Indian FTR 1200 Rally

Doesn’t matter who you are or what you ride, the Indian FTR 1200 is a cool bike, full stop. Inspired by Indian’s successful flat track racing machines, the FTR 1200 has style in spades, and has the potential to introduce a wide swath of younger riders to the storied Indian name.

And those riders are discovering that Indian Motorcycle isn’t some brand that’s stuck in the past, dead set on only making heavy chrome cruisers. The FTR 1200 is fun to ride, quick, and legitimately cool. Now, Indian has gone and upped that cool factor another degree by releasing this, the FTR 1200 Rally.

Unveiled at EICMA 2019 in Italy, and positioned between the base FTR 1200 and the top-tier FTR 1200 S, the Rally is more cosmetic enhancement and statement maker than full blown new model. With a starting MSRP of $13,499, it’s a street-oriented machine that builds off the strengths (engine, chassis, stripped down looks) of the FTR 1200 on which it’s based.

So, what’s changed? The Rally gets sweet Pirelli Scorpion STR knobby tires and multi-spoke aluminum wheels, ProTaper handlebars with a raised hand position for more comfortable riding and control, a small windscreen above the headlight, Indian’s Aviator seat, and slick Titanium Smoke paint.

Mechanically, the Rally is essentially the same as the motorcycle it’s based on. Cradled in the frame is Indian’s 1203cc v-twin mill which makes 123 horsepower and 87 pound-feet of torque. I had the chance to test ride an FTR 1200 this past summer and I can assure you, this bike rips. Give it full gas in a low gear, and the front wheel has zero issues coming off the ground in an epic power-wheelie. It’s a blast.

Braking is handled by twin Brembo 320mm rotors up front and a single 265mm rotor in the rear. Interestingly, the Rally is also a bit chunkier than the 1200 – it weighs in at 527 pounds wet, while the 1200 tips the scales at 508 pounds. Not a world-ending difference, but not insignificant either

Simplicity is also a big feature of the Rally. It shares the FTR 1200’s analog tachometer, lack of rider modes or traction control. It does, however, offer a few creature comforts like an LED headlight, USB charging ports for your mobile devices, ABS, and cruise control.

Indian has a robust customization program straight from the factory. My favorites for the FTR 1200 Rally are the two different exhaust systems. One is the High Slip-On Exhaust package that sits higher on the bike and adds significantly to the bike’s flat-track racer feel. The other is a titanium unit from Akropovic which sits lower in the bike and adds a welcomed premium look.

The new FTR 1200 Rally isn’t a new motorcycle, and that’s completely ok. It’s based on a proven platform, and adds in unique visual elements and styling that separate it from its stablemates. While not an inexpensive motorcycle for sure, it can only help broaden Indian’s appeal, and hopefully inspire an up-and-coming generation of riders. And that’s a win in our book.