INDIAN MOTORCYCLE DEBUTS
RADICAL HILL CLIMB RACER
H
ow much swingarm is too much? That’s
the question Indian Motorcycle’s latest
sporting venture has us asking after the
American brand released images of its official
AMA Pro Hillclimb Series contender – the
FTR750 hill climber.
Based on Indian’s successful AMA Flat Track
racer chassis, the hill-climbing FTR750 has
seen a number of modifications to take the
iconic brand back to the mountains for the
first time in over 80 years.
The bike will be piloted by the company’s
newest factory rider and 10-time AMA Pro
Hillclimb Champion, John “Flying” Koester.
Regarded as one of the sport’s top riders,
Koester was the first US racer to win all three
National AMA Pro Hillclimb titles in a single
season.
“It’s an absolute honour to represent Indian
Motorcycle as it makes its dramatic return to
hillclimb racing on the same machine that
literally changed the game for flat-track
racing over the past four years,” said Koester.
“We’re excited to unleash the FTR750 on the
hill, with our minds firmly fixed on the ultimate
goal of capturing a championship.”
When it came to modifying the FTR750 for
hillclimb Indian Motorcycle looked to Koester,
along with his father and crew chief Gordy
Koester, to spearhead the transformation of
the FTR750 from a flat track race bike to a
full-fledged hill shredder.
Modifications include the obviously extended
swingarm, knobby tires, redesigned rear tail,
and an upgraded Rekluse clutch to account for
the increased clutch use demanded by hillclimb
racing. The team also worked with S&S to design
an exhaust system specific to Koester and his
riding position.
KIWI RIDER 101