Wave Goodbye to Indian’s FTR: A Swan Song for a Refreshing Ride

Indian’s FTR 1200: A Class of its Own

Just five years ago, Indian graced the motorcycle scene with the street-legal FTR 1200, a beast of a machine that commanded attention. Wrought from the legacy of its championship-winning forerunner, the FTR750, it was love at first sight for motorbike enthusiasts across the globe, myself included.

Indian FTR 750: Honoring and Outdoing Evel Knievel’s Feats

Never forgetting its roots, the motorcycle saw famed stuntman Travis Pastrana paying tribute to legendary Evel Knievel’s most notable feats atop the FTR 750 model. The fountains of Caesar’s Palace, an iconic stomping ground for audacious daredevils, witnessed one such exhilarating performance.

Greenlight Flickers Out for FTR 1200

Given the recent revelation that the FTR line will see no future, it’s hard to suppress feelings of disappointment. That being said, having had the privilege to saddle this magnificent machine injects a bittersweet edge of gratitude into the mix.

The Undeniable Charm of the FTR’s Structure

Perhaps one of its most riveting characteristics, the skeleton-esque structure of the FTR’s trellis frame set it apart in a crowd. The bike’s distinct shape is forever etched within the minds of those lucky enough to have ridden it.

Digging Into the Reason Behind the Decision

The end of the FTR wasn’t announced bombastically – no press release or dramatic declaration. Instead, the revelation slipped out inconspicuously within a financial report from parent company Polaris. A morose sentence within the Q4 2024 report implied the fast-approaching finish line for the FTR.

The Fiery Nature of the FTR

What’s truly heart-wrenching is that the FTR served as a lively contrast to the usual burly cruisers, baggage-heavy baggers, and sprawling touring models that dominate the American bike market. The FTR carved its path as a raw and robust motorcycle that made you feel every humbling bump and gusting wind as you powered down the road.

Impact on Polaris’s Financial Performance

The FTR’s end, along with a myriad of other corporate rearrangements, saw Polaris pocket an extra $11.2 million. Although this may sound beneficial, the On Road segment endured a shortfall of $2.5 million compared to Q4 2023.

An Unexpected Bump in the Road

Considering the positive air surrounding the bike just a couple of years back, this financial maneuver seems more akin to a treacherous pothole than a calculated twist in the ride.

The FTR R Carbon: The Pinnacle of the Range

Sitting top tier within a family of five motorcycles, the FTR R Carbon, with its mighty 1203cc, 120hp powerhouse made for a joyous ride. Priced at a reasonable $13,499, riders were left enamored by its serpentine Akrapovič pipes – a feature I hold dear to my memory.

Thoughts and Memories: A Rider’s Perspective on the FTR

Remembering a ride on the FTR 1200 isn’t just about recounting facts or technicalities – it’s a raw and emotive recall of thrills and passions rekindled. Riding an FTR, in essence, reminded me of pure, unadulterated motorcycling joy.

Final Thoughts: The Roaring Beast Quietens

The silver lining to this disappointing announcement is that the 2024 models of the FTR haven’t yet disappeared from dealerships or Indian’s website. Therefore, you could still grab a chance at owning this roaring beast before it vanishes.

Life After the FTR 1200

Concluding this reflective ode, I remember a particular camping trip to Upstate New York with my FTR. The awe-struck gaze of a Harley-Sportster-riding park ranger upon seeing my ride solidified its magnificent appeal. If you ever find yourself in possession of an FTR, know that you’ve got your hands on a slice of motorcycle history before it fades into the rearview mirror.

Postscriptum: Indian Motorcycle Collaborations to Look Out For

Despite the loss of the iconic FTR, Indian continues to make waves in the motorcycling world. From fresh collaborations to new and exciting models, keep an eye out for what’s coming down the highway from this storied marque.

Originally Post From https://www.gearpatrol.com/motorcycles/indian-ftr-motorcycle-discontinued/

End of an Era: America’s Spectacular Motorcycle Heads for Scrapyard