Ready To Race
Out of the ordinary
There are now four variants’ on the Indian FTR range. The standard model is still available. A new sport model replaces the S. This, in turn, takes its place above the Rally and below the particularly desirable FTR R Carbon.
FTRs standard, now has a new tank panel design. This means newer, bolder, more powerful colours. The base model is offered in metallic black, which is complimented by lime branding, which looks so much better than it sounds. It could hardly be any worse in fairness. Then there’s also a grey with orange combo available, for those of us who like to mix it up.
Next up is the FTR Sport. Pieces like the seat cowl, a small fairing and those cool side mounted number boards give the bike that flat track racer look. The americana continues with new panels on the tank and a choice of metallic black with red or white with a touch of red and black detailing. Either one is going to look just as good on a track day as it will parked up in my living room.
More than one to choose from
The Rally model looks the toughest. A large part of this comes from its knobbly dressed 19 and 18-inch spoked wheels. The bikes new Black Smoke paint looks good, but the Desert Earth frame gives the bike a whole new look and visual feel. We're all about the feel here at MOL.
The Carbon model, as the flagship, stands apart from the others with a host carbon fibre bodywork, a more comfortable seat, a pair of Öhlins gold forks up the front which are married to a piggyback shock from the Scandinavian suspension wizards. While all four have the logo on their tank, there’s a script version on the Carbon tank. This is finished with a silver and gold pinstripe. With the Öhlins promise a decent go at a track day.
All four models’ benefit from a tweaked front brake. This promises to provide the rider with a better feel and feedback. Other updates include an improved clutch, a better located speedo and a new standard end can.
The Sport, Rally and Carbon will all now come with a new 101mm round touchscreen display. This piece of cleverness even features a navigation system. The usual three ride modes, Sport, Standard and afraid to ride my bike, are part of the package. Also spoiling the rider is a lean angle stability control system as well as ABS.
It's not like it used to be when I was a child. Back then it was all Fireblades with the wrong size front wheels, 115bhp and not a sniff of electronics. You'd need to go to confession before putting the key in the ignition
Needs the cans
For added personalisation, the company have added nine new FTR accessories. Through a brand partnership with Gilles Tooling, they’re offering co-branded pieces, including Performance Adjustable rearsets, and three billet components. These are bar end weights, an oil cap and a radiator cap. Performance Adjustable Levers are also be available. In addition to this there is now an expanded carbon fibre offering with three new pieces, including an exhaust heat shield, frame guard and a sprocket cover. To enhance comfort, Indian Motorcycle has introduced a durable and weather-resistant comfort plus seat. That last one combines comfortable ergonomics with additional padding where it's needed the most. After all it's been a while since you rode your first 'Blade.
It needs a red frame!
Keith at Franklin Motorcycles holds the keys to your happiness. Give him a call on 015385005 for prices and availability.