KIWI RIDER 05 2019 VOL.2 | Page 91

INDIAN FTR1200 TRACKS INTO AOTEAROA It’s one of the most anticipated models to come out of the Indian Motorcycles factory since the reemergence of the iconic Scout nameplate, and now the high-performance Indian FTR1200 has slid its way to New Zealand. Based on Indian’s incredibly successful FTR750 Flat Tracker, which has been taking back-to-back AMA Flat Track Championship Titles for the Springfield based company since 2017, the FTR1200 brings the flat tracker attitude to the street. Pricing is a sharp $20,995 for the base FTR1200, while the up-specced FTR1200S which boasts fully adjustable suspension, TFT display and three rider modes is priced at $22,995. The bike is clearly designed to not only hit that nostalgia market which Indian has tapped so well to date with its established models, but it also has been designed to punch strongly in the fight for the modern classic class performance crown. Case in point is the 1203cc 60-degree V-twin engine punching out 120hp/115Nm matched with an aggressive power delivery, which is particularly evident in the up-specced FTR1200S. Key features include a unique tyre and wheel combination of 19-inch front wheel and 18-inch rear wheel, both clad in Dunlop DT3R – which are based on the company’s competition flat track tyres – which have been specially developed for the FTR1200. Chassis also hints at performance with a rather Italian looking trellis frame, alloy subframe and tubular steel swingarm cradling the fuel tank and airbox. However, the traditional looking tank you grab with your knees is, in fact, the bike’s airbox which has been designed to allow a more direct route for air to reach the engine’s dual throttle bodies. The fuel tank has been stealthily relocated to under the seat and has the effect of bringing the bike’s centre of gravity lower. KIWI RIDER 91