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Indian FTR Sport (2023) - Technical Review

Has written for dozens of magazines and websites, including most of the world’s biggest bike titles, as well as dabbling in car and technology journalism.

Posted:

08.11.2022

2023 Indian FTR Sport Review Price Spec_11
2023 Indian FTR Sport Review Price Spec_12
2023 Indian FTR Sport Review Price Spec_13

 

Price: £TBA | Power: 123.4bhp | Weight: 223kg

 

Indian’s FTR has always drawn on the firm’s flat track racing heritage (FTR even stands for Flat Track Racing) but with the new 2023 FTR Sport the bike leans even more firmly in that direction – gaining a fresh look that emphasises the link.

Replacing the mid-line FTR S model, the FTR Sport might not be the most expensive or exotic variant on offer, but it’s arguably the most arresting in terms of appearance thanks to bodywork changes that emphasise its performance. Along with the 2023 FTR Rally and FTR R Carbon, the FTR Sport also gets a new, 101mm circular touchscreen dash instead of the old S model’s rectangular version. A new silencer on all four versions of the FTR is another change for 2023.

 

pros
  • Relatively minor bodywork tweaks give a unique style

  • FTR Sport is far more distinct from the entry-level model than the old FTR S was

  • New instruments and uprated electronics

cons
  • Let’s wait until we’ve ridden it before passing judgement

 

Review – In Detail

Price
Engine & Performance
Handling & Suspension
Comfort & Economy
Rivals
Specification

 

2023 Indian FTR Sport Price

While the FTR Sport’s price hasn’t been confirmed at the time of writing, as a replacement for the outgoing FTR S it’s sure to be in a similar position in the range. That means somewhere in the region of £14k – a couple of grand more than the base FTR or the FTR Rally but a similar amount less than the higher-spec FTR R Carbon.

Two colours are on offer, metallic black or white, both with grey frames and red flashes on the tank, but the white is the more appealing scheme thanks to its contrasting red wheels.

 

 

2023 Indian FTR Sport Engine & Performance

There aren’t tremendous changes when it comes to outright performance, although there is a new silencer that’s shared with all versions of the 2023 Indian FTR.

The engine is still essentially the same 1203cc, DOHC V-twin, peaking at 92kW (123.4hp) at 7,750rpm and with 118Nm (87 lb-ft) of torque at 6000rpm. Those numbers are fractionally different to the old FTR S, which had the same peak power but 500rpm higher at 8,250rpm, and 2Nm more torque. The exhaust change is likely to be behind the differences, as there are no internal alterations to the motor.

As before, it drives a six-speed transmission via an assist-and-slipper clutch.

 

 

2023 Indian FTR Sport Handling, weight and suspension

The new FTR Sport carries over the same, fully adjustable ZF Sachs 43mm USD forks and matching piggyback rear shock from the FTR S, and the base FTR shares the same components.

Bolting on the FTR Sport’s extra body panels, which include a nose cowl that mirrors the number board of a flat track racer, plus a new belly cowling, inevitably adds a bit to the bike’s weight when compared to the FTR S that came before it. Dry, the new model’s weight comes in at a not inconsiderable 223kg, compared to 218kg for the old S version in the same state. The base 2023 FTR has also gained a kilo, rising to 219kg, suggesting the new exhaust pipe could be partially responsible for the increase.

 

 

2023 Indian FTR Sport Comfort & Economy

The FTR has always been a reasonably comfortable thing, and the addition of the Sport’s new front cowl should help divert some of the noticeable wind blast that you inevitably experience on the completely naked base model.

The new instruments of the 2023 Sport, Rally and R Carbon models mount the speedo higher than before, making it easier to see, and Indian also says the clutch has been revised to give improved feel.

There’s no claim for economy yet, but also little reason to expect much difference to the 42mpg we managed from the last FTR we tested. The tank remains a relatively small 13-litre unit.

 

 

2023 Indian FTR Sport brakes

No changes here, but with dual 320mm discs gripped by Brembo radial-mount, four-pot calipers and assisted by cornering ABS there were never any concerns that the stoppers would be in any way inadequate. The rear brakes are Brembo, too, with a two-piston caliper and single 260mm disc.

 

 

2023 Indian FTR Sport Rivals

The FTR Sport – and the rest of the FTR range for that matter – is clearly not the most obvious choice of bike but it offers an intriguing proposition in a crowded field of performance roadsters. Unconventional looks, American design and manufacture (without a Harley badge), and interesting tech mean it’s worth a look, particularly if you want to stand out from the crowd. You might also consider:

 

Harley-Davidson Sportster S | Price: £14,595

Appearing on the market more recently than the FTR, the Harley Sportster S has similar performance but despite the ‘Sport’ in the name, it’s not as sportier a proposition as the Indian.

Power/Torque: 121bhp/92lb-ft | Weight: 228kg (wet)

 

Triumph Thruxton RS | Price: £13,595

Matching the Indian for capacity and cylinder count, the Triumph has less outright power but also less weight to contend with.

Power/Torque: 103bhp/82lb-ft | Weight: 197kg (dry)

 

BMW R1250 R | Price: from £12,330

If the Indian FTR is the left-field choice, the BMW R1250 R is the straight-down-the-middle option. Lots of power and torque from the ShiftCam boxer engine, but it won’t turn heads like the Indian.

Power/Torque: 136bhp/105lb-ft | Weight: 239kg (wet)

 

 

2023 Indian FTR Sport Technical Specification

New price

TBA

Capacity

1203cc

Bore x Stroke

102 x 73.6mm

Engine layout

V-twin

Engine details

DOHC, water-cooled, four valves per cylinder

Power

123.4bhp (92KW) @ 7750rpm

Torque

87lb-ft (118Nm) @ 6000rpm

Transmission

Six speed, chain final drive, assist-and-slipper clutch

Average fuel consumption

TBA

Tank size

13 litres

Max range to empty

TBA

Rider aids

Cornering ABS, lean-sensitive stability control, traction control, wheelie control, rear wheel lift mitigation

Frame

Steel trellis

Front suspension

ZF Sachs 43mm inverted cartridge forks, 120mm travel

Front suspension adjustment

Fully adjustable

Rear suspension

ZF Sachs piggyback IFP, 120mm travel

Rear suspension adjustment

Fully adjustable

Front brake

2 x 320mm discs, four-piston Brembo radial-mount calipers

Rear brake

260mm disc, two-piston Brembo caliper

Front wheel / tyre

Cast alloy, 17 x 3.5in / 120/70ZR17 Metzeler Sportec

Rear wheel / tyre

Cast alloy, 17 x 5.5in / 180/55ZR17 Metzeler Sportec

Wheelbase

1534mm

Seat height

817mm

Weight

223kg (dry)

Warranty

2 years, unlimited miles

MCIA Secured Rating

Not yet rated

Website

www.indianmotorcycle.co.uk

 

Looking for motorcycle insurance? Get a quote for this motorbike with Bennetts bike insurance

 

 

What is MCIA Secured?

MCIA Secured gives bike buyers the chance to see just how much work a manufacturer has put into making their new investment as resistant to theft as possible.

As we all know, the more security you use, the less chance there is of your bike being stolen. In fact, based on research by Bennetts, using a disc lock makes your machine three times less likely to be stolen, while heavy duty kit can make it less likely to be stolen than a car. For reviews of the best security products, click here.

MCIA Secured gives motorcycles a rating out of five stars (three stars for bikes of 125cc or less), based on the following being fitted to a new bike as standard:

  • A steering lock that meets the UNECE 62 standard

  • An ignition immobiliser system

  • A vehicle marking system

  • An alarm system

  • A vehicle tracking system with subscription

The higher the star rating, the better the security, so always ask your dealer what rating your bike has and compare it to other machines on your shortlist.