Went to the BMW/Indian shop in Shreveport Saturday and hung out for the morning chewing the fat with the guys (3 of which are from my old stomping grounds in AZ, Go figure). They had 3 Indian FTR's in stock so I asked for a test ride of a Sport model. It's a really trick bike with a lot of Grunt. Handles ok for a tall bike on 19" wheels. I'm not a big fan of tippy-toeing when stopped and the chain drive brought back a lot of bad flashbacks. It's a fun bike, But I'll stick with my 9T for the time being.

(06-10-2020, 02:16 PM)Rotorwrench Wrote: Went to the BMW/Indian shop in Shreveport Saturday and hung out for the morning chewing the fat with the guys (3 of which are from my old stomping grounds in AZ, Go figure). They had 3 Indian FTR's in stock so I asked for a test ride of a Sport model. It's a really trick bike with a lot of Grunt. Handles ok for a tall bike on 19" wheels. I'm not a big fan of tippy-toeing when stopped and the chain drive brought back a lot of bad flashbacks. It's a fun bike, But I'll stick with my 9T for the time being.

The Cycle World Issue 2 / 20202 has an article (which I could not find on their website) titled "Old Souls" in which they compare 5 different 2020 retro-styled bikes: BMW R Nine T, Ducati Monster 1200 S, Husqvarna Svartpilen 701, Indian FTR 1200 S Race Replica, and Triumph Scrambler 1200 XC.

The article did not seek to produce a "winner" and did not even list pros & cons for each. But it is an interesting read where they try to be positive all around. They do mention the "rowdy" nature which aligns with your "grunt". Me personally - I do love that Indian is dabbling in alternatives to the same old same old and the FTR1200 is a decent start, but I find some aspects look cheap if agricultural, like the rear swingarm.

In the BMW dealership I go to, they also sell Triumph and Indian, and I always see multiple on the showroom floor so not sure how they are moving.

I really like the red frame and swingarm. Not crazy about the Possum Scraper.

   

...and the exhaust is in the wrong place for potential pillion or luggage, and therefore far from "retro" status.

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And look at the height of those passenger pegs.. Yikes! You'd have to have a really dedicated passenger to put up with that for very long.

Frank

(06-11-2020, 07:45 AM)Lee Wrote: I really like the red frame and swingarm. Not crazy about the Possum Scraper.

I agree with you on the frame color, but Grumpy nailed it when he referred to the swing-arm assembly as agricultural. It's either really cheap (i.e., weak) material or they just didn't care to design something to minimize weight and width.

I had a 2019 KTM Super Duke R that I liked a lot, with lots of electronic technology like our BMW's. I am glad they make this FTR because it gives the domestic manufacturers something other than big cruisers.

Rode FTR on a short escorted demo ride last year. Meh.

I'd rather have S1000R or KTM Super Duke 1290.

150/70R18 rear tire size is a non-starter for me.

(06-12-2020, 06:54 AM)Duckbubbles Wrote: And look at the height of those passenger pegs.. Yikes! You'd have to have a really dedicated passenger

Size "0" supermodel or Dwarf, your choice.........