Source: Motorcycle Cruiser –
The 2023 FTR Sport makes its debut in Indian’s just-released FTR lineup. (Indian Motorcycle/)When Indian Motorcycle revamped its FTR line last year we reckoned it was a sign of things to come. After all, the 2022 bikes had a number of refinements that pulled them further away from their flat-track-influenced roots toward a more purposeful on-road design. The three street-biased models, the FTR, the FTR S, and the FTR R Carbon, swapped in a pair of 17-inch cast aluminum wheels to replace the old 19/18 combo, dropped suspension travel by 1.2 inches, and updated the 1,203cc V-twin’s tune to create a more nimble, streetable machine. We applauded the move.With Indian’s recent announcement of its 2023 FTR bikes, the entire platform (save for the still-knobby-tired Rally model) simply carries over last year’s updates and sees only some minor tweaks introduced. The updates for the new year include a retuned front braking system, a new clutch, and a new sport muffler, as well as a few cosmetic tweaks across the lineup. The real highlight for the 2023 model year, though, is the debut of the FTR Sport in the four-bike series.As a new trim level, the FTR Sport is a midrange replacement for last year’s FTR S. (Indian Motorcycle/)The FTR Sport comes in as a midrange model. As Indian is careful to note, it’s not really a new model but a new trim that essentially replaces last year’s FTR S. That means the Sport sits just below the returning top-of-the-range FTR R Carbon, but above the base-model FTR and more off-road-oriented FTR Rally, which retains its 19-inch front/18-inch rear wheel arrangement.Related: 2022 Indian FTR GalleryBoth the FTR Sport and the FTR R Carbon get Indian’s upgraded 4-inch round touchscreen display which serves as an access point to the Ride Command system as well the electronic rider aids. (Indian Motorcycle/)If technically the Sport serves as a straight-up replacement for the 2022 S model, what justifies the new name and higher price tag?Besides the improved brake, clutch, and pipe components, both the 2023 Sport and R Carbon models get an upgraded 4-inch round touchscreen display powered by Indian’s proprietary Ride Command system, similar to the units we saw on last year’s new Chief Dark Horse models. The setup gives riders access to navigation and Bluetooth connectivity as well as a way to manipulate the three ride modes (Sport, Standard, Rain). Indian has repositioned the display for easier viewing, and both bikes also come standard with lean-angle-sensitive stability control, lean-sensitive ABS and traction control, and wheelie and rear wheel lift mitigation, as well as cruise control and a USB charge port.New tank panel design on the FTR Sport, shown here in the White Lightning/Indy Red scheme, which will set you back $15,999. (Indian Motorcycle/)Like last year’s S, the Sport features a stout Brembo braking system, though it’s been retuned to offer more feel this year. Also returning is the fully adjustable ZF Sachs suspension both front and back, with the same 4.7 inches of travel for each unit. The Sport also ladles on some more flash, like a number plate, a muscular chin fairing, and a seat cowl to better emphasize its American V-twin performance style.Along those same lines, it also sees pumped-up aesthetics with a new tank panel design and bold tank graphics, which look especially vibrant on the White Lightning/Indy Red colorway (rather than the base black color). The FTR Sport comes in Black Metallic with Indy Red accents and White Lightning with Indy Red and Black Metallic accents, with a starting price of $15,749.Chin fairing and rear seat cowl underscore the FTR Sport’s “performance styling,” though the V-twin engine is unchanged for 2023. (Indian Motorcycle/)The top-line 2023 FTR R Carbon is back for 2023 with a new gauge as well as refinements to the brakes and clutch. Price is $17,249. (Indian Motorcycle/)Since it remains the more premium offering in the lineup, the 2023 FTR R Carbon takes things up several notches in the finish and component category via carbon fiber bodywork, a premium seat with contrast stitching, and fully adjustable Öhlins gold fork and gold piggyback shock, both instantly recognizable and fully adjustable. As with all the 2023 FTR bikes, buyers get the premium triple disc Brembo brake system (retuned for 2023), a new 2-into-1 sport exhaust, and a refined clutch to improve feel.Further distinguishing the top-of-the-line FTR R Carbon is a mini headlight cowl and the iconic Indian Script logo on the tank panels, found only on the R Carbon. The script is set against a classy Cloud Silver background and Championship Gold pinstriping at the tank edges. For 2023, the FTR R Carbon comes in one color, and retails for $17,249.The base-model FTR returns for 2023 essentially unchanged, though it does receive the same refinements to the brake, clutch, and muffler as the other bikes. (Indian Motorcycle/)Although it returns virtually unchanged and retains most of the same main components as the other FTR bikes, the base-model FTR isn’t excluded from the new refinements. That means it also gets a new sport muffler, a firmer braking system, and a clutch with better feel; like the FTR Sport, it also sees a new tank panel design and new color options and graphics to broaden its appeal.The base-model FTR doesn’t get the new touchscreen display with Ride Command, and the tank graphics still say “FTR 1200,” a throwback to the platform’s launch in 2019. But it still retains its quality components, including Brembo brakes with ABS, adjustable suspension, and cruise control. For 2023 buyers can get it in Metallic Black, contrasted by Lifted Lime branding with a matching rear shock, or Stealth Gray, which gets Orange Burst branding with a color-matched rear shock and wheels. The FTR starts at $13,499 in black.The FTR Rally keeps its scramblerlike sensibility for 2023 with a 19-inch front tire and an 18-inch rear. MSRP is $14,999. (Indian Motorcycle/)Last but not least is the only bike in the series that stays true to its scrambler-and-dirt-friendly roots, the FTR Rally. The outlier FTR Rally keeps its 19- and 18-inch cast wheels wrapped with knobby Pirelli Scorpion Rally tires, but it too gets the same enhancements that were introduced across the line for 2023, including improved brakes, improved clutch feel and performance, and a new exhaust.As with the base FTR, you won’t find too many other farkles on the Rally this year, electronic or otherwise, but you still get ABS and cruise control as well as the longer-travel suspension, front and rear. For 2023, the FTR Rally can be had in just one color; the new Black Smoke is contrasted against a Desert Earth (tan) frame, and features that iconic Indian Motorcycle headdress logo splayed proudly across the tank. For 2023 price is $14,999.The 2023 FTR R Carbon shown with some of Indian’s new carbon accessories. (Indian Motorcycle/)With a semi-new lineup, accessory options always matter too, so Indian has stepped it up for the 2023 FTR bikes by launching nine new accessories designed specifically for the platform. Thanks to a partnership with Gilles Tooling, buyers can choose pieces like adjustable rearsets or billet components like bar-end weights and a radiator cap. Indian is also boosting its carbon fiber options with parts like an exhaust heat shield, frame guard, and a sprocket cover.Indian hasn’t specified when the 2023 FTRs are expected in dealerships, but the majority of its other models have mentioned a December arrival. Best to check with your local dealer.An accessorized 2023 FTR Sport model with Akrapovič pipe. (Indian Motorcycle/)2023 Indian FTR/Sport/R Carbon Specs
MSRP:
$13,499/$15,749/$17,249
Engine:
1,203cc, DOHC, liquid-cooled, 60-degree V-twin
Bore x Stroke:
102.0 x 73.6mm
Compression Ratio:
12.5:1
Transmission/Final Drive:
6-speed/chain
Claimed Horsepower:
120.0 hp @ 7,750 rpm
Claimed Torque:
87.0 lb.-ft. @ 6,000 rpm
Fuel System:
Closed-loop fuel injection w/ 60mm Mikuni throttle bodies
Clutch:
Wet, multiplate slipper/assist
Front Suspension:
43mm ZF Sachs fully adjustable inverted telescopic cartridge (base, Sport) / 43mm Öhlins fully adjustable inverted telescopic cartridge (R Carbon); 4.7 in. travel
Rear Suspension:
ZF Sachs fully adjustable piggyback IFP (base, Sport) / Öhlins fully adjustable piggyback IFP (R Carbon); 4.7 in. travel
Front Brake:
Brembo 4-piston Monoblock calipers, 320mm discs w/ ABS
Rear Brake:
Brembo 2-piston caliper, 260mm disc w/ ABS
Wheels, Front/Rear:
17 x 3.5 in. / 17 x 5.5 in.
Tires, Front/Rear:
Metzeler Sportec M9 RR; 120/70-17, 180/55-17
Rake/Trail:
25.3°/3.9 in.
Wheelbase:
60.0 in.
Ground Clearance:
6.5 in.
Seat Height:
30.7 in.
Fuel Capacity:
3.4 gal.
Claimed Dry Weight:
482 lb. (base) / 490 lb. (Sport) / 486 lb. (R Carbon)
Availability:
Now
Contact:
indianmotorcycle.com
