It wasn’t long ago that Indian Motorcycles released the flat-track inspired 2019 FTR-motorcycles. The FTR 1200 was nothing like anything else in Indian’s showrooms, nor Harley-Davidson’s.
Skipping the 2021 model year altogether, Indian have already decided to change the direction of the FTR-line, no pun intended. They will be moving away from the scrambler genre and into more functional performance.
With a lowered seat and an updated engine tune, the new updated Indian FTR becomes a far better street bike.
What's New for the 2022 Indian FTR
So for the 2022 model year, Indian Motorcycles will be dropping the “1200” portion from the FTR-name. There will be four models in the lineup: the FTR, FTR S, FTR R Carbon, and the FTR Rally. The first three bikes are the new street-oriented, sport naked-style while the FTR Rally maintains more of the traditional flat-track layout of the previous generation.
The FTR Rally will be rolling on knobby 18-inch rear and 19-inch front tires much like it’s predecessor, but the other three bikes ride on 17-inch sport tires. They’ve also lowered the seat and handlebar position and dropped the suspension down as well, giving the FTR-line more of a performance feel.
Additionally, Indian gave their V-twin an improved tune for each of the 2022 FTR model’s.
FTR's Street-Focused Ride and Performance
All four FTR models for the 2022 year have an identical 1,203cc 60-degree V-twin, the same one carried over from last model year. Indian claim that they have updated the engine's tune, however, improving cold-start performance and delivering smoother throttle response. The improved engine makes 120 HP and 87 lb-ft of torque, which is 3 horses less than before. Also, to save a rider from toasty thighs, Indian has made rear-cylinder deactivation standard on each of the FTR models.
To help improve sport performance, all three new FTR-models will get a fully adjustable front and rear suspension. The new suspension tune reduces travel from 5.9 inches to 4.7 inches. To accentuate the sportiness further, the new ProTaper handlebars and seat height have been lowered. The handlebars are 2 inches lower and 1.5 inches narrower. The seat goes from 32.2 inches down to 33.1.
The FTR Rally will continue to have the quasi-knobby Pirelli Scorpion Rally STRs with 18 inches in the rear and 19-inch tires on the front. The FTR, FTR S, and the FTR R Carbon are fitted with a cast-aluminum 17-inch wheel and grippy Metzeler Sportec M3 tires, a clear signal that Indian wanted these bikes to be more nimble. Stopping power is taken care of by Brembo’s dual radial 4-piston calipers and 320mm rotors in the front and a single 2-piston caliper and 260mm rotor in the rear.
Choosing Your Indian FTR Model
As mentioned, there are four FTR models to choose from in the 2022 lineup. The biggest factor between them is the FTR Rally is set up for more dirt riding while the FTR, FTR S, and FTR R Carbon embrace the new direction of the Indian sport naked.
The FTR and FTR Rally have analog gauges rather than the 4.3-inch touchscreen that comes standard on the other two. The FTR S and FTR R Carbon also come standard with wheelie control, traction control, cornering ABS, stability control, and a USB port.
Ohlins suspension is an available upgrade on the FTR and FTR S models, the forks will cost $1,799 and $899 for the shock. A wide variety of other accessories and options like luggage racks and carbon pieces can be added to the FTR, meeting the rider's various needs.
FTR
The entry-level FTR gives you all the necessities, the 1,203cc engine, ABS and cruise control. It has no other electronic rider aids and comes with an analog gauge. A classic rider’s experience. The FTR comes in a Black Smoke color with red “Indian” script and accents. The base model starts at $12,999.
FTR S
Upgrade to the FTR S and you will get a 4.3-inch touchscreen display that will connect to your phone via Bluetooth or USB. Along with the screen comes three adjustable drive modes and rider’s aids like wheelie control, stability control, traction control and cornering ABS. For the price of $14,999, Indian gives the FTR S a dual Akrapovic exhaust and the color option of Maroon Metallic or White Smoke.
FTR R Carbon
If you want the best of the best, Indian offers the FTR R Carbon. On top of everything that is on the S, the Carbon offers Ohlins suspension for the front and the back and carbon fiber bits are on the tank covers, front fenders and headlight nacelle. The FTR R Carbon starts at $16,999 and only comes in the one color option, carbon with a red frame.
FTR Rally
Indian didn’t forget about those who appreciated the flat-track style of the FTR, or the multi-terrain capability. Like the base FTR, the FTR Rally remains old-school with an analog gauge and only ABS and cruise control to aid the rider. The FTR Rally has larger, wire-spoke wheels with Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR tires instead of grippy slicks. The only color available for the Indian FTR Rally in 2022 will be a Titanium Smoke. Asking price starts at $13,999.
Final Thoughts
The price must not have been well received either as the 2022 FTR drops in price even though Indian add a few upgrades. The narrower handlebars, lower seat height and smaller, stickier wheels should make the bike handle far better than the previous model year. The adjustable suspension and engine retune are also welcome cruising comforts.
The original flat-track style FTR dominated in it’s sport and was highly praised by the few who followed it, but it appears there weren’t enough buyers for Indian to dedicate an entire motorcycle line. That’s okay, though, most of us would likely rather have a bike that works well on the street without sacrificing the rugged look.