Indian FTR Sport (2023) - Technical Review
By Ben Purvis
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.
08.11.2022
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.
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
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
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