INDIAN ANNOUNCE FTR CHAMPIONSHIP EDITION

Indian’s immediate success on their return to American flat track racing in 2017 prompted the release of the FTR two years later. Now, their ongoing success in flat track has led to the creation of a new, limited-edition version of the FTR.

Announced on 11 March, the ‘FTR Championship Edition’ celebrates Indian’s five straight manufacturers’ titles in the American Flat Track Championship – 2017 to 2021 – and applies features and finishes inspired by the FTR750 race bikes used by Indian’s modern-day Wrecking Crew.

“Since the FTR’s debut in 2019, riders around the world have expressed their passion and enthusiasm for the FTR’s flat track-inspired design,” said Aaron Jax, Indian Motorcycle Vice President.

“While the 2022 FTR lineup optimises the FTR’s on-road performance, the FTR Championship Edition reignites our flat track racing legacy and celebrates the Wrecking Crew’s historic success. Although this limited-edition bike is a commemorative show piece, it’s also an on-road ripper that performs in the twisties and turns heads on city streets.”

At first glance, the FTR Championship Edition appears similar to the FTR R Carbon, but there are some important differences. Firstly, the R Carbon’s 17/17 wheel combo is exchanged for 19-inch front and 18-inch rear alloy wheels, with the Metzeler tyres swapped for Dunlops with a “flat-track inspired” tread.

There’s no Öhlins componentry as found on the R Carbon, but the suspension is fully adjustable at both ends.

Carbon fibre parts are similar to those on the R Carbon and include the front mudguard, headlight nacelle, fuel tank-shaped airbox covers and pillion seat cowl.

Other standard componentry on the FTR Championship Edition includes an Akrapovič titanium exhaust system, Brembo brakes and a ProTaper handlebar, as well as Indian’s Ride Command infotainment system with a 4.3-inch full-colour touchscreen and Bluetooth connectivity.

The engine is the same as other current FTR variants – a 1203cc liquid-cooled 60-degree v-twin producing maximums of 92kW at 8250rpm and 120Nm at 6000rpm. The slip and assist clutch, six-speed gearbox and chain final drive are all as per the other existing FTR variants, too.

The FTR Championship Edition doesn’t miss out on rider tech, with stability control, traction control, cruise control, wheelie control with rear lift mitigation, cornering ABS and three riding modes – Rain, Standard and Sport - all standard.

Cosmetic features that set this model apart include red wheels, a black subframe/fuel tank, red rear spring and bronze finish for the Akrapovič silencers. Those colours, along with the graphics on the “tank” and seat cowl, are in the style of Indian’s FTR750 flat track race bikes, with the finishing touch being a bezel atop the airbox that commemorates all five American Flat Track championships achieved achieved by Indian Motorcycle Racing to date.

Key measures include a 1525mm wheelbase, 183mm ground clearance, 815mm seat height, 43-degree lean angle, 13-litre fuel capacity and 236kg wet weight.