Indian FTR1200 brings the charm of cruising with off-roading capability, available in India from Rs 14.99 lakh
Indian Motorcycles has launched the FTR1200 in India. Priced from Rs 14.99 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), the motorcycle brings the finest American engineering and power-packed performance. What’s more interesting is, this motorcycle enables you to cruise with off-roading capability. It comes equipped with the Polaris suspension, under the partnership between Indian and the latter company. No wonder, this is an interesting addition in the Indian Motorcycle portfolio in India.
However, the Indian FTR1200 is not the only motorcycle in the fray to offer similar performance, as there are more. The 2018 Honda CB1000R has been launched in India just a couple of days ago, at Rs 14.46 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). This flagship streetfighter comes in CB1000R+ variant in India. There is another model from another continent beefing up the rivalry in this category, the BMW R nine T. Priced at Rs 17.45 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), this is the most premium model among these three bikes.
All these three neo-retro scramblers give the enthusiasts options to select from and they add bright colour to the market. Now, we compare these three motorcycles in this piece and leave the decision upon you what you should buy.
Indian FTR1200
Pros: Race-bike inspired, agile handling on multiple surfaces
Cons: 5-speed gearbox, smaller fuel tank
The protagonist in our article is fast, agile and thrilling, as the brand itself put it. The American motorcycle comes in two options that are S and Race Replica. It’s a pretty muscular motorcycle with the design inspired by FTR750 race-bike. It boasts circular LED headlamp, touchscreen instrument cluster and chunky LED taillight. Dual-barrel exhaust, curvy seat, naked side profile, sporty riding stance on offer add zing to the motorcycle.
The Indian FTR1200 gets a 1,203cc V-twin engine churning out 118 bhp of power and 115 Nm of torque. The motorcycle gets a 5-speed transmission. Dual 320mm front disc brakes and single 265mm rear disc brake deliver the stopping power. The Indian FTR1200 runs on a 19-inch front wheel and 18-inch rear wheel wrapped with Dunlop DT3-R radial rubbers.
Starting Price: Rs 14.99 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi)
Honda CB1000R
Pros: Lots of power, reliability
Cons: Ground clearance
The Honda CB1000R is another neo-retro motorcycle available in India. Priced at Rs 14.46 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). This motorcycle comes offering great reliability and riding comfort blended with loads of power. It gets a chunky design that mixes retro styling with modern technologies and features. This 217kg weighing naked streetfighter motorcycle gives a perfect sporty and nimble riding position.
The Indian FTR1200 rivalling Honda CB1000R is available in India in one single variant, the CB1000R+. It gets energy from a 999cc liquid-cooled, four-cylinder engine. It is mated to a 6-speed gearbox. The motorcycle churns out 141.4 bhp of peak power at 10,500 rpm and 104 Nm of torque at 8,250 rpm. It can run at a top speed of 225kmph. However, it can’t go off-road due to the only 130mm of ground clearance.
Starting Price: Rs 16.46 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi)
BMW R nine T
Pros: Shaft-driven, build quality
Cons: Less powerful than rivals, low seat height
Another premium neo-retro scrambler that comes with finest German engineering, superb fit and finish, high-level build quality. Also, it can go off-road as well, which is a plus against the Indian FTR1200. However, its power output is lesser than the American rival. The BMW R nine T comes generating 110 bhp of power output at 7,550 rpm from the 1,170cc engine. But, it gives out 119 Nm of torque at 6,000 rpm, which is highest among three.
The BMW R nine T gets a very muscular design blended with high-end technologies and premium features. There are a circular headlamp, analogue-digital instrument cluster, a chunky fuel tank, split seats, LED taillight. The motorcycle gets twin 320mm front disc brakes and single 265mm single rear disc brake. It runs on 17-inch multi-spoke wheels.
Starting Price: Rs 17.45 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi)
