FEATURE - 2022 Indian FTR range
Words: Mike Ryan
Photos: Indian Motorcycle
Indian’s FTR created a sensation when it first came to market in 2019. Now, the flat track-inspired performance street bike has been treated to its first major upgrade.
Reflecting the approach that Indian have taken with their all-new Chief range, the upgrades, covering the base FTR, FTR S and FTR R Carbon, are being released as 2022 models, even though they were announced back in January and have been in Indian dealerships for some time.
So, what’s the upgrade all about and is the new FTR a worthy inheritor of the badge?
Sharper Streeter
Engine refinements, new wheels and modified suspension travel are the headline acts for the MY22 FTR, with subtler upgrades in other areas and the democratisation of tech and features that were normally limited to the upper FTR grades. There are also some new colours (or at least new names for existing colours!) and detail touches. Indian have dropped the ‘1200’ from the model name on all FTR grades, too.
“The FTR is unlike any other motorcycle in its ability to deliver superior performance while making a powerful statement of style and self-expression. The updates we’ve delivered further solidify that promise for even the most discerning riders,” said Mike Dougherty, President of Indian Motorcycle.
“Indian Motorcycle has always pushed the bounds of motorcycling, innovated and continuously improved and I think the new FTR is another great example of that.”
Despite some reports indicating the MY22 FTR offers increased engine power, the 120hp (89.5kW) and 120Nm maximums from the 2021 version are unchanged for 2022, according to the official press kit.
The changes made to the 1203cc liquid-cooled v-twin include improving cold start performance and delivering a more predictable throttle response.
Cylinder deactivation, that shuts down the rear cylinder at idle, is now fitted range-wide and there’s refined heat channelling to further improve rider comfort, but premium Akrapovic exhausts remain the preserve of the FTR S and FTR R Carbon.
The FTR’s 19-inch front and 18-inch rear wheel combination has been changed to 17 inches at each end, which will deliver obvious benefits in terms of a greater variety of available tyres for FTR owners, while Indian themselves have switched from Dunlops to Metzeler Sportecs for the factory fitment.
Other changes arising from the introduction of smaller wheels include a steeper rake (25.3 degrees vs 26.3 degrees) and a reduction in trail to 100mm that delivers sharper handling.
Suspension has been changed, too, now with fully-adjustable units across the range (previously limited to the FTR S and FTR Carbon), while travel has been reduced from 150mm to 120mm on all variants. Premium Öhlins suspension is exclusive to the FTR R Carbon, while the other two grades run Sachs shocks.
Combined with the smaller wheels, the reduced travel drops the seat height by 35mm to a more inclusive 780mm.
Finally, the Pro Taper handlebars are now shorter by 40mm, which results in improved rider control, according to Indian.
Familiar Stuff
Carryover features on the MY22 FTR family include the Brembo braking set-up, consisting of dual 320mm rotors with 4-piston calipers up front and a 260mm disc with 2-piston caliper at the rear with ABS.
The six-speed transmission with a slipper clutch also carries over, as does cruise control.
The FTR retains analogue/digital instrumentation, while the 4.3-inch Ride Command LCD touchscreen with Bluetooth remains on the FTR S and FTR Carbon. These upper two grades also get selectable ride modes – Rain, Standard and Sport – as well as stability control, traction control, anti-wheelie control, cornering ABS and a USB charge port.
New Colours
While the FTR retains all its familiar (and attractive) styling cues, there have been a few tweaks to the colour palette for 2022.
The entry-level FTR now comes in Black Smoke with red detailing that includes red pinstriping on the wheels and a red rear spring.
The FTR S is offered in a choice of Maroon metallic with red detailing or White Smoke with black and red detailing.
The FTR R Carbon retains its red trellis frame and raw carbon finish for the tank cover, headlight nacelle and front mudguard, along with the blackout mufflers and a numbered badge on the fuel tank console, but the subframe now has a bare metal finish.
Reduced Pricing
Perhaps the biggest surprise with the release of the MY22 FTR is that pricing has been reduced by $1,000 on the entry level FTR, which now starts at $19,995 ride away. The FTR R Carbon has had $1,000 cut from its price, too, for a new starting price of $25,995, while the mid-level FTR S is unchanged at $22,995.
To suit the new MY22 FTR, the range of 60+ factory accessories has been expanded, with numerous new products added, including new options in the carbon fibre parts, like a front mudguard, radiator guards and chain covers.
The Öhlins suspension that’s standard on the FTR R Carbon is also available as an upgrade for the FTR and FTR S, as is an Akrapovic muffler.
Local deliveries of the MY22 FTR started in Q2, so the new range should be in most Indian Motorcycle dealers by the time you read this. Find out more at your dealer, or go to: indianmotorcycle.com.au
