Carbon fibre race replica: Indian turn it up to 11 with the latest FTR1200

Indian have released a new model of the FTR1200 to celebrate their racing success with the FTR750. Since returning to professional flat track racing, the Indian Factory team riding FTR750s have won all three championships. While the racing season may be on hold, Indian are still keen to shout about their successes with the FTR Carbon.

Mechanically nothing has changed about the new model, so it’s still powered by the 1203cc V-twin from the standard FTR, which puts out 124bhp. More importantly it’s got 88.5ftlbs of torque available from down low and having run one for a year as a long-term test bike, MCN can confirm it’s not lacking in firepower.

Where it does step away from the standard model is in the finish. The headlight surround, tank covers, front mudguard and pillion hump are now all made from carbon fibre, so it looks much more like the factory race bike that it apes.

It also comes with a pair of Akrapovic shotgun pipes in black, instead of the standard brushed finish, while the centre console proudly displays the carbon name.

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Black stuff aside what the FTR Carbon also brings you is all the trinkets from the FTR1200S, including fully adjustable Showa suspension, Brembo monobloc brakes and the full-colour TFT dash that houses in the infotainment system. It’s also got all the fancy electronics of the S including ABS, lean sensitive traction control, cruise control and Bluetooth connectivity.

“For the discerning rider, the FTR Carbon offers a collectable motorcycle with the highest level of finish and raises the bar for American motorcycles once again,” said Mike Dougherty, President of Indian Motorcycle.

“Delivering the finest riding experience and with the carbon accents enhancing the unique FTR styling, the FTR Carbon is sure to draw admiring looks anywhere you ride.”

That is the only downside to the new FTR Carbon – although it’s a full production bike there’s not many about. Only 35 are coming to the UK and priced at £14,699 (not much more than the S) they’re unlikely to hang around for long, once everything is back to normal at least.

The only thing we’d do ourselves is stick a set of those flash S&S high pipes on it and pretend we’re Jared Mees.

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New Indian FTR Carbon model teased in social media short film

First published on 28 April 2020 by Dan Sutherland

Indian Motorcycles look set to reveal a new carbon fibre clad FTR1200, after a short film teasing a new model appeared online yesterday.

Lasting just 12 seconds, the clip leans heavily on Indian’s flat track racing success and features the text: “As close as you can get to the three time championship winning FTR750.”

Although full details about the bike remain unclear, the name ‘FTR Carbon’ implies that the machine will be an FTR1200, fitted with carbon fibre components. This is backed up by a short clip of a petrol tank at eight seconds, which also appears to be finished in the distinctive weave.

According to the firm’s Indian Motorcycle Europe, Middle East & Africa YouTube channel, the full bike will be premiered on Friday, May 1, at 5pm CEST.

Inspired by flat track racing, the original FTR1200S was launched for 2019 and boasts a 121bhp, 1203cc V-twin engine, wrapped inside a retro-inspired styling package and tubular steel trellis frame.

Following the launch of the first bike, Indian then revealed the FTR1200 Rally for 2020. Using the same basic engine, frame and ancillaries as the 2019 bike, the newer model got a number of subtle tweaks to turn it into more of a rugged retro.

As always, MCN will bring you more information as it becomes available. Look out for a full review soon.