-roads), and Ducati's Scrambler 1100 (from $17,990 plus on-roads).