Indian Motorcycles has officially discontinued the FTR 1200. The company confirmed this move in Polaris’ FY24 Q4 financial statement. Despite being an impressive machine, the motorcycle struggled to achieve significant global sales. The lack of demand ultimately led to its removal from the company’s lineup. However, the bike remains listed on Indian’s US website, suggesting that some dealerships still have unsold stock.
Poor Sales and Emission Standards Played a Role
The FTR 1200 consistently faced weak sales figures, making its production unsustainable. Indian Motorcycles likely considered updating the model to meet the Euro 5+ emission standards. However, given the low demand, the company may have deemed the investment unnecessary. Instead of upgrading the bike, Indian chose to discontinue it completely.
Inspired by Flat-Track Racing
Indian Motorcycles introduced the FTR 1200 in 2018. Its design took inspiration from the Indian FTR 750, a race-only flat-track bike. Enthusiasts had long requested a road-legal version of the championship-winning motorcycle. In response, Indian created the FTR 1200, which featured a minimalistic aesthetic. It sported an upswept dual exhaust, a single-piece seat, and sharp bodywork. These design elements gave the motorcycle a distinctive, aggressive appearance.
Performance and Mechanical Features
The FTR 1200 came equipped with a liquid-cooled 1203cc V-twin engine. Indian developed this powertrain by modifying the engine used in the Scout. The result was an output of 120 bhp and 118 Nm of peak torque. A six-speed gearbox paired with the engine to ensure smooth power delivery.
For suspension, the motorcycle featured a fully adjustable upside-down fork at the front and a monoshock at the rear. These components enhanced ride quality and handling, making the FTR 1200 suitable for both city streets and highways.
Price and Market Reception
Indian Motorcycles launched the FTR 1200 in India in 2019. The bike entered the market with a price tag of ₹15.99 lakh (ex-showroom). Despite positive reviews for its styling, performance, and build quality, the motorcycle failed to attract many buyers. Indian motorcycling enthusiasts showed limited interest in the flat-track-inspired design. As a result, sales remained lower than expected, contributing to the company’s decision to halt production.
The Future of the Indian FTR Series
Although Indian Motorcycles has discontinued the FTR 1200, the company may continue developing similar models in the future. The brand has already experimented with updated versions like the Indian FTR x RSD Super Hooligan. If Indian decides to revive the FTR lineup, it will likely focus on improved technology, refined emissions compliance, and stronger market appeal.
For now, the discontinuation of the FTR 1200 marks the end of a unique chapter in Indian’s history. The motorcycle might have struggled with sales, but it remains a memorable and well-crafted machine.
Read more LiveWire S2 Mulholland Debuts in Europe
