2019 · Naked Bike · A variant of the FTR
Differences between the standard FTR and the S
Flat-Track Soul On The Street
The FTR 1200 S is the Indian that trades chrome and gravitas for dirt-track attitude, and it wears that on every surface. Its 1203 cc liquid-cooled 60° V-twin traces back to the FTR750 flat-track race bike. It makes 125 hp and 85 lb-ft, and the pull arrives early, right where you use it on a real road. A steel tube frame, an adjustable upside-down fork, an adjustable shock and 19/18-inch wheels give it a stance no other naked bike on the street shares. The standard FTR already comes with ABS, traction control, ride modes, cruise control and a slipper clutch. The S builds on that with a TFT display and smartphone connectivity.
It rides the way it looks. It's a little raw, it wants to be pushed, and it stays calm and planted when the pace climbs. It's built to last and it stops with confidence. It is not light, though. At 508 lb (230 kg) wet with a 33.1 in (840 mm) seat, shorter riders should sit on one before they sign anything. This bike is for an experienced rider who values character and presence over clinical precision. The honest caveat is the stock fueling, which can stall the engine cold and make the throttle abrupt. On any used example, also confirm two recalls were done: the coolant junction leak (NHTSA 22V636000) and the ABS brake-light software fault (NHTSA 24V069000).
Spec sheets don't ride bikes, but they set the baseline.
| Power | 125 hp (93 kW) |
|---|---|
| Torque | 85 lb-ft (115 Nm) |
| Displacement | 1203 cc |
| Engine | 60° V-twin |
| Cooling | Liquid-cooled |
| Gearbox | 6-speed |
| Final drive | Chain |
| Fork | Upside-down (USD) |
| Front tire | 120/70-19 |
| Rear tire | 150/80-18 |
| Seat height | 33.1 in (840 mm) |
| Wet weight | 508 lb (230 kg) |
| Fuel capacity | 3.4 gal (12.9 L) |
| Fuel economy | 44 mpg (US) |
Equipment check
Chassis
Connectivity
Drivetrain
Safety
The FTR S (MY2019-S) builds on the standard FTR: the upgraded hardware, the key spec changes and where its character shifts. The full ride, specs, scoring and verdict are all right here on this page.
Equipment the S adds vs the standard FTR
Over the years I've heard a lot about the FTR from the people who actually own one. It comes up in the paddock, over coffee on club nights and in the emails and messages riders send me once they've put real miles on theirs. The picture that comes out of all that talk is consistent: owners love the engine and how the bike goes through corners, and their complaints center on the original tires, the factory calibration and how often they stop for fuel.
The engine comes up more than anything else. Riders describe it as lusty and eager, and they say the delivery is addictive, not just strong. What many single out is the rush at the top end: the motor keeps pulling hard as the revs climb. Owners also say the powerband is broad enough to make the bike exciting and easy to live with at the same time, which is why so many of them talk about it as the reason they bought the bike.
Riders consistently report that the FTR carves corners with precise, accurate steering and rewards riding it hard, even with its weight. The word owners use most is confidence. A smaller number feel the mass more, saying it takes effort in tight turns, though they add that the low center of gravity hides much of it.
The most common gripe after fueling is the original tires. Owners say the flat-track-style Dunlop DT3-Rs are made for sliding. On pavement they give limited grip and feel, especially on the highway and when you push hard in corners. Some riders go further and call the 19/18-inch wheel sizes fashion over function, because the choice of replacement tires is small. On the factory calibration, owners describe a surge around 4,000 rpm and a lean, hesitant feel during slow maneuvering. Range is the other recurring complaint. Riders say a tank lasts roughly 100 to 120 miles (160 to 190 km) in the real world, and they plan their rides around it.
Coolant junction leak
The coolant junction may fail and leak hot coolant onto the rider or rear tire, increasing the risk of injury or crash. This was addressed in NHTSA recall 22V636000 (Indian I-22-04).
ABS brake light software fault
The ABS module software may cause inadvertent brake light illumination during certain riding conditions without rider input, increasing crash risk. Addressed via NHTSA recall 24V069000 (Indian I-24-03).
Cold start stalling and erratic fueling
Due to the stock ECU mapping, the engine frequently stalls when cold, idles erratically, and suffers from surging and abrupt throttle response. Aftermarket ECU tuning (e.g., Dynojet PV3) resolves most symptoms.
Gear position sensor failure
The gear position sensor may intermittently fail, causing blank or incorrect gear displays on the dash. Replacing the sensor typically fixes the issue.
RideCommand touchscreen glitches
The TFT display may freeze, show blue distortion lines, or fail to turn off with the ignition. Re-plugging the wiring harness or a firmware update usually resolves it.
Notchy gear engagement, especially 1-2 and 5-6 upshifts
A number of owners have reported a clunky or stiff feel when shifting, particularly when upshifting into 2nd or 6th gear. The cause is not clearly defined and may vary between bikes; some find the transmission smooths out with mileage or use of the clutch.
Where this Indian FTR pulls ahead of — or falls behind — its rivals on the numbers, and the typical bike in its class on character.
Power
Torque
Displacement
Wet weight
Seat height
Forget spec-sheet bragging. Here's who the FTR is actually built for.
No bike looks better parked at the Skyline meet-up, and the torque makes the ridge roads fun. Just know the cold-start stalling and small tank are part of city life with it.
Made for Bay Area Ridge Roads · San Francisco / Bay Area · Skyline Boulevard / Alice's Restaurant
It's stable and pulls hard out of slow corners, but 508 lb and a 19-inch front make it a bruiser more than a scalpel. Plan fuel stops for the drive down from Atlanta or Charlotte.
Made for Back of the Dragon · Blue Ridge Parkway · Cherohala Skyway
You get 125 hp, real low-end pull and composure when the pace rises. If you want surgical precision on Angeles Crest, look elsewhere. If you want character, ride this one.
Made for Angeles Crest Highway · Coronado Trail / US 191 · Highway 1 / Big Sur
If this one isn't quite the fit, these are the bikes worth riding back-to-back against it.
Any price note compares both bikes at the same age — the youngest age both have on the used market — against this Indian FTR. “cheaper/pricier” is what that bike costs second-hand, not how worn it is.
Competitor · 2019–2020
Dressed to Stop Traffic
Roughly $2,100 cheaper used than this bike at 7 yr
Competitor · 2016–2021
Triple Soul, Retro Skin
Roughly $2,000 cheaper used than this bike at 7 yr
Similar Character · 2018–2024
Z1 Soul, Modern Muscle
~$900 cheaper used than this bike at 7 yr