FTR stands for Flat Track Racing, a sport started in the USA then adopted here in Britain. Indian Motorcycle has a proud history with Flat Tracking and it is this which has inspired the modern range of FTR1200 bikes from the American company.

I am one of a select few who have generously been handed the keys to an Indian FTR 1200 Carbon to review. It is a bike I have been itching to get on since it was first launched. In the introduction I mentioned the bike is born from history, by this I mean Indian Motorcycle involvement in Flat Track Racing in America. Hence FTR for the 1200cc machine which is a gorgeous modern bike, now available in a selection of models including the Carbon Fibre.

Before I describe the bike, let me tell you a bit about the history of Flat Track Racing.

Flat track racing has been around for nearly a century from It’s origins on the dry flatlands in North America. Since motorcycles were first made riders wanted them to go faster, then they wanted to race them in anyway they could. A simple and inexpensive way was to take your road bike and race it off road on dirt. Groups of men gathered on farmland and flatten a dry area then decided to make a circuit rather than straight racing. The oval track was created and Flat Track Racing was born.

The America Motorcycle Association (AMA) took on the great duty of making flat racing legit in the early 20th century, known to have been connected to events as far back as 1924. In 1932, AMA first created Class A for AMA Pro Flat Track Racing. (This was shortly after the formation of the AMA itself.)

In the early years of the sport the dominant bikes were Indian Motorcycle and Harley Davidsons as they were the two American manufacturers of the period. These two brands still feature heavily in the sport with Indian also supporting many events both in America and the UK.

Watch this space for more about the FTR 1200 Carbon and the full review will be online at Luxuriousmagazine.com.

After a week of riding the Carbon in all types of weather, and on a bit of dirt I have found it to be a capable bike. It has good handling, and power with lots of fun thrown in. The bike is light, agile with plenty of poke from the 1200cc engine.

The FTR1200 fits in the Naked bike segment stripped back to basics, with no fairing so when you progress at speed you do need to adopt a racing position or you will be buffeted. Personally I see this Indian as a bike to enjoy the journey rather than rushing to get to the destination. The pleasure from riding at cruising speeds is joyous. The FTR1200 Carbon offers great value for money, I recommend visiting an Indian dealer and grab yourself a ride.

https://www.luxuriousmagazine.com/indian-motorcycle-ftr-1200/ The link to my full article online at Luxurious,agazine.com.