Indian Motorcycle has reworked its FTR line-up by replacing the mid-spec FTR S with the FTR Sport and it now sits between the base FTR, FTR Rally and the top-spec FTR R Carbon. Another new model is the ultra-exclusive Challenger Elite, limited to just 150 units worldwide.
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Entire FTR range gets mechanical changes
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Less than 50 units of Challenger Elite allotted for markets other than America
Indian FTR 1200 line-up: details
For 2023, Indian has brought in a few noteworthy changes to its FTR roadster. The muffler design has been revised, the touch-compatible TFT dash now supports navigation and it has been moved further upwards for better visibility. Indian claims there is a new clutch which provides a lighter feel at the lever and new front brake pads providing a better feel.
Further, Indian Motorcycle has announced a new mid-range trim for its FTR 1200 roadster line-up, the FTR Sport. It replaces the erstwhile FTR S in its range, sitting between the base FTR, FTR Rally and the top-spec FTR R Carbon. The FTR Sport comes in two new colourways – white with red accents and black with red accents.
Additionally, Indian has also announced a partnership with Gilles Tooling for a range of billet-machined parts such as levers, bar-end weights, oil caps and adjustable rearsets. Indian has also expanded the carbon-fibre accessory catalogue for the FTR line-up with a carbon fibre frame guard, sprocket cover and exhaust heat shield.
Considering Indian retails the FTR line-up here, expect the updated range to make its way sometime next year.
India Challenger Elite: details
Much like the ultra-exclusive Indian Roadmaster Elite, Indian has introduced the Challenger Elite. The big talking point here is not just the 150 units that it will be limited to but that less than 50 of those will be available outside the American market, showing Indian’s focus on its home market. The Challenger Elite will be finished in a bespoke shade of Sapphire Blue Smoke with Black Smoke and Titanium Metallic Smoke accents. The Challenger Elite also gets an adaptive LED headlight, a more powerful music system and new machine-cut wheels.
On the engine front, the Challenger stays the same with the liquid-cooled 1,768cc V-Twin engine putting out 122hp and a colossal 178Nm. The Challenger Elite is equipped with an electronically adjustable rear suspension from Fox. Considering there was only one unit of the Roadmaster Elite allotted for our market, there are very slim chances of the Challenger Elite making its way here.
Would you purchase the equivalent Indian over its Harley counterpart? Let us know in the comments section below.
Azaman Chothia
Vishal Venugopal
