The Indian FTR, once heralded as a bold street tracker inspired by the brand’s racing legacy, has been quietly discontinued. Launched in 2019 as the FTR 1200, this V-Twin-powered machine (one of the best 1,200cc motorcycles) with its trellis frame was a standout in a sea of heavy cruisers and touring bikes.
Despite its promise, the FTR’s fate was sealed in an understated note buried in Polaris Industries’ Q4 2024 earnings report, which merely mentioned costs associated with winding down the FTR product line.
Indian FTR 1200 Discontinued Despite Being a Fabulous Motorcycle
The bike had originally garnered attention for its innovative design and racing pedigree, drawing inspiration from the Indian FTR750, which had dominated the American Flat Track scene. So, why was the Indian FTR 1200 discontinued?
While the FTR debuted with ambitions of versatility—promising a modular design with varied trims and models—Indian only delivered a handful of variants, including a more off-road-focused FTR Rally. Sales numbers for the FTR have been kept under wraps, but it’s clear that it never gained the traction necessary to sustain its position in the market.
As the FTR line fades into history, the timing coincides with the retirement of the FTR750 from racing, marking the end of an era for Indian in flat track dominance. While there had been whispers of a potential successor, the current landscape looks bleak for a direct replacement.
With the release of the Indian Scout platform, featuring a 1,250cc SpeedPlus engine, there’s a slight overlap in terms of performance, but the Scout remains a cruiser, not the rugged, versatile street tracker the FTR once represented.
Ultimately, the FTR’s end isn’t a grand farewell but a quiet retreat, leaving enthusiasts to wonder if Indian will ever return to the category it once promised to revolutionize.
Source: Motorcycle.com
