Indian Motorcycles to Build Road-Going FTR1200
Indian Motorcycle has confirmed production of the Indian FTR 1200, a road-going flat tracker inspired by the brand's dominant FTR750 American Flat Track racing machine. Set to launch in 2019 and starting at $13,499, the FTR1200 brings flat track racing DNA to public roads for the first time in Indian's modern history, with a 1203cc V-twin producing over 120 HP and a chassis geometry designed to replicate the feel of a competition dirt oval machine on everyday asphalt.
From the Dirt Oval to the Street: Indian's FTR Racing Heritage
Indian Motorcycle returned to flat track competition in 2017 with the FTR750, a purpose-built racing machine constructed around the rules of the American Flat Track series. The results were immediate: Indian riders began winning championships and the FTR750 quickly became one of the most competitive machines in the class. The response from the public was equally strong, with enthusiasts demanding a road-legal version that captured the FTR750's visual character and riding posture in a street-registered machine.
FTR1200 Custom: The Concept That Started It
In November 2017, Indian unveiled the FTR1200 Custom, a show machine that translated the FTR750's racing silhouette into a prototype road bike. The reaction from the motorcycle community was significant enough that Indian moved quickly to confirm production. The road-going FTR1200 will draw on the Custom's proportions and spirit while incorporating the engineering compromises needed for certification, long-distance comfort and street usability.
Engine and Chassis: 1203cc V-Twin, Trellis Frame, Flat Track Geometry
The production FTR1200 is powered by a 1203cc 60-degree V-twin engine producing over 120 HP and 85 lb-ft of torque. The trellis frame integrates the engine as a structural member, keeping weight centralised and the chassis compact. Wheel sizes follow flat track convention: 19 inches at the front and 18 at the rear, fitted with Dunlop tyres developed specifically for the FTR1200 with a tread pattern that echoes dirt track rubber while meeting road certification requirements. The wheelbase of 1,542 mm and upright ergonomics place the rider in a position that will feel familiar to anyone who has ridden a flat track machine, with flat-style handlebars and foot pegs positioned for a high, commanding riding posture.
The FTR1200 S variant adds a 4.3-inch Ride Command LCD touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity, lean-angle-sensitive stability control, traction control and wheelie mitigation, with three riding modes: Sport, Standard and Rain.
Why the FTR1200 Matters for Motorcycle Design
The FTR1200 represents a significant moment in the evolution of the flat tracker as a commercial motorcycle category. It follows a path first explored by Harley-Davidson with their XR series and brings genuine racing credibility to the street bike format. For riders who want the aesthetic and ergonomic character of a competition machine without the restrictions of a track-only build, the FTR1200 offers a compelling answer.
Explore custom flat trackers and purpose-built motorcycles at TheArsenale's Motorcycles collection. The Honda CB650 Tracker by Herencia Custom Garage shows how the tracker aesthetic translates to a custom build on a classic donor, while the Triumph T140 Tracker by Herencia applies the same philosophy to a British classic. The Italian Dream Tracker 600 offers yet another take on what a high-specification modern tracker can look like.
External references: Indian FTR 1200 production confirmation (Cycle World) and Indian FTR 1200 2019 review (Visordown).
