Legendary Indian FTR750 flattrack bike that took 101 race wins in 135 starts retired from the sport

Indian Motorcycle have announced the end of the line for their immensely successful FTR750 flattrack racer, following a change to the American Flat Track rule book to only allow bikes using production-based engines to compete.

With the FTR’s 748cc DOHC V-twin not featuring in any road-going machinery, it no longer fits into the series, meaning it will be forced to retire at the end of the 2024 season.

• Related: Special edition Indian FTR1200 celebrates fifth championship win

Entering the championship in 2017, the FTR750 has secured seven successive SuperTwin championship titles, as well as 101 race wins in 135 starts – making it the most dominant race bike in the series’ history. The machine has also secured 286 podiums at 129 races, meaning a 96%-podium ratio across a talented roster of 45 sideways racing stars.

“Since 1901, racing has been core to the Indian Motorcycle brand DNA,” Vice President Racing and Service for Indian Motorcycle, Gary Gray said. “From our founders, Hendee and Hedstrom, competing in endurance races in the early 1900s, to the dominant Wrecking Crew of the late 1940s, Indian Motorcycle has been winning races.

“The FTR750 was the vehicle that reestablished Indian Motorcycle Racing and returned the brand to a place of competitive dominance.”

Designed with the intention of racing, the FTR began life with an adjustable 1397-1448mm wheelbase, and came suspended on conventionally mounted 43mm Öhlins forks with 114mm of travel. Fully adjustable Öhlins was also found at the back end, with 127mm of movement.

It’s likely some of this spec will have changed over time, to meet the rules, with the minimalist chassis developed in a partnership between Indian themselves and performance parts specialists S&S Cycle.

Also assisting in the development was reigning AFT SuperTwins champion, Jared Mees who’s been a factory rider with the team since 2017. He’s secured five championship titles with the team already, with a six-point lead in the standings going into the final three races of 2024.

“I’ve been fortunate enough to be on this journey with Indian Motorcycle since day one,” Mees said. “Racing the FTR750 has been an incredible experience, as I’ve never experienced a bike like the FTR750 in all my years competing.”

Indian FTR750 in detail

• Private support: During their racing run, Indian Motorcycle have supported private teams using the FTR by paying out more than $4,000,000 in funding.
• Forged fancies: The Öhlins finery leads down to a pair of 19in forged spoked wheels. Being a flattrack bike, there is no front-mounted braking system.
• Tiny tank: Designed for sprint racing only, the FTR750 uses a 2.2 US gallon (8.3-litre) fuel tank.
• Bring the noise: Unlocking the soundtrack around the dirt oval is a set of left side-mounted S&S twin exhaust cans, slightly obscured by the number board.
• Not for production: Back in 2016, the then Marketing Director for Indian Motorcycle, Reid Wilson confirmed to MCN that the 750 motor was for racing only. This could well change, given this rule change though.