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The Indian FTR1200 R Carbon is<br />
dressed to impress and it most<br />
certainly does that. It’s a gorgeous<br />
motorcycle, from every angle.<br />
There are four models to grace the FTR line-up.<br />
Namely the Standard, S, R Carbon, and Rally.<br />
The Rally retains the dirt-track accouterments<br />
that Indian now call the “scrambler aesthetic”<br />
and is no doubt aimed at taking on Triumphs<br />
and Ducati’s Scramblers. The model we had<br />
on test was the Carbon R model. A very stylish<br />
bike from any angle, the R Carbon incorporates<br />
stylish aesthetics with high-tech engineering and<br />
components. Now fitted with a 17” wheel set<br />
as opposed to the 19” front and 18” rear and<br />
receiving less suspension travel the FTR is lower,<br />
meaning a lower center of gravity which aids in<br />
better handling and a 35.5mm lower seat height<br />
of just under 820mm, making it more accessible<br />
to a variety of different riders. The wheelbase<br />
is also slightly longer at 1540mm, making the<br />
FTR stable. This does however make the FTR<br />
nervous in tight corners and a little tricky to be<br />
aggressive with. Front suspension is taken care<br />
of by a fully adjustable Öhlins inverted 43mm fork<br />
while the rear suspension is by a Cantilevered fully<br />
adjustable Öhlins piggyback reservoir IFP shock.<br />
The suspension works well and is adaptable and<br />
firm, and it has to be as the FTR is no lightweight<br />
at just over 230kg. It soaks up the bumps well,<br />
however, is slightly too stiff for the road in my<br />
opinion. The FTR is sure-footed and stable but<br />
you cannot just throw it into corners aggressively.<br />
Small mistakes are smoothed over without a<br />
second thought by the FTR. However, with all<br />
that weight, big mistakes can be a bit more of a<br />
problem to correct. You have to think about your<br />
line, be smooth and carry momentum. Other<br />
goodies exclusive to the R Carbon include a black<br />
Akrapovič muffler setup, an upgraded seat cover,<br />
and lots of carbon fiber.<br />
The seat is wide and supportive, and Indian<br />
have kept the headers from intruding on your<br />
legs, except at stops where the heat does get<br />
rather hot, especially on warmer days. Without
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